1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£16
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
50 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
51 m
Trains on 17 Sept
13
Distance
61 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Saintes to La Rochelle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Saintes to La Rochelle will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 13 trains from Saintes to La Rochelle, including 11 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 61 km distance in an average of 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 52 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.
3852
3858
3856
3856+
F15 (864012)
D15 (864808)
3852
3856
D15 (864808)
D15 (864800)
3858Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Saintes to La Rochelle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £5 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 1h 15m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, while a train costs an average of £12.
Distance: 61 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£12 Average Price | £5 Average Price Cheapest | £15 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 30m Average total duration 1h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 15m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Saintes to La Rochelle:
A coach is £7 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Saintes to La Rochelle costing on average £12.
Other travel options to La Rochelle take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 0m.
Tickets start at around £12 compared to roughly £15 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £3. The journey takes 1h 0m versus 54m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, SNCF | Intercités, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Saintes to La Rochelle trains for today, Wednesday 16 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3856+ F15 (864012) | On time 15:33 Saintes station | 1h27 | 17:00 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 1 change | |
3856 | Delayed 15:33 Saintes station | 0h50 | 14:38 14:38La Rochelle station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864764) | 16:47 Saintes station | 1h11 | 17:58 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864764) | 16:47 Saintes station | 1h04 | 17:51 La Rochelle station | 0 changesdirect | |
L16 (864626) | 17:52 Saintes station | 1h03 | 18:55 La Rochelle station | 0 changesdirect | |
L16 (864626) | 17:52 Saintes station | 1h10 | 19:02 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 0 changesdirect | |
D15 (864808) | 18:34 Saintes station | 0h50 | 19:24 La Rochelle station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864770) | 20:08 Saintes station | 1h10 | 21:18 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 17 September | |||||
D15 (864800) | 8:33 Saintes station | 0h51 | 9:24 La Rochelle station | 0 changesdirect | |
3852 | 9:25 Saintes station | 0h50 | 10:15 La Rochelle station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864760) | 12:27 Saintes station | 1h04 | 13:31 La Rochelle station | 0 changesdirect | |
L15 (864760) | 12:27 Saintes station | 1h12 | 13:39 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 0 changesdirect | |
L17 (864470)+ 8377 | 13:01 Saintes station | 2h21 | 15:22 La Rochelle station | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 Saintes to La Rochelle run on average 14 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 22:08. The fastest train covers the 61 km distance in 49m.
Distance 61 km |
Average train duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 49m |
First train 5:25 |
Last train 22:08 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Compare SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 classes and the amenities included in each one.
Compare SNCF | Intercités classes and the amenities included in each one.


Discover the best of La Rochelle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect La Rochelle trip today.
A leading maritime museum with preserved vessels, including a weather ship and fishing boat, moored in the old harbour area.
Natural history collections covering animals, ethnography and regional science, set in an elegant former governor’s residence.
Fine arts museum in a historic episcopal palace, showing paintings and decorative arts from the 15th to 20th centuries.
The city’s lively harbour lined with quays, cafés and historic towers; ideal for a first walk and classic La Rochelle views.
This old quarter of arcaded lanes, mansions and small squares captures the city’s mercantile character and rewards slow wandering.
A central pedestrian shopping street known for arcades, historic façades and easy access to the old town’s main sights.
Fresh oysters from nearby Marennes-Oléron, prized for their briny flavour and long oyster-farming tradition on the Charente coast.
Mussels cooked with pineau, cream or herbs are a Charente-Maritime staple, reflecting the region’s strong shellfish culture and Atlantic produce.
A rich fish stew from the Atlantic coast, usually made with local fish, shellfish, wine and aromatics, linked to old fishing traditions.
Smart contemporary restaurant focused on seasonal French cooking and carefully presented plates in an intimate old-town setting.
Elegant seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for oysters, fish and polished service in a refined but welcoming setting.
Historic brasserie on the Vieux Port serving seafood platters, regional dishes and classic French fare in a lively traditional room.
Moderate for a French coastal city: hotels rise in summer, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Small change is fine in cafés; taxis are often rounded up.
Official public transport app
La Rochelle Airport -> Place de Verdun, La Rochelle
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Saintes to La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Saintes to La Rochelle trains use the Saintes to La Rochelle station pair, with some services arriving at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine. Use this guide to compare Saintes and La Rochelle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need