Cap Ferret is a peninsula: you get in from the north, along a single road, or by sea from Arcachon. In the middle of August, that one road can turn into a giant car park. The good news: Cap Ferret is also very easy to reach without a car, and it is often quicker. Here is how to get to Cap Ferret depending on where you are coming from, with our tips for avoiding traffic jams.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- The most pleasant: train to Arcachon, then the ferry to the Bélisaire jetty (about 30 minutes), all year round.
- The cheapest: the 410 express coach from Bordeaux, for a few euros.
- In summer: extra ferries, including from Andernos.
- Once there: the bike rules the peninsula thanks to its cycle paths.
By car
From Bordeaux, drive to Lège, then go down the whole peninsula on the D106, the only road that runs all the way to the Pointe. In summer, traffic is very heavy: leave early in the morning and car-share if you can. Once there, a bike is often faster than a car.
By coach from Bordeaux (410 express line)
Since 1 September 2025, the 410 express line has linked Bordeaux to the peninsula: it leaves from Saint-Jean station or Les Quinconces, stops in Mérignac and terminates at the Arès-Lège interchange. It runs Monday to Friday from 5:30 am to 10 pm, with a coach every 15 minutes at peak times, and a reduced timetable at weekends. A journey costs less than €3.
To get down to Cap Ferret village or the Pointe, you need to change to the Alégo bus network. In summer 2026, the 410 was extended to the Pointe at weekends: check whether this continues before you travel. Timetables and tickets (CAR 33 app): Transports Nouvelle-Aquitaine and COBAN.
For a day without a car or connections, there is also a private full-day tour of Cap Ferret from Bordeaux.
By train to Arcachon, then by boat
This is our favourite option: the train to Arcachon station, then the ferry from the Thiers jetty to the Bélisaire jetty in Cap Ferret. About 30 minutes on the water, with a view of the Bassin as a bonus. Everything you need to know is in our guide to the Arcachon – Cap Ferret ferry.
In summer: the Andernos ferry
From April to September, a ferry links Andernos-les-Bains to the Bélisaire jetty. The crossing takes 1 hr 30 to 2 hrs, with times that depend on the tides: it is more of a boat trip than quick transport, but the view of the Bassin is worth it. The return ticket is only valid for a same-day return. Timetables and booking on the boat company’s website.
By plane
The nearest airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac, less than an hour’s drive from the peninsula according to the tourist office. From there: hire car, taxi or coach.
Once you are there
- By bike: cycle paths run the length of the peninsula. See our map of bike rides.
- By water taxi: several companies cross the Bassin on demand.
- By taxi: the Lège-Cap Ferret tourist office lists several on its website.
Which option should you choose?
| Your situation | Our advice |
|---|---|
| Day trip from Bordeaux | Train + boat via Arcachon, for the pleasure of the crossing |
| Small budget | 410 express coach, checking where it terminates |
| One-week stay | Arrive by train + boat, then cycle once there |
| With lots of luggage | Car or express coach, to avoid carrying bags on the pontoon |
| In winter | Train + boat, checking the time of the last return |
The Laguilb tip
In July and August, book the Arcachon – Cap Ferret ferry in advance, both ways: the morning and early-evening boats fill up fast, especially at weekends.
3 mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting the time of the last boat. In winter, the last boat back to Arcachon leaves early; if you miss it, you have to drive all the way round the Bassin.
- Thinking the bus goes everywhere. Coach routes on the peninsula changed in 2025: check the stop closest to your accommodation before you go.
- Underestimating distances. It is about twenty kilometres from Lège to the Pointe: walking is not an option, and by bike it takes a good hour.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Cap Ferret from Bordeaux without a car?
The nicest way is the train to Arcachon, then the ferry to the Bélisaire jetty. The 410 express coach also links Bordeaux to Lège-Cap-Ferret, with a bus connection to go further south.
Is there a bus to Cap Ferret?
Yes, the 410 express line has linked Bordeaux to Arès and Lège-Cap-Ferret since September 2025, for less than €3 a journey. Check how far down the peninsula it goes on the day you travel.
Can you cycle to Cap Ferret?
Yes: the peninsula is almost flat and criss-crossed by cycle paths. You can also take your bike on the ferry from Arcachon for an extra charge, as long as it carries no luggage.
Sources: Lège-Cap Ferret tourist office, Transports Nouvelle-Aquitaine, COBAN. Updated on 4 November 2026. Timetables may change: check before you travel.
Some links in this article are affiliate links: if you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Cover photo: Prométhée33, Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY-SA 3.0
