Getting To and Around The Dordogne: The Ultimate Dordogne Guide   Recently updated!

Getting To and Around The Dordogne
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Getting To and Around The Dordogne

Getting To and Around The Dordogne

The Dordogne (Périgord) offers stunning medieval towns, prehistoric sites like Lascaux, dramatic castles along the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, and world-class cuisine (foie gras, truffles, walnuts). Centered around hubs like Sarlat-la-Canéda (Périgord Noir), Bergerac, and Périgueux, the region is rural—making a car the ideal way to explore freely. Public options work for main towns but limit access to remote villages, caves, and scenic spots.

This 2026 guide covers arrival options (air, train, car) and getting around, with practical details, times, costs, and tips for stress-free travel in this enchanting corner of France.

By Air – Arrival Airports

The Dordogne has no large international airport. Fly into regional or major hubs, then transfer by car (recommended), train, taxi, or shuttle.

Nearest Airports (2026):

  • Brive Vallée de la Dordogne (BVE / Brive-Souillac) – Closest to Sarlat (~40-50 km, 40-60 min drive). Seasonal flights (e.g., from UK). Car rental on-site; taxis/transfers available; limited bus/train links via Souillac or Brive station.
  • Bergerac Dordogne Périgord (EGC) – Central (~50-80 km to Sarlat/Périgueux, 50-90 min). Budget flights from UK/Europe (Ryanair, Jet2). Excellent car rental; direct TER train to Sarlat (~1-1.5 h).
  • Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD) – Major hub (~180-220 km to Sarlat, 2-2.5 h drive). Wide international flights. Rent car or train from Bordeaux St-Jean to Sarlat (~2.5 h TER).
  • Others: Limoges (LFJ), Périgueux (small/domestic), Toulouse (farther south).

Tips: Book seasonal routes early. Car rental at airports (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) for flexibility. Private transfers €150-350 (e.g., Ophorus). Taxis costly for longer distances. Fly into Bordeaux for more options/cheaper fares, then drive/train.

By Train

SNCF TER regional trains serve the area (scenic but infrequent). Sarlat has its own station; other hubs include Bergerac, Périgueux, Les Eyzies, Le Buisson.

Main Routes (2026):

  • From Bordeaux St-Jean – Direct TER to Sarlat (~2h 15-2h 45, 5-6/day, €25-50).
  • From Paris – TGV to Bordeaux (~2-3 h), then TER; or TGV to Brive (~4-5 h), then regional to Sarlat (~1 h). Total 5-7 h, €80-200+.
  • From Bergerac/Brive – Direct/regional to Sarlat (~1-1.5 h).
  • Within region: Bordeaux–Sarlat line stops at Saint-Émilion, Bergerac, etc.

Tips: Book on SNCF Connect or Trainline. Sarlat station ~10-15 min walk to center. Limited evening/weekend services; check for engineering works. Great for eco-travel but pair with car rental for day trips.

By Car – The Best Way to Explore

Driving offers freedom to visit châteaux, caves, markets, and villages at your pace. Roads are good (A89 motorway + scenic N/D routes); traffic light outside summer peaks.

Approximate Distances & Times (2026, normal traffic):

  • From Bordeaux: ~190-220 km to Sarlat, 2-2.5 h (A89/N21).
  • From Bergerac: ~70 km to Sarlat, ~1 h.
  • From Brive: ~50 km to Sarlat, 45 min-1 h.
  • From Paris: ~500-550 km, 5-6 h (A10/A71/A20/A89).
  • From Toulouse: ~200-250 km, 2.5-3 h.

Tips: Tolls ~€20-40 on motorways. Free/paid parking in towns (e.g., Sarlat lots outside pedestrian center). Rent from airports/stations (international brands + locals). Scenic but winding roads—drive cautiously in summer. International license recommended; automatic cars available but pricier.

By Bus, Taxi & Other Options

Bus: Regional buses (e.g., from Brive/Souillac to Sarlat) or FlixBus from Bordeaux/Toulouse (infrequent, 3-6 h). Summer tourist shuttles to sites like Lascaux.

Taxi/Private Transfer: Convenient for groups/airport pickups (€150-400 from Bordeaux/Brive). Book via local firms or apps.

Cycling: Excellent greenways (voies vertes) like Sarlat-Cazoulès (~20-29 km flat path), Vézère Valley route, or Céou road. Bike rentals common in Sarlat/Les Eyzies. Great for short/local exploration; hilly terrain elsewhere—e-bikes helpful.

General Tips for Getting Around in 2026

  • Rent a car for full access—public transport restricts you to main towns and misses hidden gems.
  • Spring/fall best for fewer crowds; summer high season—book transport/lodging early.
  • Use apps: SNCF Connect (trains), ViaMichelin/Google Maps (driving), regional tourism sites for bus updates.
  • Check sarlat-tourisme.com, tourism-dordogne.com, or visit-dordogne-valley.co.uk for latest info.
  • Fuel up in towns; ATMs widespread. Respect speed limits (often 80 km/h rural roads).