How to Travel From Paris to Biarritz by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

Just 15 miles north of the Spanish border and 487 miles (783 kilometers) southwest of the French capital of Paris, Biarritz is a large resort town in French Basque Country. It's had a resurgence in popularity and with the huge revitalization of nearby Bordeaux, has become a top destination once more. It's known for its glorious sandy beaches, its casino, and past when all the royalty and aristocracy of Europe came to enjoy its grand, golden age.

From Paris, there are many ways to get to Biarritz quickly by flying or taking a high-speed train, or cheaply by taking a long-haul bus. If you have the time, driving there would also be a unique way to explore the west coast of France.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Paris to Biarritz?

Bus fares on the Paris to Biarritz route are consistently lower than any other way of traveling, but it's worth noting that bus line BlaBlaBus tends to offer cheaper fares and faster service than its competitor FlixBus. Bus fares can be found for as low as $22 to $40 one either line, but BlaBlaBus offers the shortest service at 11 hours, 40 minutes. Depending on how many transfers your bus needs to make—and how long those transfers are—the bus trip could take as long as 18 hours, 20 minutes.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Paris to Biarritz?

The flight from Paris to Biarritz takes just one hour, 25 minutes and it's also the fastest way to make this trip. Air France, easyJet and Transavia fly this route and although tickets can sometimes be found at deeply discounted prices as low as $34, they are most likely to cost somewhere in the range of $50 to $200. Booking your ticket ahead of time can help you find a better deal.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

Driving from Paris to Biarritz takes about eight hours depending on your speed. You can expect tolls and should prepare yourself to drive in France by reading up on the local driving laws and customs. The route very straightforward and you can get to Biarritz via two main highways.

From Paris, you'll start your trip by traveling southwest along the A10 until you pass Bordeaux. Then, you can get on the A63 and travel all the way south until you reach Biarritz. If you have the time to spare, there are many cities on the Atlantic coast that make for worthy detours such as La Rochelle, France's historic shipbuilding center.

How Long Is the Train Ride?

You can take a high-speed train from Paris and reach Biarritz in as little as four hours, 10 minutes. When you factor in the time you'll save traveling to the airport, traveling by rail is almost as fast as flying. Trains leave Paris from Gare Montparnasse throughout the day and one-way tickets typically cost between $52 and $112. Before booking, make sure that your ticket does not include a connection in Bordeaux. This could add up to two hours onto your total trip. Bear in mind that Biarritz's main train station is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) away from the city's main beach, Le Grande Plage, so you will have to take a 10-minute cab or 30-minute bus ride the rest of the way to the city center.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Biarritz?

As one of the top seaside resorts in France, summer is the best time to visit and enjoy the beaches near Biarritz. High temperatures peak in July and August, but these tend to be the city's busiest months for tourists, so consider a trip in early June or September if you'd like to dodge the crowds and maybe get a better deal on your accommodation. Biarritz happens to also be a hotspot for surfing in France and the best season for catching waves is in May and June or September and October. If you just happen to find yourself visiting in the winter, you can still see something wondrous by heading to the nearby town of Guéthary to see the enormous waves that roll in at this time of year and the surfers who dare to ride them.

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

The Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is just 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the city center. For less than $2, you can get to the city center in about five minutes via bus line 36. If you're not staying in Biarritz, you could also take another bus to nearby towns like Anglet, Bayona, or Saint Jean de Luz.

What Is There to Do in Biarritz?

A beach town through and through, Biarritz is a great city for enjoying fresh seafood with Basque flare and you'll find plenty of shopping to do in the many fashionable boutiques. Time here is best spent lounging on the beach or meandering on the waterfront, but you should also make it a point to visit landmarks like the Vierge Rock, the Biarritz Aquarium, and the Neo-Gothic Sainte Eugenie Church. There are many beautiful beaches to try here, but if you have limited time in Biarritz, you can start with Plage du Miramar, Plage Port Vieux, or Plage Côte des Basques.