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Looking to travel from Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente) by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 9 hours 47 minutes to travel from Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente) by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 7 hours 2 minutes though. You'll usually find 5 trains per day running along the 450 miles (725 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Ruffec (Charente), as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with TGV, Thalys or SNCF on your way to Ruffec (Charente), as these are the main rail operators on this route.
Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente).
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 Ruffec (Charente) by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
First train | 08:58 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 19:58 | |
Departure station | Rotterdam | |
Arrival station | Ruffec (Charente) | |
Journey time | From 7h 2m | |
Distance | 450 miles (725 km) | |
Frequency | 5 trains per day | |
Changes | 2 changes | |
Train and bus operators |
Thalys is the railway company connecting four European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Thalys trains run at a speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and have three comfort classes on all services called – Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to the First Class, with access to the Thalys Lounge). All Thalys trains have a car restaurant (called Thalys Welcome Bar) and a free WiFi connection.
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).
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.
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.
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.
Want to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional perks.
Standard is the perfect class for you if you’re after great value with no hidden extra costs. On board, you’ll find free WiFi, power sockets, a generous luggage allowance and snacks and drinks available from the Thalys Welcome Bar.
If you’d like to enjoy all of the amenities of Standard Class, as well as wider, more comfortable seating and a welcome from Thalys staff on the platform, then upgrade to Comfort!
Fancy treating yourself? Upgrade to Premium and you’ll enjoy complimentary food and drink, as well as access to the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station.
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
On TGV INOUI services, there's no weight limit for your luggage - you can travel your way! However, remember that your suitcases, overnight bags and rucksacks can't be larger than 130 x 90 cm, and you must be able to carry them and store them in the dedicated luggage racks on board by yourself. All luggage must be labelled before being stored.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
On Thalys trains, there are luggage racks near the entrance doors, or in the spaces between the seat backs, or on the rack above your seat.
Although there’s no weight limit for your luggage, you should be able to carry and lift your bags safely.
Their baggage policy includes 2 items of luggage /suitcases with max size of 75 x 53 x 30cm and 1 carry-on item.
You may also bring special items of luggage on board (like musical instruments). However, they must be under 2 meters long.
Food in Standard and Comfort Class
You can visit the Thalys Welcome Bar – you’ll get to choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks.
You can also pre-order food and drinks on your smartphone, tablet or laptop and collect from the Welcome Bar.
Food in Premium Class
You’ll enjoy a complimentary meal, which will be served straight to your seat.
Thalys' menu is designed by Belgian chef, Frank Fol. Meals are served for any international journey over 50 minutes.
Once you’ve found your seat and made yourself comfortable, you can connect to the complimentary WiFi and chat to your friends, catch up on work or watch your favourite TV show. To make sure your devices don’t lose power, connect to the power sockets at your seat.
Thalys make it easy to take your little ones on a train journey. Kids under 4 can travel free of charge and without a ticket, provided they sit on your lap. Kids between 4 and 12 can get discounted ticket prices.
In cars 7, 17 and 27 on Thalys trains you’ll also find baby-changing facilities, a sink, and a bottle warmer.
Strollers are allowed on board free of charge, but should be folded before boarding and stored in the baggage racks in the carriage you’re sitting in.
Thalys accept a small number of non-folding bikes on board, however both wheels must be removed and the whole bike must be covered in a non-rigid container (max size 135 x 85 x 30cm). Folding bikes are treated as standard luggage (max size 75 x 53 x 30cm).
Travelling with your pet? Small dogs and other domestic animals that weigh less than 6kg can travel free of charge on Thalys trains. They must travel in a cage or container though, with max dimensions being 45 x 30 x 25cm.
If your dog is bigger than this, you’ll need to purchase a specific dog ticket (usually at a fixed price of €30) and the dog must travel on your lap, or on the floor, on a lead and muzzled.
Guide and assistance dogs of any size are also allowed free of charge.
If you need help with boarding or disembarking, you should contact Thalys directly before your trip. Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they do not exceed:
There are no size limits for the luggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any luggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated luggage storage spaces on the train.
TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!
TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.
All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.
On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.
Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.
If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.
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 Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente) by booking early.§
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.
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!
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.
The average journey time by train between Rotterdam and Ruffec (Charente) is 9 hours and 47 minutes, with around 5 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente) is 7 hours and 2 minutes.
No, there are no direct train services from Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente). Travelling from Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente) by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
The first train from Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente) leaves at 08:58. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente) leaves at 19:58. 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.
Trains travelling from Rotterdam to Ruffec (Charente) cover a distance of around 450 miles (725 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Ruffec (Charente) to Rotterdam.