- Must visit
Musée Maritime de La Rochelle
Floating maritime museum with historic vessels and exhibitions about the city’s seafaring heritage.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to La Rochelle
Showing times and prices for Jun 22
Cheapest price
$203
Average price
$205
Fastest journey
13 h 4 m
Average duration
17 h 1 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
672 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to La Rochelle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to La Rochelle will cost around $205 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $203.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Madrid to La Rochelle without transferring at least 3 times.
7:20 AM13h04Madrid8:24 PMLa Rochelle$2031One-way3 transfers- 2:46 PM19h29Madrid10:15 AMLa Rochelle$2031One-way3 transfers
- 5:37 PM18h29Madrid12:06 PMLa Rochelle$2091One-way3 transfers
- 7:20 AM13h04Madrid8:24 PMLa Rochelle$2031One-way3 transfers
- 5:37 PM18h29Madrid12:06 PMLa Rochelle$2091One-way3 transfers
- 2:46 PM19h29Madrid10:15 AMLa Rochelle$2031One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Madrid to La Rochelle
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to La Rochelle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $34. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 12h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, and a train costs an average of $203.
Distance: 417 miles (672 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$205 Average price | $58 Average price Cheapest | $176 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 58m Average total duration 17h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 46m Average total duration Fastest 12h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to La Rochelle is a bus with an average price of $58 (€47).
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to La Rochelle:
A bus is $147 (€121) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to La Rochelle costing on average $205 (€168).
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to La Rochelle is by bus with an average journey time of 12h 16m.
Other travel options to La Rochelle take longer:
Train takes on average 17h 28m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Madrid and La Rochelle including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to La Rochelle among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $205 (€168) compared to roughly $176 (€144) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.51 (€-24.15). The journey takes 17h 28m versus 8h 55m 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.
Live departures
Madrid to La Rochelle train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to La Rochelle trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:46 PM Madrid | 19h29 | 10:15 AM La Rochelle | 3 transfers | |
| 5:37 PM Madrid | 18h29 | 12:06 PM La Rochelle | 3 transfers | |
| Monday, June 22 | |||||
| 7:20 AM Madrid | 13h04 | 8:24 PM La Rochelle | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to La Rochelle by train or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to La Rochelle
Spain
France
Trains from Madrid to La Rochelle run on average 2 times per day, taking around 17h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $203 (€166) but you can travel from only $34 (€28) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:20, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 417 miles (672 km) distance in 13h 4m.
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 $34 (€28)
Distance 417 miles (672 km) |
Average train duration 17h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $203 (€166) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 13h 4m |
First train 7:20 AM |
Last train 5:37 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 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 $34 (€28)
Train companies: Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to La Rochelle trainsRenfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and La Rochelle from $34 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 4m
Cheapest Price
$203 (€166)
Renfe Viajeros frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to La Rochelle
Things to do in La Rochelle
Discover the best of La Rochelle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect La Rochelle trip today.
- Recommended
Muséum d'Histoire naturelle de La Rochelle
Natural history museum known for zoology, ethnography, and regional collections in a historic setting.
- Recommended
Musée du Nouveau Monde
Museum in a former mansion exploring links between La Rochelle, the Atlantic world, and the Americas.
- Must visit
Vieux Port
The old harbor is La Rochelle’s signature waterfront area, ideal for walking, photos, and sunset views.
- Must visit
La Rochelle Old Town
Atmospheric historic center with arcaded streets, mansions, and lively lanes best explored on foot.
- Recommended
Parc Charruyer
Large urban park with tree-lined paths and water features, popular for a calm walk near the center.
- Gluten-free
Mouclade Charentaise
Mussels cooked in a creamy sauce with curry and local white wine, a signature coastal dish of the Charente area.
- Gluten-free
Éclade De Moules
Traditional mussels covered with pine needles and cooked in the open air, especially associated with the nearby Atlantic coast.
- Gluten-free
Huîtres De Marennes-Oléron
Renowned local oysters from the nearby Marennes-Oléron basin, prized for their refined taste and strong regional identity.
Christopher Coutanceau
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant focused on sustainable Atlantic seafood, with an elegant setting near the sea.
La Yole De Chris
Seafood-focused restaurant from the Coutanceau family, offering polished bistro cooking in a relaxed portside setting.
Les Flots
Established seafood restaurant facing the old harbor, known for refined fish dishes and classic La Rochelle views.
Euro
Moderate by French standards. Casual meals are manageable, but waterfront dining and summer stays cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is included in restaurant bills. Locals may round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Taxis can be rounded up. Tipping is appreciated, not expected.
Yelo
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.50 EUR
- Day pass
- 5.00 EUR
To the city center
La Rochelle-Ville, La Rochelle -> Vieux Port, La Rochelle
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Yelo city buses use the same ticketing system across the network; validate your ticket when boarding.
- Card payment availability on buses can vary, so buy tickets in advance in the Yelo app or from official machines when possible.
FAQs: Trains from Madrid to La Rochelle
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Madrid to La Rochelle can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $203 (€166), while the average price is around $205 (€168).
The train from Madrid to La Rochelle takes 13h 4m and runs 2 per day.
The first train from Madrid to La Rochelle leaves at 7:20 AM.
The distance by train from Madrid to La Rochelle is 417 miles (672 km).
The last train from Madrid to La Rochelle leaves at 5:37 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Madrid to La Rochelle.
There is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to La Rochelle.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to La Rochelle.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to La Rochelle is by bus, with a cost of around $34 (€28).
The train journey from Madrid to La Rochelle offers scenic views as it passes through diverse landscapes, including the rolling hills of northern Spain and picturesque French countryside, especially as you approach the coastal region of La Rochelle.
A day trip from Madrid to La Rochelle is not feasible as the journey takes 13h 4m and the frequency is 5 per day for trains. The distance is 417 miles (672 km).
For a fulfilling visit, spending 2 to 3 days in La Rochelle allows you to explore its historic old town, visit the iconic towers, enjoy the local cuisine, and take a day trip to nearby Île de Ré.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to La Rochelle.
Since both Madrid and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle include Poitiers, Niort, Rochefort, Saintes, La Roche-sur-Yon.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the old port and during festivals. Avoid leaving belongings unattended and be wary of distraction techniques. Scams involving overcharging in taxis or at small shops can occur, so always confirm prices in advance. Petty theft near popular tourist sites is the main safety concern to watch out for.
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.
More options for your journey from Madrid to La Rochelle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from La Rochelle and Madrid
Most popular train connections to La Rochelle
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