- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$45
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$94
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 25 m
Trains on Sep 19
4
Distance
80 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Geneva to Pontarlier is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Geneva to Pontarlier will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 4 trains from Geneva to Pontarlier, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 80 km distance in an average of 3 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 6 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 Geneva to Pontarlier among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $69 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $69, while a train costs an average of $69.
Distance: 49 miles (80 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$69 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $69 compared to roughly $78 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $9. The journey takes 2h 1m versus 1h 51m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Geneva to Pontarlier trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:29 AM Geneva | 4h08 | 11:37 AM Pontarlier | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:39 AM Geneva | 2h41 | 10:20 AM Pontarlier | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:35 AM Geneva | 1h45 | 1:20 PM Pontarlier | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:29 PM Geneva | 5h06 | 5:35 PM Pontarlier | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Geneva to Pontarlier run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:17, the last at 22:31. The fastest train covers the 49 miles (80 km) distance in 1h 24m.
Distance 49 miles (80 km) |
Average train duration 2h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 24m |
First train 12:17 AM |
Last train 10:31 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 56 days |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Geneva 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 Geneva to Pontarlier trains use the Genève to Ste-Croix, Gare station pair. Use this guide to compare Geneva and Pontarlier train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Genève has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Bistrot de Charlotte, Les Brasseurs, La Matze Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Genève. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Genève. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Genève: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Warwick Geneva, Hotel Cornavin, ibis Styles Genève Gare.
Genève-Aéroport is 4 km from Geneva city centre. Public transport options include:
Genève-Aéroport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Chef Genève Aéroport, Montreux Jazz Café
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Genève-Aéroport. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Genève-Aéroport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Genève-Aéroport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève-Aéroport: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève-Aéroport: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Novotel Suites Geneva, ibis Geneva Airport Hotel, Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need