Blois-Chambord

How to Get to Blois-Chambord

Blois-Chambord is a primary gateway to the Loire Valley. As there is no international airport in Blois, most travelers arrive via Paris.

From Airport (Paris Charles de Gaulle - CDG)

• Step 1: Take the TGV train from the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV station to St-Pierre-des-Corps. Journey time is approximately 1.5–2 hours.
• Step 2: Transfer at St-Pierre-des-Corps to a regional TER train bound for Blois-Chambord. This leg takes about 35–40 minutes.
• Costs: Prices vary significantly based on booking time. Expect to pay between €50 and €130 total for the combined journey when booking in advance.
• Tickets: Purchase tickets online via the SNCF Connect website or app. English options are available. You do not need specific "zones" for this regional travel; simply book from "CDG Airport" to "Blois-Chambord."
• Tip: Always book your TGV segment in advance to secure lower fares and guaranteed seating.

From City Center

• Walking: The Blois-Chambord train station is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the city center and the Royal Château de Blois.
• Local Bus: The Azalys bus network serves the city. If your accommodation is further out, check the local Azalys schedules for lines connecting to the station.
• Tickets: Local bus tickets can typically be purchased from the driver or at automated machines at the station.

By Taxi/Car

• Taxi: A taxi from the station to the city center takes about 5 minutes and costs approximately €10–€15.
• Chambord Access: If traveling directly from the station to the Château de Chambord, take the Line 2 shuttle bus (approx. 40 minutes, ~€3). A private taxi for this 20km journey typically costs €35–€50 and takes about 25 minutes.

Platform Guide & Layout

Gare de Blois-Chambord is a straightforward, through-station layout that is easy to navigate once you understand its simple geometry. Unlike massive metropolitan hubs, this station features only three primary passenger platforms serving four tracks. Think of it as a linear arrangement where all train traffic flows along the same axis between Orléans and Tours.

The station is organized with Platforms 1 and 2 serving the main through-lines, while a separate platform area accommodates tracks 3 and 4. All platforms are accessible via an underground passage that connects them beneath the tracks. This passage is the central artery of the station, housing the stairs and elevators necessary to move between the station building and your specific platform. Because the layout is compact, you can comfortably walk between any two points in the station in under five minutes, even with standard luggage.

For visitors arriving to explore the Loire Valley châteaux, you will typically find regional TER trains departing from these platforms. While there is no complex "upper" or "lower" level system to memorize, first-time visitors sometimes find the signage confusing during peak hours; always check the digital departure boards in the main concourse before heading down to the passage. These boards will specify the track number for your train.

A common point of confusion for first-timers is the transition between the station building and the platform area. Since the station acts as a gateway to the region, the forecourt is also an intermodal hub. If you are transferring to a bus for Château de Chambord or other nearby attractions, exit the station building and look for the bus station located directly opposite the main entrance. The proximity is excellent, but do not mistake the bus bays for train platforms. If you have heavy luggage, prioritize the elevators located near the main underground access points to avoid navigating the stairs. By keeping your eyes on the clear digital signage in the central hall, you will find the layout intuitive and efficient for your Loire Valley journey.

Navigating the Blois-Chambord station is straightforward once you know the ropes. I wish someone had told me these practical details before my first trip to the Loire Valley!

Before You Arrive

• Download the SNCF Connect app: Don’t rely on third-party aggregators. The official SNCF app is the most reliable source for real-time platform updates, potential delays, and digital ticket management.
• Book tickets in advance: SNCF ticket prices increase significantly as the travel date approaches. Booking online ahead of time is almost always cheaper than purchasing at the station on the day of travel.
• Know the station size: It is a relatively small, manageable station, not a complex mega-hub. You won't need an hour to find your train, but do arrive 15–20 minutes early to locate your platform.

At the Station

• Station Amenities: The station features a coffee shop and a newsagent (Trib'S par Relay) on the main concourse, which is great for grabbing a snack or water before your train.
• Bus Connections: If you are heading to Château de Chambord, the bus station is located immediately outside the train station on your left. You can pay the bus driver directly (card or cash accepted).
• Luggage Advice: Platform access can be challenging if you have heavy luggage, as you may need to navigate stairs or underground passages. If you have mobility issues or very heavy bags, travel light or confirm if you need assistance in advance.
• Waiting Area: There is ample indoor seating in the station hall, which is useful, though some travelers find the waiting area can get quite cold in winter.

Common Mistakes

• The "Bus to Castle" Confusion: Do not walk to the bus stop on Boulevard Daniel Dupuis thinking it’s the main connection; it is often a red herring. The primary shuttle bus to the châteaux departs from the intermodal hub right outside the station.
• Ignoring the "TER vs. TGV" Difference: Travelers often get confused by the different train types. Ensure you know if you are on a regional TER train (no seat reservations) or a TGV/Intercités (fixed seat assignment), as the boarding procedures differ.
• Platform Changes: Check the digital departure boards 20–30 minutes before your departure. Do not assume your platform is fixed hours in advance; last-minute track changes can occur.

Through station serving Blois, France. Originally opened in 1846, the current structure was largely reconstructed between 1890 and 1893 to accommodate the expanding rail network. Today, it serves as a vital regional transit point, handling nearly 2 million passengers annually. The station is primarily served by regional TER Centre-Val de Loire trains and Interloire services connecting major towns along the Loire Valley.

First-time travelers often feel anxious about navigating European rail hubs, but Blois-Chambord is a straightforward, manageable station. It features four platform tracks, with the main tracks connected by an underground passage and a footbridge to ensure safe access. While the station is not a massive, complex terminal, it is helpful to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.

You will find clearly marked signage throughout the concourse and on platforms. Be aware that platform assignments can occasionally change 30 to 60 minutes before a train’s departure; always check the large digital information screens in the main hall to verify your track number before heading to the platform. The station is equipped with automatic ticket machines and an staffed service counter if you require assistance. Its compact, logical design makes it a stress-free environment for those unfamiliar with French rail travel.