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Take the train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle in 2 hours 19 minutes
If you want to travel from Bordeaux to La Rochelle by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Bordeaux to La Rochelle by train to take around 4 hours 7 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 2 hours 19 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 13 trains per day running on this route, which spans 95 miles (153 km). There’s no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to La Rochelle. SNCF is the main train company operating on this route, as they are the national rail operator in France. You're likely to be hopping onto either a regional TER or Intercités service, both of which have plenty of space for luggage and modern comfortable seating.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Bordeaux to La Rochelle start from £11.35 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Bordeaux to La Rochelle by train
It takes an average of 4h 7m to travel from Bordeaux to La Rochelle by train, over a distance of around 95 miles (153 km). There are normally 13 trains per day travelling from Bordeaux to La Rochelle and tickets for this journey start from £11.35 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:56 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:45 | |
| Departure station | Bordeaux | |
| Arrival station | La Rochelle | |
| Journey time | From 2h 19m | |
| Distance | 95 miles (153 km) | |
| Frequency | 13 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £11.35 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Intercités, TER and SNCF trains from Bordeaux to La Rochelle
Intercités
TER
SNCF
Intercités is the classic service of SNCF. The Intercités lines are an important part of the French rail network. Trains make more stops and are cheaper than TGVs, and run at speeds of up to 100 mph (160 km/h). Two comfort classes are offered aboard Intercités – First Class and Second Class. Intercités by night allows you to travel at night on certain routes, in sleeper cars.
More information
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.
More information
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).
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TER and INTERCITÉS classes from Bordeaux to La Rochelle
Compare the different travel classes offered by TER and INTERCITÉS when travelling from Bordeaux to La Rochelle.
TER
INTERCITÉS
Second Class
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
Second Class
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll enjoy at-seat power sockets, free WiFi and a catering service offering snacks and drinks.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Single seat options
First Class
In addition to all the amenities available in Standard Class, you'll find more legroom, adjustable seats and individual tables in First Class.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Single seat options
Onboard services on TER and INTERCITÉS
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bordeaux to La Rochelle.
TER
INTERCITÉS
There are no size limits for the luggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any luggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated luggage storage spaces on the train.
TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!
TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.
All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.
On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.
Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.
If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.
You can take as much luggage as you want on INTERCITÉS trains, whether that's a suitcase, overnight bag or a backpack - just make sure that each piece of luggage is no taller than 130cm and no wider than 90cm. You must be able to carry all your luggage yourself. All luggage must be labelled before you hop on board the train.
You can treat yourself without leaving your seat on INTERCITÉS trains, as there's an at-seat food and drink service. Discover the INTERCITÉS menu 'Nos Territoires Gourmands' and enjoy high-quality, local products. This service is only available on the following routes: Paris - Clermont-Ferrance, Paris - Toulouse, Bordeaux - Marseille, Paris - Briançon (night INTERCITÉS train), Paris - Toulouse (night train), Paris - Lourdes (night train), Paris - Nice (night train).
Free WiFi is available on some INTERCITÉS services. Kick back and relax with free WiFi on the following routes: Paris-Clermont-Ferrand, Paris-Limoges-Toulouse, Marseille-Bordeaux and Paris-Briançon. On overnight trains, you can connect to free WiFi on the Paris - Nice and Paris - Briançon routes.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
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 for an additional fee.
Small pets are allowed on board INTERCITÉS 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 INTERCITÉS 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.
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).
Cheap train tickets from Bordeaux to La Rochelle
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 Bordeaux to La Rochelle 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Bordeaux to La Rochelle? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle take?
The average journey time by train between Bordeaux and La Rochelle is 4 hours and 7 minutes, with around 13 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Bordeaux and La Rochelle by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle is 2 hours and 19 minutes.
How much does the train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle cost?
Train ticket prices from Bordeaux to La Rochelle can start from as little as £11.35 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Bordeaux to La Rochelle without having to change trains. There are 7 direct trains from Bordeaux to La Rochelle each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle leave?
The first train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle leaves at 06:56. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle leave?
The last train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle leaves at 20:45. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Bordeaux and La Rochelle by train?
Trains travelling from Bordeaux to La Rochelle cover a distance of around 95 miles (153 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from La Rochelle to Bordeaux.