- Must visit
Mémorial de Caen
Major museum covering the Second World War, D-Day, and peace. One of Normandy’s essential visits for context, reflection, and powerful exhibits.
Cheapest price
$58
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
3 h 21 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
236 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nantes to Caen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nantes to Caen will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
Of the 4 trains that leave Nantes for Caen on Thu, Jul 16, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct trains cover the 236 km distance in an average of 3 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 21 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest trains will take 4 h 30 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Nantes to Caen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $110.
Distance: 146 miles (236 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$64 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $383 Average price | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 52m Average total duration 7h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Nantes to Caen:
A bus is $39 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nantes to Caen costing on average $64 (€52).
A bus is $358 (€294) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nantes to Caen costing on average $383 (€315).
Other travel options to Caen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 59m.
Flight takes on average 7h 52m.
Tickets start at around $64 (€52) compared to roughly $57 (€47) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.56 (€-5.39). The journey takes 3h 29m versus 3h 12m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Nantes to Caen trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8808+ 3339 | 8:07 AM Nantes station | 5h58 | 2:05 PM Gare de Caen | 1 transfer | |
857708 · 16576 · 857306 | 9:44 AM Nantes station | 4h32 | 2:16 PM Gare de Caen | 2 transfers | |
8972+ 3315 | 11:04 AM Nantes station | 5h53 | 4:57 PM Gare de Caen | 1 transfer | |
8972+ 853609 · 857256 | 11:04 AM Nantes station | 4h48 | 3:52 PM Gare de Caen | 2 transfers | |
12466+ 3317 | 12:09 PM Nantes station | 5h44 | 5:53 PM Gare de Caen | 1 transfer | |
8922+ 857109 | 3:04 PM Nantes station | 3h26 | 6:30 PM Gare de Caen | 1 transfer | |
16580 · 857320 | 3:44 PM Nantes station | 3h42 | 7:26 PM Gare de Caen | 1 transfer | |
5320+ 857111 | 5:04 PM Nantes station | 3h29 | 8:33 PM Gare de Caen | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Nantes to Caen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€31) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:58, the last at 21:04. The fastest train covers the 146 miles (236 km) distance in 3h 21m.
Distance 146 miles (236 km) |
Average train duration 3h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€31) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 21m |
First train 4:58 AM |
Last train 9:04 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Caen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Caen trip today.
Major museum covering the Second World War, D-Day, and peace. One of Normandy’s essential visits for context, reflection, and powerful exhibits.
Fine arts museum inside Caen Castle, known for European paintings, engravings, and thoughtful exhibitions in a prestigious historic setting.
Archaeology museum in the castle presenting regional finds from prehistory to the Middle Ages, ideal for understanding Normandy’s long history.
Lively old quarter below the castle, loved for its stone houses, narrow lanes, and atmosphere that preserves a strong sense of historic Caen.
Grand central square lined with historic buildings and terraces, ideal for orienting yourself and experiencing Caen’s daily urban life.
Main pedestrian-friendly shopping street linking major monuments, useful for strolling between old center highlights and civic landmarks.
Tripe simmered with cider, calvados and aromatics in the traditional Caen style. It is the city’s signature Norman dish with deep local roots.
Soft-ripened Norman cow’s milk cheese from nearby villages. Its creamy center and washed rind make it a classic taste of the Caen area.
Raw milk Norman cheese with a stronger, saltier character than Camembert. Traditionally made in Calvados and widely enjoyed around Caen.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining known for refined Norman ingredients and polished service in a contemporary fine dining setting.
Historic brasserie near the center, appreciated for seafood, oysters, choucroute de la mer and classic French service.
Traditional crêperie in the Vaugueux area serving galettes, crêpes and Normandy cider in a relaxed old-town atmosphere.
Moderate for France: hotels and restaurants are mid-priced, while local transit is affordable and many sights are low-cost versus Paris or the Riviera.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; small change for cafés. Taxis can be rounded up.
Official public transport app
Gare de Caen -> Place Saint-Pierre, Caen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nantes to Caen 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 Caen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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