What is the best way to get from Avignon to London? We were going to take the train to the Lyon airport and then Fly to Heathrow but there seem to be limited direct trains that match up with the very limited nonstop flights to London. Has anyone made this trip successfully and with little hiccups? Also, how early do we need to get to the Lyon airport if we are checking luggage through to London (1 or 2 hours); is it a small airport? Thanks for any help you can give.
Posted by
northern CA
2766 posts
Did you check on flights from Marseille and/or Montpelier?
Posted by
California 🦋
5293 posts
I’ve not done this, but consider taking train to Marseille and flying to London from there.
Check flights here: skyscanner.net
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10623 posts
@avi Montpelier is in Vermont, Montpellier would be too far from Avignon, but yes, Marseille is the airport to use.
Posted by
Cornwall
332 posts
Take the Eurostar train all the way from Avignon to London. It will end up quicker than flying, if you get a good price.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6974 posts
Another vote for the train all the way. Unfortunately I don't know when Eurostars to southern France will return, but it is pretty easy even without them. A TGV to Lille and change there to a Eurostar to London.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33826 posts
I have done (from Nice) the TGV to Lille and Eurostar and found it easy, comfortable and pleasant. To do the short run (TGVs are VERY fast) from Avignon would be even more pleasant. Taking a train to an airport - any airport - would be a hassle, train easy, then all the airport kerfuffle, then an admittedly fairly short flight (I've done Nice to Gatwick which is similar), waiting for and collecting luggage and immigration, then getting into London from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton..... way too much hassle.
Just time it so you have enough time for Eurostar check in. Border checks (both French and British) are done before you board the Eurostar. When you get to London, gather up your luggage - it travels with you in the same carriage - and walk out of the station right into London. Way easier.
Do you have a spare day to check out Lille while you are there?
When is the trip?
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7886 posts
To amplify Nigel's idea, note that Eurostar recommended check-in times have apparently edged over an hour. This time, for immigration and customs (For England, but taking place in France) are not flexible or lenient. You must allow for the time or you will not be allowed to board the Eurostar.
Even so, the all train route is likely to be the most "effortless." This is a long journey, that almost suggests a change in vacation itinerary to me.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6974 posts
To amplify Nigel's idea, note that Eurostar recommended check-in times
have apparently edged over an hour.
For the major stations, but Lille Europe is a small station. The Man in Seat 61 has this to say about check in times at Lille: "In theory check-in closes 30 minutes before each Eurostar departure, in practice they know when a connecting TGV is coming in late with passengers making connections, and you'll usually still get through even 15 minutes before your Eurostar departure, if that is necessary because of a delay."