Sabines, low prices for long bus departures

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Montpellier, at dusk, reveals itself. Through this series, we explore the nocturnal transport of the Mediterranean city, revealing another facet of this dynamic city. Tonight, heading to Sabines bus stationdeparture point for long-distance buses where travelers board at low prices.

Under the pale neon lights of the Sabines bus station, agitation reigns. The ticking of rolling luggage and the blowing of the night wind seem to punctuate the scene. Here, bus departures continue until late at night, offering an economical alternative for travelers. In this transitional space, each silhouette, each look, tells a story. This bus station is a hotspot for long-distance bus departures. It is served by companies such as BlaBlaBus and FlixBus, offering connections to many national and international destinations. Accessible via tram line 2, it is also served by bus lines 18 and 53.

It’s past midnight, and a FlixBus displays “Barcelona” in white and green letters on its digital sign. A group of young people wait, bundled up in their jackets, a few faces hidden under hats. Among them, Pierre, a law student: “I take these buses because it’s definitely cheaper, especially the night lines. I have a student subscription for the SNCF, but the prices remain high, especially for last minute journeys: 15 euros one way, compared to around 50 euros by train. And then, at night, it’s as if the journey goes by faster. Sometimes I curl up next to the window and try to sleep. »

“I take these buses because it's definitely cheaper, especially the night lines. I have a student subscription for the SNCF, but the prices remain high, especially for last minute journeys: 15 euros one way, compared to around 50 euros by train.”

Fatou, a caregiver, regularly goes to Perpignan after her night shifts. Taking a bus for 10 euros allows her to return early in the morning to look after her children, “a significant saving” when the same journey can cost double during the day.

Life in transit

Anaïs, a design student, sees these buses as a way to go back and forth between Montpellier and Lyon without breaking the bank: “A one-way ticket for 20 euros is unbeatable. By train, it’s more than 60! So yes, it's less comfortable, but somehow, I like this atmosphere. Once, I even met another student from my university on the same bus. We talked all night. »

“A one-way ticket at 20 euros, that defies all competition. By train, it's more than 60! So yes, it's less comfortable, but somehow, I like this atmosphere. Once, I even met another student from my university on the same bus. We talked all night.”

For Rémi, an independent worker, these night trips are an opportunity to optimize his schedule: he leaves at midnight, travels for 25 euros to Marseille – compared to often more than 80 euros by train – and arrives early, ready for a work day or appointment. “Ultimately, it’s a little luxury to be able to travel without disrupting my daily life,” he says, especially appreciating the practical side.

The Sabines bus station is never completely dark, but it's not totally awake either. A few pigeons are still pecking around the benches. The passengers are there, some curled up on benches, others leaning on their phones to pass the time. Everyone seems locked in their own bubble.

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