The day we arrive in Paris we plan to take the take the TGV to Avignon. How much time should we allow from the arrival time of our flight (from the US) to the departure of the train? I am very concerned because the websites indicate that if have a train reservation and you miss the train, you have to pay for another ticket.
Posted by
Loire Valley
772 posts
This is an almost impossible question to answer, because it depends to a large extent on you and your reactions/preparations for when things go wrong.
I would certainly allow at least 3 hours if you respond well to pressure (and have good travel insurance) but that won't be enough time if your flight is delayed. That's where the travel insurance comes into it. Last time I flew into CDG my flight was due in at 06.25, my train was 09.19, and I had almost 2 hours in a coffee shop waiting.
You can buy tickets that allow changes, but they are more expensive, and usually have to be changed before the time of travel, which means the additional expense may not be worthwhile if your flight arrives 3 hours late.
It's complicated, but my preferred method is to book a hotel in Paris for the night I arrive and travel on the next day. The only time I don't do that is when I arrive on a 05.30 flight, but I have been know to fret for the whole of a 14 hour flight that was delayed by an hour...
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10223 posts
If you are book via Air France, you can book all the way to Avignon, which includes the train ticket in your fare. That way if your plane is late, you are protected and put on the next train.
Air France code shares with Delta and KLM, so you could be on a Delta plane and still have the train ticket included in the fare.
Here is an example: https://www.airfrance.us/cgi-bin/AF/US/en/local/process/standardbooking/DisplayFlightPageAction.do
Posted by
Chicago
8090 posts
Best would be the suggestion of a through ticket AF to TGV. But if you don't have that the rule of thumb for train after arrival is 3 hours if from CDG and 4 hours if from Paris. This doesn't guarantee you make the train if for example the plane is late or there is an unusual delay at immigration, but it is usually enough time to go through immigration, get luggage, get to the RER and get to the train station in Paris that you need -- or get to the TGV station at CDG.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you Bets. That is a great idea. The only problem is that we aren't going straight home. We are spending a few days in Paris. The air-rail trip requires you to do all the traveling (rail + plane) within 24 hours of each other.
But I'm glad you posted this because maybe it will help someone else.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
LR said,
The only problem is that we aren't going straight home. We are
spending a few days in Paris.
I don't completely understand this, but I am guessing LR thinks Betts's suggestion would lock her into returning the same way she came, Avignon-Paris-home. But that is avoidable.
Just fly open jaw, returning from Paris, and buy your own ticket Avignon-Paris in the regular way for whatever date you want.
This gives you the protection against missing your train and the flexibility you want.
Actually I would at least look at flying into Marseilles and avoid what will be a grueling 3-hour train ride with the potential for lots of waiting around. The trains from Marseilles are more frequent and the trip is shorter. TER trains do not require a reservation.