Travelling from London to Lourdes, Gavarnie and the French Pyrenees by train is a relaxed and scenic way to reach the Pyrenees, avoiding airports and enjoying the journey through France. These days, train travel is becoming ever more popular as people try to reduce their number of flights and carbon emissions.

Can you travel from London to Lourdes by train?

Yes, it is perfectly possible to travel from London to Lourdes entirely by train. The journey is straightforward and well suited to walkers who prefer a slower, more sustainable way to travel.

The trip begins with the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, a fast and comfortable service that takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. From there, you’ll need to cross Paris to Gare Montparnasse, easily done by taxi or metro.

From Montparnasse, regular TGV trains run south to Lourdes, there are about 6 or 7 trains a day, with journey times of around 4½ to 5 hours. These high-speed trains are spacious, with comfortable seating, luggage space and a café bar—ideal for a long but relaxed journey. Some services run directly, while others require one simple change along the way.

Lourdes train station is quite central (view on Google Maps). If you are travelling in to Gavarnie, Cautarets or one of the hiking towns in the area, there are local buses run by Lio Occitanie. You can view the bus routes here. The bus to Gavarnie is in the Hautes-Pyrenees section, line 965. The timetables in summer and winter are different.

How long does the train journey from London to Lourdes take?

The full journey usually takes 9 to 10 hours, depending on connection times in Paris and whether you choose a direct TGV or a service with a simple change en route. Many travellers choose to spend a night in Paris to break up the journey, although it can comfortably be done in one day.

How much does the train cost from London to Lourdes?

Train fares typically range from 130 € to 230 € return, depending on how far in advance you book and the time of year. Booking early is strongly recommended, especially for spring and summer travel, when demand is higher. Tickets can be booked through Eurostar and the French rail network.

Is travelling by train to Lourdes a good option for walkers?

Very much so. TGV trains offer spacious seating, good luggage storage and a café bar, making the journey comfortable even with walking gear. Travelling by train also avoids baggage restrictions and allows you to enjoy the changing landscapes as you head south through France.

Can you travel into Spain from Lourdes by train?

Yes, you can travel from Lourdes into Spain, particularly Barcelona, using rail connections. The most practical option is to travel from Lourdes to Toulouse, with regular regional trains taking around 2 hours. From Toulouse, there are frequent long-distance services to Barcelona, usually via Narbonne, with a total journey time of around 4 to 4½ hours on the Spanish side.

However, if you are only looking to visit the Spanish side of the range, a better route to travel directly from Paris, taking the direct high-speed service Paris to Barcelona, although this is generally longer and less convenient than changing in southern France.

Another option, if you are looking to hike in both the French and Spanish central Pyrenees, is to get a train/bus from Pau, crossing the border at Somport, where you can get a train or bus to Jaca or Sabiñanigo which has connections to Ordesa and the Valle de Tena – both fantastic hiking areas.