Greetings all! Getting excited as it's only 3 1/2 weeks until our trip to France! My husband and I are flying from Philadelphia to CDG and meeting three other couples, one of whom is flying from Houston and the other two from DC. Our arrival times to CDG are all different within a two hour time span, with my husband and I arriving last. We are renting two cars to drive to Honfleur for lunch before heading to Bayeux for the first two nights of our trip. My concern is if our flight is delayed significantly, we don't want to hold the rest of the group up. I know we can cab to the station in Paris (Lazare I believe) and get a train to either Deauville (bus to Honfleur) if we are early enough to catch the group in Honfleur, or to Caen and then to Bayeux if we are that late in the day. Since we will not know our timing until we are enroute, is it possible to get train tickets for same day travel to these destinations, like getting an Amtrak train whenever? I have only travelled by rail in Europe one other time, in Italy, and our train tickets were purchased well in advance. Grateful for and advice!
Posted by
Milwaukie, Oregon
1056 posts
Absolutely possible to get train tickets at the last minute. Depending on where you’re traveling they may cost more than tickets prepurchased. On the other side, prepurchased tickets usually don’t allow flexibility in which train you take, so late arrivals canmean you have to buy new tickets for a later train. In that case, last minute ends up being cheaper...
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11882 posts
An overnight flight and then hop in a car for a 2-3 hour drive? Hmm, what could go wrong?
Was consideration given to taking train to Caen and picking up rental car there?
Anyone of you could have a delayed flight arrival, so your assumption you would be is not necessarily the most likely occurrence
Probability of trains selling out is slim
Posted by
Ottawa
237 posts
Regarding Joe's comment above re driving after a long overnight trip. I tried that room CDG to Rennes. Fell asleep at the wheel and woke up when my tires went over the rumble strips. Terrifying to think what could have happened.
I haven't made that mistake again and don't think other passengers will keep the driver awake as my wife fell asleep as well.
Posted by
Washington DC
28096 posts
I agree that driving to Honfleur and then to Bayeux after a possibly-sleepless overnight flight is a seriously bad idea. I would say that even if you could step right off the plane and into the car, but it isn't going to play out like that. First you have to deplane and get to Immigration. You could spend two hours (or more) in the Immigration line. Then you have to retrieve your checked bags and find your way to the car-rental agency and complete all the paperwork. Only now are you ready to start driving. You still have to drive close to 4 hours before you get to your hotel, and you have to find parking in two heavily pedestrianized towns.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10605 posts
Have you and the others been to Europe before? Many people sleep very little, if at all, on their flights. Like others have indicated, such a long drive after a transatlantic flight is not recommended. I have driven after arrival, but limit myself to 1 - 1 1/2 hours max. If the others are waiting around the airport for you to arrive, they will only get sleepier, not more alert. I agree with the poster who suggested that you train to Caen and get the car there. Or to Bayeux. Your lives, and the lives of others, could depend on it. Driving while tired is a dangerous and driving drunk.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The trains on these routes don't require seat assignments and therefore cannot sell out.
Posted by
105 posts
Yes, you should be able to get a train at the last minute. It would cost a lot more, but you can. However, as others have stated, this is a BAD idea. And no matter who in your party is saying they always get a GREAT sleep on the plane, it's just SO dangerous to undertake driving such a distance after flying from the US. The drive to Bayeux is bad enough, but to expect to stop off to Honfleur and have lunch first?
Your entire party really should train to Bayeux (or Caen) and pick up your car there and then PARK IT at your hotel for the night. Spend that afternoon exploring Bayeux by foot before you crash into bed. At the very, VERY least, skip the side trip for lunch.
BTW, if you're going to have multiple drivers, you have to list them all on the rental contract and pay extra per day (in my experience) for each additional driver. Plus, I think they have to be AT the rental counter with you to show their license. So if you do not meet your party at the rental car agency, don't plan on either you or your spouse helping with the driving.
Have a great trip.
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia PA
62 posts
Thank you all for your input. You are preaching to the choir about driving after an overnight flight. My preference would be to train to Normandy and pick up the rental car there. However, I don't think there is one other member of our 8 person party that agrees with me. One of the guys has traveled to Europe frequently, and claims to have done this before. Well, if we all live to tell the tale, I post again in early October once we are all back home! In any case, good to know about the trains!
Posted by
Tucson
4183 posts
Don't forget the IDP (International Driving Permit) for each potential driver. The one guy may be an expert at this, but the rest of you should download and read this guide on renting a car and driving in Europe: What you should know about renting a car in Europe in 2018.
Having said that, I agree with those who say driving in a foreign country right after a long flight is not the greatest idea.
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia PA
62 posts
Thanks Lo, and agreed about the IDP. I got mine a few weeks ago, my husband is getting his soon as well. No one else thinks it is necessary #iclearlyhavenoswaywiththisgroup. In any case, thanks for the link. I will email it to everyone else, and even if they choose to ignore it, I will take it under advisement!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11882 posts
IDP--- well strictly speaking an IDP is not necessary; what is required is an 'official translation'. Easiest way to do that is an IDP
For a driver’s license to be recognized in France, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
The driver’s license must be currently valid.
It must be used in accordance with the medical instructions displayed on the license (e.g. mandatory use of spectacles).
The license holder must be above the legal driving age (at least 18 years of age for a “B” license).
The license must still be valid in the country of issuance (i.e. not suspended, not revoked, no usage restrictions).In addition, for non-European nationals, the license will need to have been:
Issued in the holder’s usual country of residence prior to their arrival in France.
Drafted in French or accompanied by an official translation.
Obtained before the start date of their first French residence permit or before their visa was approved by the French Immigration and Citizenship Office (OFII).
Here is the website-- https://www.welcometofrance.com/en/driving-in-france
Good luck and safe travels