Train travel from CDG ?

the rule of thumb is 3 hours when taking a train from CDG. Last fall our plane was 2 hours late from Chicago -- we would have missed that train. the spring before it was about 90 minutes from arrival to the taxi line. This spring we were through immigration in 15 minutes but waited about half an hour then for luggage.

less than 2 hours is cutting it very fine -- you might make it and you should only chance that if you can be sanguine about having to buy another ticket. if you can still get really cheap tickets I'd chance it. if you can get tickets that can be changed up to departure, you might chance it and get on line on landing and rebook. With current schedule, your odds of missing are high.

Janet,

Thanks for the perspective, I can see now that 2 hours is iffy. Thinking I'll allow for more time, buy a ticket with a change option, and then if by chance we get through quickly see if I can jump on the earlier train.

Appreciate the response

Joe

What if your plane is late? I wouldn't buy tickets until you get to CDG. Unless you can change them. The last time I purchased TGV they were not changeable.

jules,

I was thinking that the cost goes up a lot if you buy at time of travel, but perhaps not. I think there's a ticket option that costs more but allows for changes. I'll make sure before I buy, but we're not traveling for awhile so I have time to check it out.

Joe

I have the same issue coming into Milan this fall and needing to get to Florence in time to check into an apartment. I am going to wait and buy on landing. If the plane is very late I may need to scramble and find a place in Milan for the night.

Is it too late for you to buy the combined airplane + train that Air France sells? If you have that ticket and you miss your connecting train because of a delayed flight, you will be put on the next available train. https://wwws.airfrance.us/information/prepare/voyages-combines-avion-train

My normal is to fly through Iceland (because my passport is stamped there) and only one carry-on bag. It takes me roughly an hour to get off the plane, get to the station, buy my ticket, and get on an RER downtown.

If you don't have a stamped passport, it can be anything from a short wait to hours. I don't fly first/business class, so I'm not familiar with shorter lines for people who spend more. If you have checked bags, you will need to wait for those. Third problem is a late flight. Planes that take off on time have slots for their air traffic clearance, approach clearance and parking. If your plane is late, there is a good chance they'll be delayed landing and finding a parking spot too. If you have internet on the plane, you may be able to rebook a flexible ticket in flight.

Travel light is always good advice. Getting off the plane, to the train and boarding/getting off the train are all easier when you aren't lugging multiple bags.

No sense starting your trip in a panic. I'd skip booking your train or buy a ticket with so much flexibility you can still change AFTER you miss your train (not sure those tickets exist?). Go straight to the station and buy your ticket there. Trains are rarely sold out. Buying at the station will cost more but is better than buying a ticket you don't use, and then buying another at the station. If you're able to make the train, great. If not, you can book the best option when you are physically there.

The next direct train is at 3 pm. Consider taking a taxi to Paris Est where direct trains are more or less every hour. Some of them are German ICE trains, but they are all nonstops, taking 1 3/4 hours to get to Strasbourg.

Thanks to all who responded. Will probably book a ticket with change options to later train, do carry on luggage to eliminate the issue of waiting for bags, get internet on the plane so I can change if flight is running late, then hope for the best at passport control. Worst case is taxi to Paris East station and get one of the more frequent trains from there.