Popular routes in France
Daily Departures | Average price | Average trip duration | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
From Marseille to Montpellier | Daily Departures36 | Average price$11 | Average trip duration2h 20m | |
From Nice to Lyon | Daily Departures9 | Average price$30 | Average trip duration7h 20m | |
From Nantes to Montpellier | Daily Departures7 | Average price$49 | Average trip duration12h 30m | |
From Nice to Toulouse | Daily Departures6 | Average price$41 | Average trip duration9h | |
From Metz to Nice | Daily Departures5 | Average price$68 | Average trip duration18h 55m |
Bus travel in France
Exploring this captivating country by bus offers a budget-friendly and convenient way to discover its magic. Here's your guide to navigating France's extensive bus network and planning your perfect adventure.
While buses may not match the speed of planes or trains, they excel in affordability, making them a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers navigating France. Moreover, many buses offer overnight services, allowing you to maximize your time by traveling during off-peak hours and avoiding additional hotel expenses.
Bus companies in France
France boasts several major bus companies, each catering to different travel styles:
BlaBlacar Bus: This popular company offers comfortable trips to different parts of France and its surroundings, including Belgium and the Netherlands.
FlixBus: A European leader, FlixBus boasts an impressive French network, ensuring excellent accessibility.
National Express: While primarily a UK-based company, National Express offers select routes connecting France to the United Kingdom, ideal for those journeys across the English Channel.
Alsa: This Spanish giant connects France to Spain, perfect for multi-country trips.
Onboard Amenities:
Bus travel in France prioritizes comfort and convenience. Expect features like:
Comfortable seating
Air conditioning
Wi-Fi
Toilets
Handicap-accessible buses (availability may vary by company)
Top destinations to travel by bus
France, a land overflowing with captivating regions, beckons travelers with its diverse offerings.
Paris: City of Lights
Paris, the "City of Lights," casts a spell on visitors worldwide. Ascend the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking cityscapes, delve into the subterranean world of the Catacombs, wander the enchanting streets of the Latin Quarter, where Notre Dame Cathedral awaits.
Lyon: Art de Vivre and Gastronomy
Lyon, the embodiment of French art de vivre, is a haven for culture, architecture, and exquisite cuisine. Immerse yourself in a vibrant food scene boasting Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional bistros, explore Vieux Lyon, a captivating maze of Renaissance architecture and hidden passageways.
Bordeaux: Wine Country
Bordeaux, the world's wine capital, blends delightful wine experiences with historic charm. Embark on wine tours through renowned vineyards, visit La Cité du Vin, and marvel at majestic landmarks like the 18th-century Place de la Bourse and the expansive Place des Quinconces.
Are you visiting from the USA?
Traveling by bus: the bus in France can be a fantastic alternative to trains, especially for budget-conscious travelers. While some routes may take longer, the onboard amenities and scenic journeys can add another layer of enjoyment to your trip. If you're coming from the USA, consider flying into a major French city and exploring the surrounding regions by bus. This can be a great way to experience the charm of smaller towns and hidden gems beyond the main tourist hubs.
Currency and Language: Before you go, familiarize yourself with the Euro, the official currency in France. Learning a few basic French phrases will go a long way in enhancing your experience. Download a translation app to help you navigate menus, signs, and basic conversations.
Dining Do's and Don't's: Parisians enjoy leisurely meals, so expect to dine later in the evening. Tipping customs differ too; a 5-10% tip is generally appreciated, but not mandatory. Be aware of opening hours - many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, so plan your meals accordingly. Embrace the slower pace - meals are meant to be savored, not rushed.
Packing Essentials: Pack comfortable shoes for all the walking you'll be doing. A light scarf or sweater is a good idea, as evenings can be cool. Bring an adapter plug for your electronics, as they use a two-pronged plug in France. Consider packing a refillable water bottle - tap water is safe to drink in Paris, and it's a more eco-friendly option.
Metro Navigation: The Paris Metro is an efficient and affordable way to get around. Purchase a carnet (multi-journey ticket) for convenience and cost savings. Download a Metro app to help you plan your journeys.
Cultural Etiquette: Be mindful of personal space - Parisians tend to stand a bit closer than Americans when conversing. Greet shopkeepers and servers with a polite "Bonjour" (good morning/day) and "Merci" (thank you).
Why choose Busbud?
The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets
Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.
What are the top visited cities in France?
Plan your next bus trip in France
Most popular airports and destinations
Sustainable travel
- Travel from Marseille to Montpellier
- Travel from Paris to London
- Travel from Paris to Amsterdam
- Travel from Paris to Lyon
- Travel from Paris to Marseille
- Travel from Paris to Barcelona
- Travel from Paris to Nantes
- Travel from Lyon to Paris
- Travel from Paris to Toulouse
- Travel from Paris to Bordeaux
- Travel from Paris to Brussels
- Travel from Bordeaux to Paris
- Travel from Paris to Nice
- Travel from Nice to Paris
- Travel from Toulouse to Paris