zizz

The plane ride is 1.5hrs while the train ride is that plus an add'l 4hrs. Would it be better to take the plane? I am on a tight European trip schedule and would like to minimise any travelling time as much as possible.

I'm willing to take an overnight train though. What's the TGV sleeper train on the way to Lourdes like?

J62

To Lourdes, but from where?

zizz

Sorry I typed too fast - from Paris I mean.

barbmike

Responses:

1. I believe the plane from Paris is to Toulouse not Lourdes/Pau. It's then a 90+ minute train ride to Lourdes

2. I've taken the TGV train from Paris to Lourdes several times, and it's really relaxing.

3. I don't believe there is an overnight TGV to Lourdes from Paris. Check with www.sncf.com for schedules/fares.

If you like religious sites, Lourdes is fantastic even with thousands of people.

Have a great trip!! Mike

RonZ

I would take the 2:40pm train, which arrives at about 8:15. The overnight leaves at about 11pm and takes 8.5 hours.

To the 1.5 hours flight time you have to add in all the other time spent...and effort.

barbmike

I stand corrected as there is a TGV that leaves Paris at 22:45PM and arrives at 6:46AM. I don't know if it is scheduled 7 nights a week. Mike

Intrepid1

I would take the train since you are going to have to change to rail transport anywhay unless you are planning to rent a car.

Once you arrive at the Lourdes train station you have the choice of either walking down to the grotto area or taking the bus service to it which leaves right outside the train station.

From Paris this is not exactly a rush in and rush out sort of project IMO...even if you are only interested in the historical aspects of Lourdes you'll find plenty to take in.

aanton

This is an old post but a different year. Looking to find a way to go from Rome to Lourdes in 3 days. Tight. Flying shrinks to 2 days due to schedule and price. Is the train safe for solo f that long a journey? It appears the train to Lourdes takes 2 days, but one day back due to my schedule. I can't find anything on charter flights or any other airlines that fly into Lourdes airport other than AF. Thanks for any suggestions.

flanneruk

Air France IS the only scheduled airline operating from Lourdes - and only goes to Paris.

There are hundreds of charter flights - but mostly organised by pilgrim groups elsewhere, and they're rarely if ever made available for different journeys. They'll sell seats for a flight leaving, say, Dublin or Cracow on July 1, returning July 8, and they're mostly not geared to selling single legs.

The Lourdes-Tarbes website has a widget you can fill in (http://www.tarbes-lourdes.aeroport.f...re_charter.asp) and they'll then try to find a suitable charter for you.

Otherwise, of course trains are safe. A great deal safer than crossing a road.

Aren't they in your country, and if they're not what are you doing about it? Many of us on this site - men and women - have been taking cross-border trains by ourselves since our early teens, and are seriously puzzled at the frequency such a bizarre question gets asked.

sheila

Actually there is a new direct route since last August

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6956715.stm

litefoot

Are trains safe in the US? depends on where you go and what time (day or night). Train travel is not as extensive as it is in Europe, and harder to map. We have interstate roads which travel faster so most people drive or fly to where they want to go.

litefoot

I've been looking for Vatican Airlines but it does not appear to be running right now. Must be seasonal. Thanks though.

Sent an email to a charter travel agency but have not heard back from anyone.

sheila

You may have found this- I'm not prepared to register to check it out- but here's the website

http://www.vaticanairlines.com/