- Must visit
Atelier de la Sardine
Main local museum on fishing, canning, and sardine history, essential for understanding the town’s identity and seafaring traditions.
Cheapest price
€6
Average price
€6
Fastest journey
17 m
Average duration
17 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
18 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie will cost around €6 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €6.
Of the 2 trains that leave Challans for Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on Thu, Aug 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 13 the direct trains cover the 18 km distance in an average of 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 17 m .
On Thu, Aug 13 the slowest trains will take 17 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 Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, and a train costs an average of €6.
Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€7 Average price | €6 Average price Cheapest | €4 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
48m Average total duration Fastest 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 2m Average total duration 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie:
A bus is €0.20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie costing on average €7.
Other travel options to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie take longer:
Bus takes on average 32m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (18m by train vs 28m by car). Tickets start at around €7 compared to roughly €4 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with TER, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie trains for today, Wednesday, August 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:23 PM Challans | 0h17 | 5:40 PM Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:13 PM Challans | 0h17 | 6:30 PM Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie run on average 6 times per day, taking around 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €6 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:37, the last at 22:09. The fastest train covers the 11 miles (18 km) distance in 17m.
Distance 11 miles (18 km) |
Average train duration 18m |
Cheapest ticket price €6 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 17m |
First train 5:37 AM |
Last train 10:09 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie trip today.
Main local museum on fishing, canning, and sardine history, essential for understanding the town’s identity and seafaring traditions.
Exhibition and interpretation space focused on the sardine industry, with heritage displays linked to the port’s famous canning culture.
Nearby museum of old fishing and rural tools in the Pays de Saint-Gilles area, useful for broader local heritage context.
Long sandy beach and promenade popular for swimming and walks, one of the town’s signature seaside experiences and sunset spots.
Smaller beach and promenade near the chapel, appreciated for calmer views, family access, and a more local atmosphere.
Lively market square area near the port, ideal for experiencing the resort’s daily rhythm, shops, and surrounding historic streets.
Sardines de Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie are the town’s iconic catch, grilled, marinated, or canned. They hold a protected label and define the local fishing heritage.
Moules de bouchot are rope-grown mussels from the Atlantic coast, often served with cream or marinière broth. They are a staple in Vendée seaside dining.
La Mogette de Vendée is a tender white bean traditionally served warm with butter or alongside local meats. It is one of Vendée’s best-known regional foods.
Refined seafood restaurant known for elegant plates and a polished setting. A strong choice for local fish and a more upscale meal in town.
Well-known local spot focused on fresh seafood and regional dishes in a relaxed port atmosphere. Popular for fish, shellfish, and coastal specialties.
Established restaurant serving seafood and French cuisine with harbor views and a traditional feel. Good for a classic meal near the waterfront.
Moderate for a French seaside town; summer stays rise, but dining and local transport are usually reasonable versus larger resort areas.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up, and small change is fine in cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie 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 Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie trains use the Gare de Challans to Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie station pair. Use this guide to compare Challans and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gare de Challans has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Gare de Challans.
Ticket office support is available at Gare de Challans. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gare de Challans.
Available at Gare de Challans: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gare de Challans: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gare de Challans: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Le Challans, Hotel Inn Design Resto Novo Challans.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie is 1 km from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie city centre. Public transport options include:
Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie 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 Banc des Sardines, La Cotriade
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Le Ker Louis, Hotel La Sterne, Hotel Edena.
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