Paris to the Basque Coast by train: everything you need to know about the new OUIGO line

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on October 1, 2025, modified on September 3, 2026

Paris to the Basque Coast by train: everything you need to know about the new OUIGO line

Fancy some ocean air and sunset pintxos? Starting December 14, 2025, OUIGO is launching a new direct route between Paris and the Basque Coast via Bordeaux and Dax. It’s a simpler, faster, more affordable way to reach the Southwest on a budget! Here’s everything you need to know about this new line.

A new route that changes the game

From December, there’ll be one daily round trip linking Paris to Hendaye, with stops in Bordeaux, Dax, Bayonne, Biarritz, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It’s a first for OUIGO, which aims to democratize access to the Basque Country by bringing its beaches and landscapes closer than ever. It’s also good news for Bordeaux: this service adds an extra round trip, boosting capacity on an already busy corridor.

Timetables and journey time

The train will depart Paris at 12:11 and arrive in Hendaye at 16:52, after about 4h40 on the move. In the other direction, it’ll leave Hendaye at 18:10 and reach Paris at 22:53. In short, it’s perfect for a weekend or short break in the Basque Country, with plenty of time to enjoy the ocean or explore Basque villages!

Fares and ticket sales

Tickets go on sale October 1, 2025 for travel between December 14, 2025 and July 4, 2026. Lead-in fares start at €19, making it a very competitive alternative to flying. And OUIGO is already expecting strong demand: nearly 900,000 travelers are projected on this line in 2026.

Who is it for?

Whether you want to discover the area with family, surf in Biarritz with friends, or plan a romantic getaway to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, this line should make your Basque adventure a lot easier!

It also suits frequent travelers, students, and professionals, with simplified trips to Bordeaux or Bayonne. And of course, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to travel more sustainably, leaving the plane on the ground and choosing a low-carbon option instead.

A few tips to plan your trip

As always, to snag the best prices, book as early as possible—especially since OUIGO’s lowest fares go fast.

Think ahead for your arrival at Basque stations: whether it’s a hotel in Biarritz, a family home in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, or even a crossing into Spain from Hendaye, there are plenty of options.

And if you’re traveling off-season, pack accordingly: the Basque Coast can turn wild and brisk once the sun goes down.

Good ideas for your stay

The real perk of this line is flexibility. Head out in midwinter for bracing sea air and empty beaches, or choose spring for mountain walks and peaceful villages. In summer, things are livelier, but that’s when festivals and Basque culture are in full swing.

And why not extend your escape across the nearby Spanish border? San Sebastián and its tapas are just minutes away by train or bus from Hendaye!

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.