- 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 and prices for Jul 22
Cheapest price
$133
Average price
$133
Fastest journey
5 h 10 m
Average duration
5 h 10 m
Trains per day
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 $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Lens for Nantes on Wed, Jul 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 480 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 5 h 10 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.
7:10 AM5h10Lens12:20 PMNantes$1331One-way0 transfers
- 7:10 AM5h10Lens12:20 PMNantes$1331One-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 prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 298 miles (480 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$123 Average price | $268 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $114 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 41m Average total duration Fastest 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 35m Average total duration 12h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 55m Average total duration 10h 25m 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 $70 (€58).
This is compared to other travel options from Lens to Nantes:
A bus is $53 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lens to Nantes costing on average $123 (€101).
A bus is $198 (€163) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lens to Nantes costing on average $268 (€220).
The fastest way to travel from Lens to Nantes is by train with an average journey time of 5h 11m.
Other travel options to Nantes take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 25m.
Flight takes on average 12h 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Lens to Nantes among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 9m sooner (5h 11m by train vs 6h 20m by car). Tickets start at around $123 (€101) compared to roughly $114 (€94) 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.
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.
Live departures
Lens to Nantes train times
The table below shows live departures for Lens to Nantes trains for today, Tuesday, July 21. 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 | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
| 7:10 AM Lens | 5h10 | 12:20 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.
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Jul 22
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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 5h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $72 (€60) but you can travel from only $50 (€41) 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 4h 59m.
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 $50 (€41)
Distance 298 miles (480 km) |
Average train duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€60) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 59m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 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 $50 (€41)
Train companies: Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) from Lens to Nantes trainsSociété Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) trains will get you between Lens and Nantes from $50 (€41). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 52m
Cheapest Price
$165 (€136)
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 $72 (€60), while the average price is around $123 (€101).
The train from Lens to Nantes takes 4h 59m 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 $50 (€41).
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 4h 59m 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 bus 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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