Trains from Calais to Besançon
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Traveling from Calais to Besançon by train
Looking to travel from Calais to Besançon by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 9 hours 33 minutes to travel from Calais to Besançon by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 5 hours 41 minutes though. You'll usually find 16 trains per day running along the 513 km route between these two destinations. You'll need to make 1 change during the journey to Besançon, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be traveling with TGV, SNCF or TGV Lyria on your way to Besançon, as these are the main rail operators on this route.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Calais to Besançon start from $59.76 when you book in advance, so start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Besançon by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
Calais to Besançon by train
It takes an average of 9h 33m to travel from Calais to Besançon by train, over a distance of around 319 miles (513 km). There are normally 16 trains per day traveling from Calais to Besançon and tickets for this journey start from $59.76 when you book in advance.
| First train | 07:04 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:54 | |
| Departure station | Calais | |
| Arrival station | Besançon | |
| Journey time | From 5h 41m | |
| Distance | 319 miles (513 km) | |
| Frequency | 16 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From $59.76 | |
| Train and bus operators |
TGV, TER, SNCF and TGV Lyria trains from Calais to Besançon
TGV
TER
SNCF
TGV Lyria
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
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TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.
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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
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TGV INOUI classes from Calais to Besançon
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI when traveling from Calais to Besançon.
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Cheap train tickets from Calais to Besançon
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Calais to Besançon by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Calais to Besançon
How long does the train from Calais to Besançon take?
The average journey time by train between Calais and Besançon is 9 hours and 33 minutes, with around 16 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Calais and Besançon by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Calais to Besançon is 5 hours and 41 minutes.
How much does the train from Calais to Besançon cost?
Train tickets from Calais to Besançon can start from as little as $59.76 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Calais to Besançon?
No, there are no direct train services from Calais to Besançon. Travelling from Calais to Besançon by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Calais to Besançon leave?
The first train from Calais to Besançon leaves at 07:04. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Calais to Besançon leave?
The last train from Calais to Besançon leaves at 20:54. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Calais and Besançon by train?
Trains travelling from Calais to Besançon cover a distance of around 319 miles (513 km) during the journey.