New OUIGO “Classic Train” Line Links Bordeaux and Paris with Budget Fares
Paris, April 5, 2026 – A new low-cost OUIGO “classic train” line officially opened on Saturday, April 4, 2026, connecting Bordeaux and Paris Austerlitz. This new service aims to provide a more affordable travel option between the two major French cities, with ticket prices ranging from 10 to 59 euros. The journey, however, will take approximately five hours, significantly longer than the standard 2.5-hour high-speed train service.
Addressing the Cost Barrier in Train Travel
The introduction of this new line by OUIGO, a subsidiary of SNCF, directly addresses a common concern among train users: the high cost of tickets. “Sometimes, I find myself unable to make the trip I want because it’s too expensive,” stated Samia, a 27-year-old Bordeaux resident who frequently visits family in Paris. Jérôme Laffon, OUIGO’s General Director, emphasized that the primary target audience for this new service is motorists, aiming to encourage a shift from cars to trains by offering a more economical alternative.
Low Cost, Longer Journey: A Trade-off for Travelers
Unlike the twenty-eight other daily Bordeaux-Paris train services departing from Saint-Jean station, the new OUIGO line will take five hours to complete the journey. For some, like Eve, a recent graduate, the lower price justifies the extended travel time. However, not all travelers share this sentiment. Julie, a frequent train user awaiting a train to Paris, expressed skepticism, exclaiming, “Five hours to go from Bordeaux to Paris? No one will take that train!” Laffon acknowledged the longer duration as a necessary trade-off for the low-cost model, stating, “For those who want to arrive at a specific time, there are other trains. The most important thing is to give choice.”
Limited Service Days and Promising Fares
The OUIGO “classic train” service will operate exclusively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering travelers a weekend-focused, more affordable option. OUIGO has committed to selling one out of every two tickets for less than 20 euros. This strategy, according to Jérôme Laffon, is expected to continue the success story of OUIGO trains, which have consistently aimed to make train travel more accessible to a wider range of passengers.
Refurbished Corail Carriages for the New Route
The new line utilizes refurbished Corail carriages, which have been redecorated in OUIGO’s distinctive colors. This approach allows for cost-effective operation while providing a comfortable, albeit slower, travel experience for passengers. The launch of this new service marks an ongoing effort by SNCF to diversify its offerings and cater to different segments of the travel market, from high-speed, premium services to more budget-friendly options.
Impact on Regional Travel and Future Prospects
The introduction of this low-cost line could have a significant impact on regional travel patterns, particularly for those who have previously opted for car travel due to cost constraints. By making train travel more affordable, OUIGO hopes to contribute to a reduction in road traffic and an increase in public transport usage. The success of this new Bordeaux-Paris route will likely influence future decisions regarding the expansion of OUIGO’s “classic train” network to other destinations across France, further solidifying its position as a key player in the budget travel sector.
