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CDG Airport to Gare Montparnasse - how long should we allow

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CDG Airport to Gare Montparnasse - how long should we allow

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Old Apr 14th, 2013, 03:44 PM
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CDG Airport to Gare Montparnasse - how long should we allow

Our American Airlines flight is scheduled to arrive at 9:10 am on Friday June 7th at CDG. We're hoping to catch a train out of Gare Montparnasse at 12:15 to Bordeaux.

We've made a reservation with SuperShuttle to pick us up at CDG and deliver us to Gare Montparnasse. When I called to ask, the guy was pretty equivicol about whether it was possible - traffic... etc.

Of course we need to go through customs but our bags will be carry on so we won't have to find our luggage. There are 4 adults.

Obviously, many things can happen but, under normal circumstances is this a realistic plan? Are we cutting too close?

Thanks,
dwsnyder
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Old Apr 14th, 2013, 04:12 PM
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Lots will depend on traffic so I'm not surprised the shuttle person was non-committal. Of course, we are assuming your flight is dead on time and that you will breeze right through immigration, etc. Hopefully you will make it

Have you already bought the train tickets?
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Old Apr 14th, 2013, 04:45 PM
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There are direct trains from CDG to Bordeaux although the obvious one, leaving shortly after 10 a.m. might cut it too close and you would have to take the 2:09 p.m. train. Check in out on http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train
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Old Apr 15th, 2013, 07:58 AM
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My experience over last 3 years is that it doesn't take long to clear customs. If your flight is on time, you should be out of customs between 10-10:30. If you only have carry-ons, I would take the train (RER B)/metro, which run regularly and often all morning. This would avoid the commuter traffic and possible traffic jams on the roads heading into Paris.
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Old Apr 15th, 2013, 08:28 AM
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Why are you bothering to go into Paris to the Gare Montparnasse when you can hop on a train to Bordeaux right at the airport? Give yourself 3 hours after the state landing time. Take the 2:09. Book the tickets NOW to get the cheapest ones (which are available starting 3 months out from your date of travel).
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Old Apr 15th, 2013, 09:28 AM
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Hi dw,

Your plane could be 0:30 hr late getting you to the exit gate.
Your luggage could take an extra 0:45 hr to get to you.
The line at immigration could delay you for 0:30 min.
Traffic could make a 1 hr drive into a 1:45 hr drive.

All of these have happened to me.

That's 2:30 hr added to an expected 2 hr trip.

You might not make it.

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Old Apr 15th, 2013, 10:16 AM
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I think St. cirq has the answer? Oui?
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