Avignon TGV

How to Get to Avignon TGV

Avignon TGV station is located approximately 5 km southwest of the city center. It serves high-speed trains, while regional services primarily use Avignon Centre station.

From Airport The nearest major international airport is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). There is no direct train from the airport to Avignon TGV.

• Train/Shuttle Combo: Take the shuttle bus from the airport to the Aix-en-Provence TGV station (approx. 30 minutes), then board a direct TGV train to Avignon TGV (approx. 40–50 minutes). Total journey time is roughly 1.5–2 hours.
• Cost: Expect to pay between €10 and €55 depending on how far in advance you book your TGV ticket.
• Tickets: Book your entire journey via the official SNCF Connect website or app. This ensures your connection is covered on one ticket. English language options are available on all machines and the app.
• Important: Unlike some major cities, there are no complex ticket zones to worry about here; simply purchase your point-to-point ticket.

From City Center If you are staying in the historic center, the most efficient way to reach Avignon TGV is by rail.

• Regional Train (TER): Take a direct regional train from Avignon Centre station to Avignon TGV. The journey takes just 6 minutes. Tickets cost approximately €1–€2 and can be bought at station kiosks (accepts credit cards).
• Bus: Several local bus lines connect the city center (Avignon - Pem) to the TGV station. The journey takes about 20–25 minutes.

By Taxi

• Time/Cost: A taxi from the city center to Avignon TGV takes about 10–15 minutes and typically costs €15–€25. Taxis from Marseille Airport directly to Avignon TGV are expensive, ranging from €150–€260, and take about 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Avignon TGV is a straightforward, modern through-station with a simple layout that makes navigation easy for first-time visitors. Unlike massive city hubs, this station features only four primary passenger platforms, ensuring you will not get lost. Think of the station as a long, open concourse running parallel to the tracks, with the platform area covered by a signature, boat-hull-shaped roof.

The station’s four platforms are arranged in a single row. Two of these are through-tracks, which handle the high-speed TGV trains passing between Paris, Marseille, and other major cities. The other two platforms are bay platforms, which serve the regional TER shuttle trains that connect Avignon TGV to the central city station (Avignon Centre). Because the station is compact, you do not need to worry about complex levels or distant wings; everything is accessible from the main hall.

For your connection, check the large departure boards in the main concourse to confirm your platform number. The station is small enough that you can walk from the main entrance to any platform in under five minutes, even with luggage. Escalators and elevators are located centrally, providing barrier-free access to all platforms. If you are arriving on a long-distance TGV and transferring to a regional shuttle, you will generally find the regional trains on the bay platforms, which are clearly marked and adjacent to the main track area.

A common point of confusion for first-timers is the distinction between Avignon TGV and Avignon Centre. Ensure you are at the correct station, as they are about 6 kilometers apart. If you find yourself at the wrong one, the frequent TER shuttle train connects the two in about five minutes. Because the station is relatively small, you do not need to arrive more than 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. The layout is designed for efficiency, so once you have checked your platform on the digital screens, simply follow the overhead signage. The station is very open, and the platform numbers are clearly visible, making your transition from the concourse to your train quick and stress-free.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Avignon TGV

I wish someone had told me how vital it is to distinguish between the two stations in Avignon before I arrived. Don’t worry, but do ensure your ticket says "Avignon TGV" and not "Avignon Centre," as they are about 5km apart.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

• Download the SNCF Connect app: It is the official tool for managing your journey. You can buy tickets, store them electronically, and receive real-time updates on your platform.
• Book online in advance: Buying tickets via the app or website is significantly easier than navigating station machines. You avoid queues, language barriers, and potential payment issues, and your digital ticket is all you need to board.
• Know the station size: Avignon TGV is a modern, relatively compact station, but it is a sprawling complex outside the city center. It is not confusing, but give yourself 20–30 minutes to navigate it calmly if you are unfamiliar with French train layouts.

AT THE STATION

• Connectivity & Facilities: Free Wi-Fi is available; simply connect to the SNCF network. You will find standard amenities, including toilets (located in the station concourse) and a Relay shop for travel essentials and snacks.
• Luggage & Movement: The station is fully accessible. Use the elevators rather than escalators if you have heavy luggage, as they are conveniently located near the platforms.
• Food: For cheaper, quick bites, the Relay shop is your best bet inside the station. If you have extra time, avoid the main hall kiosks and check for food trucks outside.
• Shuttle to City: If you need to reach the historic center, look for the "La Virgule" shuttle train. It takes just five minutes to reach Avignon Centre.

COMMON MISTAKES

• The "Two Station" Trap: The most common mistake is going to the wrong station. Always double-check your ticket; if you arrive at the wrong one, you will need to take a taxi or the shuttle train to get to the correct location, which adds unnecessary stress.
• Platform Checking: Do not assume your platform is fixed hours in advance. Platforms are often displayed only 20–30 minutes before departure. Keep an eye on the information boards in the main hall.
• Payment Limits: While new-generation machines are English-friendly and accept most international cards, older kiosks can be temperamental. If a machine rejects your card, head to the manned ticket counters (Espace de Vente) for assistance.

Through station serving Avignon, France. Opened in 2001, this station is located approximately 6 kilometers south of the city center and serves as a major hub for high-speed TGV, regional, and local rail services. While the station is often associated with the Provence TGV line, it is a distinct facility from the historic Avignon-Centre station, which is located inside the city walls.

Is this station huge and confusing? Not at all. Travelers will find a straightforward layout designed for efficiency, featuring a prominent, modern glass-roofed structure. The station operates with six tracks and two main platform areas, designed to allow non-stopping high-speed trains to pass through safely away from passengers. The facility is well-signposted with English-language displays, ensuring a clear experience for first-time visitors.

To ensure a smooth journey, please note that platform assignments are typically finalized 30 to 60 minutes before departure; always check the main digital departure boards upon arrival. The station is fully accessible and offers essential amenities, including ticket offices, automated machines, and waiting areas. For those continuing into the city center, a regular, short-duration shuttle train connects Avignon TGV to Avignon-Centre, making onward travel simple. Allow yourself a little extra time to navigate the layout if you are arriving during peak travel periods.