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Transportation from CDG to Tours, France

Looking for most expeditious and economical way to get from CDG to Tours, France.
My flight arrives at 9:40 am on Saturday. I then need to do the return trip on Monday evening. It was suggested that I take TGV train from Gare Montparnasse to Tours. For the return, the connections don't coordinate. Also, it takes over 4 hours. I'm transporting medical products, so multiple trains is not my preference, nor can I rent a car. I'm thinking a taxi is my my best option, at least between CDG and Gare Montparnasse. Any thoughts?
Thank you!
Sandra

Posted by
2020 posts

Several years ago we returned a rental car at St Pierre des Corps station, which I believe was the TGV spur for nearby Tours, and boarded a train that went directly to CDG. It was a while ago, and the opposite direction, but perhaps searching for this station may yield results for your itinerary? Good luck and safe travels.

Posted by
2537 posts

One option would be to take a taxi to Montparnasse (58€) and board the 12h31 TGV departure to Tours Centre. This is a direct train which takes about 1+13, arriving Tours at 15h00. The train departs less than 3 hours after your CDG arrival, which is very tight leaving little to no margin for error. If on Saturday means 6 November, this train is already full. If you mean some Saturday in the future, it could be a solution.

You provide no information about your Monday return which would allow formulation of any reasonable transportation solution.

A car service from CDG to Tours might work. Consider:

https://www.chabe.fr/

http://www.barons-limousines.com/

http://www.limomassey.com/

Not sure what your reference to 4 hours means exactly, but if you are referring to the drive time from CDG to Tours, that is exactly the time it will take under ideal conditions. Arriving on Saturday will save you 30 to 60 minutes road time as you avoid the heavy Monday through Friday traffic between CDG and the south side of Paris.

4 to 5 hours is about the quickest time you could arrange for transportation to a TGV station and eventual arrival at Tours Centre. Everything would need to proceed smoothly without unknown delays, which often do occur.

Expeditious will never be economical.

Posted by
9462 posts

Expeditious will never be economical.

Never were truer words spoken.

Posted by
55 posts

UGH! Everyone just validated all my fears! The truth hurts, but I appreciate it. Looks like I'm going to have to suck up some inconveniences and forfeit any dream of economical and expeditious!
Since I'm on a medical mission and can't be sure what time I'm returning to CDG (it might even be on Tuesday instead of Monday), I'm not able to pre-pay for TGV ticket. So, I should just rule it out entirely and just book a ride service.
Thank you, everyone!
Sandra

Posted by
6783 posts

There's nothing preventing you from booking several fully-refundable "business" TGV tickets according to your various return hypotheses. Cheaper and slightly faster than a private transfer.

Posted by
1 posts

Don’t go into Paris! I took train directly from CDG to Tours in late Oct (boarded at 11:30 and got to the St-Pierre-des-Corps station in under 3 hours). I believe that you should be fine buying ahead online as they will let you exchange your tkt for a later train if you are delayed. (Bought mine on Trainline.com. Prices vary considerably depending on hour of day). Not sure about returning to Paris, tho.

Posted by
55 posts

Trainline shows the following. The 12:38 has 2 changes and it's close to 5 hours. The next available is at 18:18, under 2 hours, zero changes. I really don't want to sit at the airport for 8 hours. This appears to be the last train of the night.

Posted by
9462 posts

Ah, you’re looking for expeditious, economical, AND last-minute !! The trifecta !

Posted by
6783 posts

Today's trains might be full (end of school holidays), but Monday's aren't, at least not on my app?
Anyway, a transfer might be best for your needs even though it costs several hundred dollars.

Posted by
11033 posts

Any chance the recipient can come to Paris to pick up whatever it is you are delivering?

Posted by
55 posts

Hey, Everyone! I made it! I arrived in Tours shortly before 5:30 last night. After landing at CDG, I headed to the TI which was closed. 😥 I then went to the electronic map and info. It all looked familiar, but was only in French. After asking and pointing to my itinerary, finding no one who spoke English, I was directed to the TGV station. I was thrilled to find the ticket office open! I was saved!

TGV 12:30 was indeed available! Apparently, was only sold out online. However, it was too tight for me to chance the connection. My best option was a 2 hour train to Le Mans connecting to a 2 hour bus. A little chaotic at the bus. Driver pulled into different slip, so I just followed the crowd and showed my ticket to another passenger who nodded affirmatively. As we boarded, driver took headcount, no time for him to check tickets. I took front seat, so I heard conversation, but didn't understand. I'm guessing it was oversold, cause about 18 people were left behind.

Lessons learned: 1) don't believe internet 'sold out' 2) move to the front of the line to board the bus. Unfortunately, book early is not an option for medical missions.

Meeting in Paris would have been ideal, but not the assignment.

And yes, I did, indeed, hit the trifecta! It certainly wasn't expeditious, but it was economical, and only 2 modes of transportation. But a WHOLE LOTTA stress and time invested!

Thanks everyone! Now I have to see what happens for the return which should be tomorrow. 😬

Posted by
9462 posts

So glad you made it. Sorry you had to do a bus, and good for you for making it ON that bus !