Like any major touristic city, Bordeaux has introduced a city pass officially called Bordeaux Metropole City Pass.
In this article, let’s review what is included in the Bordeaux City Pass price and when the City Pass is worth investing in.
Besides saving you several euros, City Pass saves you some time as you do not have to figure out how to buy transit tickets or spend time in lineups for some attractions. Plus, the brochure will point you to the main attractions in Bordeaux meaning there is no need to invest time in research.
How much is Bordeaux City Pass?
The City Pass is available in three versions for adults:
24 hours – €31
48 hours – €41
- 72 hours – €46
There is a junior CityPass for 6-17 years old with the same benefits.
There is no family pass option, each member of your family should have their own pass.
What is Included?
Bordeaux City Pass includes free entrances to some venues and attractions and discounts on others:
Unlimited use of Bordeaux public transit (tram, bus, and BAT river tram). Remember to tap your city pass as you start your journey and when you are making a connection.
La Cite du Vin the famous Bordeaux Wine Museum, entrance tickets (before 12pm). If you arrive a minute later, an extra 5 euros per person will be charged. How to Get to La Cite du Vin?
Les Bassins des Lumières entrance tickets. Les Bassins a new cultural space at the Second World War submarine base. Works of art projected on the walls will bring you to Medieval Venice, into one of Joaquin Sorolla’s paintings, or inside a human cell.
15 museums and Bordeaux historic monuments.
1 hour “Bordeaux UNESCO Heritage” guided tour to be reserved at the Tourism Office; or Panoramic tour in a double-decker bus with audio commentary, departing from the Bordeaux tourist office; or a guided tour of the historic center in a small train.
The Bordeaux Assistant application for Android or IOS, your personal assistant throughout your stay in Bordeaux.
Discounts include:
Discount on vineyard tours and river cruises.
- Discounted admission to Cap Sciences and the Wine and Trade Museum.
Where to Buy Bordeaux City Pass?
You can buy Bordeaux City Pass online.
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking. You should collect the City Pass and the leaflet at the Bordeaux Tourism Office at 12 cours du 30 Juillet in exchange for your voucher.
Benefits of Bordeaux City Pass
I have created a table to help you compare the price of general admission at the venues included in the Bordeaux City Pass with the City Pass prices (31 to 46 euros for 24 to 72 hours).
Included with Bordeaux City Pass | Door price, € per adult |
|---|---|
Bordeaux Public Transit - 24 hours | 5 |
21 | |
15 | |
13-60 | |
5 | |
7 | |
6 | |
7 | |
5 | |
4 | |
9 | |
10 | |
5 | |
14 | |
Porte Cailhau | 5 |
Pey-Berland Tower | 6 |
The prices above are as of 2022.
A single ticket on TBM, Bordeaux public transit, is currently 1.70 euros, which includes unlimited transfers within 1 hour. The tram system in Bordeaux is very good. You can get pretty much anywhere on TBM. Trams are modern, spacious, and fast.
If you plan on visiting La Cite du Vin, you will most likely use a tram or a river tram, which adds up to 24.40 euros for a trip. If you plan on moving around the city and visiting at least one more attraction such as Porte Cailhau or Pey-Berland Tower, the city pass will pay off.
A city walking tour and visiting the grand theatre are very popular options in Bordeaux. You will save significantly if you plan on doing either or both of these.
If you are adding a museum to your program, the the City Pass delivers a very good value.
How to Use City Pass?
The card is activated upon its first use.
Tap your card on public transit to validate your ticket or transfer.
Present your City Pass at the venues to obtain free entry or discount.
From November to March, some activities may be closed. On the 25th of December and the 1 st January all venues are closed.
Can Bordeaux City Pass be Used for Airport Transportation?
Since you have to pick up the card at the Tourism Office in the Center of Bordeaux, you cannot use the Bordeaux City Pass for your inbound trip, but you can use it for a bus or tram to the airport when you are leaving Bordeaux as long as you are within the time limit.
Can I Use Bordeaux City Pass for Wine Tastings and Wine Tours?
Since you have to pick up the card at the Tourism Office in the Center of Bordeaux, you cannot use the Bordeaux City Pass for your inbound trip, but you can use it for a bus or tram to the airport when you are leaving Bordeaux as long as you are within the time limit.
Is Bordeaux City Pass a Good Value?
Depending on your plans and how actively you plan to explore Bordeaux, the City Pass can give you some savings.
Bordeaux City Pass is a good value:
- For first-time visitors
- For weekend trips or other trips lasting 2 or more days
- If you plan to visit three or more sites
- If you are interested in visiting La Cite du Vine, the highest ticket item
- If your hotel is not in the city center and you plan on using convenient public transportation
- If you are short on time and want to avoid lineups and figuring out Bordeaux transport tickets
