Gare de Pau
Gare de Pau: A clean, renovated station offering excellent services and seamless connections via funicular and buses to the heart of Pau.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easy boarding
Gare de Pau
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easy boarding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gare de Pau: A clean, renovated station offering excellent services and seamless connections via funicular and buses to the heart of Pau.
"Good atmosphere, very clean station, professional staff, and excellent services."
🎯 Funicular is Free!
Hop on the funicular right outside the station for a free ride to the city center with great views. :ticket:
🅿️ Ample Parking Available
If arriving by car, there's a large paid parking area near the station. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Funicular Ride
Directly outside the station
A free, historic ride offering panoramic views of Pau and the Pyrénées. A must-do for any visitor!
Château de Pau
City center, accessible via funicular
Explore the birthplace of Henry IV. Free entry on the first Sunday of the month makes it a budget-friendly gem.
Local & Regional Transport Hub
Station concourse
See the modern Regiolis trains and understand Pau's role as a gateway to the Pyrénées.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Funicular First, Then Explore
Connectivity is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Funicular is Free!
Hop on the funicular right outside the station for a free ride to the city center with great views. :ticket:
🅿️ Ample Parking Available
If arriving by car, there's a large paid parking area near the station. :car:
☕ Coffee & Snacks Onsite
Grab a coffee or use vending machines while you wait for your train. :coffee:
🚻 Clean Restrooms
The station offers clean, free toilets for travelers. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Funicular is Free!
Hop on the funicular right outside the station for a free ride to the city center with great views. :ticket:
🅿️ Ample Parking Available
If arriving by car, there's a large paid parking area near the station. :car:
☕ Coffee & Snacks Onsite
Grab a coffee or use vending machines while you wait for your train. :coffee:
🚻 Clean Restrooms
The station offers clean, free toilets for travelers. :toilet:
🗺️ Easy Navigation
Signs are clear, but double-check your platform before boarding your train. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise Gare de Pau for its cleanliness, professional staff, and excellent services. The station is well-connected with regional buses and the funicular to the city center, and offers convenient amenities like parking and a coffee shop. While some note it's a small station, recent renovations have significantly improved its appearance and functionality.
"Here is a good atmosphere you could feel it when you get off the train. Very clean station, the staff of the station are very professional and you would get excellent services from them as well. It also has a big paid parking area, coffee shop, Avis, EuropeCar, Regional bus, Local city bus (F) to the center, funicular.
I recommend you visit Pau at least once."
Anik Singh
"🚉 The station is clean and there are plenty of parking spaces near me and you can also book a taxi to get off and the bus stop is right in front."
Tanmoy Sarkar
"The train station is warm inside, and there are free toilets inside of it. There's a small relay store and several vending machines. Quite a small train station, but recently got renovated and looks a lot better now, has connectivity with T1 and F bus. Direct connections to Bordeaux, Paris, Bayonne, Biarritz and etc."
Mykhailo Starysh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the funicular located directly opposite the train station. It's free, runs frequently, and offers scenic views as it ascends to the heart of Pau. Local buses, including the F line, and taxis are also available right outside the station.
Gare de Pau serves as a hub with direct connections to major cities like Bordeaux, Paris, Bayonne, and Biarritz. It's also a gateway for regional travel within the Pyrénées.
Yes, there is a large paid parking area available near the station for those arriving by car.
Taxis are readily available at the station. You can also arrange for a taxi to pick you up directly in front of the station.
Absolutely! Local city buses, including the F line, stop right in front of the station, providing convenient access to various parts of Pau.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The funicular is completely free to use! It's a fantastic perk for visitors arriving at the train station.
The interior visit to the Château de Pau is free on the first Sunday of every month, making it an accessible cultural experience.
Ticket purchase facilities are available at the station. It's advisable to check schedules and book in advance for longer journeys, especially during peak travel times.
The funicular typically operates throughout the day, connecting the station to the city center. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check locally upon arrival.
Various regional and national rail operators offer different fare types and potential discounts. Checking the SNCF website or local ticket offices for deals is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The station is clean and recently renovated, featuring free toilets, a small convenience store, and several vending machines. There are also plenty of seating areas both inside and outside.
The station is accessible, with no stairs mentioned in recent reviews, making it easier for travelers with mobility challenges.
Information regarding Wi-Fi availability is not consistently mentioned in reviews, so it's advisable to have a mobile data plan as a backup.
Travelers describe the atmosphere as good, with a clean station and professional staff providing excellent service.
While there might not be a large staff presence, the signage is generally easy to understand, guiding passengers effectively.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The station has a small convenience store and several vending machines for quick snacks and drinks. For more substantial meals, you'll find numerous options in the city center, accessible via the funicular.
Yes, there is a coffee shop available at the station, perfect for a quick pick-me-up before your journey.
While the station itself has limited food options, the city center, just a short funicular ride away, offers a wide array of restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes.
Pau offers a mix of traditional French cuisine and regional specialties. You can find everything from casual bistros to more formal dining experiences.
While not directly at the station, the markets in Pau's city center, especially on Saturdays, are great places to find local produce, cheeses, and jams.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the modern Regiolis trains on the platforms, the unique architecture of the station itself, and the scenic views from the funicular as it ascends.
Yes, trainspotting and photography are generally permitted at Gare de Pau. Capturing the Regiolis trains is a popular subject for enthusiasts.
The funicular ride offers excellent vantage points for photos of the city and the surrounding Pyrénées mountains.
Beyond trains, the area near the station has an industrial, authentic vibe with old buildings and graffiti that appeals to photographers looking for raw urban landscapes.
Morning light can be beautiful for train photography, while the golden hour before sunset might offer stunning views from the funicular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Funicular of Pau
Opened in 1908, the funicular has been modernized but retains its classic appeal. It connects the lower station near the train tracks to the upper town, where you'll find the Château de Pau and the main shopping areas. The journey is short but incredibly scenic, and it's a perfect introduction to the city's layout and beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to capture some stunning photos from its carriages.
Gare de Pau as a Transport Hub
Beyond long-distance rail, the station is a hub for regional and local transport. You'll find regional buses and local city buses, such as the F line, readily available right outside the station, facilitating easy access to different neighborhoods within Pau. The proximity of the funicular further enhances its connectivity, seamlessly linking the station to the upper town.
For those interested in exploring the Pyrénées, Gare de Pau is a convenient departure point for journeys into the stunning mountain valleys. The station itself has been renovated, offering a clean and modern environment for travelers, with amenities like a coffee shop, restrooms, and vending machines.
Beyond the Station: Exploring Pau
Pau itself boasts beautiful parks, charming streets, and a vibrant atmosphere. The city is known for its stunning views of the Pyrénées, which can be enjoyed from various viewpoints, including those accessible from the funicular. For adventure seekers, the nearby Vallée d'Aspe offers opportunities for outdoor activities, and Gare de Pau is the starting point for many excursions into this picturesque region.
For those with an interest in urban exploration or unique photography, the areas around the station, described as a bit 'off the beaten path' with industrial remnants and natural elements, offer a raw and authentic aesthetic that can be quite captivating.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit