CDG train station - getting there
 

I've been studying the advice and counsel of Fodorites for months in anticipation of an upcoming trip to France. I thought I was squared away and shared with a friend that coming in via AA (American Airlines), we'd be in the correct terminal to catch the train to Avignon -- "just go thru customs and turn right" was the note I made from several postings.

The friend, who has been to Paris previously, told me in no uncertain terms that this was wrong information. He says we have to catch a shuttle, despite the fact that the train station is in the same terminal AA uses.

So, can anyone provide me some comfort and confirm what I thought I knew originally? I'll be grateful.

If the flight lands in Terminal 1 as many trans-Atlantic flights do then you do indeed have to take the shuttle ("navette") bus to Terminal 2 and the TGV train station for Avignon trains. Terminal 1 has no train or RER station in it. If the flight lands in terminal 2 then the TGV station is in this sprawling terminal. You could possibly take a shuttle bus from one part of terminal 2 to the TGV station as this is a huge terminal but you can definitely walk as well.

According to the Aeroports de Paris Web site, American Airlines flights originating in the US arrive at Terminal 2A.

Here are the directions the site gives for getting from Terminal 2A to the TGV station: Follow the "Sortie Exit" signs. Reclaim your luggage. Go through Customs and Immigration. Then take the Aéroports de Paris shuttle (line 3), Door 8.

According to the airport map, the station is below the far end of Terminal 2C. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you can walk from 2A to 2C if you so choose. However, I don't know how long it would take to do so.

I've landed at 2A and wlked to the TGV, only about a 20 minute walk.

This may help, there are some good maps.

http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/Adp/en-GB/Passagers/

But watch out for falling roofs.

"Go through customs and turn right" is the correct answer. It's a short walk - definitely less than 20 minutes from 2A to the train station at CDG2.

Your friend can take the shuttle, but you'll beat him to the trains.

not to butt in on someone else's post - but is this the same station we can get to Paris on? I'll be flying in on Air France.

Yes, same station for all trains to CDG2.

Another reason why I say do not take the shuttle is that after 2A, the shuttle needs to stop at 2E, then 2F, before getting to the bus stop at the train station. There's only <b>one lane</b> at the bus stop there, with all the hotel shuttles and all terminal buses sharing it. It may take a while before the bus can get in there.

Then, you're at highest level of the station, and you either have to haul your luggage down the stairs or wait for elevators to the train station concourse.

It's definitely not worth the trouble.

We've flown on Continental a couple of times and it also lands at T2, Hall A. and we, too, have walked to the RER station in T-2. you'll pass check-in counters, snack bars, shops, more check-in counters, more snack bars and shops, you'll question if you somehow missed it, but you really CAN'T miss it - you end up in a huge open area with lots of glass and escalators. The RER ticket office is next to the TGV ticket office, probably down 1 level. The RER train tracks run just off the ticket offices, but 1 more level down. (You'd have to walk across the huge open area to reach the TGV tracks).

Dear Cage:

I am leaving for Paris on Monday, Sept 25, flying on Air France. If you are indeed landing at Terminal 2, you need only follow the signs to the TGV station via the moving sidewalks and finally, down a flight of stairs, after you purchase your train tickets..

I am 6'2 and walk quickly but I estimate it would take the average person no more than 10 minutes to go from terminal to train station

I measured the distance using Google Earth. From the furthest point of 2A to the train station/Sheraton is about 850 yards or half a mile. You decide whether that's a long walk or not.

I think it's always a good idea to just read signs in airports to go places rather than rely on specific instructions which could be wrong because the person was mistaken, forgot, things have changed, etc. Not to mention that a plane may land in a different terminal than predicted, or certainly part of a terminal. That would affect the turn right left stuff, at least.

I've walked to the station from 2A, it's not that far from any part of Terminal 2, in my opinion. I'd walk to it from any section of Terminal 2, but some people might take the navette from 2A or 2B (the farthest parts).

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the responses and feel pretty comfortable as a result. It wasn't so much a matter of doubting I could figure it out as it was one of wondering why I was getting what seemed to be contradictory info. They mystery of it all, you know? And as someone who walks about 30 miles a week with the dog, I suspect I can handle the stroll to the train! Thanks again all.

We have always flown in on AA and always taken the &quot;Navette&quot; otherwise known as the little free shuttle buses that take you between terminals. I guess we were always too jetlagged to realize it was closer to walk! Now I know better.

Sounds like you are set either way, but if for some reason you are tired, the shuttles are just fine, too.

Have a great trip!

I was in Paris two weeks ago, I flew Continental terminal 2 and walked through the terminal in order to catch a train.

The walk took about 15 minutes because the terminal was very crowded.

The signs are clearly marked and it was easy to follow.

I had no issues navigating.