France by bus
With plenty of cities, regions and provinces to choose from, one of the best ways to get around France is by bus. At Trainline, we’ll highlight the main bus and coach companies in the country, the way the French bus network operates and the beautiful destinations you can get to by coach.
French bus map
Use our bus route map as a spark to start planning your own way around France by bus. If you know where you’re going, buckle up, sit back and enjoy the ride.
By taking the bus around France, you’ll have access to the country’s major cities and to more remote locations where aeroplane and rail networks don't reach. Most buses nowadays are high in comfort, come equipped with modern amenities WiFi connection, power sockets and reclinable seats - perfect for short and long distances.
While coach and buses can’t compete with aeroplanes and trains in terms of speed, they are usually the most affordable way to get around France. On top of this, a lot of buses operate overnight services meaning you can travel in the small hours and save on hotel fees and precious holiday time.
Whether you’re an urbanite looking for a touch of Parisian chic or you're more naturally inclined to be by the sea in Marseille, taking a coach around France could be just the ticket to wherever you're going.
Buying bus tickets in France
Bus tickets in France work similarly to the way train tickets do. You can usually buy them at the station on the day of travel or online in advance. With Trainline, you can check and compare different bus and coach times to suit your schedule.
Find cheap bus tickets in France
Bus tickets in France are typically at their cheapest when they go on sale, which is usually three months before the date of departure. Trainline will help you find the cheapest bus tickets for journeys in France and we’ll give you a nod when they’re about to increase in price. Where possible, always book in advance to benefit from low-cost bus travel in France.
Look for special offers
Whether you’re travelling solo or in a group, there are usually discounts out there to be snapped up. That could mean choosing the least flexible tickets on offer or getting a multiple-passenger discount if you’re travelling with friends and family. When it comes to buses in France, it pays to double-check your ticketing options first rather than paying double later down the road.
Top destinations in France by bus
France is blessed with so many amazing regions, cities and quaint villages that it's hard to mention them all here. As a little teaser, we've highlighted three of the most popular destinations in the country to get your creative juices flowing on where you could travel by bus. If you're after the best cuisine, architecture and things to do, France has them all and then some.
Paris
You may Paris as the city of love or the city of lights. Either way, if you've heard these nicknames enough then maybe it's time to find out why. Booking a trip to Paris will allow you to discover the many faces of this fantastic city and see why it's one of the most visited places on earth.
Start your journey at the top of the Eiffel Tower and catch a bird's eye glimpse of Paris and its suroundings. Head down and below to visit the hidden Catacombs of Paris and go on a unique storytelling tour which takes you 135 feet below ground. Or head over to the light of the iconic Pantheon's dome, before wandering through the Latin Quarter and marvelling at Notre-Dame Cathedral - a Gothic masterpiece.
After that, it'll be time to get your fill of French treats, which obviously includes cakes, viennoiseries and chocolate. Paris is home to some of the best pastry chefs in the world, and from the macarons of Laduree to the Ispahan of Pierre Hermé, your sugar fix is in good hands.
Search buses from Lille to Paris.
Search buses from Marseille to Paris.
Search buses from Bordeaux to Paris.
Lyon
Do you want to experience true French art de vivre? Look no further, Lyon should be the next city on your travel list. Lyon is perfect for culture, architecture, food, art and serenity.
When in Lyon, your main thoughts will naturally turn to food and what's on the menu next? Did you know this French city is the capital of gastronomy? Temptation is everywhere in the numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, the traditional bouchons (small bistros serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine), the prestigious indoor market at Les Halles de Lyon, the outdoor markets and their regional products. As you can see, the list is endless. And how could we forget to mention the "Pope" of French cuisine, Paul Bocuse, pioneer of the 'nouvelle cuisine' movement?
Now it's time for exploration. Without hesitation, head to the Vieux Lyon, one of the largest Renaissance neighbourhoods in Europe. We bet you'll immediately understand why this quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can start by staring at the wonder of the Romanesque and Gothic style of Saint-Jean Cathedral and then losing yourself in the charming 200-plus hidden passageways (traboules) that reveal a multitude of stunning courtyards, alleyways and staircases.
Search buses from Bordeaux to Lyon.
Search buses from Nantes to Lyon.
Search buses from St-Étienne to Lyon.
Bordeaux
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Bordeaux is wine. And honestly, we can't blame you. You are in the world's wine capital after all. So if you're into Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this city located in the southwest of France is a must-visit destination.
Many wine tours and tasting sessions are organized in Bordeaux to make the most of your stay. Not only will you become a fine Bordeaux wine expert, you'll also visit some of the most famous vineyards, châteaux (castles) and villages in the Aquitaine region. And don't miss La Cité du Vin, a very modern and unique museum celebrating all things wine, where you can sample some too.
But even before drinking your first glass of wine, you'll fall in love with Bordeaux at first glance. Bordeaux is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkably urban and ancient architecture, created in the Age of Enlightenment. The majestic 18th century Place de la Bourse, the impressive Palais Rohan or Place des Quinconces, the largest city square in Western Europe, are just some of the things that will take your breath away.
Search buses from Paris to Bordeaux.
Search buses from Nice to Bordeaux.
Search buses from Nantes to Bordeaux.
Bus stations in France
At most bus stations in France, you'll find electronic departure and arrival boards with up to date bus times and terminal information. If there are any changes to your journey, they are usually displayed in French, and then in English, and all notifications are often announced on the station loudspeakers in both languages. At large French bus stations such as Porte Maillot in Paris and Lyon Perrache, you’ll find luggage storage facilities, toilets, shops and restaurants, as well as, ticket booking offices and information desks. Depending on the station, you should be able to connect to WiFi while you wait for your bus to start boarding.
Popular French bus routes and journey times
Need a little suggestive nudge on where to take a coach or bus to in France? Here's a handful of route ideas, journey times and distances to get your wanderlust going.
Bus companies in France
Bus operating companies (BOCs) in France are a combination of French-owned operators like OUIBUS and foreign-based enterprises such as Alsa that also offer bus routes in the country. Luckily for you, that means there's a variety of ways to get in and around France by bus and coach.
Good to know
If you have your tickets booked and are all set to go, here are a few more things you should know before you climb onboard your coach.