Travelling on Le Petit Train Jaune
At a glance
- Scenic train
Overview
PLEASE NOTE : We do not sell tickets for Le Petit Train Jaune on Rail Europe. They can only be purchased locally at the following train stations: Villefranche-de-Conflent, Villefranche Vernet les Bains and Montlouis. The leg of the journey between Latour de Carol and Villefranche Vernet les Bains is currently closed for rebuilding, as is the route east of Villefranche to Perpignan.
The scenic route followed by the narrow-gauge Petit Train Jaune (meaning Little Yellow Train) is called the Ligne de Cerdagne. This rail route operates all year round between Latour de Carol and Villefranche-de-Conflent in the South of France, from where you can continue down to the coast on a standard-gauge train. Run by TER, a subsidiary of French national operator SNCF, the Petit Train Jaune is the perfect antidote to high-speed train travel, running at a maximum of just 56km/h. Electrified and environmentally friendly, the Petit Train Jaune has operated since 1910.
The entire route of the Petit Train Jaune is 63km long; the full journey lasts 3 hrs and takes in Pyrenean scenery that is far from ‘petit’ and most definitely prodigious, skirting the Spanish border along the way. The highest point on the route at Bolquère-Eyne (1,592m) is also the highest station on the French rail network. The Little Yellow Train serves the UNESCO-listed sites of Villefranche and Mont-Louis-La Cabanasse. From the west end of the line at Latour de Carol there are five daily trains south to Barcelona and a similar number of trains north to Toulouse.
Practical information
Before you board
Seat reservations are not possible on Le Petit Train Jaune, so it is advisable to arrive at the station 30 mins before departure time in order to secure a good seat.
Onboard
During the summer months, some of the train carriages are open-top, allowing you to take in the surrounding sights in fresh air. Instead of open-top carriages, some trains in Le Petit Train Jaune fleet offer modern, air conditioned carriages with panorama windows instead. Food and drink are not served on this train service, however, there are no rules against bringing your own food and drink onboard Le Petit Train Jaune.
Booking and printing options
Advance booking is highly recommended for Le Petit Train Jaune as tickets sell out quickly.
Seat reservation is not possible on Le Petit Train Jaune.
Tickets for Le Petit Train Jaune can only be purchased locally at Villefranche-de-Conflent, Villefranche Vernet les Bains and Montlouis stations.
Classes of service
Le Petit Train Jaune only provides one class of service, Standard Class.
Le Petit Train Jaune Standard Class
Seating is basic on Le Petit Train Jaune, whether inside the covered or on the open-top carriages. Prepare for a ride that is less than smooth, but always spectacular. This is a railway adventure, one where you’ll be rewarded by the wonderful scenery of the The Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park.
