This is our 1st trip to europe and Charles degaulle airport. We fly into Terminal 2E, then were told by Air France we'd have to claim our bag and go to customs before boarding train. Unable to see on Rick's map and airport website if you have to leave terminal 2 for baggage & customs, then return to terminal for SNCF train to Brussels? Concerned about time; have 2 hr. layover. Many thanks.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
If you haven't yet seen this web site, you may prefer it over the main airport site: http://easycdg.com/airport-guide/terminal-guide/terminal-2-paris-cdg-airport-charlesdegaulle/.
Two hours can work if all goes very well, but we're usually more cautious and suggest at least three hours. Unless you have connected within Europe's Schengen visa zone (such as at Reykjavik, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt), you will have to go through immigration/passport control, where the line can sometimes take as much as an hour. As well, the whole airport is large.
If you reserve a train in advance, most tickets don't allow any refund. Even full fare tickets (the same price you'd expect to pay in the station, if seats are available) are only refundable within one hour after the scheduled train departure.
Posted by
Anacortes, Washington
153 posts
No, you will not need to leave the terminal to go through immigration and customs. Just follow the signs (and your fellow passengers). You will first stand in a line to have your passport checked, and then move on to a hall to collect baggage and pass through the customs area. That's no problem; just walk through the "Nothing to Declare" line. folks are seldom stopped for inspection, IME.
If your plane arrives on time, and you only have carry-on luggage you should be all right on time. If you arrive late, and/or have luggage to pick up, I would worry a bit. Luggage arrival can be sluggish at times, and if I had checked luggage (we never do), or non-changeable tickets I would be more comfortable with three hours.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Many thanks for responses. I have in my notes I read somewhere if you have connecting tickets for the train, you can receive priority baggage delivery; I certainly planned on inquiring about this with the airline. We will each have a checked bag; in europe for 5 weeks. Air France agent said when I print the flight boarding pass, i'll receive documentation of some sort for the paid train ticket, but not a seat assignment. Are seats assigned, or will our print out get us on board? We so appreciate you folks taking the time to help us novice travelers. Mary
Posted by
USA
423 posts
The airport is large but easy to get around follow signs you will be fine. Lots of walking but with 2 hours thats plenty of time- when we arrived there were no lines at all in Immigration we breezed through in 5 minutes!
Happy Travels✨💫
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
It sounds like you have purchased US to Paris to Brussels from Air France all on one ticket. If this is the case, here is Air France's page on this program: https://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/resainfovol/avion_train/reservation_avion_train_bruxelles_airfrance.htm
Scroll down, and under "Your Itinerary," select Train from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Brussels-Midi. You will see all the steps.
Yes, immigration and customs will take place in terminal 2E. You then make your way to the train station.