We will need to take a train to Bordeaux from Sarlat in Sept to get to the airport to fly out. Do the trains from Sarlat leave pretty frequently? We will need to get there by early afternoon.
Posted by
Seattle
255 posts
We were just there and found it fairly difficult to get a train from Bordeaux to Sarlat (I assume Sarlat to Bordeaux looks pretty much the same except reversed). For that reason we used a rental car to get into and out of the Sarlat/Dordogne area. I did not save any of the numerous SCNF paper schedules I picked up in the Bordeaux station, but my recollection was that there was one connection per day between those locales, which is why we used a car for part of the trip. However you need not rely on my hazy memory. Its easy to go online and see the real story. Lots of folks, including the RS office staff, like to use bahn.de for train schedules. I went to the famous Man in Seat 61 website (www.seat61.com) and I think he aimed me at the SCNF website, but we've used both. The only time we really needed a seat reservation was on the mainline TGV to Toulouse on a national holiday. Most the time we simply showed up day of and bought tickets. We might have paid a bit more that way, but we had max flexibility. Do be careful if you book online as there as some websites that add their own fees. Also be aware that in general the train schedules can be very different from day to day. Be sure to verify that the train you want is running on your specific travel day. Don't just assume weekdays are all the same and Saturdays and Sundays are the same. Enjoy.
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
The trains run pretty frequent from Sarlat to Bordeaux.
That route is served by TER trains or regional trains. The prices on those trains don't go up and fixed.
There was a direct train but currently the track is under repair so you have to change trains one or two times. The schedule for September is not up yet.
You can get an idea by searching the official French rail online site.
Posted by
OP
Rolling Meadows, Illinois, USA
26 posts
Thank you.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The train line between Sarlat and Bordeaux is currently under construction, so it requires a detour via Agen or use of the SNCF replacement buses, either way takes 5 hours and two connections. September schedules are not yet published, and perhaps they hope to be finished, but you probably have to wait a couple of months for any more info.