We just switched a flight from Chicago and will now arrived at CDG on Saturday, July 12, 9:30 a.m. We are catching a river boat in Arles on Sunday. Looks like all the trains from CDG or Paris are booked for Saturday?? I am using SNCF Connect.
Is there another website to book tix? The English speaking help line at SNCF is not picking up.
Ideas? Not opposed to a private transfer if necessary, but do not have a clue on those, never used one.
Thank you!
Marie, SNCF is currently showing 3 seats departing CDG 2:59pm arriving Arles 8:09pm with 1 change.
Good luck.
Those trains really do sell out - so you’re in a tough situation for sure.
I see a couple of options.
If you can sleep at the Paris airport and travel to Arles on Sunday before your departure, I see a few options for trains.
I also see seats on a couple of afternoon trains on the 12th - you’d have to sit around the airport for about 5 or 6 hours, but at least you’d get there.
A private transfer would be really expensive and take a long long time.
All the CDG/Paris to Arles trains are booked for this Saturday, except for one late, overnight train departing Gare Austerlitz. Trains need to be booked well in advance, particularly for summer.
There are a few seats available early Sunday, from 121.70€, for trains from Gare de Lyon to Arles. I would book an early Sunday train, ASAP, and plan on spending Saturday night in Paris. There is a relatively new Marriott hotel just across the street from Gare de Lyon.
Thanks Jean, can you post a link, not seeing availability?
Here is, hopefully, a link. This is on trainline for now. I’ll try to post the SNCF. It’s got a change of trains in Lyon.
https://www.thetrainline.com/book/travel-options?lang=en-us
You’d be booking a 2:59 departure from the airport. It should be $220 a person
It is also showing on the SNCF site. It’s 359 Euros for two people. 2:59 departure shows 3 seats available. Arrives Arles at 8:09.
I wish I could post an actual link but I’m just not savvy enough - it only gives me a general link to the SNCF site.
It’s slightly more expensive to book on Trainline but I would do it in this case so the train doesn’t sell out.
I tried posting a link at SNCF Connect, but couldn't get the schedule to link.
I see there is 1 seat left. I hope you were able to book the other 2 seats.
From Gare de Lyon there are seats at 6:56pm with 2 changes arriving 11:49pm.
This is about the heaviest summer travel weekend of the year. MANY families with children are leaving on vacation on Saturday the 12th and the national holiday is officially on Monday, but really starts Sunday night.
You could also look into flight to either Marseille or Montpellier and a local train to Arles.
You have seats available to Arles leaving at 2:59pm from the airport. You need to be fast now.
Thanks, booked the 12:15 from Paris, Gare de Lyon to Arles. Arrives at 4:15 and it's right by the port (I hope!) We were originally booked ORD to Brussels to Marseille, but for the past four days that Marseille flight was cancelled or diverted or late. Looks like an unexpected chance to see the new Notre Dame!
Marie, you should take a look at the Man in Seat 61 to get an idea of the layout of Gare de Lyon since time will be tight.
When we were in Arles quite a few years ago, the river boat station was between the train station and the old town walls.
I wouldn't divert to drive by Notre Dame. You are going to be pressed for time as it is. Keep your fingers firmly crossed that your flight arrives into CDG on time. Glad you found tickets !
Jean has given excellent advice to spend some time getting to know the Gare de Lyon in advance,
Truly appreciate the help I got here. With the uncertainty in Marseille on those wildfires (news outlets still warning they can impact travel), I feel better going in a day earlier than planned and not stressing about a fligth connection. We are booked at that Courtyard across from Gare de Lyon, BTW, looks great. As my luggage tag says (literally), Paris is always a good idea.
Thanks again!
Just wanted to thank the group for their good advice. Writing from the Courtyard Marriott across from Gare de Lyon. Excellent choice. Been to Paris many times, never stayed over this way. Hotel is clean and super quiet. Wonderful staff. Off to catch the train across the street, thanks again Stevies!
So glad you arrived in Paris fine Marie and made a good plan for getting down south. Have a great trip !
