Tours

How to Get to Tours

Tours is a primary hub for exploring the Loire Valley. Whether arriving by air or train, here is how to navigate to the city center.

From Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF)

The airport is located approximately 6 km northeast of the city center.

• Taxi: The most direct option. Taxis are available outside the terminal immediately following flight arrivals. The journey takes about 15–20 minutes and typically costs between €15 and €30, depending on traffic and time of day.
• Public Transport (Fil Bleu): You can reach the city center using the local Fil Bleu network. While specific shuttle buses sometimes align with Ryanair arrivals, regular transit options include bus and tram connections.
• Payment & Tips: You can purchase tickets at automatic machines on tram platforms or directly from bus drivers (though buying at machines is often faster). Important: Always validate your ticket by tapping it on the blue reader upon boarding every bus or tram, even when transferring.

From City Center (Tours Train Station)

If you are already in the city or arriving by train, the main station (Gare de Tours) is centrally located.

• Tram Line A: This is the backbone of the city’s transit. It runs frequently (every 6–10 minutes during peak hours) and connects the station area to the heart of the city and beyond.
• Bus Network: Numerous Fil Bleu bus lines serve the station area. Line 5 is a common choice for local travel.
• Walking: The historic city center and many hotels are within easy walking distance of the station.

Key Tips for First-Timers

• Ticket Machines: All machines have an English language option. They accept credit cards and are the most convenient way to purchase tickets.
• No Zones: Unlike some larger cities, the Fil Bleu network does not use complex ticket zones. A single ticket is valid for 1 hour and 15 minutes, including transfers.
• Confidence: The system is very user-friendly. If you are unsure of your route, the "Fil Bleu" app provides real-time schedules and journey planning to help you navigate with ease.

Platform Guide & Layout: Gare de Tours

Navigating the Gare de Tours is remarkably straightforward. Unlike massive transit hubs, this station features a compact, terminal-style layout where all 6 platforms (serving 12 tracks) are located on a single level, directly accessible from the main passenger hall. Think of it as a wide, open fan: the station building serves as the base, and the platforms extend outward like spokes. Because it is a terminal station, all trains arrive and depart from the same end, meaning you do not need to navigate stairs or tunnels to switch between platforms.

The station serves as a vital regional hub for the Loire Valley, handling TER (regional) trains that connect you to iconic châteaux and neighboring towns. However, it is essential to note a critical distinction for your journey: high-speed TGV trains generally do not serve this central station. Instead, they operate from the nearby Gare de Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, located about three kilometers away. If your ticket lists "Saint-Pierre-des-Corps," you must take the quick, frequent shuttle train (navette) that connects the two stations. Always verify your departure station on your ticket or the electronic boards in the main hall.

Because the station is small, you will never need more than a few minutes to walk between any two platforms. There are no "upper" or "lower" levels to worry about, which eliminates the confusion often found in larger French transit hubs. All platform information is clearly displayed on the central departure boards in the main hall.

For a stress-free experience, arrive at the station at least 15–20 minutes before your departure. This provides ample time to check the platform number, locate your train, and—if you are using a paper ticket—validate it in the yellow machines before boarding. The station is fully integrated with the city’s public transport, with the tram and bus stops located just outside the main entrance. With its simple, single-level design and clear signage, you should find the Gare de Tours very easy to navigate, even on your first visit.

Navigating a new station can be nerve-wracking, but Gare de Tours is a beautiful, straightforward terminal station. I wish someone had told me these things before my first trip to help me avoid the stress I felt.

Before You Arrive

• Download the "SNCF Connect" app: This is essential for managing your tickets and checking real-time platform updates. It is much more reliable than relying on station boards alone.
• Book tickets online: While you can buy tickets at the station, booking through the app or website in advance is highly recommended to save time and secure better prices. You don’t need to worry about printing tickets; the QR code on your phone is sufficient.
• Know your station: Don't confuse "Tours" (the city center terminal) with "Saint-Pierre-des-Corps." The latter is a separate station in the suburbs where many high-speed TGV trains stop. If you are staying in the city center, ensure your final destination is "Tours" station.

At the Station

• Toilets: Paid toilets are available in the station concourse near door 24. They cost €1, so keep some coins handy, as card payments aren't always accepted at every turnstile.
• Food and Supplies: For cheaper snacks and drinks than the main hall kiosks, look for nearby supermarkets in the city center rather than relying on station shops. Inside the station, you will find chain bakeries like Paul or Brioche Dorée for a quick bite.
• Navigation: Because Gare de Tours is a terminal station, all platforms are on the same level as the main hall, making it very easy to navigate with luggage.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station area if you need to check your connections or maps.

Common Mistakes

• The "Validation" Trap: If you have a paper ticket, you must validate it in the yellow machines before boarding your train. Forgetting this can lead to an unnecessary fine, even if you have a valid ticket.
• Platform Confusion: Never assume your platform hours in advance. Platforms are often announced or changed 20–30 minutes before departure. Keep an eye on the electronic display boards in the main hall rather than rushing to a platform too early.
• Machine Payment: If you use the self-service ticket machines, remember that older models may only accept coins or specific French bank cards. Use the newer, larger touchscreen machines for international Visa/Mastercard payments.

Through station serving Tours, France. Opened in 1846 and designed by architect Victor Laloux, the station remains a significant historical landmark, featuring extensive interior and facade refurbishments completed between 2006 and 2013. While it serves as a central hub for regional travel throughout the Loire Valley, travelers should note that it is not the primary stop for all high-speed TGV trains; many high-speed services instead arrive at the nearby station of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, which is connected to central Tours by a short shuttle train.

Is this station huge and confusing? Not at all. With 6 platforms serving 12 tracks, the layout is straightforward and well-signposted. First-time visitors will find the station manageable, though it is wise to arrive with enough time to navigate the concourse. Displays are provided in French, with common international symbols to aid navigation. As with most major hubs in France, platform assignments can change as late as 30 to 60 minutes before departure, so keep a close eye on the main departure boards rather than relying solely on your ticket printout. English-speaking staff and automated kiosks are available to assist with any questions, ensuring a confident start to your journey.