Need to get to Gare de Lyon tomorrow morning for a 7:47 train.
So far, we have been absolutely amazed at the frequency of the trains, but I am wondering if that holds up on a Sunday morning.
Does anyone know if we need to budget more time than usual?
Thanks
Michael
Our experience is that the Sunday schedule is reduced. Surely you can find the local schedule. Stop at a TI.
michael,
You didn't say which part of Paris you were travelling from, but I'd suggest just leaving a bit early so that you have a bit of a "cushion" to adjust for reduced schedules. If you're not too far from the station, you could also ask your hotel to pre-arrange a Taxi. Traffic on Sunday shouldn't be too bad.
Holiday and Sunday schedules are a bit reduced but not dramatically. I'd give yourself an extra 15 minutes over original plans.
If you aren't familiar with Gare de Lyon you should leave plenty of time to find your train. The station is actually effectively 2 stations in one, with one big bunch of platforms denoted by platform numbers towards the front of the station and another big bunch denoted by letters of the alphabet a fair distance to the side and out the back. Between them is a fairish walk and the platform is not usually posted until about 15 or 20 minutes before departure.
My favourite station for whatever that may mean, by the way.
If you use the RATP website or - even better - the app, you can put in your origin and destination, tomorrow and the time you want to go and it will give you the times of the Métro and buses.
Yes, Gare de Lyon is weird. It is divided into "Hall 1" (the old part, platforms A to N) and the newer "Hall 2" (platforms 5 to 23, odd numbers only). Only the French could have come up with this numbering system!
See plan here: http://www.garedelyon.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/plan-coupe-halls-gare-de-lyon1-1024x535.png
The departure boards post "Hall 1" or "Hall 2" as soon as the trains are listed. This allows you to go to the correct part of the station. The actual platform is posted about 10-15 minutes before departure.
If you are arriving by métro or RER you will have to ascend a few levels by escalator. Look for video displays and follow signs to the correct hall, and you will emerge in the correct place.
P.S. I am going through Gare de Lyon tomorrow (3rd July), in the other direction.
The OP asked about Metro service on a Sunday, which isn't the same thing as train service at Gare de Lyon.
At Gare de Lyon, it is a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to find out where you need to go. Allow much more time if you need to purchase tickets.
Trains and their platforms are announced 20 minutes before departure.
Expect delays and possible cancellations at this time of year.
If your train is cancelled or delayed, you can use your tickets to get on the next one, but won't be assured of a seat.
The Metro runs on a reduced schedule on Sundays and holidays.
If you need to buy a ticket in the machine, plan on 3 minutes.
Finding the right direction is easy - look for the signs with Gare de Lyon listed.
Time to reach the correct platform, 3 minutes.
Depending on which line you are taking, the wait between trains on Sunday would range from 3 to 8 minutes.
If you aren't used to public transportation, need to make an underground connection between lines, and are carrying luggage, I would add 5 minutes or so.
It's not the same thing, but all the helpful information about the Gare de Lyon will also help the OP find what he needs more quickly upon his arrival there, which further addresses his question of budgeting time.
