Driving in Bordeaux: parking, ZFE rules and local tips

If you’re planning a road trip to the wine country of Bordeaux, read our guide for the best advice about driving into the city, where to park, do’s and don’ts and information on the ZFL low emission zone. 

At a glance guide to driving in Bordeaux

Can I drive into Bordeaux city centre?

Yes, you can drive into the ZFE (low emission zone) in central Bordeaux, but you will need a Crit’ Air sticker. Make sure you buy the correct one for your car from the official website. Vehicles with a classification up to Euro 2 and Euro 3 diesel are currently allowed to enter the ZFE in Bordeaux. 

The ZFE is in operation within the area circumnavigated by the Rocade de Bordeaux ring road, but the Rocade itself is outside the zone, so you don’t need a Crit’ Air sticker if you are just driving on the ring road. There are no time exemptions – the ZFE is in force 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

The ZFE was introduced in Bordeaux in January 2025. It replaced any previous restrictions that might have applied (such as the first Sunday of the month being car-free).

Where to park in Bordeaux

If you’re driving in Bordeaux, you’ll be sharing the streets with plenty of cyclists!

On-street and car parks

Bordeaux is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in France, so do not expect to find many places to park within the city centre. There are some underground car parks, and on-street spaces, though these are limited. You’ll pay from €1.55 to €2.50 per hour based on the time of day, and be restricted to 2-4 hour stays. Parking is usually free from 7pm to 9am and all day on Sundays and public holidays. 

Bordeaux park-and-ride

The best way to get around the city is by leaving your car in one of the 28 park and ride sites around the metropolitan area. Most are on the left bank of the Garonne river, and have tram and bus connections to the city centre. They are considerably cheaper parking spots than the more central underground car parks – in fact, parking is usually free when you buy a public transport ticket from the park and ride location. 

Buying a 2 or 3 day pass gives unlimited travel on the tram and bus network in Bordeaux. 

Bridges and river crossings

Bordeaux’s most famous bridge, the Pont de Pierre, is closed to cars

The main bridge in Bordeaux, the Pont de Pierre, has been closed to cars and private vehicles since 2018. Now it is reserved solely for trams and buses, as well as pedestrians and cyclists. You can drive over the Garonne using the Pont Saint-Jean to the south and the Pont Chaban-Delmas and Pont d’Aquitaine in the north.

Using the Rocade ring road

The Rocade is the Bordeaux by-pass – think of it more like London’s North and South Circular rather than the M25. If you’re driving into central Bordeaux, you’ll definitely be using the Rocade at some stage. It crosses the Garonne at two points, the Pont Francois Mitterand and the Pont d’Aquitaine. It’s only a 2-3 lane road so congestion builds at peak times and at the bridges.

Local rules and signs

Remember in France that vehicles coming from the right (priorité à droite) have right of way. If you are driving in central Bordeaux cars definitely play second fiddle to trams and buses. There are four tram routes, and many more bus networks, and traffic lights will always change for trams. When traffic lights flash amber, this means that you can proceed if the road is clear, but to take caution. You’ll see ‘Rappel’ signs regularly – they are reminders of hazards, and often associated with speed limits.

Trams are the most popular way to get about in Bordeaux 

Speed limits in Bordeaux

The speed limit on the dual carriageway Rocade ring road is 110 km/h (68 mph), and 50 km/h (31 mph) on urban roads within Bordeaux. In wet weather the dual carriageway speed limit is reduced to 100 km/h. When visibility is less than 50 metres the speed limit becomes 50 km/h on all types of road. As in the UK there are fixed speed cameras in some locations. Read our guide to driving in France for more information on speed limits, driving penalties and fines. 

ZFE compliance in Bordeaux

If your car is registered in the UK, you have to buy your Crit’ Air sticker before you travel to France. You can find out what EURO emissions standard your car is by referring to your V5 logbook, or by using a free online checker. You can then enter the details into the French government’s official  Crit’ Air sticker site and include a copy of your vehicle’s registration certificate. Each sticker costs €3.11 + €1.80 postage, and delivery takes around 10 days. 

Look out for the toll booths on the way to Bordeaux 

Tolls and approaching Bordeaux

Driving from Calais to Bordeaux is a journey of around 540 miles (867 km), and takes 8 ½ to 9 hours. You will have to pay tolls on this route. From Poitiers you will approach Bordeaux on the A10 motorway and join the Rocade ring road at junction 1.

Begin your Bordeaux driving trip with LeShuttle

If you’re thinking of driving to Bordeaux, then the quickest way to get across the Channel and start your road trip is with LeShuttle. It’s just a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais.