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Travel from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal by train in 5 hours 54 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal by train is 12 hours 18 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 5 hours 54 minutes. Around 17 trains per day travel the 331 miles (533 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 1 change along the way to Rotterdam Centraal. You're likely to be travelling with TGV, Thalys or SNCF to Rotterdam Centraal. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal in our Journey Planner.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal by train

First train

05:32

Last train

20:38

Departure station

Besançon

Arrival station

Rotterdam Centraal

Journey time

From 5h 54m

Distance

331 miles (533 km)

Frequency

17 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

TGV Lyria, BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF, ÖBB, SNCB, Flixbus, NS

FAQs about the train journey from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal

Want to know more about your journey from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you travel to Rotterdam Centraal from Besançon?

To get to Rotterdam Centraal from Besançon, why not take the train? With 17 trains per day and an average journey time of 12 hours and 18 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal by train?

On average, it takes around 12 hours and 18 minutes to travel from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal by train, although you can get there in 5 hours and 54 minutes on the fastest services. With 17 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

Are there high-speed trains from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal?

Yes, there are high-speed trains available from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal. TGV and TGV Lyria trains offer various classes and onboard services. You'll be able to get there in around 5 hours and 54 minutes on the fastest services.

How fast can trains travel from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal?

The fastest time a train can travel the 331 miles (533 km) from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal is 5 hours and 54 minutes.

Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal train times

Check out the next trains departing from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal for Tuesday 31st December 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:0814:026h 54m, 2 changes
09:5616:026h 6m, 2 changes
11:3318:026h 29m, 2 changes
11:5619:027h 6m, 2 changes
13:5107:5017h 59m, 2 changes
14:0807:5017h 42m, 3 changes
15:0607:5016h 44m, 5 changes
15:1408:3917h 25m, 7 changes
15:1408:5717h 43m, 6 changes
16:3508:3916h 4m, 8 changes

TGV, TER, SNCF and TGV Lyria trains from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal

You can travel from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal on TGV, TER, SNCF and TGV Lyria trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoErmell, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.

PhotoSmiley.toerist, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).

PhotoChabe01, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).

TGV INOUI, SNCB, TGV Lyria and NS classes from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, SNCB, TGV Lyria and NS when travelling from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal.

Onboard services on TGV INOUI, SNCB, TGV Lyria and NS

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised.

All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

PetPetPets

Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

LuggageLuggageLuggage

When travelling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of luggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg. Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your luggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following luggage on board for free:

  • Briefcases, rucksacks and suitcases
  • Wheelchairs (manual or automatic)
  • Pushchairs and prams
  • Folding bikes, unicycles, scooters
  • Sports equipment (e.g. skis)
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

As long as they are travelling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children travelling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re travelling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.

When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.

PetPetPets

Guide and assistance dogs

Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.

Pets

Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm, you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take luggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains:

Le Deli: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a STANDARD or STANDARD 1ÈRE TGV Lyria ticket.
La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a BUSINESS 1ÈRE TGV Lyria ticket.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Families can reserve two different areas on the train:

The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in STANDARD (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair.
Club 4, which is also a set of 4 seats facing one another around a table.

You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table and bottle-warming station, on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, close to the Family Space.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm).

PetPetPets

Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7.

Dogs on a lead may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

2 seats in carriages 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair.

InfoInfoOther

You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

There are no luggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

There is no onboard catering on NS trains.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage.

PetPetPets

Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a lead - you must also buy a dog train ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.

Cheap train tickets from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Besançon to Rotterdam Centraal by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

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