How is/or has everyone traveling from Charles deGaulle to Bayonne for start of Basque Country tour? I’ve chosen a 4-hour layover for connection to Biarritz. Is anyone, or has anyone previously opted to take the train, which i see is about a half-day trip? I don’t mind the long layover at CDG as i understand it’s a hassle to get through customs and passport control upon landing. However i do love the idea of seeing the countryside by train. Thoughts?
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6260 posts
I spent a few days in Paris before taking the train to Bayonne to start the tour. I think the train is a great option.
Personally, I avoid taking the train on my day of arrival and choose to spend at least a night in my arrival city before traveling on. It makes it easier to plan as I don’t have to worry about flight delays. After an overnight flight, the last thing I want to do is wait in a train station. Does your schedule allow you to spend the night in Paris before traveling on? You could book a hotel near the Montparnesse train station and then travel the following morning. This would eliminate the need to build in a buffer on your arrival day.
Posted by
OP
Arizona
2 posts
hi. thanks Laura. yes, i am arriving the morning (8am) prior to start of tour. i am not interested in staying in Paris but prefer to get closer to Bayonne so as not to feel rushed on the day of tour starting. how long is the train ride and are there connections to deal with?
Posted by
Tennessee
479 posts
When I rode the TGV train from Paris-Montparnasse to Bayonne in May 2025, it took 4 hours with no connections. Pretty countryside but not stunning.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6260 posts
For travel from CDG to Bayonne, it will require a connection and take about 5 to 6 hours as there will be some time required for the connection. You can use the SNCF Connect website or app to check schedules.
If you travel from Paris Montparnasse you can get a direct train that takes about 4 hours.