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-   -   CDG airport to Gare de Lyon (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/cdg-airport-to-gare-de-lyon-995937/)

centeno Oct 24th, 2013 04:33 AM

CDG airport to Gare de Lyon
 
I will be arriving in Paris Charles De Gaulle airport on Monday 6 AM after flying all night. I need to get to Gare De Lyon to catch a TGV to Aix en Provence. Can you tell me the best way to get to the train station? I know there is a train/metro, an air france shuttle and of course a taxi. Can anyone tell me which would be the easiest at that time of day? I don't mind the train; however, I am not sure how convenient it is in the airport etc.
Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks so much!!

indyhiker Oct 24th, 2013 05:54 AM

Out of curiosity, have you checked if there is a train that meets your needs from CDG that goes directly to Aix en Provence? Check out SNCF's website, as I do believe that is an option.

If you've already purchased a ticket from Gare de Lyon, what time does it depart? That may dictate the best mode of transportation. If time is not a factor, I'd take the RER. You'll have to transfer either at Les Halles or Gare do Nord, but I've always found the RER to be relatively easy and convenient way to get from the airport to the city. The Air France bus goes directly to Gare de Lyon, but it costs more than the RER.

Ackislander Oct 24th, 2013 08:01 AM

I've taken the RER for the same purpose, to catch a train to Aix. I would take the bus unless I was traveling very, very lightly and was a chirpy morning person.

Christina Oct 24th, 2013 08:44 AM

OBviously, the taxi is the "easiest", you just go out to the taxi queue and get in the next one. Then the AF bus is second easiest, because you just go out to its stop, wait to board, pay the guy and then get off at Gare de Lyon (having to wait for your baggage to be unloaded a few minutes). The train is obviously the least easy as you have to get to its station, figure out how to buy a ticket (assuming you don't know how), then lug your baggage up/down various stairs at exit and when transferring.

The RER is convenient to the airport, there is a stop right in it, but you still have to get over to it and buy a ticket. But are you aware you can't go to Gare de Lyon direct from CDG by RER? YOu have to transfer. I suspect yo don't know that or you would never ask if it was the easiest.

adrienne Oct 24th, 2013 08:48 AM

Easiest is a taxi; second easiest is the Air France shuttle; third (and much more of a pain) is the RER.

I would take the AF shuttle. It's not very expensive and will cost much less than a taxi.

centeno Oct 24th, 2013 12:01 PM

I did know there was a change of trains and wondered about stairs up and down with luggage. Where is the AF shuttle located btw? How would it be during that time of day? Also I am not getting into the AF terminal I am getting into American Airlines. Is it difficult to get to the AF shuttle from there? Thanks for all of your responses. Also what do you estimate a taxi costing? I was more concerned about rush hour traffic but that being said I do believe I have enough time. I land at 6 AM if all goes well and the train is at 11AM. Should be enough time.

MaineGG Oct 24th, 2013 12:48 PM

Here's all the information about the Air France Bus:

http://www.lescarsairfrance.com/en.html

We've used it a couple of times and found it convenient and comfortable. You would want Line 4 that goes to the Gare Montparnasse with a stop at the Gare de Lyon en route.


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