- Must visit
Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode
Major Calais museum in a converted lace factory, covering the city’s lace-making heritage and fashion links with working looms and temporary exhibitions.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Lille to Calais
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lille to Calais among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $42.
Distance: 130 miles (210 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price | $16 Average price Cheapest | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 14m Average total duration 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Lille to Calais is a bus with an average price of $16 (€13).
This is compared to other travel options from Lille to Calais:
A bus is $26 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lille to Calais costing on average $42 (€34).
The fastest way to travel from Lille to Calais is by bus with an average journey time of 1h 40m.
Other travel options to Calais take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 44m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lille and Calais including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Lille to Calais 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 0m sooner (1h 44m by train vs 2h 44m by car). Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $22 (€18) 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 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.
Compare prices and tickets Lille to Calais by train or bus
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Lille to Calais
Belgium
France
Trains from Lille to Calais run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 22:13. The fastest train covers the 130 miles (210 km) distance in 1h 16m.
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 $16 (€13)
Distance 130 miles (210 km) |
Average train duration 1h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 1h 16m |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 10:13 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 $16 (€13)
Train companies: Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) from Lille to Calais trainsSociété Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) trains will get you between Lille and Calais from $16 (€13). 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
1h 16m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€34)
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Calais
Things to do in Calais
Discover the best of Calais — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Calais trip today.
- Recommended
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Calais
City fine arts museum with works linked to Rodin, local history, and changing exhibitions near the Town Hall and central park.
- Recommended
Musée Mémoire 39-45
Private World War II museum in a German naval bunker, presenting military objects, uniforms, vehicles, and Calais wartime history.
- Must visit
Calais Beach
Long sandy seafront popular for walks, sunsets, and contemporary photo spots, with broad views across the Channel on clear days.
- Must visit
Dragon de Calais
Seafront area known for the giant mechanical dragon ride and modern promenade atmosphere, highly popular with families and on social media.
- Recommended
Place d'Armes
Historic central square in the old town, lined with civic buildings and useful as a base for exploring older Calais on foot.
- Gluten-free
Moules-Frites
Mussels cooked with white wine, cream, or shallots and served with fries. A classic Northern French and Channel coast specialty widely eaten in Calais.
Welsh
A hearty regional dish of toasted bread covered with melted cheddar cheese, beer, and mustard, often topped with ham and egg. Popular across Hauts-de-France.
- Gluten-free
Potjevleesch
A traditional Flemish meat terrine made from several white meats set in jelly and usually served cold with fries. It is strongly associated with French Flanders near Calais.
La Buissonnière
Reliable traditional French restaurant known for regional cuisine and a warm, intimate setting suited to a relaxed meal.
Au Côte d'Argent
Well-known Calais seafood restaurant with a classic brasserie feel, noted for fish, shellfish, and regional coastal dishes.
Le Channel
Established restaurant in Calais appreciated for refined French cooking, seafood, and a more polished dining atmosphere.
Euro
Prices are generally moderate for France. Casual dining is reasonable, while tourist areas and ferry routes can cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for kebabs, bakeries, or simple cafés.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50-90 per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 2.50-4 for an espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Locals may round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Tipping is modest in cafés and taxis, not obligatory.
Imag'in
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.20 EUR
- Day pass
- 3.50 EUR
To the city center
Calais Ville -> Place D'Armes, Calais
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- You can buy SITAC tickets on board and at official sales points; check the operator for accepted payment methods by vehicle. Validate your ticket when boarding buses.
- Calais city center is walkable from Calais Ville, so walking is often faster than waiting for a bus for short trips. Use the official SITAC app for routes and timetables.
FAQs: Trains from Lille to Calais
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lille to Calais 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 Calais, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Lille to Calais can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $42 (€34), while the average price is around $42 (€34).
The train from Lille to Calais takes 1h 16m and runs 16 per day.
The first train from Lille to Calais leaves at 5:40 AM.
The distance by train from Lille to Calais is 130 miles (210 km).
The last train from Lille to Calais leaves at 10:13 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Lille to Calais.
Yes, there is a direct train from Lille to Calais. This service operates 8 times per day, provided by Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lille to Calais.
The cheapest way to get from Lille to Calais is by bus, with a cost of around $16 (€13).
The train journey from Lille to Calais offers pleasant views of the French countryside, with fields and small villages along the way, but it is not particularly known for dramatic or scenic landscapes.
Yes, a day trip from Lille to Calais is feasible with a travel time of 1h 16m and a frequency of 16 trips per day for trains, covering a distance of 130 miles (210 km).
In Calais, you can explore a collection of fine arts at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, enjoy a leisurely stroll in Parc Richelieu, and visit the serene Les Baraques Military Cemetery. Experience the impressive Calais Dragon and explore the local market for regional delicacies. Don't miss the historic Calais Lighthouse for panoramic views, the famous sculpture "The Burghers of Calais" by Auguste Rodin, and the impressive Calais Town Hall. Relax at Calais Beach and discover the history of lace-making at the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode.
A visit to Calais can be well-suited for a day trip or a short two-day stay, allowing time to explore its main attractions such as the Calais Lighthouse, the City of Lace and Fashion, and the historic Town Hall.
Yes, you can take the train from Lille to Calais.
Since both Lille and Calais 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 Calais include Lille, Brussels, Dunkirk, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Arras.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Lille to Calais 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 Calais, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially near busy areas like the ferry terminal and train station. There have been reports of scams involving unofficial transportation offers and overpriced services. It's advisable to use licensed transport providers and avoid accepting rides from strangers. Additionally, travelers should stay clear of migrant camps on the outskirts, as these areas can be unpredictable and unsafe. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings reduces the risk of incidents.
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.
Most popular train connections from Lille
More options for your journey from Lille to Calais
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Calais and Lille
Most popular train connections to Calais
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