I have an 8/10 hour lay over at CDG. Airport web site says it’s 8 hours but it’s ten hours between my in bound flight landing and my next flight departing. Is that enough time to leave, spend a few hours in Paris and return ? I had planned on just finding a lounge and lounging in the interim. But it’s occurred to me that it’s worth exploring the possibility of a quick Paris excursion. I’ve been to Paris a few times before so this won’t be my first time there. Just debating between 8 hours of a lounge or a few hours on the streets of the City of lights. I land at CDG in the morning and depart the afternoon of the same day. Any thoughts appreciated. Merci
Posted by
Chicago
9095 posts
Assume bags are checked through and you are coming from outside Schengen and then. traveling on to a Schengen destination. Assume it will take an hour or two through immigration, it takes an hour into the city on the RER (including getting ticket and waiting). And hour back to the airport on the RER. And you need to be at security for the onward flight about 2 hours ahead. So that is 5 or 6 hours on basic logistics. That would give you 2-4 hours in Paris. You could get off at St. Michel/Notre Dame and walk around the central aisles, along the Seine, grab a drink or snack at one of the cafes in the area. Or you could get off at Luxembourg and enjoy the gardens and walking in that area.
If all that effort is worth it to you for a couple of hours -- go for it. Just be sure you are in the train station ready to head back to the airport 3 hours before your flight.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
213 posts
A few years ago, my DIL did a quick trip into Paris during a layover that was much shorter than that, I think they had a 5-6 hour layover. I raised an eyebrow we she told me what she had in mind (she was traveling with a group to India for a volunteer nursing mission trip) but she and the group pulled it off. Got into Paris, spent a couple of hours there, and made it back to the airport in time.
Yes, it is entirely possible and since you've been to Paris before you already know the ropes so that gives you an advantage. But only you can decide if it is worth the small - but real - risk that something delays your return to the airport.
(PS...if this was me, yes, I'd go for it!)
Posted by
OP
USA KY
23 posts
Coming from the US and carrying my bags. I travel light. Was considering taking a taxi/ uber to Montmartre. Having brunch or whatever and then heading back. I know it’s a question of relaxation/comfort vs squeezing out another experience. Just wondering if it’s even possible. Thanks for the thoughtful reply. Go Cubs!
Posted by
OP
USA KY
23 posts
Stella! Thank you so much. 5-6 hours. Wow. I don’t think I’d try that but kudos to her. This is helpful. Thank you. I know it’s not the “ smart play” but when I think of spending $$$$ to hang in a lounge versus a cafe americano in Montmartre with a croissant or three it feels like it might be worth the risk
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2647 posts
If it was my trip I would go for it. Would not enjoy all that time in the airport and two to three hours in Paris would be great. Good luck!
Posted by
Chicago
940 posts
says there are E-gates for USA passport holders with biometric passports at CDG. If you
qualify, that would reduce the time janettravels44 has estimated by quite a bit for immigration
into France. So you might have 4-5 hours in Paris instead of 2-4.
It sounds like you're aware of the caveats, so other than having a Plan B for getting to back
to CDG up your sleeve, it seems quite doable assuming you arrive on time.
Depending on circumstances, I could also see getting a room at one of the hotels at CDG
for the day if sleep was important, or, one of the towns around the airport might allow for
a shorter transport if you had some time but not as much as originally anticipated.
Posted by
Indianapolis, IN
377 posts
Here's an idea if you have an interest...
The French Nation Air and Space Museum at Le Bourget is about a 20 minute taxi ride from CDG. It's quite an impressive place that is often missed by tourists because of its location outside of central Paris. DH and I spent several hours there and would happily return to see some things we missed because the exhibits are quite extensive. They also have a very pleasant cafe. (Where I was happily enjoying my wine on the terrace while DH managed to fall, injured himself, and got carted off for treatment by the on-site paramedics. Sorry, just had to mention that because it was a very memorable experience LOL.)
It would be well within your schedule to get a taxi or G7 ride there and back. Just be sure to have the phone numbers handy to call for your ride back to the airport.
They will check small carry on type bags, but the bag size is limited so check the dimensions on their website.
https://www.museeairespace.fr/en/
Posted by
Chicago
9095 posts
the last few times to Paris we have been through immigration in a bit less than an hour from leaving the plane to the luggage area (where we then waited a good while since luggage is often slow at CDG). BUT the first time we came in with the 'fast' biometric gates, they had one gate operating for all Americans, Canadians and ?s and it took us two hours through immigration as there was this one gate bottleneck and a very long line. Time depends on working gates (there have been about 4 the last times we did this) and how many jumbo jets unloaded passengers just before you. And on how competent those dozens before you are using the gates.