Perpignan (Gare Perpignan SNCF)

Perpignan Station (Gare de Perpignan) is a vital transport hub in the south of France, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department. The station serves both high-speed TGV and AVE trains connecting Paris to Barcelona, as well as regional TER routes throughout the Occitanie region.

The modern complex includes the historic building and a new terminal integrated with the El Centre del Món ("The Centre of the World") shopping centre. It is a convenient starting point for trips to the Mediterranean coast or the Pyrenees mountains.

Important information for passengers: The main entrance is located on the Place Salvador Dalí side. The station consists of several levels connected by escalators and lifts. Access to the tracks (Voies) is via an underground passage. Please pay close attention to the information screens: trains towards Spain and trains towards France may depart from different platforms.

• Official website: sncf.com or gares-sncf.com (timetables, tickets, live departure boards).
• Information phone: 3635 (SNCF unified line, call costs depend on the operator).
• Address: 1, Place Salvador Dalí, 66000 Perpignan, France.
• Opening hours: The station is open daily from 05:00 to 23:30 (hours may vary on public holidays).
• Luggage storage: The availability of automatic lockers depends on the current Vigipirate security level. It is recommended to check availability at the information desk upon arrival.
• Accessibility: The free Accès Plus assistance service is available for passengers with reduced mobility (service must be booked 48 hours before travel).

Getting to Perpignan station is straightforward, as it is conveniently located relative to major city routes.

On foot: You can walk from the historic centre and the famous Le Castillet fort to the station in 15–20 minutes. The route takes you along the Basse river embankment and Avenue Général de Gaulle.

Public transport: The station is a major interchange hub for the Sankéo bus network. There is a bus station nearby where city and suburban routes arrive. You need the stops marked "Gare TGV".

Taxi: The taxi rank is located directly outside the station building exit on the Place Salvador Dalí side. The journey to the airport will take approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Perpignan station provides all necessary services for a comfortable wait for your journey.

Tickets and Navigation: The main hall houses ticket counters (Espace de Vente) and numerous self-service terminals: yellow ones for long-distance TGV/Intercités trains, and blue ones for regional TER trains. Electronic boards provide real-time information on departure tracks.

Connectivity and Comfort: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises (connect via the _SNCF GARE_GRATUIT network). The waiting areas feature benches and charging points for mobile phones and laptops. Paid toilets are available.

Additional Services: Passengers can make use of a photo booth, a post box, and a lost and found office. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps and lifts are equipped for access to the tunnel leading to the platforms.

It is difficult to stay hungry while waiting for a train at Perpignan station, as the infrastructure is well developed.

Quick Snack: Inside the station, there is a Relay shop. Here you can purchase sandwiches, salads, snacks, soft drinks, and hot coffee. This is an ideal option if there is little time left before departure.

Full Meal: Since the station is connected to the El Centre del Món shopping centre, there are several cafes and fast-food restaurants within its premises. If time permits, walk 5–10 minutes along Avenue Général de Gaulle — there you will find classic French brasseries where the average bill for lunch will be 15–25 Euros.

The history of rail transport in Perpignan dates back to 1858, when the first train arrived in the capital of Roussillon, opening up new opportunities for trade and tourism.

A landmark event for the station was the visit of Salvador Dalí on August 27, 1963. The artist experienced a "cosmogonic ecstasy" here and declared that the station's structure was the centre of the Universe. This eccentric idea forever linked the genius's name with the city, and the station itself became a place of pilgrimage for admirers of surrealism.

In the 21st century, the station underwent a massive reconstruction in connection with the launch of the high-speed line (LGV) connecting France and Spain. The old building was preserved, while a modern complex rose beside it, transforming Perpignan into an important international hub.

A few useful tips will help make your journey through Perpignan station smoother:

Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure. Please remember that access to TGV and AVE trains may close 2 minutes before departure.

Ticket Validation: If you have a classic paper ticket, you must validate it in the yellow machine at the entrance to the platform. Electronic tickets and A4 printouts do not need to be validated.

Safety: Do not leave luggage unattended for even a minute. Under the Vigipirate security plan, suspicious bags may be destroyed by security services.

Night Time: The station closes for the night after the arrival of the last train. The waiting hall is inaccessible until opening time the next morning (usually until 05:00), so please plan your accommodation in advance.