Have a look at these threads for info about getting from Paris to Chartres:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k5439990-Chartres-Paris_Ile_de_France.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187122-i2389-k5377414-Trains_from_paris_to_chartres-Chartres_Loire_Valley_Centre.html#41163691

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187148-i1337-k5449249-Day_trip_to_Versailles_and_Chartres-Versailles_Yvelines_Ile_de_France.html#41155299

Learn about the Paris métro system by visiting the official site www.ratp.fr

http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/carteidf.php?lang=uk

<<Saw info that taxi took about 20+ minutes.>>

Do you mean in a taxi from Paris to Chartres? If so, that information is totally bogus. It's 55 miles.

Train information is at www.voyages-sncf.com. You can't take the métro to Chartres.

No hotel to train station

FrenchM
Thank you so much for this info. I am also planning a day trip to Reims and think there is a fast train there leaving from another station. Again thanks!

There are fast trains (TGV) frequently between Paris Est and Reims. The tickets go on sale 90 days in advance and the least expensive tickets are called PREMS. The closer to the date of travel, the more expensive the tickets are.

Tickets to Chartres are a set price with no advantage from buying in advance. If you are age 60+, though, some trains are offered at a discount. Ask for a Découverte Senior fare.

MaineGG. Thanks for this helpful info. Not sure how far in advance I would want to buy as plans can change but I will keep this in mind.

Just an update. Have recently returned and took the train from Paris Montparnasse to Chartres . Just. bought tickets the day of travel and it was very easy Took tour van to Reims which was very good. It went to cathedral, two champagne houses and included a great lunch in Epernay. Well worth it.

I did this day trip two years ago almost to the day and guess not much has changed. It was a fabulous experience, Chartres is lovely, especially the old area and the square near the cathedral. There was a flower market the day I was there. I remember also a great pastry shop a few steps off the square, mouthwatering. There's a little train that takes you around the town, saves a lot of walking, it's open air and a lot of fun. It leaves from opposite the cathedral at regular intervals.
The walk from the metro station to Gare Montparnasse was quite a hike so I'd allow plenty of time to get there. I also bought a ticket at the station just before taking the train. The trip through the countryside is very pleasant and relaxing. I don't think there's any need to do a day tour from Paris to Chartres, I'd prefer to do my own thing anyway.