- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie
Fine arts and archaeology museum in a notable modernized building. It is one of France’s oldest public museums and a cultural highlight.
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$92
Fastest journey
4 h 28 m
Average duration
5 h 5 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
438 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Montpellier to Besançon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Montpellier to Besançon will cost around $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 4 trains that leave Montpellier for Besançon on Wed, Aug 05, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 438 km distance in an average of 5 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 28 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 6 h 5 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Montpellier to Besançon 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, and a flight costs an average of $57.
Distance: 272 miles (438 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $269 Average price | $174 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 57m Average total duration 4h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 38m Average total duration 7h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Montpellier to Besançon:
A bus is $54 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Montpellier to Besançon costing on average $102.
A bus is $220 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Montpellier to Besançon costing on average $269.
Other travel options to Besançon take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 27m.
Bus takes on average 7h 8m.
The journey is about 1h 17m faster (4h 27m by train vs 5h 44m by car) and roughly $73 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($102 vs $174). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Montpellier to Besançon trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:29 AM Montpellier | 4h38 | 10:07 AM Besançon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:54 PM Montpellier | 5h10 | 6:04 PM Besançon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:41 PM Montpellier | 4h28 | 8:09 PM Besançon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:10 PM Montpellier | 6h05 | 10:15 PM Besançon | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Trains from Montpellier to Besançon run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 but you can travel from only $34 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 18:09. The fastest train covers the 272 miles (438 km) distance in 4h 28m.
Distance 272 miles (438 km) |
Average train duration 4h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 28m |
First train 5:25 AM |
Last train 6:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Besançon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Besançon trip today.
Fine arts and archaeology museum in a notable modernized building. It is one of France’s oldest public museums and a cultural highlight.
Time museum in the Granvelle Palace tracing Besançon’s watchmaking history. A strong choice for understanding the city’s identity and craft.
Museum inside the citadel covering regional wildlife, landscapes, and environmental themes. Good for families and a wider view of Franche-Comté.
Grand central square lined with historic buildings, cafés, and events. It is a natural starting point for exploring the old center on foot.
Historic pedestrian street with shops, façades, and easy access to major monuments. Ideal for strolling through the core of old Besançon.
One of the city’s most attractive riverside walks, linking monuments and viewpoints along the Doubs. Great for photos and relaxed exploration.
A rich Comtois sausage slowly cooked with potatoes, cabbage, and smoked pork. A hearty regional winter dish rooted in Franche-Comté farmhouse cooking.
Smoked pork sausage from the Jura and Franche-Comté, traditionally smoked in tuyé chimneys. It is a flagship local charcuterie with deep smoky flavor.
A denser smoked sausage from nearby Haut-Doubs, protected by PGI status. It is prized locally for its robust flavor and traditional mountain smoking methods.
Refined Michelin-starred dining in a polished setting, known for contemporary French cuisine showcasing Franche-Comté products with precision.
Traditional dining room focused on Franche-Comté specialties, including local cheeses, charcuterie, and hearty regional dishes.
Historic brasserie on Place Granvelle serving regional classics, seafood, and French staples in an elegant Belle Époque atmosphere.
Moderate for France: hotels and dining are usually lower than Paris; local transit is affordable and budget meals are easy to find.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; cafés usually just small change.
Official public transport app
Besançon Viotte -> Place du Huit Septembre, Besançon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Montpellier to Besançon 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 Besançon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Montpellier to Besançon trains use the Montpellier Saint-Roch to Besançon Viotte station pair, with some services arriving at Besançon - Mouillère. Use this guide to compare Montpellier and Besançon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Montpellier Saint-Roch has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Galzin, Selecta, Agora, Les Halles Solanid, PAUL, Quick
Free Wi-Fi. .
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 19:00.
Luggage storage is automatic lockers are located at the end of the NEF (upper hall of the station) near the Pont de Lattes entrance.
Available at Montpellier Saint-Roch: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Montpellier Saint-Roch: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Montpellier Saint-Roch: Wheelchairs available. Disabled traveler assistance available in the upper level behind the Adopt store.
Nearby hotels include Privilege Hotel Eurociel Centre Comedie, Crowne Plaza Montpellier, Hotel MISTRAL Comedie Saint Roch.
Montpellier-Sud-de-France is 4 km from Montpellier city centre. Public transport options include:
Montpellier-Sud-de-France 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: Restaurant Le Sud, Brasserie du Midi
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Montpellier-Sud-de-France. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Montpellier-Sud-de-France. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Montpellier-Sud-de-France: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Montpellier-Sud-de-France: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Montpellier-Sud-de-France.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Budget Montpellier Sud de France, Kyriad Montpellier Sud.
Besançon Viotte has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Pain Soleil, Selecta
Free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi when you create a free account. ATMs are located in the front of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:10, Sat - Sun: 10:00 - 17:10. Information desks are located at the south entrance to the underground level. .
Available at Besançon Viotte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Besançon Viotte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Besançon Viotte: The station is fully accessible, including wheelchair ramps, a magnetic induction loop for people with hearing loss and a guidance system for people with visual impairments. Staff can provide additional assistance, and wheelchairs are available.
Nearby hotels include ibis budget Besançon Centre Gare, Victor Hugo Hotel and Spa, Le Viotte King Size.
Besançon - Mouillère is 1 km from Besançon city centre. Public transport options include:
Besançon - Mouillère 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 Besançon - Mouillère.
ATMs are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
Available at Besançon - Mouillère: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Besançon - Mouillère: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
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