I need to catch TGV train for Basel from Gare De Lyon. Is it easy to navigate to get to this train? I will be arriving at Gare De Lyon either through train or by taxi from CDG depending upon the rush hours.
Posted by
Centennial, Colorado, USA
112 posts
You can visually "walk" through most major French Gares (train stations) at this website: Gares360. The app may only be available at the French App Store? We've found it very helpful.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
All the stations are well marked with signs. Just like finding you way through an airport. Find the departure board, it will show the platform number - generally about 15 to 30 mins prior to departure so don't panic if you don't see you train listed. Know the train number and final stop. Go to the platform and wait for your train. And if concerned don't be shy about asking anyone else standing around if the train is going to X.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3991 posts
You can familiarize your self with the station by going to http://parisbytrain.com/gare-de-lyon-photos/. Gare de Lyon is a large train station but there are plenty of signs. The first time I used the station, I arrived 30 minutes before departure time and we had plenty of time to find the train and the track.
Posted by
OP
14 posts
Just saw this site http://parisbytrain.com/gare-de-lyon-photos/ and found that the RER train will come at Level-2 and then you need to take escalators to come to Level-0 to take TGV train. I guess that my understanding is correct
Are all the signs and display board in English language and easy to understand?
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Gare de Lyon has a trick, which only the French could think of. It is divided into two "Halls". See plan here: http://www.garedelyon.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/plan-services-gare-de-lyon-1.png
Hall 1, the older part, has platforms A to N (yes letters).
Hall 2, the newer part, has platforms 5 to 23 (numbered, odd numbers only).
Hall 3 is the underground area.
When you arrive (by taxi at ground level, or by métro or RER via Hall 3) look at the video screens to find your train. It will be listed (about 90+ minutes in advance) and will say "Hall 1" or Hall 2". Follow signs to the correct area and wait.
About 15-20 minutes before departure, the video will change to show the actual platform number, but as you are already in the correct "hall", it is only a short walk.
Once you know the hall 1/hall 2 trick it is easy.
There are a few places you can buy food and drink in both halls, but only limited seating. If you find a seat hang on to it, if you go away someone else will have taken your place when you return.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Some signs have French followed by English, German and Italian (can't remember the order). The video screens are obvious.
When you arrive by métro/RER, you are at level -3. Just follow signs "Grandes Lignes" (main lines) and keep going up until you see a video screen with your train on it and signs to Hall 1 or Hall 2.