- Must visit
Musée Maritime de La Rochelle
Floating maritime museum with historic vessels and exhibitions about the city’s seafaring heritage.
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$125
Fastest journey
5 h 33 m
Average duration
6 h 2 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
284 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Saint-Malo 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 Saint-Malo to La Rochelle will cost around $125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
Of the 5 trains that leave Saint-Malo for La Rochelle on Fri, Jun 19, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 284 km distance in an average of 6 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 33 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 6 h 13 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 Saint-Malo to La Rochelle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a train costs an average of $72.
Distance: 176 miles (284 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$92 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Saint-Malo to La Rochelle costing on average $92 (€75).
Other travel options to La Rochelle take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 39m.
Tickets start at around $92 (€75) compared to roughly $74 (€61) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-17.96 (€-14.72). The journey takes 4h 39m versus 3h 38m 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 Saint-Malo to La Rochelle trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:23 AM Saint-Malo | 6h08 | 11:31 AM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:13 AM Saint-Malo | 5h33 | 4:46 PM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:26 AM Saint-Malo | 6h13 | 5:39 PM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:26 PM Saint-Malo | 6h13 | 6:39 PM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:26 PM Saint-Malo | 6h01 | 7:27 PM La Rochelle | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Saint-Malo to La Rochelle run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $72 (€59) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:39, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 176 miles (284 km) distance in 5h 33m.
Distance 176 miles (284 km) |
Average train duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€59) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 5h 33m |
First train 5:39 AM |
Last train 5:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of La Rochelle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect La Rochelle trip today.
Floating maritime museum with historic vessels and exhibitions about the city’s seafaring heritage.
Natural history museum known for zoology, ethnography, and regional collections in a historic setting.
Museum in a former mansion exploring links between La Rochelle, the Atlantic world, and the Americas.
The old harbor is La Rochelle’s signature waterfront area, ideal for walking, photos, and sunset views.
Atmospheric historic center with arcaded streets, mansions, and lively lanes best explored on foot.
Large urban park with tree-lined paths and water features, popular for a calm walk near the center.
Mussels cooked in a creamy sauce with curry and local white wine, a signature coastal dish of the Charente area.
Traditional mussels covered with pine needles and cooked in the open air, especially associated with the nearby Atlantic coast.
Renowned local oysters from the nearby Marennes-Oléron basin, prized for their refined taste and strong regional identity.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant focused on sustainable Atlantic seafood, with an elegant setting near the sea.
Seafood-focused restaurant from the Coutanceau family, offering polished bistro cooking in a relaxed portside setting.
Established seafood restaurant facing the old harbor, known for refined fish dishes and classic La Rochelle views.
Moderate by French standards. Casual meals are manageable, but waterfront dining and summer stays cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
La Rochelle-Ville, La Rochelle -> Vieux Port, La Rochelle
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Saint-Malo 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.

Most Saint-Malo to La Rochelle trains use the St Malo to La Rochelle station pair, with some services arriving at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine. Use this guide to compare Saint-Malo and La Rochelle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
St Malo 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 Cambusier, La Cale - Solidor
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at St Malo. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at St Malo. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St Malo: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at St Malo: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at St Malo: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Oceania Saint-Malo, Hotel France & Chateaubriand, Hotel Le Nouveau Monde.
La Rochelle is 1 km from La Rochelle city centre. Public transport options include:
La Rochelle 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: Les 4 Sergents, La Boussole
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at La Rochelle. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at La Rochelle. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at La Rochelle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at La Rochelle: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Rochelle: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Best Western Plus Masqhotel, Hotel Saint Nicolas, Ibis La Rochelle Vieux-Port.
La Rochelle Porte Dauphine 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 La Rochelle Porte Dauphine.
ATMs are available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine.
Available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Rochelle Porte Dauphine.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need