Paris to Bayeaux Train

I am seeing availability on the 10:55A and 4:55P trains for that date looking at the official website www.sncf-connect.com

What website are you using? I also see an intermediate train but it takes something like 6 hours so there may be track maintenance going on.

Are you on the SNCF website or app? When we were there last spring, there was far fewer trains scheduled for Sundays. You don't mention this, but if you are planning to rent a car for Normandy, Sunday's are nearly impossible and rental offices usually closed. For any other day, I'd suggest taking the train to Caen and picking up your car there. Bayeux is limited.

We had to drop off our rental in Lille on a Sunday. It was only open 3 hours and trains from Lille to Belgium were very limited on Sunday; so making that all work was a challenge; which is why I mention it.

That’s the site I’m using. Was hoping to catch the early evening direct but I guess it’s off to plan b……unless it’s early and more options will develop?

Heading to Bayeaux for a 2 day tour on the 12 and 13 of may. Tour and hotel confirmed. No vehicle needed while we’re there. Just trying to get there now. LOL

I use Trainline, and they are showing availability for trains from Paris to Bayeux for May 11.
https://www.thetrainline.com/

None from Lazare and none direct

I'd suggest the 10:55 am direct. Spend Sunday afternoon relaxing in Bayeux.
Any reason it has to be direct? Otherwise the 4:54 pm out of Montparnasse will get you there in good time with a couple of transfers.

Omio.com shows that direct but the other sites don’t. Is that a legit site? We were hoping to spend a full day in Paris Sunday.

It may well be that the direct trains have not been added in yet for that day, as the following Sunday does show the various direct trains. You might could give this a month or two and try again. You could do worse than go on the Saturday May 10, when the direct trains are scheduled, and spend an additional night there, if your schedule permits.

Omio is legit, I just don't know why anyone would use it. SNCF runs the trains, so they should know what is going on.
Sunday afternoon track work looks like what is going on here. Perils of weekend train travel.

Direct for being easy as it’s our first trip and Lazare is walkable from our Paris hotel. 2 changes leaving from montparnasse may fluster us. LOL Also had plans in Paris Sunday and leaving later was preferred but we may have to call an audible.

Train transfers are the norm. There are not always direct trains to where you want to go. You could take the No 13 Metro to Montparnasse, or a taxi. Decisions, decisions.

It's probably too early. Wait a couple of weeks.

I tried to do a dummy booking and got a message from SNCF that more trains would be available soon. You can leave you email address to be notified when they are added.

I had the same issue back in 2015 when we were planning a trip in June. Direct trains weren't showing on the SNCF site until a month or two before (my memory may be a bit off on that timing). I hesitated to book a D-Day tour without knowing we'd get a direct train, as we were doing this as a day trip. By the time the desired trains showed up, my first choices for the tour were booked up. We found another operator and were able to make the trip. I was very anxious while things were up in the air but it ended up being a long, but memorable day. I'd just keep checking the site regularly.

Thanks all! Probably will book an early one for peace of mind and then grab the one we want later if it shows. Looks like for a few dollars extra you can get tix that are refundable up to the day before.

Please don't use Omio. It's a 3rd party travel planner. Why buy tickets from a 3rd party when you can buy them directly from the company that actually runs the trains. You will not get cheaper fares with Omio.

The Trip Advisor forums, particularly the Train Forum, are littered with complaints about Omio.

You are indeed too early. They'll open up around three months out. Use the official SNCF web site. They re the ones who actually operate the trains. Everyone else is just a reseller.

Thanks PharmerPhil!

I was having the same issue for the same date. Today, 2/1/2025, direct trains were added to the schedule. There are now direct trains available from Paris to Bayeux on May 11.

Sorry to be off topic: what is your two day tour?
We're looking at going there in May.

Emmas thank you for the heads up! We’re set!

Evan, I booked with Dale Booth back in July. Crazy how fast things fill!

https://www.dboothnormandytours.com/

Paris to Bayeaux is basically a commuter train. Booking this now for travel in May is pretty pointless. Which is probably why you can't. You don't book trips on Metra, MTA or MBTA in the US months in advance either, don't you?

Remember: If trains really sold out months in advance they would be useless. Trains are used for every day business, and that is not planned months in advance.

So do not book anything. Wait till a few weeks before your trip, and you will be fine.