- Recommended
Musée archéologique de Saintes
Main archaeological museum presenting Roman finds, sculptures and local history; ideal for context before visiting the city’s ancient remains.
Cheapest price
£13
Average price
£16
Fastest journey
49 m
Average duration
50 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
61 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from La Rochelle to Saintes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from La Rochelle to Saintes will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
Of the 21 trains that leave La Rochelle for Saintes every day 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 61 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 51 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
3835
3833
3831
3837+
F15 (864013)
3835+
F15 (864011)
3835
3833
D15 (864807)
D15 (864811)
3831Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from La Rochelle to Saintes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 61 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£11 Average Price | £7 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 39m Average total duration 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for La Rochelle to Saintes trains for today, Wednesday 12 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F15 (864011)+ 3835 | On time 17:10 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1h29 | 18:39 Saintes station | 1 change | |
3835 | On time 17:50 La Rochelle station | 0h49 | 18:39 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864761) | 18:09 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1h12 | 19:21 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864761) | 18:18 La Rochelle station | 1h03 | 19:21 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864763) | 18:48 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1h12 | 20:00 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864763) | 18:56 La Rochelle station | 1h04 | 20:00 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
F15 (864013)+ 3837 | On time 19:10 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1h22 | 20:32 Saintes station | 1 change | |
L15 (864767) | 21:56 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1h10 | 23:06 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 13 August | |||||
L15 (864751) | 8:05 La Rochelle station | 1h04 | 9:09 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864753) | 8:36 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1h12 | 9:48 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864753) | 8:44 La Rochelle station | 1h04 | 9:48 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
3831 | 9:32 La Rochelle station | 0h51 | 10:23 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
D15 (864807) | 11:28 La Rochelle station | 0h49 | 12:17 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864757) | 12:30 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1h10 | 13:40 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864757) | 12:37 La Rochelle station | 1h03 | 13:40 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
3833 | 13:35 La Rochelle station | 0h49 | 14:24 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
8378+ D17 (864473) | 13:47 La Rochelle station | 1h59 | 15:46 Saintes station | 1 change | |
F15 (864007) · D15 (864811) | 15:26 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1h51 | 17:17 Saintes station | 1 change | |
D15 (864811) | 16:27 La Rochelle station | 0h50 | 17:17 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L16 (864625) | 16:47 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1h10 | 17:57 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
L16 (864625) | 16:54 La Rochelle station | 1h03 | 17:57 Saintes station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from La Rochelle to Saintes run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:20, the last at 22:03. The fastest train covers the 61 km distance in 49m.
Distance 61 km |
Average train duration 1h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 49m |
First train 5:20 |
Last train 22:03 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Saintes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Saintes trip today.
Main archaeological museum presenting Roman finds, sculptures and local history; ideal for context before visiting the city’s ancient remains.
Contemporary exhibition space within the Abbaye aux Dames complex, combining heritage architecture with changing cultural displays.
Museum in a historic townhouse dedicated to regional ceramics and decorative arts, offering a quieter cultural visit in the centre.
Historic pedestrian street lined with old houses, shops and cafés nearby; one of the best areas for a relaxed walk through central Saintes.
Leafy public garden with paths, lawns and river views; a pleasant break between monuments and a local favourite for strolling.
Riverside promenade along the Charente, good for walking and views of bridges and historic façades, especially in fine weather.
Pineau des Charentes is a regional aperitif made by blending grape must with Cognac eau-de-vie, then ageing it. It is a Charente classic often served before meals.
Cognac is the famous brandy produced in the wider Charente region. Distilled from white wine and aged in oak, it is a defining local digestif and export.
Galette charentaise is a buttery Charente cake flavoured with angelica or citrus. It is a traditional family bake from the region, often enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Refined restaurant in Saintes known for polished French cooking, seasonal produce and a calm, elegant atmosphere.
Friendly local address for crêpes, galettes and simple French fare, popular for casual meals in the historic centre.
Traditional brasserie in central Saintes serving classic French dishes and regional products in a lively, relaxed setting.
Moderate for France: accommodation and dining are usually cheaper than in major cities, while local buses and everyday essentials remain reasonably priced for most visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for very good restaurant service. Small change is fine in cafés, and taxi fares are often rounded up.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from La Rochelle to Saintes by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Saintes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most La Rochelle to Saintes trains use the La Rochelle to Saintes station pair. Use this guide to compare La Rochelle and Saintes train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
La Rochelle is 1 km from La Rochelle city centre. Public transport options include:
La Rochelle has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Les 4 Sergents, La Boussole
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at La Rochelle. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at La Rochelle. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at La Rochelle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at La Rochelle: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Rochelle: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Best Western Plus Masqhotel, Hotel Saint Nicolas, Ibis La Rochelle Vieux-Port.
La Rochelle Porte Dauphine has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine.
ATMs are available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine.
Available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine.
Saintes is 1 km from Saintes city centre. Public transport options include:
Saintes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Parvis, La Table du Maroc
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Saintes. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Saintes. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Saintes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Saintes: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Saintes: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Comfort Inn Saintes, ibis Saintes, Campanile Saintes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need