Avignon Railway

The Avignon-Centre Railway Station (Gare d'Avignon-Centre) serves as the historic gateway to one of the most picturesque cities in Provence. Located directly against the ramparts of the old town, the station allows travelers to find themselves instantly in the heart of the action, just a few minutes' walk from the famous Palace of the Popes. The station building combines classic 19th-century architecture with modern amenities, serving both regional TER trains and selected long-distance routes.

Important for passengers: The station features clear navigation with several platforms connected by underground passageways. The main entrance is located on Boulevard Saint-Roch. Please note: there are two railway stations in Avignon — Avignon Centre (this one) and Avignon TGV (located outside the city). A special shuttle train (La Virgule) runs between them, with a travel time of approximately 5 minutes.

• Official website: sncf.com or gares-sncf.com (France's national railway operator).
• Address: Boulevard Saint-Roch, 84000 Avignon, France.
• Information phone: 3635 (SNCF unified number, accessible within France).
• Opening hours: The station is usually open daily from 04:45 to 23:30 (timings may vary on public holidays).
• Luggage storage: The availability of automatic lockers should be checked on-site, as security regulations frequently change.
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with the Accès Plus assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (it is recommended to book assistance 48 hours in advance).

Getting to Avignon-Centre station is very simple thanks to its central location.

On foot: If you are in the historical center, you can walk to the station in 10–15 minutes. Simply walk along Rue de la République from the Place de l'Horloge straight towards the city walls.

Public transport: Next to the station is a multimodal hub (PEM), where Orizo network city buses and intercity coaches stop. A tram line also passes through here.

Connection to TGV station: If you have arrived at Avignon TGV station, look for the TER train (the "La Virgule" link), which will take you to the central station in 5 minutes. The fare is usually included in your TGV ticket if the final destination is Avignon Centre, otherwise, it costs around 2 Euros.

Taxi: A taxi rank is located directly in front of the station building exit on Boulevard Saint-Roch.

Avignon-Centre station offers a standard range of services for a comfortable wait before your journey.

Tickets and Information: The main hall houses ticket counters (Espace de Vente) for purchasing tickets and inquiries, as well as numerous blue and yellow self-service machines for regional and national trains.

Comfort and Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available on the premises (you must connect to the SNCF network). The waiting area has seating and power outlets for charging devices. There is also a photo booth and a document printing machine.

Facilities: Toilets are located on Platform 1 (this is a paid service). For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps, elevators, and dedicated washrooms are provided.

If you need a bite to eat before your journey, there are several options at the station and in the surrounding area.

At the station: Inside the building, there is usually a Relay shop where you can buy sandwiches, snacks, water, fresh newspapers, and takeaway coffee. This is an ideal option for a quick snack for 5–10 Euros.

Near the station: Stepping out onto Boulevard Saint-Roch, you will find yourself in front of a row of hotels and brasseries. Here you can find a full lunch or dinner.

Tip: If you have at least an hour, walk inside the city walls (across the road). There are many authentic bakeries (boulangerie) there, where you can buy fresh croissants or baguettes at better prices than at the station.

The history of railway transport in Avignon began in the mid-19th century. The station was built by the PLM company (Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée) and officially opened in 1860. Its arrival was a powerful boost for the city's economic development, turning Avignon into an important trade hub in Provence.

The station building is designed in the Neoclassical style characteristic of that era. Throughout its history, it has undergone several renovations, the most significant of which occurred during the laying of tracks for high-speed TGV trains in the region, although a separate station was later built for them.

Today, Avignon-Centre station retains its importance as a key hub for regional transport (TER PACA), connecting the city with Marseille, Montpellier, Lyon, and small picturesque towns in the region.

Arrival: It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your train departs to calmly find the correct platform and pass through any checks.

Validating tickets: If you have an old-style paper ticket (rectangular cardboard), you must validate (stamp) it in the yellow machine at the entrance to the platform. Electronic tickets and A4 printouts do not need to be validated.

Safety: As with any major transport hub, keep an eye on your luggage and valuables. Do not leave bags unattended, as this may trigger a security alert and cause train delays.

Transfers: Carefully check which station your next train departs from — Centre or TGV. A mistake could cost you a missed connection, as the distance between the stations is several kilometers.