In short: the train leaves Owendo four times a week, Tuesday at 10:00 PM, Thursday and Saturday at 1:30 PM, and Sunday at 4:00 PM. The full journey to Franceville costs between 33,100 and 64,300 FCFA depending on the train and class.
Owendo station is the starting point of the Trans-Gabon railway, the country's only rail line. Operated by SETRAG, it links Owendo to Franceville over 648 kilometres, crosses five provinces and serves 24 stations, seven main and seventeen secondary. Around 330,000 passengers use it every year, with eight return services a week.
Much of the information circulating online about this train's timetable is out of date. The figures below come from the running schedule published by SETRAG and were checked in September 2026.
01Departure days and times
Four departures a week in each direction. Train numbers and times are set by the State, which regulates both fares and frequencies.
| Day | Departure | Train |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 PM | Express 211 |
| Thursday | 1:30 PM | Omnibus 431 |
| Saturday | 1:30 PM | Express 611 |
| Sunday | 4:00 PM | Omnibus 731 |
| Day | Departure | Train |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 PM | Omnibus 230 |
| Thursday | 1:30 PM | Express 410 |
| Saturday | 1:30 PM | Omnibus 630 |
| Sunday | 4:00 PM | Express 710 |
Source: passenger train running schedule, SETRAG, checked on 25 September 2026. Times can change, so verify before you travel.
02Express or Omnibus: which to choose
Two trains run on the line, with different stopping patterns and comfort levels.
| Express train | Omnibus train | |
|---|---|---|
| Stations served | 7 main stations | 22 stations |
| Classes | VIP, first and second | First and second |
| Full journey, second class | 42,200 FCFA | 33,100 FCFA |
| Best for | Travelling fast between main cities | Reaching a village, travelling cheaper |
The Express calls at Owendo, Ndjolé, Lopé, Booué, Lastourville, Moanda and Franceville. The Omnibus adds the secondary stations, from Essassa to Mboungou-Badouma.
03Fares from Owendo
Fares per person, in CFA francs, one way from Owendo.
| Destination | VIP | First class | Second class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ndjolé | 18,400 | 16,150 | 12,100 |
| Lopé | 29,400 | 25,700 | 19,200 |
| Booué | 34,400 | 30,200 | 22,500 |
| Ivindo | 37,400 | 32,800 | 24,500 |
| Lastourville | 48,300 | 42,400 | 31,700 |
| Moanda | 60,300 | 52,800 | 39,500 |
| Franceville | 64,300 | 56,300 | 42,200 |
See the full Omnibus fare grid, 22 destinations
| Destination | First class | Second class |
|---|---|---|
| Ntoum | 2,980 | 2,090 |
| Andem | 4,570 | 3,200 |
| Mbel | 6,990 | 4,890 |
| Oyan | 8,350 | 5,900 |
| Abanga | 10,600 | 7,450 |
| Ndjolé | 13,500 | 9,500 |
| Alembé | 15,000 | 10,550 |
| Otoumbi | 16,500 | 11,550 |
| Bissouma | 17,900 | 12,550 |
| Ayem | 19,400 | 13,550 |
| Lopé | 21,600 | 15,150 |
| Offoué | 23,100 | 16,100 |
| Booué | 25,200 | 17,700 |
| Ivindo | 27,500 | 19,300 |
| Mouyabi | 30,400 | 21,300 |
| Milolé | 32,600 | 22,900 |
| Lastourville | 35,600 | 24,900 |
| Doumé | 37,700 | 26,400 |
| Lifouta | 39,900 | 27,900 |
| Mboungou | 42,900 | 30,000 |
| Moanda | 44,400 | 31,100 |
| Franceville | 47,200 | 33,100 |
Source: official SETRAG fare grid, setrag.eramet.com, checked on 25 September 2026.
04Discounts and luggage
Four categories of traveller qualify for a reduced fare. In every case these tickets are non-refundable.
| Traveller | Discount | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Children aged 4 to 11 | 50% | All trains, first and second class |
| Seniors aged 55 and over | 50% | All trains, first and second class |
| Young people and students from 12 | 20% | Omnibus, second class |
| Armed and security forces | 20% | All trains, first and second class |
On luggage, one piece of hand luggage up to 10 kg travels free. Beyond that, bags are checked into the luggage van, 20 to 30 kg depending on the fare, with a flat fee of 1,300 FCFA.
Buying your ticket
Tickets are sold at the counter in Owendo station. Bring the passports or identity documents of all passengers. Arrive early, especially on busy days, and check your train time the day before.
05Sleeping near Owendo station
With a 10:00 PM departure on Tuesday and 1:30 PM on Thursday and Saturday, many travellers spend a night nearby before leaving, or on arrival. Our three furnished, air-conditioned studios are in Owendo, across from EPC school, less than a five-minute drive from SETRAG station.
Each has an equipped kitchen, fibre Wi-Fi, a private bathroom and free secure parking. Book directly on WhatsApp, with no service fees.
06Frequently asked questions
What days does the train leave Owendo?
The train leaves Owendo four times a week: Tuesday at 10:00 PM (Express 211), Thursday at 1:30 PM (Omnibus 431), Saturday at 1:30 PM (Express 611) and Sunday at 4:00 PM (Omnibus 731). These are the times published by SETRAG in September 2026.
How much is a ticket from Owendo to Franceville?
On the Express train, the full journey costs 64,300 FCFA in VIP class, 56,300 FCFA in first class and 42,200 FCFA in second class. On the Omnibus train, expect 47,200 FCFA in first class and 33,100 FCFA in second.
What is the difference between the Express and the Omnibus?
The Express calls only at the seven main stations: Owendo, Ndjolé, Lopé, Booué, Lastourville, Moanda and Franceville. It offers three classes, including VIP. The Omnibus stops at secondary stations, serving twenty-two stops with two classes, at a lower fare.
Where do you buy train tickets in Gabon?
Tickets are sold at the station counter. Bring the passports or identity documents of every passenger. SETRAG publishes its timetable and fare grid on its official website.
Are there discounts on SETRAG trains?
Yes. Children aged 4 to 11 and travellers aged 55 and over get 50% off in first and second class. Young people and students from age 12 get 20% on Omnibus trains in second class, as do members of the Gabonese armed and security forces. These tickets are non-refundable.
What luggage allowance applies on the train?
One piece of hand luggage up to 10 kg travels free of charge. Beyond that, bags are checked into the luggage van, 20 to 30 kg depending on the fare, with a flat registration fee of 1,300 FCFA.
Where can you sleep near Owendo station?
Our three furnished, air-conditioned studios are less than a five-minute drive from Owendo station, across from EPC school. They are designed for stopovers before or after the train, with evening arrivals possible, from 20,000 FCFA per night.
How long does the Owendo to Franceville journey take?
SETRAG does not publish an official journey time, and it varies with the train and running conditions. Plan for a full night or a full day of travel, and check with the station when you buy your ticket.