The Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée Region has celebrated the return of train service on the Montréjeau-Luchon railway, after 10 years of closure. The operation of this historic line, part of the landscape since 1873, was suspended in 2014 following severe flooding.
EUR 67 million was the Region’s investment in this project which included the complete refurbishment of the single-track line, the construction of four halts, the installation and securing of several level crossings, the restoration of structures, and the installation of signalling and telecommunications equipment.
On 22 June 2025, it reopened its tracks to the public, being operated by diesel trains, with plans to introduce hydrogen trains, underlining Occitanie’s commitment to sustainable mobility and the vitality of its regions.
“The reopening the Montréjeau-Luchon railway line is a real source of pride! Because here in Occitanie, we reject territorial inequalities and prioritise rail transport wherever possible,” said Carole Delga, the President of the Occitanie Region.
The hydrogen trains will be delivered by Alstom by the end of this year and are expected to enter operation starting 2026. In 2021 SNCF Voyageurs, on behalf of four regions, including Occitanie Region awarded Alstom a contract to deliver 12 dual mode electric-hydrogen trains.
With six return journeys each day the line connects Montréjeau to Luchon in 35 minutes, compared to 55 minutes by coach. It also serves three other stops: Loures-Barbazan, Saléchan-Siradan, and Marignac Saint-Béat. Additionally, it allows travellers to reach Toulouse and Pau, where connections with other lines are possible.
Designed with residents’ daily needs in mind, the line makes it easier to travel to employment, education, and healthcare hubs. It notably serves four health centres and two secondary schools. More than just the return of the train, this is a genuine regional project aiming to sustainably open up the Luchon valley and establish it as a must-visit tourist destination in the Pyrenees.
To support the return of the train and offer new services to travellers and residents, the Region has renovated the Bagnères-de-Luchon station. The building, dating from 1873 and listed as a historic monument, now features modernised reception facilities. Its façade and two iconic canopies have also been restored.
Following the Figeac station in 2023, this is the second station that the Region has refurbished through direct project management.
The Montréjeau-Luchon railway is running through the Luchon valley and the opening marks the first time when a French region takes back the management of a railway line in order to bring it back into service.
In recent years, of the three train lines reopened in France, two are located in Occitanie. Following the inauguration of the Rive Droite du Rhône line in 2022, the reopening of the Montréjeau–Luchon lineis the second decided by the Region as a result of the États généraux du rail et de l’intermodalité (General Assembly on Rail and Intermodality).
Share on:
