Aix-en-Provence to Avignon train with AVE

My Journey from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon by Train with Renfe AVE

Introduction

Traveling from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon by train is one of the quickest and easiest trips in Southern France. The distance between the two cities is short, and Renfe’s modern AVE train service makes the journey smooth and efficient. In this guide, I’ll share what the trip was like, how to book tickets and what to expect on board.

Route Overview

The Aix-en-Provence to Avignon train runs north from Aix-en-Provence through the dramatic mountain scenery of the Alpilles Natural Regional Park and across the Durance River into Avignon. The journey is only 19 minutes, making it an ideal day trip destination.

Most high-speed departures leave from Aix-en-Provence TGV, while Avignon is served by both Gare d’Avignon-Centre and Avignon TGV, with a short shuttle linking the two stations. With the route by car or bus to Avignon taking around 1 hour, plus the risk of traffic delays, the train is the obvious choice when you're looking for the best way to travel from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon.

Transportation Experience

I bought my Aix-en-Provence to Avignon train tickets a week in advance using the Omio app. It was easy to compare departure times and fares, and to pick the quickest option. After selecting a morning Renfe AVE service and paying online, my tickets appeared instantly in the app and also arrived by email. I had several rail journeys planned on this trip, so having everything stored in one place made boarding simple. I didn’t consider flying to Avignon since there are no direct flights for such a short distance, and buses can take three times longer, making the train the most practical choice.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Aix-en-Provence TGV is a high-speed rail hub located around 15 km from the city centre, with direct services to destinations like Paris, Lyon and Barcelona. To reach the station from central Aix, A2 buses (formerly line 40) run from the Gare Routière every 15–30 minutes, with a journey time of about 19 minutes. At the station, you’ll find free unlimited Wi-Fi, cafés and small shops, plus several food options. If you arrive early, you can stop by Paul Bakery for pastries, sandwiches or snacks to take on board.

Renfe AVE trains from Aix-en-Provence arrive at the modern Avignon TGV station, located around 5 km from the city center. From there, I took a TER regional train from Avignon TGV to Gare d’Avignon-Centre. The short 5-minute ride brings you directly into the historic heart of the city. Once at gare d'Avignon-Centre, you can walk to many popular sights, including the Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon.

Schedule & Frequency

Renfe AVE runs a morning departure from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon, leaving at 8:18 AM daily and taking 19 minutes. The train arrived on time in Avignon at 8:37 AM, which gave me a full day to explore and even enough time to enjoy a coffee on board. With TGV, SNCF and Renfe operating the route, there are around 30 trains running between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon each day, and roughly half of them are direct.

Onboard Experience & Services

There are two classes on board Renfe AVE’s high-speed trains. I booked Estándard (Standard Class) for this short trip, although Confort (First Class) is also available. Both classes have free Wi-Fi that works well for browsing and messaging, plus power outlets for charging your devices during the ride.

On board, you’ll find toilets and dedicated luggage racks on each level. Confort Class offers more spacious seating with wider seats and complimentary food and drinks. There is also a buffet car serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and box meals, which you can preorder if you prefer.

I grabbed a coffee and spent most of the trip watching the scenery, with the limestone peaks of the Alpilles massif passing by. The train was quiet and smooth, and even in Standard Class, the seats felt comfortable for the short ride. It was a relaxed and pleasant way to start the day before arriving in Avignon.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I booked my Aix-en-Provence to Avignon train tickets two weeks in advance on Omio. I paid only €16 for a single journey in Second Class. The fare includes luggage, which is limited to 3 bags with a combined weight of no more than 25 kg. This is how the full costs of the journey broke down.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

If you’ll soon be taking the train from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon, here are some of my top tips for your trip:

• Reserve a window seat: Sit on the left side of the train for the best views of the Alpilles massif.
• Order drinks and cold snacks: You can use the mobile bar service from your seat.
• Buy your TER ticket in advance: This helps you avoid queues when connecting from Avignon TGV to gare d'Avignon-Centre.
• Bring your ID or passport: You may be asked to show identification when boarding or during ticket checks, although it’s not always required.

Conclusion

Traveling from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon by train is a convenient and easy way to combine these two beautiful French cities. Whether you're visiting on a day trip or staying for longer, the short travel time and frequent departures make it a simple option for exploring both destinations. Renfe AVE makes the trip even better with excellent onboard comfort. Ready to hop on board? Plan your journey on Omio today.

About the Author: Lucy Dodsworth

• Job Title: Travel Blogger
• Bio: Lucy Dodsworth is a travel blogger, "On the Luce", and guidebook author who specializes in train and car-free travel around Europe and beyond.