Hi, I am trying to book a direct train from Paris to Reims for mid-April, and am not finding any direct trains. Where should I be looking? Don't want to take a half day to get there, if possible! I am finding connecting trains, but that sure adds more time to the trip! Please advise. RS book says there is a direct train and takes about 1 hour...... Thank you for your help. Karen
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3167 posts
Direct TGV trains leave from Paris Est and take about an hour for the journey. You might not see one listed if your trip is more than 90 days out. Check the sncf.com website for more info and for possible trains.
Posted by
OP
Dallas
138 posts
Phillip, thank you so much! I may be trying to book this too early! I will try again in a few weeks....
Karen
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15591 posts
There are a lot of trains that don't go all the way to Reims, but stop in Champagne-Ardenne. From there you take the local TER train. When I did that in April, all I had to do was walk from one side of the platform to the other and board the waiting TER train. Very easy and convenient if the timing works better for you. It does look like it's a bit early for all the trains to show up.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
You're probably a bit too early still, but they should go on sale in the next few days. If they don't, it might be because of engineering works on the line.
Posted by
Paris, France
131 posts
If using a US-issued credit card I have found it easiest to book at www.captaintrain.com
Tickets should go on sale 3 months in advance.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I took that direct train a few years ago and it was about an hour. Try looking for a date that is within a 90 day time frame from now and you will get an idea of times and pricing.
Posted by
OP
Dallas
138 posts
Thanks for all the help! It is much appreciated.... Have any of you used Eurorailways.com to book trains?
Please advise, thanks! Karen
Posted by
47 posts
If applicable, just make sure you also end up on a direct train returning to Paris. Had a very bad experience with a small local train (2 small cars) that connected to the larger station in Epernay, which I think was about a 30 minute ride. The local train was full to the brim - we entered when it was standing room only so took places standing near-ish the door, but the people just kept coming until the point that it was incredibly crowded and we no longer had handholds. It reminded me of those films of the Tokyo subway where someone's job is to push people into the cars! I was with my mother and was terrified she would fall or be knocked down. We all survived and had a bit of a laugh about it later, but during those 30 minutes it was extremely uncomfortable and a little scary at times. OK, doom and gloom over -- ENJOY REIMS, it really is lovely!! And at that time of year I am sure it will be incredible!