Paris to Calais train with SNCF TER

Train Paris Calais

Calais lies approximately147 miles (237 km) from Paris by train. Taking a train from Paris to Calais is one of the fastest and most direct ways to complete this journey. There are approximately 19 trains a day from Paris to Calais, often with multiple departures throughout the day. The fastest and direct train from Calais to Paris will whisk you there in just under two hours. Trains to Calais from Paris start as early as 6:52 a.m. with several departures throughout the day, every day including Saturday, train times may vary on the Sunday. Travelling by train from Paris to Calais offers comfortable trains with numerous options in the day to suit any needs.

Paris to Calais Train Times: Daily Departures

There are approximately 19 trains a day making the journey from Paris to Calais with departures at various times in the day, offering a wide choice. The first train to Calais from Paris is direct and sets off at around 6:52 a.m. to arrive into Calais at 8:43 a.m., a journey time of 1 hour and 51 minutes. The last train departing from Paris to Calais leaves at 8:22 p.m., times may vary daily. For the most update train schedule from Paris to Calais, visit Omio for an up-to-date timetable.

Boarding your train Paris Calais

The trains from Paris to Calais leave from Paris Gare du Nord Station, a busy train station in the city centre. Plan to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your train is due to depart in order to complete any necessary checks on time, and also locate your platform. Your train to Calais from Paris is likely to depart from one of platforms 9 to 14.

Paris: Panoramic view of the city. Source: Shutterstock

Where does the train depart in Paris and arrive in Calais?

Trains from Paris to Calais depart from Paris Gare du Nord Station one of the busiest train stations in Europe in the centre of Paris.

Gare du Nord is a busy train hub used by regional, and international trains and has a Metro line that connects to other parts of the city.

The trains to Calais from Paris arrive at either Calais Ville in the city centre or Calais Frethun in the suburb of Calais.

When is the best time to book your train ticket Paris Calais?

If you are looking to find a good deal on a train ticket, try and book your ticket as far in advance as possible. Cheap train tickets from Paris to Calais are published as early as three, or even up to six months before a train is due to depart.

You will find some of the cheapest train tickets when you opt to travel on a slow train Paris - Calais. Fast train routes tend to be more expensive than slower routes so if you are in no rush, this is a great option for saving money.

The train to Calais from Paris is a commuter train so will have busy hours, usually after 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m., pick trains outside of these hours to get a cheap train ticket.

What is there to see between Paris and Calais?

Travelling by train from Paris to Calais covers 166 miles of beautiful French countryside that is intriguing and ever changing, its characterised by views of water, and even white cliffs the closer you get to Calais, and is dotted with many towns of historical importance.

• Before you get to Amens on the Somme River Valley, a town with a superb Gothic style cathedral, on the outskirts is Longueau, the site of WWI battlefields where you will find a war memorial commemorating the tragic event.
• Along the route is Abberville, a town crammed with historical monuments in every nook and cranny, most notable among them is a 30 metre tall UNESCO World Heritage Belfry Tower, thought to be the oldest in France.
• As you approach Calais, the train passes by the coastal town of Le Touquet with beautiful beaches and a reputable nightlife. Standing guard over the town is an iconic redbrick light house that also offers fantastic views of the region.

Information on Calais Train Station

Some trains from Paris to Calais arrive at Calais Ville situated right in the city centre and 1 km away from the passenger Ferry.

• The station has a café and waiting facilities with toilets. There are shuttle buses available to the port ferry and depart approximately every hour from outside the station.

Other trains to Calais from Paris arrive at Calais Frethun on Rue de la Gare in the suburbs of Calais.

• This station has four platforms and is approximately 6 kms from the city centre and can be reached by trains from Calais Ville in around 17 minutes.
• Calais Frethun Station has a shop, waiting amenities with toilets and baby changing facilities.

Night trains Paris Calais

There are no night trains on the route from Paris to Calais given the fast trains that cover the journey in as little as two hours. However, there is a vast range of services on this route, starting from around 6 a.m. all the way until approximately 8:22 pm., which means you can spend a whole day in Paris before catching this last train to Calais. Train times may vary on Sunday.

SNCF trains Paris to Calais

SNCF is one of the main providers that runs trains from Paris to Calais. SNCF runs approximately 19 trains from Paris to Calais daily. The first train to Calais from Paris will head off at 6:52 a.m. and then every hour following that, and has multiple departures at various points during the day. The last SNCF train from Paris to Calais sets off at 8:22 p.m., getting you into Calais at 10:13 p.m.

Trains Paris Calais: Sustainable Travel

We really don’t have to look very far today to see the effects of climate change, its therefore not surprising that we all want to play a part in slowing down these effects. They say every little helps, so by seeking different ways in which to do things that may have less detrimental effects on the environment, like addressing our carbon footprint, all goes towards achieving this goal.

It is of the opinion, and has been proven, that trains have lower carbon emissions compared to cars, so are a much greener way of travelling. SNCF are at the forefront of championing low-carbon mobility and run hybrid trains using renewable energy suppliers for their trains. Why not opt for the train next time you want to travel from Paris to Calais?

Train Paris to Calais: Services on Board

SNCF operates both the high-speed TGV and the TER train Paris-Calais route. SNCF trains are the epitome of comfort and offer all mod-cons including air-conditioned carriages, seats with charging ports, head support and free Wi-Fi as a standard. They offer a restaurant carriage from which you can enjoy a bought meal or buy one to take back to enjoy from the comfort of your seat, there are also washroom facilities available in every carriage car. The dedicated family area offers passengers travelling with children to keep them occupied and not worry about disturbing other travellers.

• As long as they are in an appropriate carrier, or are on a leash and wear a muzzle, pets can travel at a small fee, but assistance dogs can travel at no charge.
• If you are not quite sure what to take on your journey, fear not, SNCF rather generously allow you as much luggage as you want, as long as you can carry it on board, the offer extends to sports equipment, foldable bicycles and pushchairs.
• With two classes of travel, you can pick the one that suits your needs. A Standard Class ticket offers seats organised two abreast and across the aisle, perfect if you’re travelling with family or a group of friends and won’t mind sharing a charging port on some trains.
• Whereas the First Class ticket can get you quieter carriages, more legroom, reclining seats with footrests, self-charging ports and a personal reading light. Sitting ranges from individual, two aside, four together or even a private cabin.
• For a wheelchair user, you have the advantage of travelling in the First Class carriage with your Standard Class ticket, remember to book it by phone at least 24 hours before travelling to avoid disappointment.

When to book your train tickets from Paris to Calais?

Take advantage of train tickets released in advance to ensure a cheap train ticket from Paris to Calais. Booking your train ticket as far in advance as possible is a guaranteed way of getting a cheap train from Paris to Calais.

One of the easiest ways to get a cheap train ticket from Calais to Paris is by being flexible with your travel dates, it’s astonishing how much savings you can make by booking your ticket a day earlier or even later. This is an assured way of getting the cheapest train tickets from Paris to Calais.

There are slow train options on the route from Paris to Calais. Take a slow train from Paris to Calais, sit back and enjoy the scenery knowing you’ve bought yourself a cheap train ticket and made savings to spend on something else. Search through Omio for the best train Paris – Calais train price.

To Calais by Train: Travel Tips

There’s more to the port city of Calais than meets the eye. Apart from great duty free shopping, it has some incredible food and the nightlife is rather buzzy. Paris is but a short train ride away, take a look at what there is to do there at The Window Seat travel magazine by Omio. It also offers some unique experiences that you will not find anywhere else.

• Have you ever fantasised about taming a dragon, then fantasise no more. One of the most unique experiences in Calais can be found along its beaches. The Calais Dragon is a humongous 12 x 25m long dragon made of steel that offers rides along the beach with expressive eyes whilst spewing water, fire, and smoke. It truly is a fantastic experience. Atop this huge beast, you can get 360° views of Calais and its surrounding areas.
• It’s a haven for lovers of architecture. One of the most impressive buildings here is the town hall. Though built in the 20th century, it has attained the UNESCO World Heritage designation and well worth a visit. The belfry tower is a whooping 75 metres high.
• If you head to the Courgain Maritime quarter in the historic fishing district, you will find the magnificent Calais lighthouse. If you’re up to it, climb up the 271 stairs as you will be rewarded by jaw dropping views that can go as far as Dover on a clear day.
• Calais does have some beautiful beaches most quintessentially lined by white huts and promenades with lovely restaurants and wine bars. Cap Blan-Nez beach, located 10 km away from the city is one of the best, surrounded by white cliffs similar to those found in Dover. Walk to the headland for a glimpse of the UK across the waters, the view of the ferries crossing the waters is truly breath taking.

What are the other cities to go to from Paris?

Calais is that border town perfectly placed to visit other places both in and out of France. For example you could visit Amsterdam, or even London. Some places to visit in France by train include Reims, otherwise take a train to Lille.