We fly into Paris from the US in Sept, arriving @ 6AM. We have always stayed in Paris first for several days before traveling out. This time we’ll be doing Paris days @ end of trip. We had planned to rent a car @ CDG, or take a train to somewhere outside of Paris & pick up a car. After reading other posts, the advice is not to drive after an overnight flight from the US.
Our destination is Bayeau for our first night. This is a 4 hr train trip from Paris with a change in Rouen. Is there a faster way to get there? I’m not sure about a long train trip after a long flight. I’ve always gotten good travel info on this forum. Advice??
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
The only faster options are to take a direct train from Paris St Lazare. It depends on the time.
https://en.oui.sncf/en/
Posted by
OP
8 posts
I do not see any trains on either SNCF or Rail Europe on 9/11/18 Paris to Bayeux that do not have 2 connections except late train through Rennes. Seriously considering renting a car in Rouen, and going to Honfleur then Bayeux. Looks like an hour to Honfleur then 1 1/2 hr to Bayeux.
Posted by
atlanta
186 posts
We just took the SNCF from St. Lazare to Bayeaux and it took about 1 1/2 hours. Relaxing and easy. Would recommend you either plan to sleep the first day in Paris upon your arrival or get on a train.
Posted by
BC Canada
129 posts
I too am arriving at CDG early Sept. and taking train directly to Bayeux from Gare St Lazare. A friend who knows the trains well brought to my attention the absence on direct trains when I arrive Sept. 7th. I messaged my landlord to say I would arrive later than expected. She responded that I should check in 2-3 weeks from now on the French SNCF site. She states they will post the direct routes there first. They have been B and B operators for some time so hoping the information is correct...may help you or others. Good luck!
Posted by
Clarksville, TN, USA
959 posts
I'm so relieved to read this! I just saw that tickets were released for 9/11/18 for our day trip from Paris to Normandy (Bayeux) and was trying to figure out why when I'd initially planned this trip I thought we'd be able to do the Bayeux Tapestry and lunch before our 1pm tour. So it sounds like they will probably release the direct train schedule later? I sure hope so. I'd prefer not to have 8 hours round trip to Bayeux. In fact, if this is the case, I'm going to consider canceling our day trip to Normandy....
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
kere,
The solution I'd use would be a Taxi from CDG to Gare St. Lazare, and then train to Bayeux. Using an arbitrary date of 5 Sept., I found a direct departure (no changes) at 10:10, arriving at 12:24 (time 2H:14M). There are other departures that have one change in Caen.
Don't use Rail Europe for checking schedules, as they only show limited information. One of the best websites to use for checking schedules all over Europe is https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml . If you ever want to buy advance rail tickets, one of the most user friendly websites is www.trainline.eu (registration on the site required).
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Ken,
I may be brain dead from all day of trying to find trains to Bayeau but I have had a problem finding anything people have suggested. I went on the French SNCF site, & found a Paris to Bayeux route that was 2hrs, instead of 4. But the site is in French. I’ll try these other rail sites that you suggest. Thanks.
Posted by
East Peoria, IL
802 posts
We had the same issue planning a Paris to Bayeau trip in 2015. The direct tickets will probably be released at some point closer to your dates. It’s an easy ride and we had time to dash into town to see the tapestry before our afternoon D-Day beach tour.
Posted by
Clarksville, TN, USA
959 posts
Perfect! I just went on oui.sncf and looks like they have the direct train schedules through 9/1/18. So I'm going to check every day for the direct trains for the 11th!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
kere,
Be sure to note the spelling of Bayeux when searching rail schedules. The train that I suggested earlier at 2H:14M is likely the one you'd be able to connect with (assuming no flight arrival delays and using a Taxi from the airport). It's actually a very easy trip.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
For the SNCF site in English, use https://en.oui.sncf/en/