By mistake, I bought a TGV ticket from Paris (Gare de Lyon) instead of from Charles de Gaulle. When I look online (at the TGV website), there isn't an option to buy tickets from Charles de Gaulle. I leave for Paris on Thursday. Is it easy enough to arrive at the airport and buy a one way ticket at the TGV station?
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Jennifer...it depends what your destination is...where are you heading from Paris on TGV?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
If you mean, How do I get to Gare Lyon, a good option is the Air France bus that will take you there direct from CDG. But can't you change your ticket?
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, CA, USA
2 posts
I can get a refund for "up to three days" prior to my departure date. Since I'm landing the day I'm using the ticket, I receive a 50% refund. I don't know if they'll allow me to exchange tickets (if I miss my train) so that I don't have to pay for another one. That would be nice.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Jennifer, when I took the Air France bus two yeas ago the ride was about 25 minutes--but it was early on a Sunday morning and traffic was light. Still I think 2 hours ought to be enough time since the bus goes right to the station.
In any case, if yo umiss your train your ticket is still good--you'd just have to buy another reservation.
From what you've said, it sounds as though you could still get a refund now--just outside of the 3-day window--and buy the ticket you really want (from CGD). But probably there is some reason you can't do that. So I hope my information about the bus sets your mind at ease and that things go smoothly for you.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You need three hours between your schduled arrival at CDG and scheduled departure from Gare de Lyon. Allow one hour (or more) to get through immigration/passport control and retrieve your luggage. Allow a minimum of one hour to get to Gare de Lyon. Air France bus #4 runs every 30 minutes. If you miss a bus, you won't have time to wait for the next one.
Actually, it would be faster and cheaper to take the RER B to Chatelet Les Halles and then either the RER A or RER D to Gare de Lyon.
That said, TGVs from CDG to Avignon depart at 08:40, 09:45 (vis Lyon), 11:49, 14:10 (via Lyon), and 14:04. Why not call the SNCF English-speaking number and change your ticket from home? Dial 011 (US international access code) + 33 (country code for France) + (0)8 92 35 35 39. Omit the intial zero which is only used for calls originating in France. If you get an automated response, press 2 and you should be connected to someone who speaks English.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Oops! That last departure time via Lyon should have been 13:10, not 14:10.