Trains to Calais Fréthun

Calais-Fréthun train station

Calais-Fréthun train station is around 10 km south-west of the city centre, close to the Coquelles Eurotunnel terminal. Although not the closest station for accessing Calais, this modern mainline and international station is served by Eurostar, which conveniently and quickly links the United Kingdom to France. Passengers will also find the high-speed TGV, as well as regional TER services, running through the station. The journey from Paris to Calais-Fréthun is under 1h40mins, and Lille to Calais-Fréthun takes about 30 minutes, whilst a speedy hour-long trip is all it takes to travel from London. Once at the station, the quickest way to reach the city centre is by a connecting train to Calais-Ville station, which takes around 8 minutes. Calais-Fréthun is one of three stations that serve the city of Calais — the other two are Gare des Fontinettes and the aforementioned Calais-Ville in the centre.

Need to catch a taxi?

Calais Frethun station is served by a taxi rank or a cab office. Check availability before travelling, and pre-book if necessary. Consider using the following local operators: Eurotaxi (tel: 03 2197 3535) or Taxi Radio (tel: 03 2197 1314) or Allo (tel: 03 2197 8989).

Main attractions near Calais-Fréthun train station

Less than a 10-minute train journey will take passengers from Calais-Fréthun train station to the centre of Calais, where some of the city's most popular attractions are then easily accessible on foot. A short walk away from Calais-Ville train station will lead to the imposing town hall, in its unique neo-Flemish architectural style. Anyone up to the challenge should scale the adjoining belfry to admire some pretty spectacular panoramic views of the city. Les Bourgeois de Calais sculpture, which is one of the most famous pieces by Auguste Rodin, can be found sitting in front of the town hall. It was built to commemorate a year-long siege that the city underwent during the Hundred Years’ War.

Visitors can then continue on foot, strolling for around 7 minutes, to discover more about the city’s history of making lace. The Cité Internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode de Calais (or Calais Lace Museum) is one of only two in France, and it celebrates machine lace-making. Looking towards the future, more modern exhibitions sit alongside this museum, which explores the past instead.

Any travellers looking to relive a misspent youth (big kids are also welcome!) can enjoy a trip to the Meccano museum, less than a 10-minute walk further on. Here, all things Meccano unfold in workshops, exhibitions and giant models. If all that play leaves visitors feeling peckish, they should be sure to take advantage of Calais’s coastal setting and try the local speciality of mussels, whether they are served ‘marinières’, with vinegar or with fries.