Paris to Bordeaux by Train
Direct high-speed service · from €19
Route Overview
Travel from Paris to Bordeaux by TGV INOUI in as little as 2 hours and 8 minutes. Up to 24 high-speed trains depart daily from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux Saint-Jean. The route runs on the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique (LGV SEA), France's newest high-speed line which opened in July 2017 and halved the previous journey time.
TGV INOUI operates all high-speed services on this corridor using the newest TGV Oceane trainsets, featuring redesigned interiors with wider seats and panoramic windows. OUIGO also provides low-cost alternatives on this route.
Tickets start from €19 per person one way in 2nd Class. The Bordeaux wine region is one of France's top tourism destinations, making this route particularly busy during the grape harvest season (September-October) and the Bordeaux Wine Festival (even years, June).
Train Operator
TGV INOUI
SNCF high-speed service using the newest TGV Oceane trainsets with redesigned interiors
Direct high-speed · 320 km/h max
Departure & Arrival Stations
Paris Montparnasse
- 15th arrondissement
- Lines 4, 6, 12, 13
- Bus 28, 58, 82, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96
Bordeaux Saint-Jean
- South of city centre
- Tram C to city centre (10 min to Quinconces)
Classes of Service
2nd Class
- 2+2 seating layout (wider seats on TGV Oceane)
- Free WiFi (TGV Connect)
- Power outlets + USB at every seat
- Bar-buffet car access
- Panoramic windows
1st Class
- 2+1 seating layout (wider seats on TGV Oceane)
- Free WiFi (TGV Connect)
- Power outlets + USB at every seat
- Bar-buffet car access
- Panoramic windows
- Individual reading lights
Tickets & Booking Tips
Starting Price
from €19 per person, one way in 2nd Class class. Prices typically range from €19 to €140+ depending on class, fare type, date and availability.
Book Early
Tickets are available Approximately 4 months in advance. Advance bookings typically offer the lowest fares.
Children & Youth
Children aged 4-11 get up to 50% discount. Youth aged 12-25 can access Carte Jeune discount card for additional savings. Children under 4 travel free on adult's lap. No separate seat or luggage allowance.
Luggage
2 bags (max 75x53x30 cm each) + 1 hand luggage per passenger
Good to Know
Different Paris Station -- Montparnasse, Not Gare de Lyon
Bordeaux trains depart from Paris Montparnasse, NOT Paris Gare de Lyon (which serves Lyon, Marseille, and Nice). Montparnasse is in the 15th arrondissement, served by Metro lines 4, 6, 12, and 13. This is one of the most common mistakes travellers make -- always double-check your departure station.
France's Newest High-Speed Line (2017)
The LGV SEA (Sud Europe Atlantique) opened in July 2017, cutting the Paris-Bordeaux journey from over 3 hours to just over 2 hours. It was one of the most significant infrastructure investments in French rail history and has made Bordeaux a viable day trip from Paris.
TGV Oceane -- Newest Trainsets
Paris-Bordeaux services use TGV Oceane trainsets, SNCF's newest fleet featuring redesigned cabins with wider seats (in both classes), large panoramic windows, individual reading lights, USB charging at every seat in addition to standard power sockets, and improved luggage storage.
Wine Region Day Trip
With a 2-hour journey time, Bordeaux is feasible as a day trip from Paris. Morning departures arrive by 10am, giving a full day to explore the city centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Cite du Vin wine museum, or take a half-day tour to Saint-Emilion vineyards before an evening return.
Bordeaux Saint-Jean Station
Bordeaux Saint-Jean is located just south of the city centre, approximately 3 km from the historic centre. Tram line C connects the station to the city centre in 10 minutes (stop: Quinconces). The station also serves as a hub for onward trains to Biarritz, Toulouse, and Spain.
OUIGO Budget Option
OUIGO serves Paris-Bordeaux at lower fares, often starting from €10-€16. OUIGO Bordeaux services typically depart from Paris Montparnasse (same station as TGV INOUI) but with more basic amenities. Check departure station carefully as some OUIGO services may use alternative stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest TGV INOUI takes 2 hours and 8 minutes on the direct service. Average journey time is approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes, with some services stopping at intermediate stations.
All TGV INOUI trains to Bordeaux depart from Paris Montparnasse in the 15th arrondissement. This is different from trains to Lyon, Marseille, and Nice, which depart from Paris Gare de Lyon.
Prices start from approximately €19 per person one way in 2nd Class with a Prem's fare. Average prices range from €35-€80 depending on demand. Business (fully flexible) fares are typically €90-€140.
Yes. With trains taking just over 2 hours each way, a Paris-Bordeaux day trip is very feasible. Take an early morning departure (around 7:00-8:00) and return on an evening train (around 19:00-20:00) for a full day in Bordeaux.
TGV Oceane is SNCF's newest trainset fleet, introduced for the Paris-Bordeaux route. Features include wider seats, large panoramic windows, USB charging at every seat, individual reading lights, and improved luggage racks.
Yes. From Bordeaux Saint-Jean, TGV services continue to Hendaye (French/Spanish border), and SNCF/Renfe cooperation trains connect to San Sebastian and beyond. Regional TER trains also serve Bayonne and Biarritz.