Map of Nantes Station – Trains, Tram & Entrance Guide

Nantes Station is the principal railway station in Nantes and one of the main transport hubs in western France. It serves high-speed, intercity and regional trains connecting Nantes with Paris, Rennes, Angers, Tours, Bordeaux and destinations throughout the Pays de la Loire region.

The station has entrances on both sides of the railway. The north entrance faces Boulevard de Stalingrad and provides convenient access to central Nantes, the tram and the Château des ducs de Bretagne. The south entrance serves the Euronantes district, local buses, taxis and neighbourhoods south of the tracks.

This map of Nantes Station shows the principal entrances, railway platforms, tram and bus connections, airport transport and important places within walking distance.

Quick Answer

Nantes Station is east of the city centre, beside the Jardin des Plantes. Use the north entrance on Boulevard de Stalingrad for central Nantes, Tram Line 1 and the Château des ducs de Bretagne, or the south entrance for Euronantes, coaches and neighbourhoods south of the tracks. Both sides connect with the railway platforms.

Map of Nantes Station

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Where Is Nantes Station Located?

Nantes Station is located immediately east of central Nantes in the Loire-Atlantique department.

The station stands near:

  • Boulevard de Stalingrad
  • Allée du Commandant Charcot
  • Boulevard de Berlin
  • Rue de Lourmel
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Château des ducs de Bretagne
  • Canal Saint-Félix
  • Euronantes business district

The railway tracks run approximately east to west, separating the north and south station entrances.

North Entrance

The north entrance faces Boulevard de Stalingrad and Allée du Commandant Charcot. It is generally the most convenient entrance for visitors heading towards central Nantes.

Use the north side for:

  • Nantes city centre
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Château des ducs de Bretagne
  • Tram Line 1
  • Bouffay district
  • Nantes Cathedral
  • Hotels north of the station
  • Pedestrian routes towards central attractions

The north passenger hall provides access to ticket facilities, departure information and the station platforms.

The station’s modern overhead mezzanine also helps passengers move between the north and south sides without navigating the surrounding road network.

South Entrance

The south entrance faces Boulevard de Berlin and the Euronantes district.

This entrance is useful for:

  • Euronantes offices
  • Cité des Congrès
  • Canal Saint-Félix
  • Local and regional buses
  • Taxi and passenger pickup
  • Parking facilities
  • Hotels south of the railway
  • Neighbourhoods around Malakoff and the Île de Nantes

Passengers arriving by coach or private vehicle should confirm whether their service uses the north or south side before travelling.

Both entrances provide access to the railway platforms, but the closest passenger facilities may depend on the train and platform used.

Station Layout

Nantes is a through station with several platforms serving high-speed, intercity and regional trains.

The station includes:

  • North and south passenger halls
  • An elevated connecting mezzanine
  • Ticket offices and machines
  • Departure information screens
  • Shops and food outlets
  • Lifts, escalators and stairs
  • Tram and bus connections
  • Taxi and passenger pickup areas

Platform details are displayed on station screens. Passengers should check the train number, final destination and platform before boarding.

Allow additional time when entering from the side opposite your onward transport connection.

High-Speed Trains

Nantes Station is connected to the French high-speed railway network.

Direct or connecting TGV services operate towards destinations including:

  • Paris Montparnasse
  • Angers Saint-Laud
  • Le Mans
  • Massy TGV
  • Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy
  • Lille
  • Strasbourg
  • Lyon
  • Marseille
  • Montpellier

Paris is the station’s principal high-speed destination, with frequent services travelling through Angers and Le Mans.

Some trains continue beyond Paris-region stations without requiring passengers to transfer in central Paris.

Check whether the service is operated as TGV INOUI, OUIGO or another train category because ticket and luggage conditions may differ.

Regional TER Trains

TER Pays de la Loire services connect Nantes with cities and towns throughout western France.

Common destinations include:

  • Angers
  • Saint-Nazaire
  • Le Croisic
  • La Baule
  • Pornic
  • Clisson
  • Cholet
  • La Roche-sur-Yon
  • Les Sables-d’Olonne
  • Ancenis
  • Redon
  • Rennes
  • Saumur
  • Tours

Some routes are frequent commuter services, while coastal and rural destinations may have longer gaps between trains.

Check the final destination and intermediate stops because several trains may travel in the same general direction but follow different routes.

Intercity Services

Intercity trains connect Nantes with destinations outside the main high-speed network.

Depending on the timetable, direct or connecting services may operate towards:

  • Bordeaux
  • La Rochelle
  • Saintes
  • Rochefort
  • Quimper
  • Lorient
  • Vannes
  • Toulouse connections
  • Other cities across western and southwestern France

Journey times and reservation requirements vary.

Passengers should check whether their train departs from Nantes Station or another nearby transport point shown on the booking.

Travelling to Paris

Frequent high-speed trains connect Nantes with Paris Montparnasse.

Paris Montparnasse provides connections with:

  • Metro lines 4, 6, 12 and 13
  • Trains towards Brittany and southwestern France
  • Central Paris buses and taxis
  • Montparnasse neighbourhood hotels

Passengers connecting to another Paris railway terminal should allow sufficient time to cross the city.

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Gare de l’Est are separate from Montparnasse and require a Metro, RER, bus or taxi transfer.

Travelling to the Atlantic Coast

Nantes is an important gateway to the Atlantic coast.

Direct or connecting regional trains serve destinations including:

  • Saint-Nazaire
  • La Baule-Escoublac
  • Le Pouliguen
  • Le Croisic
  • Pornic
  • Les Sables-d’Olonne
  • Coastal towns across Loire-Atlantique and Vendée

Service frequency may vary by season, particularly for leisure destinations.

Check whether the journey is direct or requires a change at Saint-Nazaire, Sainte-Pazanne, La Roche-sur-Yon or another regional interchange.

Tram Connection

Tram Line 1 serves the Gare Nord stop outside the north side of Nantes Station.

Line 1 provides direct connections towards:

  • Château des ducs de Bretagne
  • Bouffay
  • Commerce
  • Médiathèque
  • Chantiers Navals
  • Bellevue
  • François Mitterrand
  • Eastern Nantes destinations

Commerce is the principal central interchange for Nantes tram and bus services.

The tram is generally the simplest way to reach the historic centre from the station.

Passengers using the south entrance should follow station signs towards Gare Nord and Tram Line 1 or use an appropriate bus connection from the southern side.

Bus Connections

Local bus and rapid-transit services operate around both sides of Nantes Station.

Bus routes provide connections towards:

  • Central Nantes
  • Cité des Congrès
  • Île de Nantes
  • University districts
  • Residential suburbs
  • Nantes Atlantique Airport
  • Areas not directly served by tram
  • Nearby employment and shopping districts

Stops are distributed around Boulevard de Stalingrad, Boulevard de Berlin and surrounding streets.

Check the route number, destination and station side before leaving the railway concourse.

Nantes Airport Connection

An airport shuttle connects Nantes city centre, the railway station and Nantes Atlantique Airport.

The service operates daily, although frequency and stopping arrangements can vary by season or during roadworks.

Before travelling, check:

  • The current station pickup point
  • The latest timetable
  • Airport terminal information
  • Traffic conditions
  • Ticket price and purchase method
  • Recommended airline arrival time

The shuttle uses public roads, so journey times may increase during weekday peaks or major events. (nantes.aeroport.fr)

Travelling to Central Nantes

Central Nantes begins west of the station.

Passengers can reach the city centre by:

  • Tram Line 1
  • Local bus
  • Taxi
  • Bicycle
  • Walking through the Jardin des Plantes or past the château

The Château des ducs de Bretagne is around a 10-minute walk from the north entrance.

Commerce and the Bouffay district can generally be reached in approximately 15–20 minutes on foot, depending on the route and destination.

Tram Line 1 provides a faster option for passengers with luggage.

Transfers Within the Station

The overhead mezzanine connects the north and south passenger areas and provides access to the platforms.

Allow approximately:

  • 5–10 minutes between nearby platforms
  • 5–10 minutes between a platform and the north tram stop
  • 10–15 minutes between a platform and buses on the opposite side
  • Additional time with luggage or reduced mobility
  • More time during weekday commuting and holiday periods

Platform changes can occur during disruption or engineering work.

Check the station screens even when making a familiar journey.

Tickets and Local Transport

SNCF railway tickets and Nantes local transport tickets are generally separate products.

Passengers should confirm:

  • Whether a separate tram or bus ticket is required
  • Ticket validation requirements
  • Airport-shuttle fares
  • Reservation conditions for TGV or intercity trains
  • Whether the selected pass covers the complete journey

Keep railway tickets available until leaving the destination station.

Local transport tickets can be purchased through approved Nantes public transport sales channels and ticket machines.

Accessibility

Nantes Station includes lifts, escalators and step-free routes connecting its entrances, mezzanine and railway platforms.

Passengers requiring accessible travel should check:

  • Current lift availability
  • The designated assistance meeting point
  • The most suitable entrance
  • Accessibility of the required train
  • Accessibility at the destination station

The accessible route between the north and south sides may differ from the shortest stair route.

Advance assistance may be available through the relevant train operator.

Taxis, Parking and Bicycle Access

Taxi and passenger pickup facilities are available around both station entrances.

Passengers arranging a taxi or ride-share service should specify whether collection is from the north or south side.

Parking facilities are available near the station, particularly around the southern Euronantes side.

Nantes has an extensive cycling network, with bicycle parking and shared bicycle services available near the station.

Station Facilities

Facilities at Nantes Station include:

  • Ticket offices and machines
  • Passenger information
  • Departure screens
  • Waiting areas
  • Toilets
  • Shops and food outlets
  • Luggage services
  • Lifts and escalators
  • Accessibility assistance
  • Bicycle parking
  • Tram and bus connections
  • Taxi and parking facilities

Facilities are distributed between the station halls and overhead mezzanine.

Nearby Landmarks

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is directly opposite the north entrance and contains landscaped gardens, glasshouses and walking paths.

Château des ducs de Bretagne

The historic castle is approximately a 10-minute walk west of the station.

Nantes Cathedral

Nantes Cathedral is near the château and can be reached from the north entrance on foot or by tram.

Canal Saint-Félix

The canal and marina lie south of the station near the Cité des Congrès and Euronantes district.

Cité des Congrès

The Nantes convention centre is south of the railway and can be reached from the south entrance.

Visitor Tips

Use the north entrance for the historic centre, Tram Line 1, the château and Jardin des Plantes.

Use the south entrance for Euronantes, Cité des Congrès, parking and many coach or passenger pickup services.

Confirm the current airport-shuttle stop before travelling because temporary road arrangements may affect its location.

Allow extra time when changing between transport services on opposite sides of the railway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the main entrance to Nantes Station?

Nantes Station has major entrances on both sides. The north entrance is generally best for central Nantes and Tram Line 1, while the south entrance serves Euronantes and southern neighbourhoods.

Which tram serves Nantes Station?

Tram Line 1 serves the Gare Nord stop outside the north entrance.

Can I travel directly to Paris?

Yes. Frequent high-speed trains connect Nantes with Paris Montparnasse.

Are there trains to the Atlantic coast?

Yes. Regional trains serve Saint-Nazaire, La Baule, Le Croisic, Pornic and other coastal destinations.

How do I reach Nantes Airport?

An airport shuttle operates between the railway station, city centre and Nantes Atlantique Airport. Check the current pickup point and timetable before travelling.

How far is the château from the station?

The Château des ducs de Bretagne is approximately a 10-minute walk from the north entrance.

Which entrance should I use for Cité des Congrès?

The south entrance is generally most convenient for Cité des Congrès and the Euronantes district.

Is Nantes Station accessible?

Lifts, escalators and accessible routes connect the entrances, mezzanine and platforms, although current lift availability should be checked.

Are taxis available?

Yes. Taxi and passenger pickup facilities are available around both sides of the station.

Does the station have luggage storage?

Luggage services may be available, but current opening hours and capacity should be checked before travelling.

Related Railway Station Maps

Disclaimer: This map is provided as a general guide. Station entrances, platforms, services and transfer routes may change. Check current information from the relevant railway operator before travelling.