Is there a train that runs essentially from Barcelona, Spain to Avignon, France? We land in Barcelona and want to explore coastal France (not French Riviera) before heading to Lyon and Paris and don't want to rent an international car if it can be avoided.
Posted by
Irving
2979 posts
Will you depart from Barcelona - Airport Prat T1? If so, look up options on FR national rail website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3734 posts
If you are not leaving from the airport, there is a train from Barcelona Sants station to Avignon TGV. Trip takes about four hours. There might be more fast trains to Nimes which is less than an hour from Avignon, if that is a possibility for you. When I was doing a similar trip, I ended up taking the train to NImes instead of Avignon because there were way more direct, fast trains on our travel date.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10245 posts
Check the websites of both the French National railroad, SNCF, and the Spanish, Renfe. SNCF stops in Nîmes and Renfe in Marseille.
Posted by
Wengen
1800 posts
Trainline is actually a good place to explore options on this route, as it shows both operators.
And what you see there is that there is one direct train, operated by RENFE, in the afternoon. This is probably also going to be the cheapest option.
You can travel at other times if you are willing to change somewhere en route.
You will have more direct options if you head for Montpelier or Nimes, where you can also rent a car from...
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10245 posts
Montpellier also has many local trains going to Avignon. Both SNCF and Renfe stop in Montpellier. Do be careful because Montpellier has two stations : Gare du sud TGV six kilometres south, and in the center of town Gare St. Roch.