- 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
$12
Average price
$12
Fastest journey
49 m
Average duration
50 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
37 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Perpignan to Portbou is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Perpignan to Portbou will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 7 trains that leave Perpignan for Portbou on Thu, Aug 06, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 37 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 49 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 52 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.
86989
86983
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86983Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Perpignan to Portbou among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $1. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $1, and a train costs an average of $1.
Distance: 22 miles (37 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$8 Average price Cheapest | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 21m Average total duration Fastest 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Portbou take longer:
Train takes on average 51m.
The journey is about 13m faster (51m by train vs 1h 4m by car) and roughly $3 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($8 vs $11). 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 TER liO | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, 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 Perpignan to Portbou trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
86979 | 5:57 PM Perpignan station | 0h52 | 6:49 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
86989 | 6:55 PM Perpignan station | 0h49 | 7:44 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, August 6 | |||||
86969 | 8:54 AM Perpignan station | 0h50 | 9:44 AM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
86981 | 10:57 AM Perpignan station | 0h49 | 11:46 AM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
86983 | 12:53 PM Perpignan station | 0h52 | 1:45 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
86985 | 2:55 PM Perpignan station | 0h49 | 3:44 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Perpignan to Portbou run on average 6 times per day, taking around 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $1 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:51, the last at 20:27. The fastest train covers the 22 miles (37 km) distance in 49m.
Distance 22 miles (37 km) |
Average train duration 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $1 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 49m |
First train 7:51 AM |
Last train 8:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 Perpignan 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 Perpignan to Portbou trains use the Perpignan to Portbou station pair. Use this guide to compare Perpignan and Portbou train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Perpignan is 1 km from Perpignan city centre. Public transport options include:
Perpignan has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Figuier, La Galinette
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Perpignan. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Perpignan. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Perpignan: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Perpignan: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Perpignan: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Perpignan, Hotel de France, Hotel Aragon.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need