Access & Transport
How to get to La Rochelle
Located on the Atlantic coast between Nantes and Bordeaux, La Rochelle sits at the heart of an interconnected transport network, offering multiple easy ways to get here: train, bus, bike, or even boat!
Arriving by Train
La Rochelle is served by TGV, Intercités, and TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine trains:
- Paris – La Rochelle: around 3 hours by TGV
- Bordeaux, Nantes, Poitiers: frequent direct connections
- Regional stations: Châtelaillon-Plage, Aytré, Angoulins, and La Jarrie connect via TER + bus or bike
📍 The train station is only a short walk from the Old Port and the city centre.
Arriving by long-distance or regional bus
Several bus lines connect La Rochelle to major French cities – an affordable and convenient option.
- Ouibus, Flixbus, Blablabus: national routes
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional coaches: local services across the department, including to the islands
📍 Connections available to Châtelaillon-Plage, Fouras, Rochefort, Ré Island, and Oléron Island from La Rochelle station.
Arriving by carpool
Practical, economical, and sociable:
- Blablacar offers many rides to La Rochelle
- Dedicated carpool parking areas are available around the city
Arriving by bike
La Rochelle is a key stop on two iconic cycling routes:
- La Vélodyssée : Roscoff → Hendaye along the Atlantic coast
- La Vélo Francette : Caen → La Rochelle through bocage and river landscapes
Arriving by boat
La Rochelle is a port city! Drop anchor in one of its marinas:
Port des Minimes – La Rochelle
Largest marina on the Atlantic coast, eco-labeled “Ports Propres” (clean ports) and awarded 4 Gold Anchors. Close to the Aquarium and maritime shuttles, with direct access to downtown by foot, bike, or Yélo bus.
Port du Loiron – Angoulins
A small tidal port with 54 moorings. Booking via the town hall. Basic services available nearby (water, restrooms).
Port du Plomb – L’Houmeau / Nieul-sur-Mer
A peaceful spot between oyster huts and tidal flats, with views of Ré Island. Reservations recommended; access depends on tides.
Ports de Châtelaillon-Plage
Two mooring areas:
- South beach port (near the Nautical Club): 120 berths, 3 pontoons, 2 slipways, 90 moorings.
- Les Boucholeurs port (oyster village): 50 moorings, slipway, restrooms, unique maritime heritage.
Arriving by plane
La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport offers seasonal and year-round flights:
- 10 minutes from city center
- Direct bus connections: Illico 1B, D5, and line 150 (Ré Island)
- Destinations: Lyon, Brussels, London, Dublin, and more
Bonus tip
La Rochelle Océan Pass
The city pass includes Yélo transport (bus, ferry, sea bus) + TER regional trains + activities and visits.
10% discount if you arrive using eco-friendly transport (bike, train, bus).
Hello neighbours 👋
Nearby escapes without a car
- Île de Ré: bike bridge + direct buses from the station
- Île d’Oléron: ferry from La Rochelle port + regional buses
- Marais Poitevin, Fontenay-le-Comte: by bus, train + bike from Niort
- Rochefort, Saintes, Fouras, Brouage: accessible by train, bus, or bike
In La Rochelle & its suburbs
Getting Around
Now that you've arrived safely, how do you get around La Rochelle? There are lots of options: bus, bicycle, boat or even on foot! (Yes, it's very flat here, so you won't get out of breath.)
