Your Backpacking Guide: Bologna to Bordeaux

How to Travel from Bologna to Bordeaux?

Traveling from Bologna, Italy, to Bordeaux, France, for backpackers typically involves multiple legs by ground transport due to the significant distance and lack of direct budget options. This journey often routes through major European hubs like Milan, Turin, or Lyon.

How to Travel by Bus from Bologna to Bordeaux?

You can travel from Bologna to Bordeaux by bus, which is often the most budget-friendly option, though it requires multiple transfers. Major bus operators like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus typically connect these regions. A multi-leg journey, for example, Bologna to Milan/Turin, then to Lyon, and finally to Bordeaux, can estimate a total cost between €45 and €120. The overall travel time, including transfers, typically ranges from 15 to 24 hours. Booking bus tickets 2-3 weeks in advance can often save 20-30% on fares.

How to Travel by Train from Bologna to Bordeaux?

Traveling by train from Bologna to Bordeaux is possible but generally more expensive than bus travel, also requiring multiple changes. A typical route might involve Trenitalia services from Bologna to Milan or Turin, followed by SNCF or high-speed services (e.g., TGV) to Lyon, and then another train to Bordeaux. Estimated total costs for a multi-leg journey for backpackers generally range from €70 to €180, depending on train types and booking time. The total travel time, with transfers, usually falls between 12 to 20 hours. Early booking, especially for high-speed sections, is crucial for better prices.

Is Ridesharing an Option from Bologna to Bordeaux?

Ridesharing platforms like BlaBlaCar can be an option from Bologna to Bordeaux, though finding a direct ride for the entire distance is unlikely. It’s more realistic to use rideshares for individual legs, such as Bologna to Turin, Turin to Lyon, or Lyon to Bordeaux. Prices per leg typically range from €10 to €30, making the estimated total for a multi-leg journey between €30 and €90. This method offers flexibility but relies on driver availability and scheduling.

What Free Amenities Can I Find in Bologna and Bordeaux?

To help you save money on the ground in both cities, remember that services like AllInMap can assist backpackers in finding free amenities, including public toilets, Wi-Fi hotspots, and water fountains in Bologna and Bordeaux.