- Recommended
Centre Walter Benjamin
Local interpretation space on Walter Benjamin’s final journey and exile history, central to understanding Portbou’s cultural identity.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$63
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$107
Fastest journey on Aug 29
6 h 48 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
10 h 29 m
Trains on Aug 29
4
Distance
717 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Paris to Portbou is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paris to Portbou will cost around $107 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
It's difficult to get from Paris to Portbou without transferring at least once.
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86981
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86985
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86987
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86981Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paris to Portbou among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $120 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 39m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $120, while a flight costs an average of $227.
Distance: 445 miles (717 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$171 Average price | $120 Average price Cheapest | $227 Average price | $263 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 18m Average total duration 8h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 25m Average total duration 13h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Paris to Portbou:
A bus is $51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paris to Portbou costing on average $171.
A bus is $108 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Paris to Portbou costing on average $227.
Other travel options to Portbou take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 48m.
Bus takes on average 13h 55m.
The journey is about 24m faster (8h 48m by train vs 9h 12m by car) and roughly $92 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($171 vs $263). 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.
Direct services run with Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF).
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 Paris to Portbou trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:12 PM Paris | 12h30 | 8:42 AM Portbou | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:55 PM Paris | 12h47 | 9:42 AM Portbou | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:12 PM Paris | 12h30 | 9:42 AM Portbou | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
6271+ 86985 | 8:56 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 6h48 | 3:44 PM Portbou station | 1 transfer | |
6275+ 86987 | 10:56 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 6h51 | 5:47 PM Portbou station | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, flight, 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.
Trains from Paris to Portbou run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 but you can travel from only $30 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:27, the last at 22:14. The fastest train covers the 445 miles (717 km) distance in 5h 59m.
Distance 445 miles (717 km) |
Average train duration 8h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 5h 59m |
First train 8:27 AM |
Last train 10:14 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Portbou — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portbou trip today.
Local interpretation space on Walter Benjamin’s final journey and exile history, central to understanding Portbou’s cultural identity.
Town exhibition area used for local art, photography, and heritage displays, offering insight into Portbou’s community culture.
Interpretive space inside or near the station focused on railway history and Portbou’s role as a major border rail hub.
Scenic coastal path segment with dramatic cliffs and views toward France, especially appealing for walkers and photographers.
Main town beach with clear water, promenade access, and classic views of Portbou’s bay, station hills, and maritime setting.
Smaller beach cove popular with locals, offering a quieter atmosphere and attractive views near the center.
Suquet de peix is a Catalan fishermen’s stew of local rockfish, potatoes, garlic and saffron, long linked to the Costa Brava’s small fishing ports.
Arròs negre is rice cooked with cuttlefish and squid ink, giving it a deep sea flavor and black color. It is a classic coastal dish across this part of Catalonia.
Fideuà is a seaside favorite made like paella but with short noodles, usually with seafood. It is popular in Empordà and commonly served in local restaurants.
Traditional dining room in nearby Colera, valued for grilled fish, shellfish and classic Costa Brava cooking in a longstanding setting.
Established seafront restaurant known for seafood, rice dishes and relaxed Mediterranean views near Portbou’s waterfront.
Casual local spot in Portbou for tapas, fish and simple Catalan plates, with an unfussy atmosphere popular for everyday dining.
Moderate for coastal Spain: lodging can rise in summer, but casual meals and short local trips stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Cafes: small change. Taxis: round up the fare; tips are appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Portbou railway station -> Plaça Major, Portbou
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paris to Portbou 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 Portbou, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Paris to Portbou trains use the Paris Gare de Lyon to Portbou station pair. Use this guide to compare Paris and Portbou train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Paris Gare de Lyon is 2 km from Paris city centre. Public transport options include:
Paris Gare de Lyon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Le Train Bleu, La Fabrique Cookies, The Grand Comptoir, Café Pierre Hermé, Paul, Starbucks, Golden Brioche, Mezzo di Pasta, McDonald's, The Prem1er Café, & many more
Free unlimited WiFi. ATMs are in various points at the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 04:45 - 01:30. Information desks are located in Hall 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are available daily from 06:15 to 22:00. They are located on the first level in Hall 3 on the Rue de Bercy side of the station.
Available at Paris Gare de Lyon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paris Gare de Lyon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paris Gare de Lyon: Full accessibility services for all types of disabilities throughout the station, including digital and electronic orientation systems.
Nearby hotels include Hôtel Parisianer, Hôtel Locomo, Hôtel Marceau Bastille.
Paris Gare d'Austerlitz is 1 km from Paris city centre. Public transport options include:
Paris Gare d'Austerlitz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Brioche Dorée, Dalloyau, La Croissanterie
Free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi when you create a free account. ATMs are located in various points in the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 20:00. Information desks are located on the ground level near the Seine entrance and on the underground level near the RER stairs and escalator.
Luggage storage is automatic lockers are located across from Platforms 1 and 2 and are open daily from 06:00 to 22:00. .
Available at Paris Gare d'Austerlitz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paris Gare d'Austerlitz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paris Gare d'Austerlitz: The station is fully accessible, including handicapped parking, lifts, ramps, handicapped restrooms, and lowered counters.
Nearby hotels include Hôtel Libertel Austerlitz Jardin des Plantes, OFF Paris Seine, Hotel Devillas.
Paris Gare Montparnasse is 2 km from Paris city centre. Public transport options include:
Paris Gare Montparnasse has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: YO! Sushi, McDonald's, Pierre Herme, La Fabrique à Cookies, Brioche Dorée, Yogurt Factory, IT Trattoria, PeGast, EXKi, Starbucks, & many more
Free public Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are several ATM machines inside the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 07:15 - 18:00. Information desks are information services are available at the SNCF ticket office. Located in Hall 1 on Level 2 near Track 1.
Luggage storage is automatic lockers are located in Hall 1 on level 2 close to Track 24.
Available at Paris Gare Montparnasse: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paris Gare Montparnasse: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paris Gare Montparnasse: Elevators, boarding ramps, and escalators. Special assistance for disabled travelers is available at the station, located in Hall 1 on Level 2.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Le Littré, Hôtel Mistral, Royal Saint Germain.
Portbou has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Portbou.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Portbou. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Portbou. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portbou: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portbou: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portbou: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Comodoro, Hotel La Masia.
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