Périgueux

How to Get to Périgueux

While Périgueux has a local airport (PGX), it serves limited traffic. Most international visitors arrive via Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD).

From Airport (Bordeaux-Mérignac)

• Step 1: Take the shuttle bus or tram from the airport to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station.
• Step 2: From Bordeaux Saint-Jean, catch a direct SNCF TER regional train to Périgueux.
• Journey Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes total (including transfer).
• Cost: Train tickets typically range from €12 to €33, depending on how far in advance you book.
• Tickets: Purchase train tickets via the SNCF Connect app or at station kiosks. English options are available on all machines. Credit cards are widely accepted; avoid relying solely on cash.

From City Center Périgueux station is conveniently located just about 800 meters from the historic city center.

• Walking: A pleasant 10–15 minute walk from the city center (Place Bugeaud/Tourny area) to the station.
• Bus: The Péribus network operates several lines (including main lines A, B, C, D) that connect the city center to the Pôle d’Échanges Multimodal (the station).
• Frequency: Buses run frequently (every 10 minutes during peak hours). A single ticket costs €1.30. Tickets are available at automated kiosks or from the driver.

By Taxi

• Cost/Time: A taxi from the local Périgueux-Bassillac airport to the city center takes about 15–20 minutes and costs approximately €25–€35.
• Tip: Always book your taxi in advance, especially for early morning or late-night arrivals, as availability at the airport can be limited.

Welcome to Périgueux station! As a first-time visitor, you will find this station refreshingly simple to navigate. Unlike the sprawling hubs found in major metropolitan areas, Périgueux is a compact, straightforward through station. It features just three main platforms, which serve all regional and intercity routes connecting the Dordogne region to cities like Bordeaux, Limoges, and Brive-la-Gaillarde.

Think of the station layout as a single, linear row. Because there are only three platforms, you do not need to worry about complex level changes or navigating between distant wings. All platforms are easily accessible from the main station hall. When you arrive, simply head to the main concourse where you will find clear digital information screens displaying departure times, track numbers, and any potential delays.

Since the station is small, the walking time from the main entrance to any of the three platforms is minimal—usually under two minutes, even if you are carrying luggage. There are no confusing platform suffixes (like A or B) to worry about; the platforms are numbered clearly, and you will find them directly adjacent to one another.

The primary tip for first-time visitors is to pay close attention to the information screens in the main hall before heading out to the tracks. While the layout is straightforward, regional trains occasionally change platforms depending on operational needs. If you require assistance, the ticket office is located in the main hall and is typically staffed throughout the day.

For those arriving with heavy luggage or mobility needs, the station is equipped with ramps to ensure you can reach your platform without negotiating stairs. Once you have located your platform on the display, you are just a few steps away from your train. It is a very manageable station, so take a deep breath, enjoy the historic charm of the building, and rest assured that you will find your train without any stress. Safe travels as you continue your journey through the beautiful Dordogne!

Navigating a new station can be daunting, but Périgueux is compact and manageable. I wish someone had told me these insider tips before my first trip to avoid the stress I faced!

Before You Arrive

• Download the SNCF Connect app: Don’t rely on third-party sites; the official SNCF app is essential for real-time updates on platform changes and potential delays.
• Book online in advance: Ticket prices for long-distance services rise as the date approaches. You can save significantly by booking early online and keeping the ticket as a digital QR code on your phone—this saves you from queuing at station machines.
• Station scale: Périgueux is a small, regional station with only three platforms. It is not complex, so you don’t need to arrive hours early; 15–30 minutes is plenty.

At the Station

• Toilets: There are toilets located on Platform 1, which are open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM. They cost €0.50, so keep some small coins handy as machines may not accept cards.
• Luggage and Accessibility: The station is equipped with ramps for accessibility, making it easier to navigate with luggage than stations requiring steep staircases.
• Food: While there is a "Relay" shop in the concourse for snacks and magazines, it has limited hours. For a cheaper or more substantial meal, grab supplies in the city center before heading to the station.
• WiFi: Free WiFi is available; look for the station's official network connection when you arrive.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to validate: If you purchase a physical paper ticket at a machine, you must validate it in the yellow "composteur" machine before boarding. Failing to do this can result in a fine, even if you have a valid ticket.
• Payment issues: Older ticket machines may not accept international credit cards that lack a "Chip and PIN." If a machine rejects your card, head to the staffed ticket office during their 6:00 AM–8:00 PM operating hours.
• Platform checking: Don't assume your platform is fixed hours in advance. Check the digital departure boards 20–30 minutes before your train, as platform assignments for regional TER trains can change.

Through station serving Périgueux, France. Opened in 1857, this historic facility remains a functional part of the regional rail network, connecting travelers across the Dordogne department and beyond. While it is not a high-speed or international hub, it provides essential regional and local train services, including connections to cities such as Bordeaux, Limoges, and Brive-la-Gaillarde.

For first-time visitors, the station features a straightforward layout with three platforms and five tracks, making it significantly smaller and less complex than major metropolitan hubs. You will not encounter the overwhelming scale often associated with large European terminals. The station is well-signposted, and staff are accustomed to assisting travelers.

Is this station huge and confusing? No. You should find the navigation simple and manageable. However, as with all rail travel in France, remain mindful that platform assignments can change between 30 and 60 minutes before departure. Always verify your train’s platform number on the departure boards located in the main hall shortly after your arrival. For a stress-free experience, plan to arrive at the station at least 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, which provides ample time to locate your platform and board comfortably.