Poitiers, Gare Routière (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel to the train station Gare de Poitiers from Poitiers city center

A modern academic powerhouse, the French city of Poitiers has a long and fascinating history, and a seemingly endless supply of sights to see. The site of two famous battles, the city is home to France's oldest church, a beautiful 12th-century cathedral, and the Musee Saint-Croix (an art gallery), and the Futuroscope science amusement park. These attractions mean that the train station Gare de Poitiers sees a huge flow of travelers, and most visitors need to pass through at some stage. When they do, knowing the best route from Poitiers' major attractions could make all the difference.

What is the best way to the train station Gare de Poitiers from Poitiers city center

The historic center of Poitiers is a short distance to the east of the train station Gare de Poitiers, but getting there won't be problematic. The number 12 bus runs from the Musee Saint-Croix and the cathedral to the station doors, and also runs through the main university campus, which could be handy for student visitors. Airport shuttles run to the Gare de Poitiers from Poitiers-Biard Airport, which isn't far west of the town itself, while taxis are also an excellent option. If travelers need to reach trains from Futuroscope, the best option is to catch the train from Dissay Vienne, although the 21 and one bus routes are good alternatives. Finally, travelers may have arrived at Poitiers Gare Routiere - the main bus station in the city. In that case, finding the station is easy, as it's right next door, and the transfer can easily be made on foot.

How far is it to the train station Gare de Poitiers from Poitiers city center?

The train station in Poitiers is approximately one mile (1.4 kilometers) west of the Musee Saint Croix and Poitiers Cathedral, and is about 1.5 miles (two kilometers) from the university campus. Bus routes from the center aren't as direct as they could be, and will take 6-10 minutes in most cases, so walking can actually be the quickest transfer option if visitors have the energy. The airport is about two miles (three kilometers) west of the train station. Shuttles from there will take 10 minutes maximum, while taxis will generally be even faster. The Futuroscope amusement park is about seven miles (10 kilometers) north of the station at Poitiers. Even so, transfers won't generally take particularly long. The train from Dissay Vienne takes 30 minutes, while the 21 bus reaches the Gare de Poitiers in 35 minutes, and taxis will usually take 20-25 minutes.

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

The train station Gare de Poitiers is run by the French national rail company, SNCF, which has a very progressive set of policies to help disabled travelers. When they need to travel to their train from Poitiers city center, people with mobility issues can request personal assistance by contacting SNCF (requests need to be made at least 48 hours in advance, so some planning will be needed). Assistants can carry luggage, provide wheelchairs, and deploy any boarding ramps to facilitate access to trains, so it's a very useful service. Reaching the station can be a little more stressful for wheelchair users, but should still be simple. Vitalis buses from the center of town are adapted for wheelchairs, but aren't the most comfortable option. It may well be preferable to organize specialist taxis with space for wheelchair users. However, the situation is different for those coming from Futuroscope. The park's TGV station has been designed with disabled access in mind, and services run straight to the Gare de Poitiers, minimizing the distances needed to reach onward transport.

Local tips: the train station Gare de Poitiers points of interest

If travelers need to fill some time and are wondering what to do near the train station, Poitiers actually has a lot to offer. A full visit to Futuroscope may be out of the question, but the historic center is within walking distance. It's also full of interest, with highlights ranging from the Romanesque facade of the Church of Notre Dame to the Palace of Justice, which was once the home of historic Aquitaine. The cathedral is a must-visit as well, while the Musee Saint-Croix offers a stunning array of 18th-century painting and 19th-century sculpture. This might seem like a lot to pack in, but the number 12 passes by most of the key sights, and it's possible to make a rapid tour in under an hour.