- Must visit
Musée d'histoire de Nantes
Major city-history museum inside the ducal castle. Strong multimedia displays explain Nantes from medieval power to port history.
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
1 h 46 m
Average duration
2 h 17 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
121 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from La Rochelle to Nantes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from La Rochelle to Nantes will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Of the 3 trains that leave La Rochelle for Nantes on Sun, Aug 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct trains cover the 121 km distance in an average of 2 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 46 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest trains will take 3 h 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.
859804
3858
3858+
F15 (864015)
859804
3858
3858+
F15 (864015)Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from La Rochelle to Nantes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 75 miles (121 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$27 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from La Rochelle to Nantes:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from La Rochelle to Nantes costing on average $27 (€21).
Other travel options to Nantes take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 16m.
Tickets start at around $27 (€21) compared to roughly $41 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $14 (€12). The journey takes 2h 15m versus 1h 52m 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.
Direct services run with SNCF | Intercités, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, TER, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF).
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 La Rochelle to Nantes trains for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3858 | Delayed 7:18 PM 8:28 PMLa Rochelle station | 1h48 | 9:06 PM 9:06 PMNantes station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, August 23 | |||||
859804 | 2:19 PM La Rochelle station | 1h46 | 4:05 PM Nantes station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3858+ F15 (864015) | 6:59 PM La Rochelle Porte Dauphine | 3h17 | 10:16 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
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 La Rochelle to Nantes run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:50, the last at 20:28. The fastest train covers the 75 miles (121 km) distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 75 miles (121 km) |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 45m |
First train 4:50 AM |
Last train 8:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Nantes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nantes trip today.
Major city-history museum inside the ducal castle. Strong multimedia displays explain Nantes from medieval power to port history.
Important fine arts museum with old masters, modern works and a striking contemporary extension. One of western France’s best.
Fascinating memorial museum beneath the quay recounting the transatlantic slave trade and abolition with powerful documentation.
Creative riverside site with giant mechanical creatures, terraces and industrial heritage. One of Nantes’s most memorable walking areas.
Large central garden with botanical collections, greenhouses, sculptures and shaded paths. Ideal for a calm break near the station.
Historic pedestrian quarter of half-timbered houses, small lanes and lively squares. Best area for wandering old Nantes on foot.
Butter cake from Nantes flavored with dark rum and almond. A 19th-century local classic linked to the port's trade history.
Crisp butter biscuits from Nantes, created in the late 19th century. A famous local snack often eaten with coffee or tea.
Muscadet white wine from vineyards near Nantes. Dry, light, and famously paired with Atlantic seafood and local shellfish.
Established fine dining restaurant serving seasonal French cuisine with a modern touch in an intimate, elegant room.
Michelin-starred restaurant by Éric Guérin, offering refined creative cuisine in a polished, destination-style dining experience.
Well-known Nantes crêperie specializing in Breton galettes and sweet crêpes in a relaxed, central setting.
Moderate for France: trams are affordable, casual meals are fair, but hotels and central dining can cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Gare de Nantes -> Place du Commerce, Nantes
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from La Rochelle to Nantes 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 Nantes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most La Rochelle to Nantes trains use the La Rochelle to Gare de Nantes station pair, with some services arriving at Haluchère-Batignolles. Use this guide to compare La Rochelle and Nantes train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
La Rochelle is 1 km from La Rochelle city centre. Public transport options include:
La Rochelle has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Les 4 Sergents, La Boussole
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at La Rochelle. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at La Rochelle. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at La Rochelle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at La Rochelle: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Rochelle: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Best Western Plus Masqhotel, Hotel Saint Nicolas, Ibis La Rochelle Vieux-Port.
La Rochelle Porte Dauphine has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine.
ATMs are available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine.
Available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine.
Gare de Nantes 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 Café de la Gare, La Cigale
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Gare de Nantes. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gare de Nantes. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gare de Nantes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gare de Nantes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gare de Nantes: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include ibis Styles Nantes Centre Gare, Mercure Nantes Centre Gare, Hotel Astoria.
Haluchère-Batignolles is 4 km from Nantes city centre. Public transport options include:
Haluchère-Batignolles has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Haluchère-Batignolles.
ATMs are available at Haluchère-Batignolles.
Available at Haluchère-Batignolles: WC.
Available at Haluchère-Batignolles: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need