- 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
$165
Average price
$165
Fastest journey
5 h 13 m
Average duration
5 h 13 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
402 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Tours to Besançon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Tours to Besançon will cost around $165 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $165.
Of the 1 trains that leave Tours for Besançon on Wed, Aug 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct trains cover the 402 km distance in an average of 5 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 13 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest trains will take 5 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Tours to Besançon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $43, and a train costs an average of $48.
Distance: 249 miles (402 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$125 Average price | $76 Average price Cheapest | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 12m Average total duration Fastest 4h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 0m Average total duration 9h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m 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 Tours to Besançon:
A bus is $49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tours to Besançon costing on average $125.
Other travel options to Besançon take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 30m.
You'll arrive about 16m sooner (4h 42m by train vs 4h 58m by car). Tickets start at around $125 compared to roughly $106 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Tours to Besançon trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:13 AM Tours | 5h13 | 4:26 PM Besançon | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Tours to Besançon run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 but you can travel from only $43 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:32, the last at 19:34. The fastest train covers the 249 miles (402 km) distance in 3h 41m.
Distance 249 miles (402 km) |
Average train duration 4h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 3h 41m |
First train 5:32 AM |
Last train 7:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 Tours 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 Tours to Besançon trains use the Tours to Besançon Viotte station pair. Use this guide to compare Tours and Besançon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Tours is 1 km from Tours city centre. Public transport options include:
Tours 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: Le Saint Germain, La Maison des Halles
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Tours. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Tours. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Tours: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Tours: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tours: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel de l'Univers Tours, Oceania L'Univers Tours, Best Western Plus L'Artist Hotel.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need