- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lens to Nantes
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 08
Cheapest price on Sep 08
$74
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$74
Fastest journey on Sep 08
4 h 59 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
4 h 59 m
Trains on Sep 08
1
Distance
480 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lens to Nantes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lens to Nantes will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Fast trains
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 1 trains from Lens to Nantes, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct trains cover the 480 km distance in an average of 4 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 59 m .
On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest trains will take 4 h 59 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.
8:51 AM4h59Lens1:50 PMNantes$741One-way0 transfers
- 8:51 AM4h59Lens1:50 PMNantes$741One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Lens to Nantes
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lens to Nantes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $77 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $77, while a flight costs an average of $546.
Distance: 298 miles (480 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$109 Average price | $546 Average price | $77 Average price Cheapest | $118 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 8m Average total duration Fastest 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 45m Average total duration 7h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 12h 5m Average total duration 11h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Lens to Nantes is a bus with an average price of $77.
This is compared to other travel options from Lens to Nantes:
A bus is $32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lens to Nantes costing on average $109.
A bus is $469 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lens to Nantes costing on average $546.
The fastest way to travel from Lens to Nantes is by train with an average journey time of 4h 38m.
Other travel options to Nantes take longer:
Flight takes on average 7h 45m.
Bus takes on average 11h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lens and Nantes including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lens to Nantes among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 1h 42m faster (4h 38m by train vs 6h 20m by car) and roughly $8 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($109 vs $118). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Lens to Nantes train times
The table below shows live departures for Lens to Nantes trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:51 AM Lens | 4h59 | 1:50 PM Nantes | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Lens to Nantes by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Tue
Sep 08
Sep 08
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Lens to Nantes
FranceFrance
Trains from Lens to Nantes run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $100 but you can travel from only $71 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 298 miles (480 km) distance in 5h 13m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $71
Distance 298 miles (480 km) |
Average train duration 4h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $100 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 5h 13m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $71
Train companies: SNCF | TGV INOUI, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) from Lens to Nantes trainsSNCF | TGV INOUI, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) trains will get you between Lens and Nantes from $71. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SNCF | TGV INOUI
About
SNCF's TGV INOUI is a premium high-speed train service operating across France and to other European cities. Launched in 2017, it aims to provide an enhanced travel experience with greater comfort, connectivity, and services compared to traditional TGV services. TGV INOUI trains offer features like adjustable seats, electrical outlets, fold-down tables, and dedicated luggage spaces. Passengers can enjoy onboard Wi-Fi and access to the TGV INOUI portal for entertainment and journey information. The service also includes a "Bistro TGV INOUI" for dining, with options for online ordering. SNCF is also introducing a new generation of TGV INOUI trains from 2026, which will be more modular, energy-efficient, and 97% recyclable.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | TGV INOUI Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest SNCF | TGV INOUI Price
$100
Luggage included
1 hand luggage + 2 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (not all trains), at-seat service in 1st class, snack bar/cafe
Seat reservation
Second class: Optional, additional fee. First class: Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers: Free. Large dogs: Paid ticket required. Guide dogs: Free
Quiet zone
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) Duration
4h 52m
Cheapest Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) Price
$168
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Nantes
Things to do in Nantes
Discover the best of Nantes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nantes trip today.
- Must visit
Musée d'arts de Nantes
Important fine arts museum with old masters, modern works and a striking contemporary extension. One of western France’s best.
- Must visit
Mémorial de l'Abolition de l'Esclavage
Fascinating memorial museum beneath the quay recounting the transatlantic slave trade and abolition with powerful documentation.
- Must visit
Les Machines de l'Île Area
Creative riverside site with giant mechanical creatures, terraces and industrial heritage. One of Nantes’s most memorable walking areas.
- Must visit
Jardin des Plantes
Large central garden with botanical collections, greenhouses, sculptures and shaded paths. Ideal for a calm break near the station.
- Must visit
Quartier du Bouffay
Historic pedestrian quarter of half-timbered houses, small lanes and lively squares. Best area for wandering old Nantes on foot.
- Vegetarian
Gâteau Nantais
Butter cake from Nantes flavored with dark rum and almond. A 19th-century local classic linked to the port's trade history.
- Vegetarian
Petit Beurre LU
Crisp butter biscuits from Nantes, created in the late 19th century. A famous local snack often eaten with coffee or tea.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Muscadet
Muscadet white wine from vineyards near Nantes. Dry, light, and famously paired with Atlantic seafood and local shellfish.
Les Cadets
Established fine dining restaurant serving seasonal French cuisine with a modern touch in an intimate, elegant room.
La Mare aux Oiseaux
Michelin-starred restaurant by Éric Guérin, offering refined creative cuisine in a polished, destination-style dining experience.
Le Loup, Le Renard et la Galette
Well-known Nantes crêperie specializing in Breton galettes and sweet crêpes in a relaxed, central setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for France: trams are affordable, casual meals are fair, but hotels and central dining can cost more in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Naolib
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.80
- Day pass
- €6.50
To the city center
Gare de Nantes -> Place du Commerce, Nantes
- Distance
- 1.8 km
- Travel time
- 7 min
- You can tap a contactless bank card on trams, buses, and Busway to buy a 1-hour ticket at the same price as a standard single fare.
- Validate your ticket or card at each boarding, even when changing lines within the ticket's validity period.
FAQs: Trains from Lens to Nantes
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lens 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.
Train ticket prices from Lens to Nantes can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $100, while the average price is around $109.
The train from Lens to Nantes takes 5h 13m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Lens to Nantes leaves at 4:55 AM.
The distance by train from Lens to Nantes is 298 miles (480 km).
The last train from Lens to Nantes leaves at 6:52 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Lens to Nantes.
There is no direct train service currently available from Lens to Nantes.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lens to Nantes.
The train station in Lens that goes to Nantes is Lens station, which connects to Nantes station.
The cheapest way to get from Lens to Nantes is by bus, with a cost of around $71.
The train journey from Lens to Nantes offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through charming French countryside, small towns, and agricultural landscapes, making it a pleasant but not particularly dramatic ride.
A day trip from Lens to Nantes is not feasible due to the travel time of 5h 13m and a distance of 298 miles (480 km). However, there are 8 train trips available per day.
In Nantes, you can explore Les Machines de l'Île, featuring mechanical animals and rides inspired by Jules Verne, and visit the Musée d'Arts de Nantes to see European paintings and contemporary works. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Bouffay district with its restaurants and bars, or take a scenic cruise on the Erdre River. Reflect on history at the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery. Don't miss the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Jardin des Plantes, Passage Pommeraye, and Île de Versailles for a mix of history, architecture, and tranquility.
Two to three days in Nantes is typically enough to explore its main attractions, such as the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Les Machines de l'Île, and the vibrant arts scene, while also enjoying the local cuisine and atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Lens to Nantes.
Since both Lens and Nantes are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Nantes include Rennes, Angers, Saint-Nazaire, La Rochelle, Le Mans.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lens to Nantes among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
France uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Nantes, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as public transport, markets, and popular tourist sites. Scams involving fake petitions or street performers asking for money can also occur. It is advisable to stay vigilant, avoid displaying valuables openly, and use official taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Lens to Nantes
Most Lens to Nantes trains use the Lens to Gare de Nantes station pair. Use this guide to compare Lens and Nantes train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Lens
Arrival train stations in Nantes
Which Lens station do trains to Nantes leave from?
Trains from Lens to Nantes leave from Lens. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Lens city centre at Place de la Gare, 62300 Lens, France.
LensPlace de la Gare, 62300 Lens, France+33 3 21 79 05 05
City-centre transport
Getting to Lens from Lens city centre
BusSeveral lines available
TramLine T1
Lens train station facilities and services
Lens 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 and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Le Pain de la Bouche, Le Tassili
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Lens. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Lens. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Lens: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lens: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Louvre Lens, Hotel Bollaert, Hotel de France.
Which Nantes station do trains from Lens arrive at?
Trains from Lens to Nantes arrive at Gare de Nantes. Gare de Nantes is 0 miles (1 km) from Nantes city centre.
Gare de Nantes27 Boulevard de Stalingrad, 44041 Nantes, France+33 892 35 35 35
City-centre transport
Getting to Gare de Nantes from Nantes city centre
BusC2, C3, C8 · 4m · $2 · every ~31 min
Gare de Nantes train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Le Café de la Gare, La Cigale
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gare de Nantes. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gare de Nantes. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gare de Nantes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gare de Nantes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gare de Nantes: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include ibis Styles Nantes Centre Gare, Mercure Nantes Centre Gare, Hotel Astoria.
Most popular train connections from Lens
More options for your journey from Lens to Nantes
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Nantes and Lens
Most popular train connections to Nantes
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