Paris - Caen, late September on a Monday. We'll be arriving to CDG, going into Paris and catching a train from there. I really would like to leave my time open and flexible just in case there are problems with customs, etc.
How feasible is it that a train ride like this will sell out? (there are several on this route each day). Or does the price get considerably higher if you buy it at the counter?
Thanks for any info / opinions
Molly,
Your travel time from CDG to Caen will vary somewhat, depending on which train you choose. There is a station at CDG where you can purchase the necessary tickets. Have a look at www.parisbytrain.com for a description of the two ticket offices at CDG.
The method I'd use for getting to Caen would be:
RER B to Chatelet (this is a larger transfer station, so you'll have to walk from Chatelet Les Halles as I recall).
Metro to Gare Saint-Lazare (Line 14, direction Saint Lazare - it's a bit of a walk from the Metro station to the rail station at St. Lazare, but there are lots of escalators which helps).
Train from Paris St. Lazare to Caen (this trip is as short as 1H:47M, depending on train - reservations most likely required).
Molly,
It is possible to get a Prem's discount fare as low as 23 EUR for Paris-Caen by booking in advance. But those tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable so you would need to build in a lot of connection time in case your plane is late. The standard 2nd class fare isn't all that much higher: 31.20 EUR. That fare won't change. It will be the same whether you buy the tickets today or when you get to Paris.
The chances of the train you wish to take selling out are very slim. However, you could book standard fare tickets in advance just to be extra safe. If you miss the train you've booked, you can exchange those tickets for a later train.
