We would like to take the TGV from the CDG airport to Rennes. What is a reasonable amount of time to allow to clear customs and get to the station? How to buy the tickets in advance? What if our flight is delayed, will it be a problem to reschedule/rebook the TGV? Thank you and I love the practical advice in RS books.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
386 posts
Are you checking bags, or carry-on only? If checking, add 20-30 minutes time. My latest trip, it only took me 45 minutes max to clear customs and get my RER ticket for the city. Other times, it's taken more like 90 minutes. To be safe, give yourself at least 2 hours from time you leave plane to catching the TGV. Book your TGV ticket on sncf site (http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/train-ticket) -- enter Britain or Iceland when it asks you country of origin. If you enter USA it will forward you to raileurope, which jacks up prices. When you buy your tickets, you have choices: cheapest, or PREMs, aren't refundable. Highest priced, I believe, may be refundable if you miss it. You can start looking to buy your train ticket 90 days out. This site can tell you everything you need to know re: train travel: http://www.seat61.com/
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Direct TGVs from CDG to Rennes depart at 09:49 and 12:49. As Shelly says, give yourself a 2-hour connection time. If 09:49 is too early and 12:49 is too late, you could go into Paris and take a TGV from Gare Montparnasse to Rennes at either 11:08 or 12:08. If you do that, you'll need at least a 3-hour connection time between your arrival at CDG and your departure from Gare Montparnasse.
Posted by
OP
Arlington
5 posts
Thanks, i was envisioning needing many hours. We probably will have about 3 hours anyway just because of the plane arrival times.