Biarritz

When planning a trip to Biarritz, you are setting off for an elegant resort on the Atlantic coast, located in the south-west of France. Famous for its pristine beaches and surfing culture, this city is easily accessible for travellers from around the world: you can reach Biarritz by direct flight, high-speed train, or car. The developed transport network allows you to comfortably begin your holiday in the very heart of the Basque Country.

The fastest way to reach the coast is to fly into the local Biarritz — Anglet — Bayonne Airport (BIQ), which receives flights from many European cities and is located just a few kilometres from the centre. The airport is well connected to the resort, ensuring a convenient and smooth arrival.

Alternatively, many tourists choose to fly into the Spanish city of San Sebastian (EAS), located 39 km away, or use the airport in Dax (48 km) as a transit point. You can also consider arriving via the airport in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, located very close by.

Travelling by rail is one of the most comfortable options: the city is served by the Gare de Biarritz station, where high-speed TGV trains from Paris and regional express trains arrive. The station is located approximately 3 kilometres from the city centre and the beaches, which can be reached by local bus or taxi.

If direct tickets are unavailable, convenient transfer hubs include neighbouring Saint-Jean-de-Luz or the city of Dax. Additionally, travellers from Spain often take the train to San Sebastian to then quickly cover the remaining distance to the French resort.

Bus services connect the resort with many neighbouring cities, offering an economical mode of transport. The shortest route runs from Saint-Jean-de-Luz: a journey of about 17 km takes less than an hour (approximately 0.8 h).

For those travelling from Spain, the route from San Sebastian is convenient, covering 53 km in 1.6 hours. There is also a regular service with the city of Dax, from where the bus takes about 1.7 hours to cover a distance of 61 km.

A journey by car allows you to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Aquitaine. You can get there from Saint-Jean-de-Luz in just 30 minutes (0.5 h), covering about 18 km, while the trip from Spanish San Sebastian (about 49 km) will take approximately 0.8 hours via the expressway.

If you are heading from the direction of Dax, expect to spend about 0.9 hours on the road (67 km). A private taxi or car rental is an excellent choice for those who value comfort, privacy, and independence from schedules.

Biarritz offers a unique combination of French chic and Basque traditions, making it a comfortable destination at any time of the year. To ensure your trip goes perfectly, please note a few practical recommendations.

1. Clothing and Climate. The weather on the Atlantic is changeable. Even in summer, it is worth bringing a light windbreaker or jumper for evening walks, and comfortable shoes are essential for the hilly streets.
2. Transport. The city centre is compact and best explored on foot. For trips to the surrounding areas, there is an excellently developed network of local buses.
3. Finances. The currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keeping some cash for small purchases at markets or for gratuities is useful.
4. Health and Safety. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross and operate on a standard schedule. The city is safe and family-friendly, but on the beaches, please observe the flag colours: the waves can be strong.
5. Communication. The official language is French, but many locals speak Basque. In tourist areas, staff usually speak English well.
6. Local Etiquette. Politeness is extremely important in France. Always say "Bonjour" (Good day) when entering a shop and "Merci" (Thank you) when receiving a service.
7. What to Avoid. Please avoid wearing swimwear in city restaurants or visiting the beach in formal evening wear — appropriate dress codes are observed quite strictly here.
8. Gastronomy. Be sure to try the Basque cake with cherry or cream — this is the region's main sweet signature dish.

By following these simple guidelines, you can fully immerse yourself in the relaxing atmosphere of the Bay of Biscay and avoid typical tourist inconveniences.