- Must visit
Musée de l'Absinthe
Specialized museum on absinthe production and culture, explaining the drink’s role in Pontarlier’s identity through objects and displays.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Besançon to Pontarlier is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Besançon to Pontarlier will cost around L 136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only L 131.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 3 trains from Besançon to Pontarlier, including 3 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct trains cover the 46 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 44 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest trains will take 1 h 46 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.

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Trains from Besançon to Pontarlier run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at L 108 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:57, the last at 19:16. The fastest train covers the 28 miles (46 km) distance in 1h 17m.
Distance 28 miles (46 km) |
Average train duration 1h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price L 108 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 17m |
First train 5:57 AM |
Last train 7:16 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Besançon to Pontarlier.
The table below shows live departures for Besançon to Pontarlier trains for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9261+ 894256 · 18123 | 9:16 AM Besançon Viotte | 1h45 | 11:01 AM Pontarlier station | 2 transfers | |
895705+ 895961 | 10:51 AM Besançon Viotte | 1h46 | 12:37 PM Pontarlier station | 1 transfer | |
9269+ 18125 · 894214 | 12:56 PM Besançon Viotte | 2h05 | 3:01 PM Pontarlier station | 2 transfers | |
895709+ 895971 | 5:51 PM Besançon Viotte | 1h44 | 7:35 PM Pontarlier station | 1 transfer | |
9277+ 18129 · 894266 | 7:16 PM Besançon Viotte | 1h45 | 9:01 PM Pontarlier station | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Pontarlier — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pontarlier trip today.
Specialized museum on absinthe production and culture, explaining the drink’s role in Pontarlier’s identity through objects and displays.
Main local museum presenting Pontarlier history, archaeology, art, and absinthe heritage in a practical central location.
Museum inside the famous fort with prison, military, and resistance history; combines strong storytelling with a dramatic setting.
Wooded mountain lookout reached from nearby roads and trails, valued for expansive panoramas and fresh-air hiking close to Pontarlier.
Central square lined with historic buildings and shops, ideal for orienting yourself and seeing everyday life in Pontarlier.
Main commercial street through the old center, good for a walk between monuments, local stores, and classic town architecture.
Anise-flavoured spirit historically linked to Pontarlier, once France’s absinthe capital. It is the town’s signature drink and a key part of local heritage.
A strong anise aperitif from the Pontarlier distillery tradition. It reflects the region’s long history of herbal spirits in the Jura mountains.
Cooked Mont d’Or cheese baked in its spruce box until molten, then served with potatoes and charcuterie. A winter classic in nearby Haut-Doubs.
Established restaurant serving refined French cuisine with regional products in a more polished, classic dining setting.
Traditional brasserie in central Pontarlier known for regional plates, hearty portions and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Casual venue appreciated for generous Franco-Italian dishes and an easy-going atmosphere suited to families and groups.
Moderate for France. Hotels and meals are usually cheaper than Paris; local transit is limited, and cross-border demand can raise prices on busy weekends.
Service is included in restaurant bills in France. Locals may round up or leave €1-5 for good service. Taxis are often rounded up; cafes may get small change.
Official public transport app
Pontarlier station -> Place d'Arçon, Pontarlier
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Pontarlier.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Besançon to Pontarlier by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Pontarlier, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Besançon to Pontarlier trains use the Besançon Viotte to Pontarlier station pair. Use this guide to compare Besançon and Pontarlier train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Besançon Viotte has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Pain Soleil, Selecta
Free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi when you create a free account. ATMs are located in the front of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:10, Sat - Sun: 10:00 - 17:10. Information desks are located at the south entrance to the underground level. .
Available at Besançon Viotte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Besançon Viotte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Besançon Viotte: The station is fully accessible, including wheelchair ramps, a magnetic induction loop for people with hearing loss and a guidance system for people with visual impairments. Staff can provide additional assistance, and wheelchairs are available.
Nearby hotels include ibis budget Besançon Centre Gare, Victor Hugo Hotel and Spa, Le Viotte King Size.
Pontarlier has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Grill Comtois, La Table de Gustave
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Pontarlier. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Pontarlier. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pontarlier: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Pontarlier: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontarlier.
Nearby hotels include Hôtel Saint-Pierre, Campanile Pontarlier, Ibis Pontarlier.
Check train stations information for Besançon and Pontarlier, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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