Poitiers Train Station Mini Guide
The Station
Poitiers railway station is a stop on the high speed TGV line linking the major cities of France. It’s found on the Boulevard de Pont Achard and the Boulevard Solferino. Limited parking is available at the station but there is no long term parking.
Getting There
The TGV link from major French cities mean that it’s quick and easy to get from
Paris (90 minutes),
Bordeaux (2 hours),
Lille (3 hours) and Lyon (3½ hours).
Getting to Your Destination
At the station it’s possible to change from the TGV to local trains that serve the surrounding area. The centre of Poitiers is only a 5 minute walk away but local buses call regularly at the station before heading to locations across the city. There are also regional buses that leave the station at regular times going to towns and villages in the region. If hiring a car from the station, the desks are found at the end of the platform before exiting the station. Limited numbers of cars are available because of space restrictions so it is always advisable to book in advance.
If staying in the city, follow the Boulevard de Pont Achard or the Boulevard Solferino to the city centre or, if heading out into the surrounding region, the Route de la Cassette will take you to the E5/A10 L’Aquitaine Motorway which links Tours to la Rochelle and which has a junction on the northbound carriageway to the N147 to Clermont-Ferrand or on the N149 to Nantes.
Public Information
There’s an information desk about trains and timetables in the main concourse but for tourist information you’ll have a five minute walk to the office in Place Charles de Gaulle.
Facilities
There are no banks at the station, just a row of ATMs. For banking facilities and foreign exchange, you’ll have a five minute walk to the Credit Mutuel on the Rue Gambetta. There’s only a newsagents at the station but as Poitiers city centre is close by, a wide range of shops is available within five minutes of the station. Getting a meal at the station is easy and surprisingly good.
The main station restaurant has an a la carte menu as well as plat de jour and the meals are presented beautifully in very comfortable surroundings. The restaurant also serves buffet food and has bar facilities. There is also a small coffee shop called ‘Paul’. Anyone in need of first aid should contact a member of staff or go the information desk where a qualified first aider will be found for you. There is a Wi-Fi hotspot at the station which is free to use. There’s also a business lounge which is a more upmarket waiting room but which has some business facilities as well as a drinks machine.
Special Assistance
There’s a disabled persons reception desk at the station but it is recommended that you arrive no later than thirty minutes before your departure to ensure a good level of service can be provided. The station conforms to EU law on disability provision.