The Bordeaux Métropole Marathon gathers more than 15,000 runners every year according to the official figures from the organisation. For an event of this scale, the logistics between your hotel, the start line and the finish area become a headache: saturated public transport, extensive road closures, a shortage of taxis on the morning of the race. A Bordeaux Privilège private chauffeur service radically simplifies these sensitive journeys.
This complete guide presents our offer of private chauffeur transfers for the Bordeaux Marathon: route preparation, drop-off at the start pen, waiting, pick-up at the finish, return to the hotel. Whether you are a runner, a companion or a supporter, here is how to organise your weekend with peace of mind.
- Why a private chauffeur for the marathon
- Our transfer packages
- Indicative fares
- Preparation and practical advice
- Frequently asked questions
Why a private chauffeur for the marathon
On the morning of the race, three constraints weigh on runners and their companions. First constraint: the road closures begin as early as 6 am in the centre of Bordeaux and continue until mid-afternoon. The usual roads (the quays, avenue Thiers, cours de la Marne) are impassable.
Second constraint: the shortage of taxis and private hire vehicles. All runners look for transport at the same time, within the same time window (6 am – 8 am). Booking a private chauffeur in advance means guaranteeing your departure.
Third constraint: the pick-up after the race. You cross the finish line exhausted, sometimes hypoglycaemic or with a painful leg. Walking 2 km to a taxi becomes an additional ordeal. With a Bordeaux Privilège chauffeur waiting for you at the agreed pick-up point, you are taken care of immediately.
Our transfer packages
We offer three packages suited to the marathon, depending on whether you are running, accompanying a loved one or following the event as a supporter.
Runner package — drop-off & pick-up
Our main package for participants. The chauffeur picks you up at your hotel or home between 6:30 am and 8 am, drops you off as close as possible to the start pen matching your race time (the pens are placed according to your expected pace), then picks you up at the agreed point after the finish. Package covering before + after, payment in a single instalment.
Companion package — following along the course
For loved ones who want to follow the race from several strategic points. Our chauffeur knows the 3 key access points close to the course despite the road closures: the 10 km zone, mid-race at 21 km, then the finish. You take photos and cheer on your runner at 3 different spots.
Premium package — personalised service
For international runners or groups (4 people maximum in the SUV, 7 seats on request), à la carte service over a half-day or a full day, including station, hotel and start/finish line transfers, and a recovery restaurant. Personalised quote.
Indicative fares
Fixed fares for the marathon editions, to be confirmed according to your pick-up and drop-off points.
| Package | SUV (1-4 people) | 7-seater van |
|---|---|---|
| Runner — drop-off only | €45 (1 trip) | €59 (1 trip) |
| Runner — drop-off + pick-up | €75 (package) | €98 (package) |
| Companion — 3 points on the course | €120 (3h) | €156 (3h) |
| Premium — half-day | €240 (4h) | €312 (4h) |
Fares per vehicle, not per person. With 4 runners in an SUV for the drop-off + pick-up package, the ride comes to €19 per head — less than a standard taxi and with a service guarantee.
Preparation and practical advice
Three tips so that your transfer goes perfectly.
Book early
For the marathon weekend, our slots are fully booked 1 month in advance. Book as soon as you have confirmed your race number, ideally via WhatsApp to streamline the exchange. We block your slot immediately.
Prepare your pick-up point
At the finish, we agree on a precise pick-up point (often place des Quinconces, the Bourse du Travail car park or the Mériadeck car park depending on the edition). We send you an annotated map by WhatsApp the day before so that you have no stress.
Communicate your expected time
By telling us your expected pace (sub-3h30, sub-4h, 4h+ finisher), we set the pick-up time as accurately as possible. No pointless waiting for you, no chauffeur tied up for nothing.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book?
For the marathon weekend, 4 to 6 weeks minimum. The race-morning slots (6:30 am – 8 am) are the tightest.
Does the service include luggage assistance?
Yes. If you have several bags (race bag, change of clothes, warm clothing, supplies), our chauffeur handles them at drop-off and puts them back in the vehicle for the pick-up.
Can it be combined with a station or airport transfer?
Of course. For runners coming from afar (high-speed train at Bordeaux Saint-Jean or plane at Mérignac), we offer a weekend package including Friday arrival, Sunday marathon transfers, and Monday return. Quote on request.
What happens if I finish later than expected?
Our chauffeur remains on standby up to 30 minutes beyond the estimated time at no extra charge. Beyond that, a reasonable hourly supplement applies. The vast majority of our transfers keep to the planned slots.
For a group of 8 runners or more?
We combine several vehicles (SUV + 7-seater van) with a lead chauffeur to coordinate. Fare on quote. For a team or a club, it is the most efficient option.
Book your marathon transfer
To book a Bordeaux Privilège private chauffeur transfer for the Bordeaux Marathon, contact us via WhatsApp specifying: the desired package, the number of participants, your expected race time, your hotel or pick-up location. We reply within 30 minutes during business hours with a tailored quote.
You can also reach us by phone or by email. The Bordeaux marathon is one of our busiest weekends: we recommend booking as soon as your race number is confirmed.
Book your private chauffeur in Bordeaux
Available 7 days a week, day and night.
Phone: 07 80 96 17 10 | Online booking
Find all the official information on the course and registration on the Bordeaux Marathon website. To plan your arrival from the airport, check the Bordeaux Mérignac Airport website.
What to do after the race?
After 42 km or 10 km of racing, the last thing you need is to look for a taxi or wait in a packed tram. Bordeaux Privilège organises your return from the finish area as soon as you have collected your medal: your chauffeur is in contact with you and adjusts the pick-up time in real time, whether you achieved your goal in 3h or 5h.
We also recommend planning your return transfer in advance (hotel, station or airport) if you come from another city for the marathon. Bordeaux welcomes thousands of visiting runners every year — taxis and private hire vehicles without a booking are under heavy strain at the end of the race. Secure your return as soon as you register for the marathon and start resting from the last kilometre onwards!
- Start drop-off zone: your chauffeur drops you off as close as possible to the start pen, according to the official map.
- Flexible return: the pick-up time adapts to your actual race time.
- Luggage: no boot problem — dry clothes, supply bags and medal in complete peace of mind.
In summary: the Bordeaux Marathon deserves flawless logistics. With Bordeaux Privilège, your outbound transfer to the start and your post-race return are organised in advance — all you have to do is run. Service available 7 days a week, fixed price, no waiting at the finish.