Getting around Bordeaux city is relatively straightforward, with trams, buses, cycling options and river transport forming part of the local network. The city’s tram system is particularly useful for students, with the University of Bordeaux confirming that its campuses are served by tram and bus connections. The university also notes that tram lines operate across the area, alongside numerous bus routes.
Where you choose your Bordeaux student accommodation can therefore directly affect your daily commute. Students studying at the Peixotto and Bordes campuses in Talence, for example, have four tram stops serving the two campus sites, while other university campuses are also connected to the wider public transport network.
Cycling is another practical option if you want more flexibility during the week. Bordeaux has self-service cycling options, and the University of Bordeaux says its campuses have bike parking facilities. The university also has a partnership that allows students living in the Bordeaux metropolitan area to borrow bikes free of charge.
For longer journeys, Bordeaux-Saint-Jean is the city’s main railway station and provides connections to Paris and destinations across France, as well as international routes. The University of Bordeaux notes that the station is just over two hours from Paris by train and connects Bordeaux with cities including Toulouse, Lyon, Marseille, and Nantes. If you’re planning travel in Bordeaux beyond your university routine, the city’s transport network also makes it easier to explore the wider region without relying on a car.
