CDG - Strasbourg (train) - long wait at CDG
Nov 3rd, 2010 | 05:01 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 12
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CDG - Strasbourg (train) - long wait at CDG
Hi all
December will be my first time in France. We arrive at CDG at 6:55am and want to catch a train directly to Strasbourg. There is one leaving at 7:48am although this obviously won't give us enough time to clear customs, not to mention the risk that the plane will be delayed anyway.
The next train is at 12:54pm. Do forumites think that, after a 20+ hour flight from Australia, waiting an extra 6 hours will be too long? What would you all suggest to fill the time at CDG? Or is it worth looking into catching a train to Paris from CDG and then a connection to Strasbourg? We were hoping to avoid this due to the hassle of hauling our luggage around...
Looking forward to your thoughts.
December will be my first time in France. We arrive at CDG at 6:55am and want to catch a train directly to Strasbourg. There is one leaving at 7:48am although this obviously won't give us enough time to clear customs, not to mention the risk that the plane will be delayed anyway.
The next train is at 12:54pm. Do forumites think that, after a 20+ hour flight from Australia, waiting an extra 6 hours will be too long? What would you all suggest to fill the time at CDG? Or is it worth looking into catching a train to Paris from CDG and then a connection to Strasbourg? We were hoping to avoid this due to the hassle of hauling our luggage around...
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Nov 4th, 2010 | 01:57 AM
#2
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,373
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Hi, there are more regular trains from Gare l'est than CDG to Strassbourg (I think). To get from CDG to Gare du Nord is very simple on the RER (get a direct train not one that stops at all stops), maybe get a cab from Gare du Nord to Gare L'est it is very close by.
You will either have to have change (not notes) to buy the train tickets, queue at the line (very long) or use a credit card with a chip, or I used my Commonwealth Travel Card which actually worked in the machines. From memory it is about 8E per person to get to Gare du Nord. I managed fine after the long journey. Good luck,
Schnauzer
You will either have to have change (not notes) to buy the train tickets, queue at the line (very long) or use a credit card with a chip, or I used my Commonwealth Travel Card which actually worked in the machines. From memory it is about 8E per person to get to Gare du Nord. I managed fine after the long journey. Good luck,
Schnauzer
Nov 4th, 2010 | 03:07 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
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Or it might be just as easy to take a nap for several hours and just get the train from CDG. You will be "moving" and "doing", but you may only get a train at say, 11:30, and have spent some money getting there. It is probably realistically at best 4.5 hours at CDG and there is the remote possibility you could get the first train.
Nov 4th, 2010 | 06:01 AM
#5
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,523
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Pre-loaded travel cards have been rated negatively here, so double check on the fees and conditions.
I've had a similar wait, but landing only after a shorter flight. I only had carry-on, so was cleared of customs in ~30 minutes. There are Relais stores there that have magazines and miscellaneous. I also had a decent snack at the Patisserie Paul on the top level, above the TGV station.
Have a look at the Gare du Nord departures. getting to the Gare is quite easy, there is only one RER line from CDG to that location
I've had a similar wait, but landing only after a shorter flight. I only had carry-on, so was cleared of customs in ~30 minutes. There are Relais stores there that have magazines and miscellaneous. I also had a decent snack at the Patisserie Paul on the top level, above the TGV station.
Have a look at the Gare du Nord departures. getting to the Gare is quite easy, there is only one RER line from CDG to that location
