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How to get from Bordeaux to Carcassonne
The simplest way from Bordeaux to Carcassonne is by train via Toulouse, about 3 h to 3 h 30, either direct on an Intercités or with a change in Toulouse. Driving on the A62 and A61 motorways takes about 3 h.
Best option: Train. Trains take about the same time as driving, avoid motorway tolls and arrive a short walk from Carcassonne's lower town.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Intercités trains from Bordeaux Saint-Jean via Toulouse to Carcassonne, or a TGV/TER to Toulouse Matabiau and a regional train on to Carcassonne | about 3 h to 3 h 30 | roughly every 1–2 hours with a change; a few direct trains a day | about €30–60 | Intercités seats need a reservation; book on SNCF Connect. |
| car A62 motorway to Toulouse, then the A61 to Carcassonne | about 3 h | fuel plus tolls of roughly €30–35 | Park outside the walls of La Cité; cars are restricted inside. | |
| bus Long-distance coaches (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) between Bordeaux and Carcassonne or via Toulouse | about 4 to 5 h | a few a day, often with a change | about €15–30 | Check the Carcassonne stop location. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Carcassonne station is in the lower town (Bastide Saint-Louis); La Cité is a 25–30 minute walk uphill or a short shuttle ride.
- The Canal du Midi runs past the station; it is worth a short walk.
- Visit La Cité early or late in summer to avoid the crowds.
- If driving, you can break the trip in Toulouse.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Bordeaux to Carcassonne?
Yes, a few Intercités trains a day run direct from Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Carcassonne via Toulouse, taking about three hours. Other connections involve a change in Toulouse and take about three to three and a half hours. Reservations are required on Intercités trains, so book ahead on SNCF Connect.
How long does it take to drive from Bordeaux to Carcassonne?
About three hours, roughly 300 km, mostly on the A62 and A61 motorways via Toulouse. Tolls cost roughly €30–35 one way. Traffic around Toulouse's ring road can add time at rush hour. Use the paid car parks below La Cité, as driving inside the walls is restricted.
Can I do Bordeaux to Carcassonne as a day trip?
Yes, but it is long: about six hours of travel round trip leaves around six hours in Carcassonne. Take an early train and the last practical return. Most visitors prefer one night, which lets you see La Cité in the evening once the day crowds have left.
What is the cheapest way from Bordeaux to Carcassonne?
Coaches can be the cheapest at about €15–30 but take longer, often with a change. Early-booked train fares are competitive, and regional trains via Toulouse can be cheaper with a regional discount card. Driving alone is expensive once tolls are added, but reasonable for a group.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.