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Trains from Pontarlier to Besançon

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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  3. Pontarlier to Besançon

About the train journey from Pontarlier to Besançon

Want to travel from Pontarlier to Besançon by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Pontarlier to Besançon usually takes 4 hours 30 minutes on average to travel 28 miles (45 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 1 hour 28 minutes. You can expect to find 6 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Pontarlier and Besançon, you’ll need to make 1 change on your way to Besançon.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Pontarlier to Besançon in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from £20.97.

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Besançon, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

Trains to Besançon from Pontarlier

It takes an average of 4h 30m to travel from Pontarlier to Besançon by train, over a distance of around 28 miles (45 km). There are normally 6 trains per day travelling from Pontarlier to Besançon and tickets for this journey start from £20.97 when you book in advance.

First train

05:57

Last train

21:06

Departure stationPontarlier
Arrival stationBesançon
Journey time

From 1h 28m

Distance

28 miles (45 km)

Frequency

6 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £20.97

Train and bus operators

SNCF Voyageurs

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Pontarlier to Besançon?

Want to know more about your journey from Pontarlier to Besançon? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Besançon from Pontarlier?

To travel to Besançon from Pontarlier, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 1 hour and 28 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Pontarlier to Besançon?

Trains from Pontarlier to Besançon take an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 1 hour and 28 minutes. You'll usually find 6 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Pontarlier to Besançon by train?

Train tickets from Pontarlier to Besançon can start from £20.97 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Pontarlier and Besançon by train?

The quickest journey time between Pontarlier and Besançon by train is 1 hour and 28 minutes.

What are the train times from Pontarlier to Besançon?

Check out the next trains departing from Pontarlier to Besançon for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
04:5706:401h 43m, 1 change
05:5607:341h 38m, 2 changes
10:2811:561h 28m, 1 change
17:1918:591h 40m, 1 change
20:0606:0910h 3m, 4 changes
20:0606:3710h 31m, 2 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Pontarlier to Besançon?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Pontarlier to Besançon starts at £20.97§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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