Rennes

Rennes Station (Gare de Rennes) serves as the modern gateway to the Brittany region and stands as one of the key transport hubs in western France. Following a massive reconstruction, this futuristic complex has become not just a point of arrival for trains, but an architectural landmark of the city. High-speed TGV trains arrive here from Paris, with a travel time from the capital of only about 1.5 hours.

It is important for passengers to know that the station features a complex multi-level structure with two main exits: the North (Nord), leading to the historical centre, and the South (Sud). For ease of navigation, the halls and platforms are connected by escalators and lifts. The station is fully integrated with the urban transport network: transfers to the metro and buses are streamlined and are within walking distance.

• Official website: garesetconnexions.sncf (information and boards)
• Information desk phone: 3635 (unified SNCF number)
• Address: 19 Place de la Gare, 35000 Rennes, France
• Opening hours: daily from 05:00 to 00:45 (schedule may vary on public holidays)
• Luggage storage info: automatic lockers are available on level -1 (Niveau -1)
• Accessibility information: the Accès Plus service provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (booking 48 hours in advance is recommended)

Getting to Rennes station is easy from any point in the city thanks to its central location.

Metro: The Gares station is located directly beneath the station complex. Lines A and B intersect here, providing fast access to university campuses and major districts.

Bus: Next to the railway terminal is the bus station (Gare Routière), where regional and intercity buses arrive.

Taxi: Taxi ranks are equipped at both exits (Nord and Sud). The trip to the centre takes 5–10 minutes.

On foot: You can walk from the historical city centre to the station at a leisurely pace in approximately 15 minutes.

Rennes Station offers passengers a modern level of comfort and a wide range of services.

Waiting and Connectivity: Spacious waiting halls are equipped with seating and zones for charging gadgets. Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises.

Tickets and Information: Both traditional ticket counters (Espace Vente) and numerous self-service kiosks for purchasing and exchanging tickets are in operation.

Luggage and Facilities: Automatic luggage lockers (Consignes), clean restrooms (paid), as well as photo booths and ATMs are available.

Accessibility: The station is fully adapted for citizens with reduced mobility: there are lifts, ramps, tactile paving, and lowered counters at ticket offices.

There are many options for a snack within the station grounds and in its immediate vicinity.

Quick Bites: Inside the terminal, you will find popular chain cafes such as Paul, Brioche Dorée, and Starbucks. Here you can grab a coffee, a sandwich, or fresh pastries to go. The average bill will be 5–10 euros.

Full Lunch: If time permits, it is worth exiting via the North exit to the station square. There you will find traditional Breton crêperies (pancake houses) and brasseries where you can enjoy a hearty lunch for 15–25 euros.

The history of Rennes Station began in 1857, when the arrival of the first train from Paris marked the beginning of a new era for Brittany. The original building was designed in the classical style of that time.

Throughout the 20th century, the station was modernized several times, recovering from the destruction of World War II. A key moment was the arrival of high-speed TGV trains in 1989, which required significant expansion.

The latest and grandest reconstruction was completed in 2019 as part of the EuroRennes project. The station received a new "landscape" roof and became a multimodal hub connecting the railway, metro, and urban environment.

Arrival Time: Try to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your train departs. Boarding for TGV usually closes 2 minutes before departure.

Tickets and Boarding: Turnstiles are installed at the entrance to the platforms. Keep your ticket (printed or QR code on your phone) ready for scanning.

Security: In accordance with the Vigipirate plan, never leave luggage unattended. Suspicious bags may be destroyed by security services.

Transfers: If you have a short transfer, check the arrival and departure track number (Voie) in advance via the SNCF app, as the station is quite extensive.