- Must visit
Musée Maritime de La Rochelle
Floating and shore-based maritime museum centered on historic vessels and the city's seafaring heritage, set by the old harbor.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
4 h
Buses per day
5
Distance
284 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 5 buses that leave Saint-Malo for La Rochelle on Tue, May 26, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct buses cover the 284 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest buses will take 4 h 10 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $73.
Distance: 176 miles (284 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$50 Average price Cheapest | $94 Average price | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle:
A bus is $44 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle costing on average $94 (€75).
Other travel options to La Rochelle take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 39m.
Tickets start at around $50 (€40) compared to roughly $75 (€61) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $25 (€20). The journey takes 4h 9m versus 3h 38m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
The table below shows live departures for Saint-Malo to La Rochelle buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:50 AM Saint-Malo | 4h10 | 10:00 AM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:50 AM Saint-Malo | 3h40 | 12:30 PM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:00 AM Saint-Malo | 4h00 | 3:00 PM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:00 PM Saint-Malo | 4h10 | 7:10 PM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Saint-Malo | 4h00 | 9:30 PM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Buses from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:05, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 176 miles (284 km) distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 176 miles (284 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 2:05 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of La Rochelle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect La Rochelle trip today.
Floating and shore-based maritime museum centered on historic vessels and the city's seafaring heritage, set by the old harbor.
Major natural history museum with zoology, ethnography, and regional collections; one of the city's best museum visits for families and curious travelers.
Fine arts museum in the former episcopal palace, known for European paintings and a calm, central setting near the old town.
Historic center of arcaded streets, mansions, and small squares, perfect for wandering and experiencing La Rochelle's classic urban character.
Colorful waterfront quarter known for street art, wooden buildings, and sunset photos; especially popular on social media.
Large linear park near the center with shaded paths, lawns, and water features; ideal for a calm walk between sightseeing stops.
Mussels cooked in a creamy sauce with curry and white wine, a signature dish of the Charente coast and a local seafood classic.
Locally famous oysters matured in nearby oyster beds and claire ponds, prized for their delicate salty and slightly sweet flavor.
Traditional mussels covered with pine needles and cooked over fire, giving them a smoky flavor strongly associated with coastal Charente-Maritime.
Celebrated seafood-focused fine dining restaurant by the sea, known for refined Atlantic fish and shellfish tasting menus.
Elegant long-standing harbor restaurant serving polished seafood cuisine with views of the old port and a classic upscale atmosphere.
Well-known traditional brasserie near the old port, popular for shellfish platters, regional fish dishes, and lively local ambiance.
Moderate by French standards. Cafés and seafood can cost more in tourist areas, but casual meals stay reasonable.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated but not required. Small change for cafés and taxis is common.
Official public transport app
La Rochelle P+R Jean Moulin, La Rochelle -> Gare de La Rochelle, La Rochelle
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at La Rochelle, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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