In searching the timetable for train service to Bayeux, I see many have tight connections in Caen. I have concerns about making the connection with such short transfer time. Do I validate the ticket again in Caen before boarding that train?
Am I correct in that there is no train from CDG to Bayeux so my only option is to get to Gare St. Lazare to get to Bayeux?
Lin
Posted by
Green Bay
20086 posts
8 minutes is plenty of time, or take one of the direct trains. Nothing from CDG direct. Take the RER B to Gare du Nord, change to the RER E to Gare St Lazare, and then your train(s) to Bayeux.
PS. The connecting train originates in Caen, so there is a good likelihood that they will hold it if the train from St Larzare is running late.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
What website/timetable are you searching? When I trained from Paris to Bayeux we went through Caen, but I didn't change trains. When you book the ticket through Sncf you just choose FROM: Paris TO: Bayeux and buy the ticket. I see plenty of direct journeys and no changes. I'm guessing you're looking at some train website like RailEurope for example? Hopefully not - they're just a middleman who ups the prices and doesn't even show you all of the available choices.
Posted by
OP
Hill Country
53 posts
Many thanks to both of you, as yes, it was the rail europe website I was checking so thanks for the better option for my search.
Lin
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
Lin,
For accurate information, you'll need to STOP using Rail Europe to research rail journeys. The best resource for searching rail journeys all over Europe is the bahn.de website.
Some of the trains on the Paris - Bayeux route will have one change in Caen, but they also have numerous direct trains each day, with a travel time of ~2H:05M. If you're able to connect with one of those, you won't have to deal with a change.
All trains to that part of France seem to leave from Gare St. Lazare, so you'll first have to get there from CDG. The suggested route that Sam posted is one of the easiest, or you could use a combination of RER "B" and Metro. Have a look at the Paris Metro chart for your options.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
We recommend the DB schedule link for your schedule research, but note that Rail Europe is showing all the same departures, most direct, or a few with a transfer at Caen, depending on the time of day. You can buy the train ticket at St. Lazare station, no reservation required, rather than counting on your flight and other connections all to be on time.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Yes, other than an inflated ticket price and an additional "handling fee" of almost $8 RailEurope is exactly like ordering your ticket direct from the French Rail Website www.sncf.com ;-)
99% of experienced travelers on these forums and other travel websites like TripAdvisor will tell you to avoid RailEurope. However, since RS is directly involved with RailEurope when purchasing rail tickets you'll have to decide for yourself if you're getting the whole story when RS employees present RailEurope to travelers as a viable source of train tickets.