Poitiers Railway Station

Poitiers Railway Station (Gare de Poitiers) is a key transport hub in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, located on the line between Paris and Bordeaux. The station is situated in the lower part of the city, in the valley, and serves as the main gateway for tourists heading to the historic centre or the famous theme park Futuroscope.

It is important for passengers to note the landscape features: the station is located significantly lower than the historic city centre. For the convenience of travellers, a pedestrian bridge (viaduct) and a system of escalators have been built to connect the station with the city centre. Inside the station, navigation is intuitive: departure boards are located in the main hall, and platform exits are marked with clear signs. Bus transfers are available at the station square.

• Official Website: garesetconnexions.sncf (Poitiers section)
• Address: Boulevard du Grand Cerf, 86000 Poitiers, France
• Information Phone: 3635 (SNCF single number, charged as a local call within France)
• Opening Hours: Daily, usually from 05:00 to 23:30 (times may vary on public holidays)
• Luggage Storage: The availability of automatic lockers may depend on current security levels (Vigipirate plan); it is recommended to check at the information desk
• Accessibility: Accès Plus service to assist passengers with reduced mobility (booking required 48 hours before travel)

You can reach Poitiers station from the city centre on foot by using the pedestrian bridge (Passerelle des Montgorges) or the escalators from Place de la Mairie. The walk takes about 10–15 minutes, but please consider the difference in elevation if you are bypassing the lifts with heavy luggage.

Public transport is provided by the Vitalis bus network. Most city routes pass through the Gare Grand Cerf stop, located directly outside the station exit. For those arriving by car, the multi-level Parking Toumaï is available and connected to the station by a walkway. The taxi rank is located directly in front of the main terminal entrance.

Poitiers Station offers a standard range of services for a comfortable wait. The main hall houses ticket counters and self-service machines (yellow for TER and blue for TGV/Intercités) where you can purchase or print tickets. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi (network _SNCF_Gare_Gratuit), as well as waiting areas with power outlets for charging devices.

Other amenities include paid toilets, a photo booth, a mailbox, and a piano available for anyone wishing to play a melody. For passengers with reduced mobility, there are ramps, lifts to the platforms, and a dedicated Accueil assistance desk. If you need to pass the time, there is a newsstand in the waiting hall.

Within the station itself, the choice of dining establishments is limited but sufficient for a quick snack. Typically, there is a Relay convenience store where you can buy sandwiches, water, coffee, and snacks for your journey. There are also often small take-away outlets open (such as Paul or similar bakeries), where the average cost for coffee and pastries is around 5–8 Euros.

If you have 30–40 minutes to spare, it is better to go out to the station square or walk a little further along Boulevard Grand Cerf. There you will find classic French restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a full meal. This is an excellent option to try local cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere before your train departs.

The history of rail transport in Poitiers began in the mid-19th century. The first station was opened in 1851, becoming an important stage in the development of the Paris–Bordeaux line. The historic building, constructed in the Neoclassical style, has been rebuilt and modernised several times to accommodate growing passenger numbers.

A key moment in recent history was the arrival of high-speed TGV Atlantique trains in the 1990s, which significantly reduced travel time to the capital. In recent decades, the station and the surrounding area have undergone major reconstruction as part of the Cœur d'Agglo project, aiming to better integrate the station into the urban environment and improve transport accessibility for residents of the region.

When planning a trip via Poitiers Station, it is recommended to arrive at least 20 minutes before your train departs. Boarding for high-speed TGV trains usually closes 2 minutes before departure. Be sure to check the platform number on the large blue screens in the main hall.

An important detail: if you have an old-style paper ticket (without a full-page QR code), it must be validated in a yellow machine before entering the platform. For security reasons, never leave your luggage unattended for even a minute—this may lead to the evacuation of the station. If you have a night transfer, please note that the station closes at night, so arrange accommodation in nearby hotels in advance.