Hi there,

Does anyone have any suggestions about how to clear customs and get to the TGV train bound for Bordeaux from the CDG station in a hurry?

My family will have about 2h15 to get off plane (terminal 2) to the TGV station at CDG.

Thanks!

My 1/2 cents worth, I cleared and made it walking to TGV from 2E is under a ~45 minutes, my secret being I only had carry on. Others here can give you the other 1 1/2 cents as to times with checked bags....

The others 1 1/2 cents : try to have some priority stickers on your luggages...
Normally, 2 hours and 1/4 is largely enough...
TGV station is no more tha 10 mn-15 mn maximum from any terminal 2 of CDG...
Just look to the sign TGV station...
So, if there is no delay in the flights and if luggage arrive in times, no problem...
When we come back from US, we allow us as "short" as 1h30 to have marge of security...
And, normally the police passage is not very long in France...
Erik.

I did it in 40 mins - wished I have booked an earlier train. Landed at 2-A which is as far from the station as you can get in Terminal 2

Thank you for the quick replies.

But I made a typo - the plane actually lands at Terminal 3 - is it possible to catch the train?

Your issue is not clearing customs - that takes about 4 minutes.

Your issues are:

Will your plane be on time or late?

Clearing immigration (can be fairly quick or can take forever depending on how many planes land at once and where they're from)

Getting your luggage - again time can vary tremendously (I've had it waiting for me - and had to wait 30 minutes plus to see anything from the plane - and we were First Class so got out stuff first)

So - if all goes OK you should be fine. If all are delayed you could have a problem.

I would check the on-time arrival record of your incoming flight.

My experience at CDG is that it is much easier and faster to arrive than to depart. Of course things can always go wrong, but I would be comfortable with a 2h15m window.

You'll probably make it but there are no guarantees. CDG is quite a difficult airport.

Many planes don't park at a gate - but far out on the tarmac and then they bus you to the arrival terminal. And if you are checking luggage, that can be quite a delay - especially if the plane is one parked away from the terminal. Customs takes virtually no time. Immigration could be quick - or very slow - depending on what passport you carry, where you are arriving from, that sort of thing.

I would do a few things to maximize my chances. As has been mentioned, NO checked luggage. I wouldn't check luggage anyway, if I were going from the airport to another city.

And try to sit near the front of the plane. You can get off first and get to immigration quickly.

Study the route from your terminal to the TGV station.

I do think there should be enough time. When are you flying? I know that there can be a weather delay at any time of year, but I've mostly experienced weather delays to Europe in the winter.

Hi Jen,

I think that you have a 90% probability of making the train.