Rennes, Brittany to Saint-Etienne (Loire), Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes from $50: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from Rennes to Saint-Etienne (Loire): Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$50 RideshareBest price

702 kmDistance

3h 40m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Rennes to Saint-Etienne (Loire) with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

See more options

Sort by

Browse car rentals Explore flights

Traveling From Rennes to Saint-Etienne (Loire)

The journey from Rennes, known for its vibrant historical charm, to Saint-Etienne, recognized for its industrial heritage and modern cultural scene, presents travelers with a fascinating contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Saint-Etienne (Loire)

Saint-Etienne boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

La Terrasse

• Lively atmosphere with trendy cafes and shops.

• Close to parks for leisurely strolls.

Centre-Ville

• Heart of the city with historical architecture.

• Excellent public transport connections.

Montreynaud

• Known for its artistic vibe and galleries.

• Offers panoramic views of the city.

Best Times To Visit Saint-Etienne (Loire)'s Attractions

Timing your visit to attractions in Saint-Etienne can significantly enhance your experience.

Cité du Design

Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience, especially in the morning.

Museum of Modern Art

Early afternoons are less crowded, allowing for a more leisurely exploration.

Parc de l'Europe

Early mornings or late evenings provide a peaceful setting for a stroll.

Saint-Etienne (Loire) Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Saint-Etienne enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, making the spring and early fall ideal for visitors seeking mild weather. Understanding local weather patterns can help you pack accordingly and plan activities that align with seasonal conditions.

Dining Recommendation in Saint-Etienne (Loire)

Try the local dish 'Gratin de Pommes de Terre' at La Table de Christophe, which showcases hearty flavors with regional potatoes and a rich cheese blend, a delightful contrast to Rennes' lighter seafood-based fare. The rustic ambiance and emphasis on local ingredients provide a distinctly authentic dining experience that highlights the culinary heart of Loire.

Rennes - Saint-Etienne (Loire) operators

Explore transport companies operating between Rennes and Saint-Etienne (Loire), with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+33 1 84 94 36 35

Website

https://www.sncf.com/en

Train from Rennes to Lyon Part Dieu

Average Duration

3h 50m

Estimated price

€127-205

Train from Lyon Part Dieu to Saint-Étienne Châteaucreux

Average Duration

42m

Estimated price

€205-205

Train from Tours to Moulins Sur Allier

Average Duration

3h 4m

Estimated price

€460-461

Train from Lyon Perrache to Saint-Étienne Châteaucreux

Average Duration

55m

Estimated price

€205-462

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+33 1 71 53 01 80

Website

https://www.blablacar.fr

Bus from Rennes to Nantes

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

€2058-468

Bus from Nantes to Saint-Étienne

Average Duration

9h 10m

Estimated price

€469-20585

Rideshare

Contact phone

+3 318 576 2228

Website

https://www.blablacar.com

Rideshare from Rennes to Saint-Étienne

Average Duration

8h 19m

Estimated price

€46-46

Plane Show flights

Website

https://www.airfrance.com

Plane from Rennes (RNS) to Lyon (LYS)

Average Duration

1h 16m

Estimated price

€1277-1278

Rennes to Saint-Etienne (Loire): Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Rennes and Saint-Etienne (Loire) offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic 436-mile journey from Rennes to Saint-Étienne, offering a picturesque drive through the French countryside. Allow approximately 6 hours and 36 minutes for this unforgettable road trip experience. 💰 Explore budget-friendly travel options ranging from €111 to €175 for driving between Rennes and Saint-Étienne by car. Consider utilizing Blablacar's carpooling service for convenient and affordable rideshare opportunities along this route.

Average price

€111 - €175

🌍 The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours and 42 minutes. It's an opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenic views, and perhaps even catch up on some reading or work during the trip. 💰 Prices for this train journey between Rennes and Saint-Étienne typically range from €131 to €211.

Departure Point

Rennes station

Arrival Point

Saint-Étienne Châteaucreux station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard Services: The trains operating on the Rennes to Saint-Etienne route, such as those provided by SNCF, offer catering services that include a range of snacks and beverages available for purchase. Look out for the onboard café where you can enjoy light meals, sandwiches, and coffee. It's advisable to check the menu in advance on the SNCF website or app.

• Seating Options: On your journey, you can choose from multiple seating classes. SNCF provides First Class (1ère Classe) with more spacious seating, business amenities, and quieter environments. Economy class (2ème Classe) is comfortable and affordable, but with a more basic setup. If you prefer a premium experience, consider reserving in First Class for added comfort.

• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Saint-Etienne (Loire) station, you will find luggage lockers available for short-term storage, which is helpful if you wish to explore the area without your bags. Also, restrooms are available in the station, but there are no showers. Be sure to scan the station map upon arrival to familiarize yourself with exits and amenities.

• Fastest Way to City Center: To get to the city center from Saint-Etienne (Loire) station, take tram line T1 (Direction: Châteaucreux) to Place Jean Jaurès, which is the quickest route taking about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, city buses are available, such as bus line 1, that stops near the city center.

🛫 Start your journey by boarding a quick and convenient direct flight from Rennes Airport to Lyon Airport, which takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes. Air France provides flights on this route, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Departure Point

Rennes Airport

Arrival Point

Lyon Airport

🚌 Traveling from Rennes to Saint-Étienne by bus requires a transfer in Nantes. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes. 🚌 Prices for a bus ticket between Saint-Étienne and Rennes range from €48 to €81, making this an affordable transportation option for your trip.

Departure Point

Rennes station

Arrival Point

Saint-Etienne station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Rennes to Saint-Etienne (Loire).

Or choose the category:

The distance between Rennes and Saint-Etienne is approximately 343 miles, or 436.2 miles by road. By train, it typically takes around 4 hours and 56 minutes to travel from Rennes to Saint-Etienne. Another option is to fly from Rennes and then take a train, which generally takes about 4 hours and 14 minutes. If driving, the journey from Saint-Etienne to Rennes usually takes around 6 hours and 36 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Rennes to Saint-Etienne is to rideshare, which costs approximately €45. However, this option also takes the longest, with a travel time of 8 hours and 19 minutes. For a quicker option, the most time-efficient choice is to fly from Rennes to Saint-Etienne and then take a train, which takes approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes and costs between €100 and €362.

The prices for a train ticket between Rennes and Saint-Etienne can range from €239 to €444. The specific cost may depend on factors such as the class of travel, the time of booking, and any promotional offers that may be available. It is recommended to check with different train operators or online travel websites to compare prices and find the best deal for your journey.

To get from Rennes to Saint-Etienne without using public transportation, you can consider using BlaBlaCar's carpooling service. It offers rideshare options between the two cities, which can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative. The driving distance between Rennes and Saint-Etienne is approximately 436 miles, and it takes around 6 hours and 36 minutes to drive. It's worth noting that the prices for carpooling vary, ranging from €109 to €172.

The best way to travel from Rennes to Saint-Étienne without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes, and ticket prices range from €235 to €444. Taking the train is a convenient and efficient option, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Additionally, it eliminates the hassle of navigating through traffic and finding parking in a new city.

No, there is no direct train link between Rennes and Saint-Étienne. However, there are services available with transfers at Lyon Part Dieu station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes. The train services are operated by TGV inOui and Swiss Railways.

The flight between Rennes and Saint-Etienne typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The quickest and most convenient way to travel between these two cities is via a direct flight from Rennes Airport to Lyon Airport. As for the cost, prices for this flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, but the average cost can range from $100 to $300 per person. It is always a good idea to compare prices and airlines to find the best deal for your travel.

There are over 601 hotels available in Saint-Étienne for you to choose from. Prices for accommodations start at €46 per night. It is recommended to explore different booking platforms and compare prices to find the best option that suits your budget and preferences. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and customer reviews when making your decision.