- Must visit
Aquarium La Rochelle
One of Europe's leading aquariums, showcasing Atlantic and tropical marine life. A flagship family attraction connected to La Rochelle's seafaring identity.
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
4 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
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 $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 1 buses that leave Saint-Malo for La Rochelle on Tue, Aug 25, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct buses cover the 284 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest buses will take 4 h 50 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 $26. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a train costs an average of $63.
Distance: 176 miles (284 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $103 Average price | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m 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 $60 (€48) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle costing on average $103 (€83).
Other travel options to La Rochelle take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 48m.
Tickets start at around $43 (€34) compared to roughly $76 (€62) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $34 (€27). The journey takes 4h 21m 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 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
The table below shows live departures for Saint-Malo to La Rochelle buses for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:20 PM Saint-Malo, Esplanade Saint Vincent | 7h35 | 2:55 AM La Rochelle, Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
53023 · 51027 | 9:00 PM Saint-Malo, Esplanade Saint Vincent | 11h20 | 8:20 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
There are 2 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 55m.
Distance 176 miles (284 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
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 Sun |
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.
One of Europe's leading aquariums, showcasing Atlantic and tropical marine life. A flagship family attraction connected to La Rochelle's seafaring identity.
Maritime museum featuring preserved ships and exhibits on navigation, trade, and ocean life. Ideal for exploring La Rochelle's strong nautical heritage.
Natural history museum with zoology, ethnography, and regional collections in a historic setting. Excellent for understanding science and global curiosities.
The city's postcard harbor lined with historic towers, quays, and lively promenades. Essential for first-time visitors, photos, and atmosphere day or night.
Elegant arcaded shopping street in the historic center. Great for wandering beneath covered walkways and admiring La Rochelle's distinctive stone architecture.
Historic market district centered on the covered market halls. It is one of the best areas to feel daily local life in the old city.
Fresh Atlantic oysters from nearby Marennes-Oléron, prized for their briny taste and strong link to the Charente coast and local oyster farming.
Blue mussels from the Bay of Aiguillon or nearby coast, often served simply steamed to highlight a classic local shellfish tradition.
Small local shrimp, usually eaten chilled with butter or mayonnaise. A staple seafood snack tied to the fishing culture of La Rochelle.
Refined Michelin-starred dining in the old port area, known for elegant seafood-focused tasting menus and polished service.
Well-known harbor restaurant specializing in fresh fish, oysters, and regional seafood in a lively, traditional setting.
Historic seafood institution near the harbor, celebrated for shellfish platters, fish dishes, and a classic La Rochelle brasserie atmosphere.
Moderate for coastal France; hotels rise in summer, but dining and local transit are manageable versus larger French tourist cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; small change is enough in cafes.
Official public transport app
P+R Jean Moulin -> Place de Verdun, 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.

Most Saint-Malo to La Rochelle buses use the Saint-Malo, Esplanade Saint Vincent to La Rochelle, Jean Moulin station pair, with some services arriving at La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin. Use this guide to compare Saint-Malo and La Rochelle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
La Rochelle, Jean Moulin is 1 km from La Rochelle city centre. Public transport options include:
La Rochelle, Jean Moulin has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at La Rochelle, Jean Moulin. ATMs are available at La Rochelle, Jean Moulin.
Ticket office support is available at La Rochelle, Jean Moulin.
Available at La Rochelle, Jean Moulin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Rochelle, Jean Moulin: Wheelchair accessible buses available.
La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin is 1 km from La Rochelle city centre. Public transport options include:
La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin. ATMs are available at La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin.
Ticket office support is available at La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin.
Available at La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin: Station is accessible for disabled passengers.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need