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Please Help: Paris Orly to St. Lazare and Train Ticket

After a stopover at London Heathrow, I'm arriving at Paris Orly on June 23, 2014 at 3 pm ((15.00). I've been advised to take a taxi to St. Lazare and then take the train to my destination, Trouville-Deauville. Trains depart from St. Lazare at 16.45, 17.45 and 19.10. My questions are:
1. How long will it take to pass customs, get money from an ATM and find a cab?
2. How long will a taxi take to get to St. Lazare at that time of day? And what should the cost be? (single passenger)
3. Which train departure time am I most likely to make? I understand I should purchase a semi-flexible or flexible ticket, but I suppose it would be smart to purchase for the most likely time and if necessary, exchange it for an earlier or later time. AND I only need a one-way ticket.
4. I've had correspondence with Capitaine Train. Would you suggest it or purchasing a ticket on your site? Of course, I'd like the best deal I can find.

I appreciate your help and if you have any other suggestions, please advise.

Paula

Posted by
32350 posts

Paula,

At that time of the day the traffic could be a bit "thick", so using the RER and Metro would probably be a better choice than Taxi or Bus as it will be quicker. There are several options but the one I'd probably use is.....

  • OrlyVal train from the airport to Antony station
  • RER B from Antony to Châtelet (Châtelet-Les Halles is a large transfer station, so a short walk may be required - it's not difficult)
  • Metro Line 14 (direction St. Lazare) to Gare St. Lazare

Regarding your questions.....

  1. If you have to go through E.U. Passport control there, the time will depend on how busy they are at the time. Rather than visit an ATM there, you might consider getting €50-100 before you leave home which will cover travel expenses until you reach your first destination. I usually have Euro left over from previous trips, so always have "travel funds" at hand.
  2. Traffic could be an issue so it's difficult to predict the cost or travel duration.
  3. I'd probably plan on the 17:45 departure. I don't usually purchase tickets in advance, so not sure which ticket would be best. I'm sure one of the others will have information on that.
  4. No information, but I'm sure one of the others will have information.

Happy travels!

Posted by
7 posts

I appreciate the information. Because of a long flight, layover in London, etc., I wanted to avoid the intricacies of multiple train switches; hence opting for a taxi to St. Lazare. I also was told that I did need reservations on the train from St. Lazare to Trouville-Deauville. Is that not correct?

Thanks, Paula

Posted by
7 posts

Thanks so much. I'm totally sold on the Rick Steve's Team. What a wonderful site, incredibly helpful information and a timesaver for harried travelers! Paula