How early should we arrive at CDG airort in Paris for our flight to London. I prefer to allow ample time in case of slow lines.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33557 posts
Depends if you have visited CDG previously and know your way around. If you do know your way around a couple of hours should do. More if you don't.
One wonders if you already have said ticket, and if you need to remain at the London airport for some reason.
If not, one wonders why you are flying and not using Eurostar.
Comparison:
plane
one hour to CDG
2 hours (or more) check in time
one hour flight
60 minutes to exit airport (90 if checked luggage) including the lovely encounter with the Immigration Officers of the UK Border Agency
an hour to central London by Tube
= =
6 hours or so.
Eurostar
already in central Paris
45 to 60 minute check in (absolute 30 minutes minimum)
2:15 on the train
No Customs or Immigration because you cleared that before you got on the train in Paris
walk straight off the train into central London or the Tube, buses and cabs are all right there
= =
3 hours or a bit more.
::: You'll be in central London before the plane takes off
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Nigel is absolutely spot on,, if you haven't already bought your airfare it really is far better in many ways to take the Eurostar and it can be cheaper. Its alot less stressful too. Take a picnic ( and maybe some wine) and enjoy the ride,, most folks do!
If you are flying , I would arrive 2 hours ahead( its three for trans-alantic).. I have arrived 1.5 hours ahead of my inter europeon flights but I tend to advise others to be more conservative, plus I travel light and move fast. I would rather sit around for an extra half hour then get stressed out.
Posted by
Paris
10043 posts
And if you have already bought your air ticket,be sure to figure out before you depart for the airport exactly which terminal you need to go to (try finding out from your airline's website, or the Aeroports de Paris website, click on the correct website, Charles de Gaulle or Orly).
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
19651 posts
I have been through Chucky D. airport a few times over the years. I will do absolutely anything to avoid it. It stinks!! Take the train. We've done that a number of times and it is relaxing, comfortable and well priced and will take you right into London and Paris centers. All in all faster than flying. Best of all, no Chucky D.!!!!!!