CDG, Paris - How much time to get to through customs
 

Really struggling with a question related to arriving at Charles de Gaulle (from Dulles).

Our flight arrives at CDG 6:55am on Wednesday, Dec 3. We plan on immediately travelling - via TGV - to Strasbourg. I see two options.

1. Departs at 9:02AM form the CDG train station.
2. Departs at 11:22AM form the CDG train station.

I would obviously prefer option 1 - but I have heard that - occasionally - it can be a royal pain to get through customs in CDG (note - we will be travelling with Irish passports). Is two hours enough?

Note sure this matters - but we will have carry-on luggage only.

Any input appreciated.

In 2016, it took us nearly two hours. In 2024, it took us less than two minutes. In other words ... it's the luck of the draw.

From the 2024 report ...

"the last time we were at CDG it took at least two hours to clear immigration, so, in an abundance of caution, I booked a later train.

... When we disembarked in Paris on this Tuesday morning, we encountered quite a big (and pleasant) surprise. Arriving at Passport Control we were stunned to find the area virtually empty. It took us 30 seconds to have our picture taken and passport stamped and then all our bags popped up quickly. It was about a ten-minute walk to where the trains are located, and looking at my phone, I was shocked to see it had taken just a little more than half an hour to disembark, go through customs and be at the TGV-RER station at CDG."

Thanks - this answer is both helpful and frustrating at the same time. I am a nieve optimist - so I think I might roll the dice with the early train. I feel like the fact that it is a Tuesday morning in early December combined with the EU passport - lots of things working in our favor.

You can use either the EU passport lane or the e-gates so you should be OK.
Don't forget the same rules apply to Irish citizens visiting the Schengen zone as they do to US or Uk citizens.

Just an FYI -- It isn't Customs (that's baggage/goods) which is a non-issue unless you have something weird to declare. It is Immigration (passports) that can take time. If the e-gates are working it is quick. If they aren't, which does happen, then it can take a long time. If you arrive on time the earlier train should be fine. However - flying out of DC there is the possibility of weather delays in December . . .

I would allow 3 hours at CDG (also AMS). I won't book a connection that is less than that.

Isnt it possible for you to buy a through tkt from IAD to Strasbourg ? Many airlines have an interline agreement with SNCF ("TGV Air"). Not only you may have a cheaper fare but also, if you misconnect, you will be accomodated on the next train.
In which terminal do you arrive in CDG? It may be a long walk to the train station or even need to ride the automated train if you land in T1

The e-gates are more and more plentiful with new ones currently being installed -- probably in service by December. I arrived at 6:00 the other day and was through immigration in less than 15 minutes.and most of that was just weaving through the empty lanes back and forth.

Thanks - but we are flying into CDG becasue the 10 day trip is not limited to Strasbourg - we will also be spending several days in Paris at the end of the trip.

I may regret it - but I think we are going to roll the dice on the earlier train - it just feels like 2 hours shoudl be enough.

That doesn't make a difference -- you'd book Home > CDG > Strasbourg and CDG > Home for the return (or . . . if the trip is JUST the Strasbourg area and Paris it would be Home > CDG > Strasbourg and Strasbourd > CDG > Home)