Affordable Travel Across France: Ouigo’s Lyon-Bordeaux Route Opens for Tourists

Published on December 5, 2025

SNCF, France’s national railway operator, has announced an exciting expansion of its Ouigo low-cost passenger service, with a new rail link connecting Lyon and Bordeaux. This new route is part of Ouigo’s broader efforts to increase accessibility and affordability in France’s high-speed rail network, making travel between key French cities more convenient and cost-effective for both residents and tourists.

Ouigo, known for offering affordable high-speed train services, has become a popular option for travelers looking to explore France’s cities without the high price tag typically associated with fast rail travel. The new Lyon-Bordeaux link is set to attract both domestic tourists and international visitors looking for affordable and efficient travel options between two of France’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

Connecting Two Iconic French Cities

Lyon and Bordeaux are both major cultural, historical, and gastronomic centers in France, making them highly sought-after destinations for travelers. Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France, offers visitors a rich blend of history, culture, and world-class cuisine. Its UNESCO-listed old town, vibrant markets, and beautiful parks provide a perfect setting for sightseeing and cultural exploration.

Bordeaux, on the other hand, is famed for its wine, with the surrounding vineyards and wine estates making it one of the premier destinations for wine tourism. The city itself boasts stunning 18th-century architecture, charming riverside walks, and a lively arts scene. As one of France’s most visited cities, Bordeaux offers travelers a blend of historic landmarks and modern attractions, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday.

The new Ouigo train service offers visitors a seamless connection between these two cities, reducing travel time and making it easier for tourists to experience the best of both regions. The high-speed train journey between Lyon and Bordeaux typically takes around five hours, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to driving or taking a bus.

Affordable Travel for Tourists and Locals

Ouigo trains have been specifically designed to provide an affordable option for both locals and tourists. While high-speed trains in France are known for their comfort and speed, they can often come with a hefty price tag. Ouigo, however, has disrupted this model by offering low-cost travel options on the same high-speed TGV routes, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.

The new Lyon-Bordeaux route is expected to make a significant impact on the travel habits of tourists who wish to explore more of France without breaking the bank. For example, travelers can book tickets for as low as €10, with multiple fare options available for different needs and budgets. The low-cost pricing structure of Ouigo ensures that high-speed train travel is accessible to a wider range of people, encouraging more tourists to explore Lyon, Bordeaux, and other French destinations via train.

Moreover, the addition of this route is a boost for domestic tourism, as it opens up new travel options for French residents looking to explore other parts of the country. The easy connectivity between Lyon and Bordeaux encourages tourism between these two cities, allowing residents to take weekend trips, attend cultural festivals, and explore different regions of France with ease.

SNCF’s Commitment to Expanding Ouigo

The Lyon-Bordeaux route is part of SNCF’s ongoing effort to expand Ouigo’s network. SNCF has been working to make high-speed train travel more affordable and accessible to people across France, aiming to promote sustainable transportation options and reduce the environmental impact of travel. Ouigo’s expansion into new cities and routes is a key part of SNCF’s broader strategy to create a more inclusive travel network.

This commitment to expanding Ouigo’s service offerings not only supports tourism but also provides a more sustainable mode of transportation for travelers. Trains, as opposed to cars or flights, have a much lower carbon footprint, making Ouigo an environmentally friendly option for those looking to travel across France.

The recent success of Ouigo’s initial routes, including services between Paris and other major cities, has paved the way for further expansion. With additional routes being considered for 2026 and beyond, Ouigo’s network is set to become an integral part of France’s transportation infrastructure, encouraging even more people to travel by train.

Increased Connectivity to Popular French Regions

In addition to Lyon and Bordeaux, Ouigo’s expansion also offers increased connectivity to other popular French regions. Cities like Marseille, Nantes, Lille, and Toulouse are already part of the Ouigo network, and further routes are expected to be added to meet growing demand. The expansion of Ouigo’s services is helping to enhance France’s high-speed rail network, making it easier and more affordable to travel across the country.

For tourists, this increased connectivity means more options for multi-destination travel within France. The ability to travel between major cities with ease allows tourists to experience a wider variety of attractions and landscapes in a single trip. Whether travelers are looking to visit vineyards in Bordeaux, historic sites in Lyon, or the Mediterranean coast in Marseille, Ouigo’s services offer an efficient and affordable way to get there.

Conclusion

The new Ouigo Lyon-Bordeaux route is a significant addition to France’s high-speed rail network, offering travelers an affordable and convenient way to explore two of the country’s most iconic cities. With a focus on sustainability and low-cost travel, Ouigo continues to make high-speed train travel accessible to a wider range of people, enhancing tourism and local travel options across France.

As Ouigo expands further, it is expected to have a positive impact on France’s tourism sector by encouraging both domestic and international tourists to explore the country in a more sustainable and cost-effective way. The growth of Ouigo’s network aligns with broader goals of improving accessibility, reducing carbon emissions, and making train travel a viable option for more travelers.