Travelling to Avignon in mid May of 2024. What are my best options? Looks like there are no direct flights and the train looks like it is 11 hours plus. Just wondering how other folks have travelled this route. Thanks so much!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6508 posts
Where will you be traveling from on the train? Today there are hourly trains direct from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon, taking about three hours. Schedules aren't out yet for next May but it should be similar. This website may help you find what you need. But you'll have to wait till early next year to see the exact schedule, make a reservation, and buy a ticket.
EDIT -- If you're coming to Avignon from outside France, you might look at flights to Marseille, a short distance by train from Avingon, or Lyon, slightly farther.
Posted by
Jacksonville, FL
4 posts
The SNCF TGV or Ouigo from CDG to Avignon takes a little over 3 hours. There are some itineraries where you need to transfer in Lyon. I would suggest booking at least a month in advance to get the best discount. It is a bit of a crap shoot in booking. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you will need to book another train. That is why I carry travel insurance. I had no problem at CDG, but I only took carry on. It took no more than an hour to get from plane to train, but I built in 3 hours just in case. The directions are well marked after you arrive.
Posted by
Los Angeles
954 posts
Like others have mentioned, the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Avignon is an enjoyable 3-hour ride. Or Air France flies from Paris to Marseilles, which is what we would do next time.
Posted by
Nice, France
49 posts
FYI -- Short-haul flights have been banned in France in favor of train travel:
https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/12/02/is-france-banning-private-jets-everything-we-know-from-a-week-of-green-transport-proposals
Posted by
Paris
6899 posts
The ban's scope is very limited. Paris-Marseille flights are still a thing, but I would only recommend that option if you tie it on a single ticket with a flight from overseas. If you're just getting from Paris to Avignon, the train is best by far.