First-time traveler guide
Arras, France
The facts people look for first, pulled from this guide.
Book via App: Download the SNCF Connect app. It is the gold standard for French rail. You can buy tickets, store them digitally, and receive real-time updates. Avoid the stress of paper tickets and the potential for long, slow queues at the station ticket counters.
The availability of automatic luggage lockers at the station itself should be checked on-site due to frequently changing security regulations.
Access to platforms is via an underground passage that features both lifts and escalators, so you won't need to haul heavy bags up stairs.
There are paid toilets on-site—ensure you have some small coins, as card payment isn't always an option.
The station offers free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Arras is highly accessible by rail, serving as a key stop on the TGV network. There are no "ticket zones" in Arras like in larger capitals, so you do not need to worry about zone-based fines.
The most convenient international gateway is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
The Arras train station (Gare d'Arras) is located centrally, just a short walk from the historic Place des Héros.
Taxis are available directly outside the main entrance of the Arras train station.
Welcome to Arras station. As a first-time visitor, you will find this station quite straightforward and intuitive compared to the sprawling hubs in major capitals. The station features a compact, single-level through layout with 6 main platforms, making it easy to navigate without needing to worry about complex multi-level transfers.
Think of the station as a simple, linear arrangement. All platforms are accessed via a central underground passage that connects the main station hall to the boarding areas. Whether you are arriving on a high-speed TGV or a regional TER train, you will enter through the main building, head toward the concourse, and use the clearly marked underpass to reach your specific platform.
Regarding your route, Arras serves as a key stop on the TGV network. These high-speed Artois TGV services utilize the same platform infrastructure as regional lines. There is no separate "TGV terminal" or elevated level; instead, all platforms (numbered 1 through 6) are situated in a single, parallel row. Because the station is compact, you do not need to worry about long distances; even the furthest platform is only a short, two-to-three-minute walk from the main hall.
Navigation here is very accessible. The underground passage is fully equipped with elevators and escalators, ensuring that moving between the main hall and your platform is effortless, even if you are traveling with heavy luggage or have limited mobility.
The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is simply ensuring they have checked the departure boards in the main hall. Because the station is a through-station, trains to both Paris and Lille pass through these same platforms. Always verify your specific platform number on the digital screens in the main concourse shortly before your train is due. If you have a connection, you will rarely need more than five minutes to walk from one platform to another, as the entire station footprint is quite small. Simply follow the overhead signage for "Sortie" (Exit) or the platform numbers, and you will find your way quickly and comfortably.
I wish someone had told me how straightforward Arras station is, but even a compact, intuitive hub has its quirks. Don’t worry, but do keep these tips handy to ensure your arrival in Northern France is stress-free.
Before You Arrive
At the Station
Common Mistakes
The station building is open daily, typically from 05:00 to 23:00. Please note that these hours may vary on public holidays. The main hall, ticket offices, and waiting area are accessible during this time.
The availability of automatic luggage lockers at the station itself should be checked on-site due to frequently changing security regulations. Alternatively, several verified 24/7 luggage storage locations operate in Arras, such as Locker Laverie Namy Lievin or Locker Auchan Hyper Arras, with prices starting from €3.90 per bag per day.
The station is located very close to the city center. On foot, it is a 10–15 minute walk from the Grand Place or Place des Héros via Rue Gambetta. The station is also a major bus hub for the Artis city network, with routes from all districts and suburbs arriving here.
The station is accessible via lifts and escalators in the underground passage to the platforms. For assistance, the Accès Plus service is available for passengers with reduced mobility. It is recommended to book this assistance at least 48 hours in advance.
The station's official address is Place du Maréchal Foch, 62000 Arras, France. For general train information, you can call the SNCF line at 3635. More details can be found on the national carrier's website (sncf.com) or the regional lines website (ter.sncf.com).
The station offers ticket offices and self-service ticket machines that accept both cards and cash. A spacious waiting area with seating is provided. For private vehicles, there is an Effia car park with short-term drop-off zones, and a taxi rank is located right outside the building.
Through station serving Arras, France. Opened in 1846, the station has been rebuilt multiple times, including the current structure which dates to the 1950s following damage during the Second World War. It serves as a vital regional hub, comfortably managing several million passengers annually and acting as a key stop for high-speed TGV services connecting to Paris and Lille, alongside frequent regional TER Hauts-de-France trains.
If you are a first-time visitor feeling nervous about navigating a European rail hub, you can rest assured that Arras is compact, intuitive, and far from overwhelming. The layout is straightforward, featuring six platforms accessible via a well-signposted underground passage equipped with lifts and escalators to assist with luggage.
To ensure a smooth experience, plan to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure. While the station is easy to navigate, be aware that specific platform assignments for your train are often displayed on the main digital boards only 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Keep an eye on these screens in the main hall, and you will find your journey through Arras to be efficient and stress-free.
