Hello,
We will be in France for a 13-day period over the summer. We are taking trains to and from Paris/Bayeux, Paris/Lyon and Lyon/Beaune. The Enfant+ card seems to be worth it, but can not be shipped to the US. I was thinking of shipping it to my friend in London and having her send it to me. Has anyone dome this before? Is there a better discount card for these circumstances?
Also, how much time should we allow from CDG (customs, luggage), to Gare Saint-Lazare? We were going to get a car service to take us from the airport to the train station. Thank you, Megan
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
If you want that Enfant+ card, you should buy it in France. See locations lower on the page: https://www.sncf.com/en/passenger-offer/mainline-cards-fares/enfant-plus-card. You can still book tickets through https://en.oui.sncf/en/ (assuming no problem with credit card approval) or through thetrainline.com, and select that discount category, even if you don't have the card in hand.
Posted by
Paris
10031 posts
You don't need a car service to the train station. Take an official taxi (ignore the touts who will come up to you in the terminal and get in the line). It will be 50€ fixed rate for up to four people to Gare St Lazare.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you Laura and Kim! If we are to land at CDG at 6:50am, would we have enough time to get through customs, get luggage, get to train station and buy enfant+ card for a 10:09 train? OR should I buy a ticket for noon and trade if able? Thank you!
Posted by
Green Bay
20966 posts
If we are to land at CDG at 6:50am
That is the key point, "If". Are you looking at buying an advance discount ticket? What are the exchange costs if you miss it? How much of a discount are getting? I think the 12:08 is safer.
Posted by
Chicago
8442 posts
the rule of thumb is 4 hours between ETA at CDG and a train from Paris. That gives you a cushion for a plane a bit late and immigration longer than usual. We usually average about 2.5 hours from landing to apartment, but 3.5 is not unusual. We have had immigration take 10 minutes and 90 minutes and for many years most planes were late -- once by 5 hours. Airlines are padding their ETA these days to have a better 'on time' record so they are a bit better than they were.
Use the extra time if you have it to purchase a picnic for the train and to have coffee at the station.