La Rochelle station for your train journeys

Both a historical monument and a multimodal interchange platform, La Rochelle train station occupies a central place in the life of the city. Discover all the essential information to prepare your trip to or from La Rochelle!

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A train station in the heart of the city

The construction of La Rochelle train station began in 1909 but was interrupted by the First World War. Inaugurated in 1922, it is a monumental building located in the city center, a stone's throw from the port of La Rochelle. It is dominated by a 45-meter bell tower, exceeding in height the famous towers of the city. Built in cut stone and richly decorated, its architecture echoes that of the Grosse Horloge, the old gate then belfry of the city. With its hall adorned with superb mosaics, its facade decorated with engravings inspired by sailing and the maritime world as well as its platforms covered with a huge glass roof, the building does not go unnoticed. It is also listed in the register of Historic Monuments. 

A vast forecourt open to the city extends in front of the SNCF station. Designed to accommodate all mobilities, this multimodal interchange hub was inaugurated during the festivities organized on the occasion of the centenary of the station, in 2022. An event celebrated with great pomp to celebrate the many developments carried out on the site after 2 years of work: 

• the 300-meter walkway offering travelers direct access to the historic center;
• the 250-space car park;
• the creation of a new cycle path on Boulevard Joffre allowing access to the facilities by bike.

The traffic plan around the interchange hub aims to encourage soft mobility (bike, TER, bus, carpooling, etc.) and to smooth out car journeys. Large esplanade dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, the forecourt includes a fun fountain with jets and misters. In the evening, choreographic lighting colors the square and the facades of the building.

Access to the city's natural areas is easy: Canal de Rompsay, visit of the Tasdon marshes, Jacques Bobinnec park are a few minutes walk from the central station.

La Rochelle station: practical information

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The SNCF station is open: 

• Monday to Friday from 05:00 to midnight;
• Saturday from 05:00 to 22:45;
• Sunday and public holidays from 07:00 to 23:45.

You can buy your tickets at the counter or at the TER ticket vending machine.

The station has an access plus service for users with reduced mobility and a young travelers reception area. Several paid car parks are located near the facilities for your long-term parking. If you are accompanying a traveler, the 15-space drop-off is free for the first 15 minutes of use. 

You can also access the station by intercity bus, bus, taxi or bicycle. It is possible to use the agglomeration's bicycles (Yélo network) upon your arrival. 

How to get to La Rochelle?

By TGV, Intercity or TER, the train remains the most ecological way to come to La Rochelle. Practical and fast, it will only take you 2 hours to come from Bordeaux or Nantes and less than 3 hours to come from Paris!

You can also take advantage of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional road transport network to come by bus: an economical way to visit La Rochelle. Do you prefer sports holidays? Get on your bike and take advantage of the cycle paths of the Vélodyssée and/or the Vélo Francette, two routes where La Rochelle is a stage city. 

Another option: reach the city by sea by stopping at the marina located in the Minimes district (near La Rochelle Aquarium and the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle). 

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By plane, land at La Rochelle-île de Ré airport. 5 km from the city center, it is served all year round by regular shuttles. 

Of course, it is very easy to get to the White City by car. On site, you will have the choice between several parking possibilities: 

• parking spaces on the road, paying from Monday to Saturday (free on Sundays and public holidays);
• paid parking in the city center, ideally located but quickly full (Verdun car park near the square and the La Rochelle market, Prefecture car park near the Old Port, etc.);
• free P+R park-and-ride car parks (Jean Moulin, Les Greffières, etc.) located at the gates of the city and served by Illico buses and shuttles allowing stress-free access to the main museums of La Rochelle, historical monuments, parks as well as the most beautiful beaches of La Rochelle. 

Ideally located, our hotels in La Rochelle all have a closed and secure parking space, specially reserved for our customers. Practical for parking your vehicle in complete serenity!

Your hotel near La Rochelle SNCF train station

Are you looking for a hotel in Poitou-Charentes for a business trip, a family vacation or a romantic weekend in the region? At B&B HOTELS, we offer you a stay at the best rate in all our establishments in La Rochelle. 

Close to the main attractions and the best restaurants in La Rochelle, you will have an ideal address to discover the city and its surroundings. Practical if you come to attend a concert as part of the Francofolies de la Rochelle, a rugby match, a corporate event or an international exhibition (Grand Pavois, Salon International de La Rochelle, etc.)

Discover our accommodation solutions without delay and book your room in no time!