Paris (CDG) to Madrid; how to get there

Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 09:27 AM
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Paris (CDG) to Madrid; how to get there

Hi
Special circumstances have just come up and I need to get to Madrid as soon after I land in Paris as I can. This is in late September.

I have never been to Spain, and it wasn't really on my radar, but there is an exhibition I need to attend and I already have tickets purchased for US Paris.

To start this, I really need some ideas for getting to Madrid from Paris, and especially from CDG.

Our flight arrives in Paris at 6:55 am and I'm thinking about going straight to Madrid and spending two nights.

Is the airport in Madrid well connected with public transport? Close to the city?

Are there any fast trains between France (Paris or Marseille?) and Madrid?

I am completely ignorant where Spain is concerned, especially uninformed about Madrid.

Anyone have a good word for Madrid?
tuscanlifeedit is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 09:39 AM
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logic says one would fly from CDG to Madrid; whether you add this to your original flight or buy a separate ticket is up to you.

> yes of course it is -

what research have you done?
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 10:07 AM
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Calm down, Madrid is a world capitol. It has world class museums, fine places to eat, and a 21st century society.

It seems one way flights are expensive, since Iberia flies from Orly and Air France flies from CDG to MAD.

There are high speed trains between Paris and Barcelona and Madrid and Barcelona but not Paris and Madrid.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 10:13 AM
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sofarsogood: what research should I do?

I have never before in my life considered going to Madrid, and this has just arisen. I'm confused.

I've looked at Fodor's destination guide and I've been reading about Madrid there and on tripadvisor.com.

I don't think I'll google Madrid, but I can certainly google Madrid Airport

Yes, of course it is... well, I'm glad to hear that. Not every city in the world has an airport well served by convenient public transportation. Nor is every airport well placed for its city. I was hoping that experienced visitors to Madrid, such as yourself, would chime in.

This opportunity/possibility came up this morning, and I have 24 hours for one part of my decision.

I have an award ticket to Paris, so I would probably not do an add on. I was hoping for some feedback on various airlines and the ease or convenience of flying between the two cities. If you have done so, please chime in with your experience.

For instance: I've flown easyjet between FCO and LHR and really, it was inconvenient and uncomfortable, but doable. That's the kind of feedback I was looking for.

I think we've gone too far on this forum assuming that every questioner is a lazy idiot. I've been here a long time and fully research all my trips. I also give as much experiential feedback as I can.

I will let this be a lesson in being polite and helpful to new posters, of which I am not one.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 10:19 AM
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simple, fly Easyjet. That's a budget airline that is very good and they fly direct between the two cities. They have flights from CDG at 1:45 some days, and around 5:30 pm every day, I believe. So the 1:45 would work if it's the right day. Around 60 euro.

You can also fly budget Spanish airline Vueling direct between the 2 cities, from CDG. Vueling also flies from Orly, but you'll be at CDG so that works. Vueling has a direct flight at 9:40 am on weekdays for around 60 euro, also.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 10:22 AM
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I would also check with the airline you are using your award ticket on. They may be able to change your route to have you stop in Madrid on the way and perhaps the change fee will be less than the additional ticket you would have to buy.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 10:55 AM
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Vueling does not fly CDG to MAD but EasyJet does.

Easyjet is one those cheap-o European carriers that is safe and reliable but has a 1,000 rules that are enforced with a monetary penalty.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 10:59 AM
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Tuscan:
I think you will not regret visiting Madrid.The Airport has four terminals, T4 being world class.all of them are connected by a free bus, and all of them are really well connected to Madrid.

We usually take the bus to Cibeles and Atocha, depending on hotel location, really cheap, some 5 euros per person as far as I remember.
As far as I know taxis now have a fixed cost, and there is also a service of shared vans.
It depends which hotel you select, one or the other transport may be better, but relax! You will arrive to a big and friendly city.

Please ask if I can be of any help.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 11:07 AM
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In just over 2 weeks I'm flying from the UK to Madrid on easyjet.

Getting into the city from the airport seems to be fairly easy, although almost certainly will involve a change of metro lines of a change from the aerobus to the metro, or the more expensive option of a taxi. Anyway, I can let you know after how easy it really is.

Don't be put off by easyjet - yes, they are a budget airline but for short flights are perfectly fine. I use them a lot (infinitely preferable to ryanair, wouldn't touch them with a long bargepole!) Just read the rules on baggage, make sure you comply and you won't have a problem.

FWIW, Madrid was very low on my radar, but now I am going and have been doing some research, I'm actually getting really excited about spending 3 days there! I say go for it!
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 11:33 AM
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Madrid is a great hub for visiting many of the worthwhile towns Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca, etc.around it which all have exceptional train and bus service.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 11:36 AM
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It's easy to get into Madrid from the airport. Take the Express bus for 5 euros. Runs every 15 minutes.

http://www.esmadrid.com/en/barajas-airport-express

I loved Madrid which surprised me! Didn't think I'd like the 'big' city. It is actually somewhere I could live!
I've spent 7 nights there over the last 2 years.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 11:39 AM
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Just triple checked; Vueling most certainly does have an expensive flight from CDG to MAD at 9:40. Thanks Christina.

julia_t: I have less than a day to commit to visiting the exhibition while it is in Rome, or choosing Madrid.

If I go to Rome, it's a separate trip, new tickets to Europe, a lot more vacation days and money needed. But it's Rome.

If I go to Madrid, I'll be cutting into my trip to France by a good bit, however the added cost are much much less and there won't be added time off.

jpie: I've had great luck with changes on award tickets with US Airways, so I will call and ask about flying direct to Madrid.

jelopez: thanks for the offer and information.

This has happened so suddenly that my thoughts are scattered by the help here has been invaluable.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 11:49 AM
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Vueling DOES fly CDG-MAD

The two other non-stop options are Easy Jet and Air France. Air France will have fewer restrictions on baggage etc. if that is a concern so check the expected all in price before committing to a discount carrier.

I am looking at dates for May right now for a friend and Aifr France is decidedly cheaper even on base fare.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 11:51 AM
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Try a round trip ticket on AirFrance. I find that is pretty reasonable out of CDG.

9:40 is too early IMHO. You need to allow a minimum of 4 hours for a non protected connection. You have to clear immigration, customs, head to the new gates, check in and start all over again. Don't cut this too close. More time is better
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 12:04 PM
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I think the OP decided on Vueling, but Easyjet is not like Ryanair, it's a perfectly decent regular airline. I've flown it several times. Besides, complaining about extra fees makes no sense when it is your total price that is all that matters. They charge to check your bags, but it is at a discount if you buy it online in advance. I think you also have a surcharge for using a credit card, but it's in the ticket fare you can choose so no big problem, it is transparent. Other airlines certainly are charging you for that, you just don't see it. Those are the only ones I remember.

Some regular airlines have fees like that, also, like United -- you pay to check a bag and it thinks it is a regular airline. And you can't even buy it online in advance.

Easyjet's planes seem just like regular planes to me, I have no complaints, I really like them. So no, they do not have "1000 rules".
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 01:59 PM
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I wonder what search sites you are using to find expensive flights Paris-Madrid. Try www.skyscanner.com and www.whichbudget.com, being sure to search for September prices. I found several airlines for around $100US including Air France which puts all its price (except maybe luggage) in its initial quote.
But I think you should try to arrange an open-jaws itinerary flying first into Madrid and then home from Paris. If this involves changing a commitment you have already made, it probably will be more efficient if you talk directly by telephone to a representative of your points award airline.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 02:06 PM
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the paris to Madrid overnight Talgo train is still running to my knowledge - save a night on a hotel and if you go to the official site can get some cheap fares that could be as cheap as flying. For lots about overnight trains in general and Spanish ones in particular check out these IMO supserb sites - www.renfe.com - the official Spanish Railways site - www.voyages-sncf.com - the official French Railways site - www.capitainetrain.com - private competitor to French Rail site that many say is easier to use and has similar fares; www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 03:17 PM
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Deep, cleansing breath...

Easiest thing would be to change your ticket to an open jaw itinerary flying into Madrid and returning from Paris. This would leave you needing only to get from Madrid to Paris, which is pretty easy to do and served by discount airlines such as Vueling and EasyJet. We recently flew Vueling from Barcelona into Orly and it was smooth and easy. Orly is also a bit closer to the city.

Note on changing award ticket: You could be routed differently, and if you wind up connecting through LHR on BA their insidious fuel surcharges would come into play. Try to avoid BA.

As noted, Madrid is well served with public transport from the airport. In fact, getting around Madrid is quite easy. It's a great place to visit with many options for food and drink and great museums.
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 03:29 PM
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I'm with Seamus, try to change your award ticket. It doesn't hurt to try and maybe it will be not much more than purchasing an extra ticket Paris - Madrid.

If you are going to be in Madrid only 2 days, consider staying fairly close to Atocha station. You can take the airport bus to Atocha, drop your stuff then walk to many places in the city (including the Prado, Sofia Reina and Thyssen museums.)
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Old Feb 22nd, 2014, 07:22 PM
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Sorry, I put the wrong information in at Vueling.

I am hopeful that the signs at CDG have improved for finding Vueling flights and the security lines shorter, since I was last there. It is a safe and reliable airline.
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