We will arrive at CDG (Terminal 2A) at 9:25 am. Can we get through customs and get our luggage in order to catch a 11:16 am train to Tours or should we book the 12:38 pm train at twice the price? If we book the 11:16 am train and miss it, would we be able to exchange it for the 12:38 train at no charge? Not fully understanding the Terms and Conditions under the SNCF website. We are nervous about having less than 2 hours to make the 11:16 am direct train at half the price (and half the duration) although our trip leader says it is possible. Thoughts and advice? We need to book soon as prices have already gone up. Thank you!
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
Exchanges are not free, they cost 15€/each up until departure time.
1h55 seems tight to catch a train, with non-EU passport immigration lines, checked luggage, and the longish walk from 2A to the station. On a good day it is enough, but not every day is good at CDG!
3hrs is much more comfortable and usually recommended.
The key factor here is that the earlier train is also faster. How much faster? And how cheap are those tickets? If you can afford to lose that money, and are fit enough to walk briskly / jog with luggage if needed, I'd say go for it. Otherwise I'd probably just book the later train. Especially if it makes you nervous.
Posted by
Paris
10198 posts
If we book the 11:16 am train and miss it, would we be able to exchange it for the 12:38 train at no charge?
Nope.
You will have to buy the new tickets at the new price, plus a 15-euro charge per ticket, minus the value of the old tickets.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11879 posts
...although our trip leader says it is possible.
What sort of 'trip leader'?
How does he distinguish between 'possible' and 'likely' ?
Where are you coming from and when? Is weather likely to affect your flight and lead to a later than scheduled arrival?
What is the composition of your group and how fast can they move?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
We would be flying out of Chicago shortly after Labor Day. The first week of the trip is a bike tour through the Loire Valley starting in Tours and our tour leader believes that we could make the 11:16 am train. That train is half the price and a direct train in half the time as opposed to the 12:38 train at twice the price and twice the length of time with a connection in Le Mans. My husband and I are the travelers and we could walk fast if needed to get to the train station. but I think it's too close for comfort.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10623 posts
I've made it but I was in business class and have an EU biometric passport and no other planes were arriving at the same time. So, you are quick off the plane, no other planes arrive making the line for passport control long, if your luggage arrives quickly, and you walk quickly (2A is not near the station), you could make it.
But, you could slow down, have a coffee and croissant or even a little lunch from one of the vendors, get on your train an hour later, and take it easy--even sleep a little.
Edit: smart move. Peace of mind. And this gives you time to pick up goodies to eat lunch in the train.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you everyone for your very helpful advice. I ended up taking the safe route by booking the 12:38 train to Tours. Did not want to have an anxiety ridden flight over to Paris and going through Customs worrying whether or not we could make the earlier train. Just bit the bullet and paid more for the ticket for peace of mind. Again, merci!
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
A very sound choice indeed ☺️