Hello all,
My husband and I are fying to Paris 1 week from today, then travelling directly to Dijon (where I will stay at a flat that the lovely Cocofromdijon lets out) and I need advice on whether to make reservations for the train from the U.S. or if I can wait until I arrive at CDG.

My husband and I have bought a France Rail & Drive pass. To take the TGV I can make reservations through raileurope for a $11 reservation fee--but since I am traveling on a Thursday afternoon would it be likely that the train is full? Also, it seems that the only train leaving directly from CDG to Dijon doesn't leave until about 19:00.....could we then use our Railpasses to take the train to the Gard de Lyon (where more trains leave for Dijon) and take a train from there? Do we need reservations only for the TGV train or do all the trains require reservation?

I am hesitant to make any kind of reservations because of flight delays, etc. Any advice you all could give me would be very greatly appreciated!!!!

Rachael

Your Eurail pass lets you take as many trains in one for one day of use. You probably only need reservations for the TGV to Dijon. $11 isn't outrageous to insure that you get on the train you need rather than wait around the station.

One week from today would be a Wednesday, not a day I'd expect a train from Paris to Dijon would be full up.

Frankly, I'd ask Cocoindijon about this, but my two sous would be that a) you always need a reservation to travel on the TGV, and b) getting a reservation at the train station in CDG would be less than $11 and still get you a guaranteed seat on the train to Lyon.

You will have to give yourself time to stand in line at the TGV station at CDG to deal with this - at least a half-hour.

Thanks so much Tinling and StCirq! I guess that I just have to make a judgement call about whether I should take a chance and skip the reservations until I get to France, or if should plan ahead but perhaps miss the train because of delays, etc.

Does anyone know if I have to stand in the same long line to pick up reservations purchased from Raileurope.com?

Thanks!
Rachael

Hi Rachael, I guessed you were on that thread!
and so sorry not to be able to help you more. At least we all agree you'll have to queue. I don't think there is a special desk for railway pass.

But be sure I'll be waiting for you on arrival! ;-)
good luck!
coco