Agen (Agen Railway Stn)

Agen Railway Station is a key transport hub in the Lot-et-Garonne department, playing a vital role in connecting major cities within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The station is conveniently located on the busy railway line linking Bordeaux and Toulouse, making it an excellent starting point for journeys across the south of France. The historic station building, designed in the classic 19th-century style, immediately sets the mood for the romance of travel and is located just a few minutes' walk from the city centre. Both high-speed TGV trains and regional TER express trains stop here regularly.

For passengers, the station is organised in an intuitive and convenient manner. The main hall houses ticket counters and self-service terminals, while access to the tracks is provided via a safe underground passage. Travellers should note that a bus station is located directly next to the station building, facilitating transfers to intercity and suburban buses. A taxi rank and a car park are also available nearby. Inside the station, guests can make use of a waiting area, a newsstand, and a buffet where one can grab a bite before the journey.

If you need to check the schedule, request boarding assistance, or locate the station on a map, please use the following contact information:

• Official Website: SNCF Gares & Connexions (up-to-date departure board and list of services).
• Information Phone: 3635 (single SNCF service number; calls may incur charges).
• Address: 1 Place Rabelais, 47000 Agen, France.
• Opening Hours: The station building is open to passengers daily, approximately from 05:15 to 23:45 (on Fridays and Sundays, opening hours are extended until midnight).
• Luggage Storage Information: Please note that automatic luggage lockers are not available at the station at this time. We recommend planning your itinerary with this in mind.
• Accessibility Information: The station is adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Ramps, lifts, and specialised restrooms are available. The free Accès Plus escort service is available (requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to travel).

Thanks to the city's compactness and the station's favourable location, getting to Agen Station is effortless from almost any point in the city. The transport infrastructure here is well-developed, allowing travellers to choose between walking, public transport, or travelling by car depending on the amount of luggage and time available.

For tourists staying in the historic centre of Agen, the simplest and most pleasant way to catch a train is a walk. From the city's main artery, the Boulevard de la République, or from the Saint-Caprais Cathedral, the journey will take just 5–10 minutes at a leisurely pace. You need to head north, following the signs for Gare SNCF. The route passes through picturesque city streets and leads you directly to the station square, Place Rabelais.

If you are in remote areas of the city or travelling with heavy suitcases, it is most convenient to use the Tempo city buses. The station serves as a central hub for most routes:

• Buses on lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 stop here.
• You need the stop named Gare.
• Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at special machines; the fare is quite affordable.

For maximum comfort, you can order a taxi or use transfer services. The official taxi rank is located directly in front of the station building, allowing you to get out of the car literally two steps from the platform. A taxi ride from Agen La Garenne Airport will take about 15–20 minutes. For those arriving by private car, Place Rabelais offers a Drop-off zone and paid parking where vehicles can be left for a longer period.

The infrastructure of Agen station is designed to provide basic comfort to passengers before departure. To purchase travel documents, the main hall features both classic ticket counters, where you can get advice from a staff member, and automatic self-service terminals (SNCF) that accept bank cards and cash. This allows for quick ticket printing even during peak hours.

The relaxation area is represented by a small but cosy waiting room, sheltered from the weather. Modern travellers will appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi covering the station area, allowing you to stay connected or check your route online. Power outlets or special charging stands for mobile devices can also be found in the waiting zones, which is particularly useful before a long journey.

Regarding practical amenities, it is important to note a significant detail: automatic luggage lockers are absent at the station, so leaving suitcases while exploring the city will not be possible. For hygiene, there are restrooms equipped with changing tables for passengers with small children. The building also houses a defibrillator and a lost and found office.

Special attention is paid to accessibility. The station is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. The building is equipped with automatic doors, ramps, and lifts for moving between levels and accessing platforms. A specialised assistance service operates here, with staff helping people with disabilities at all stages — from entering the station to boarding the carriage.

Gastronomic opportunities at Agen station and its immediate vicinity allow travellers to find a suitable option, whether it is a quick snack before departure or a leisurely lunch. Inside the station building itself, the choice is limited but functional. There is a buffet (usually under the Relay sign or a similar chain), where you can quickly buy fresh sandwiches, paninis, pastries, chocolate, and refreshing beverages. This is the optimal option for those running late: service here is swift, and the food is convenient to take with you on the train.

If you have at least 40–50 minutes to spare, it is worth stepping out onto the station square, Place Rabelais. Directly opposite the station exit are classic French brasseries and cafes. These establishments are accustomed to the rhythm of travellers, so service is generally prompt. At lunchtime (from 12:00 to 14:00), they often offer a "menu of the day" (formule du midi) at a fixed price, including a starter, main course, and sometimes dessert. This is a great way to experience local cuisine without straying far from the platform.

For those wishing to try something authentic, we strongly recommend a 5–7 minute walk to the beginning of the Boulevard de la République. Agen is famous for its prunes, so look for pastries with Agen prunes (tarte aux pruneaux or chaussons) in local bakeries (boulangerie). This is not only delicious but also makes an excellent edible souvenir for the road. In the city centre, it is also easier to find fast-food chains and coffee shops.

Practical Information and Prices:

• Average Bill: A light snack at the station (coffee + sandwich) will cost around 6–9 Euros. A full lunch in a brasserie opposite will cost about 15–25 Euros per person.
• Coffee: There are vending machines with hot drinks in the station building for the most budget-friendly option, while a quality espresso can be enjoyed in the buffet or cafes on the square.
• Opening Hours: It is important to remember that Agen is a city with a measured pace of life. There are no 24-hour dining establishments near the station. Most restaurants close their kitchens after 22:00–22:30. If you arrive on a night train or early in the morning (before 06:00), we recommend arranging food in advance, as even the station kiosk may still be closed.

The history of the railway station in Agen is inextricably linked to the era of the industrial revolution in France and the development of the region's transport network. The official opening of the station took place in the mid-19th century, specifically in 1856. This event was a turning point for the city's economy, as the railway, built by the famous "Compagnie des chemins de fer du Midi" (Southern Railway Company), opened up new opportunities for trade and travel, providing serious competition to water transport on the Garonne Canal.

The architectural appearance of the station building is maintained in a strict yet elegant neoclassical style, characteristic of civil buildings of that time. The symmetrical façade, arched windows, and central clock became a symbol of technical progress for the residents of Agen. For decades, the station served as an important transit point on the main line connecting the Atlantic coast with the Mediterranean, strengthening ties between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

An important stage in the life of the station was the second half of the 20th century, when the electrification of the line was carried out, allowing for increased speed and frequency of trains. However, the real revolution in passenger transport occurred with the arrival of high-speed TGV trains. The integration of Agen into the high-speed rail network made Paris accessible in just a few hours, transforming a provincial station into a modern gateway to the region.

In recent years, the station has undergone massive reconstruction aimed at creating a Multimodal Transport Hub (Pôle d'Échange Multimodal). The goal of this project was not just to renovate historic walls, but to completely reorganise the station area for the convenience of modern travellers. The station square was modernised, navigation was improved, convenient transfers to city and regional buses were organised, and zones for cyclists were created. Today, Agen Station is not just a historical monument, but the dynamic heart of the department's transport system, successfully combining 19th-century heritage with 21st-century comfort.

To ensure your journey through Agen Station goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, we have prepared several practical recommendations. Whether you are departing by high-speed train to Paris or by regional train to Bordeaux, knowing local rules will save you time and peace of mind.

Optimal Arrival Time
French railways value punctuality. We recommend arriving at the station at least 20–30 minutes before the train departs. This time is sufficient to find the right platform and proceed to your carriage. Pay special attention if you are travelling on the TGV: boarding for these trains closes 2 minutes before departure, after which the doors are locked, and access to the carriage becomes impossible.

Tickets and Boarding
Ticket validation rules depend on their format:

• Paper Tickets: If you have a classic rectangular cardboard ticket, it must be validated before entering the platform. Look for yellow or grey validators at the entrance to the underground passage or on the platform. A non-validated ticket is considered invalid and may result in a fine.
• Electronic Tickets: These do not need to be validated. Simply keep the QR code on your smartphone screen ready for inspection by the conductor on board or when passing through turnstiles (if activated).
• The track number usually appears on the information board 15–20 minutes before the train arrives. Watch the screens in the main hall closely.

Luggage and Safety Rules
Strict rules regarding luggage apply in France. Every piece of luggage (suitcase, bag) must have a tag with your first and last name. This is a security requirement: unnamed bags may be mistaken for suspicious items and destroyed by special services, causing serious train delays.

We remind you once again of an important detail: there are no luggage lockers at Agen Station. If you have a layover lasting several hours and plan to walk around the city, plan in advance where to leave your belongings, or be prepared to carry them with you. Inside TGV carriages, large luggage is placed on special racks at the entrance to the carriage, and hand luggage on shelves above the seat.

Transfers and Navigation
Transfer between platforms is via an underground tunnel. It is equipped with lifts, which is convenient for transferring with heavy items. If your transfer involves changing from a train to a bus, you do not need to go far: the bus station is located in immediate proximity, to the right when exiting the railway station building. It is recommended to allow at least 15–20 minutes for a transfer between train and bus.

Night Waits
Agen Station does not operate 24 hours a day. The building closes for the night after the arrival of the last train (around 23:45 or midnight) and opens early in the morning (around 05:15). Staying overnight in the waiting room is not permitted. If you have a night connection or an early morning departure, we strongly recommend booking a room in one of the hotels opposite the station or in the city centre. The area around the station is considered calm, but life here comes to a standstill at night.