Enough time from landing to train departure in Paris?

Posted by Meghan (Quincy, MA, USA) on 07/01/09 09:47 AM

Hi everyone,

Here's my query - I am landing at CDG Paris at 6:10am. I am planning on taking a train from the airport to Avignon. There is an 8:21am departing from the airport. Those who are familar with getting through customs and picking up baggage at this airport, do you think just over 2 hours is enough time? The next train is at 11:46am, so if I went with that, it would be a lot of hanging around. One flightstats.com, the on time record for this plane was 82% with an average delay of 35 minutes.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Meghan

Posted by Adam

Boston

07/01/09 12:08 AM

4132 posts

Well, I think it's credible, just not guaranteed.

On my last trip my flight got in a little after 7 and I made a train leaving from Gare Lyon in Paris at 8:30. (I had checked bags, too.) Of course it might not have worked, but compared to that your connection is a piece of gateau.

To really improve your chances, pack light enough to avoid checking bags.

I know it's prudent to plan for the worst, but sometimes its worth planning for the best too.

There are also 10 and 11 AM trains leaving from Gare Lyon, so if you are up for it and can't make the 8:21 from DeGaulle, you could go into Paris and save a little time. The Air France bus #4 goes directly to Gare Lyon.

Posted by Tom

Danville, VT

07/01/09 11:44 AM

12040 posts

Two hours seems adequate for CDG. For departures, it might be one of Europe's more inefficient monsters, but not too bad for arrivals.

Posted by Kellie

wichita

07/06/09 12:22 AM

22 posts

I made this connection traveling on to Brugge. We booked a later train just in case. In reality it all went very quickly. We were able to take an earlier train even though our tickets were from the later train. Very easy!