We plan to take the train from CDG to Champagne-Ardenne on May 20th, a Saturday morning. Our flight gets in at 8:15 from the states and there are trains leaving at 9:45 am and 12:45 pm. Anyone know how busy it might be in late May? Wondering if we will be Ok not making advance reservations. There may not be enough time to get thru customs etc. to grab the earlier train, but would if we can swing it.
Also, taxi from Champagne-Ardenne station to the hotel in Reims?
Depends on where your hotel is within the centre and how much luggage you have. There are trains connecting with TGV arrivals to reach the main Rheims station, and also a fairly frequent but slower streetcar service to the city centre.
IF your flight actually arrives at 8:15 and there are no other issues in the terminal to hold you up, you probably would be able to just make the 9:45 train. However, if your flight is at all late, all bets are off.
If you are shopping on the official SNCF site http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers you will see you have a choice between three types of ticket. One is non-refundable, one has limited exchange, and one is fully flexible. No surprise that the flexible ones cost more. Keep in mind that if you miss the early train you will have to exchange the ticket for a later seat reservation which could involve lining up for an agent -- although you probably will be waiting anyhow.
Hi Carleen:
I took the train from CGD to Reims before a RS tour two years ago. I also transferred at Champagne -Ardenne station. Because my flight to Paris was 2 hours late I missed original my train. I was booked on the 12:45 train. It was very easy to rebook on a train 45 minutes later. What I found was that the Champagne-Ardenne station is kind of in the middle of nowhere. I was going to take a taxi as well, but there were none at the station. I waited for 10 minutes and none showed up. I expect you have to call them. So I took the train from there to Reims and it is very easy. Basically walk across the platform.
My hotel was literally across the street from the train station. I would recommend taking the train instead of a taxi.
Barbara
I agree with Barbara, the Champagne-Ardenne station is in the middle of nowhere. There were trains and buses into Reims, running frequently. Tickets are not that expensive from CDG to C-A station, I would wait and buy them on arrival.
