Avignon Centre (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel to the Avignon Centre train station from Avginon city center

Cities don't get more civilized and elegant than Avignon. Situated on the banks of the River Rhone in southeastern France, the city was once the home of the papacy (at least for sixty years in the 14th century), and has a long history reaching back to before Roman times. From the Palais des Papes and the ruined Pont d'Avignon bridge to the Renaissance masterpieces in the Petit Palais, and the 12th-century cathedral, there's so much to see in Avignon. And when the city's festival begins, it's also a global theater center, hosting world-class productions of all kinds. Most visitors to Avignon come in from Marseille, Lyon, or Paris via France's TGV rail network. This makes it vital to know how to reach the Avignon Centre train station from the most popular parts of town.

What is the best way to get to the Avignon Centre train station from Avignon city center?

As its name implies, the Avignon Centre train station is located near the heart of Avignon, so long distances and transfer times won't generally be required when trying to catch rail departures. Those coming from the cathedral neighborhood can take bus numbers 23 or 57, while tourists starting at the Palais des Papes will do better to take the 123 bus at Place du Palais. Attractions to the west of the city center are connected to Avignon Centre via the 57, 58, and 74 bus routes, while BAL A and BAL B buses also run from the city's main market. Travelers coming from over the river at Fort Saint Andre have the option of catching the number five bus or arranging taxis. Finally, if travelers have landed at Avignon Airport and wish to connect with TGV services at the train station, they can take the number four, 15 or 23 bus routes. All run straight from the arrivals terminal to the station entrance.

How far is it to the Avignon Centre train station from Avignon city center?

Avignon Centre is approximately three-tenths of a mile (half of a kilometers) south of the geographic center of the old town. That puts a lot of major attractions within walking distance. However, local buses are reliable and quick, making public transportation an excellent alternative. Bus times vary from major attractions. For example, the cathedral is one mile (1.5 kilometers) north of the station, as is the Palais des Papes, and the Musee du Petit Palais. Expect buses from all three popular attractions to take ten or 15 minutes. Taxis are a considerably faster but more expensive alternative. Journeys from the market and city center museums like the Musee Louis Vouland will be shorter, with five to ten-minute bus journeys. However, Fort Saint Andre is approximately three miles (four and a half kilometers) north of the station. This means that buses will take 20-25 minutes, and taxis about 15 minutes. The airport is six miles (nine kilometers) southeast of the station and buses from there will take 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

How accessible is the Avignon Centre train station for those with limited mobility?

Avignon Centre is an old station (having opened in 1860) but it has been renovated and updated to cater to wheelchair users and other disabled travelers. The main concourse and ticketing facilities are step-free and easy to navigate, and staff is available at all times to provide personal assistance. There are handicapped restrooms on-site and the platforms are all accessible for wheelchair users. So, actually moving through the station won't be too much hassle. TCRA provides most of the buses within Avignon city limits and they should also be adapted for wheelchair users. However, services marked "BAL" are smaller Baldine vehicles, which are great for couples and solo travelers, but not necessarily ideal for wheelchair users. Stick to larger buses or taxis, instead.

Local tips: the Avignon Centre train station and points of interest

When you have an hour or so to kill at Avignon Centre, wondering what to do near the train station shouldn't detain you for long. The best idea is to catch the 57 bus to Racine, which is close to the cathedral, the Palais des Papes (Palace of Popes), and the city's best art collection housed in the Musee Petit Palais. All provide at least an hour's diversion and will fill time with historical interest or cultural delights. If visitors want to grab a snack and supplies for the train journey, heading to Les Halles is a good idea. A covered market with plenty of stalls, it's a great place to pick up cheeses, bread, cured meats, wine, sweets, and pates - all of Provence's famous gastronomic wonders.