I am going to France next week. Not knowing how the trains work I am unsure if I should book a ticket. My plans are to arrive in Paris around 3PM and then take a train to Avignon that day from the train station since there are none leaving from the airport at that time. Not knowing how long it takes to get to the train station, can I just go there and buy a ticket there? Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

Do you want to take a train directly from the CDG airport?

Paris has several train stations, so do check it out first. TGV's require a reservation.

Your plane lands at 15:00? I'd sit tight for the direct train that leaves CDG-TGV2 at 17:03.

After messing around with immigration, baggage and customs, you couldn't get into the city and across town to catch an earlier one anyway.

I'd say you were lucky to be on that flight!

I'd try to book the 17:03 Avignon TGV from the airport after you arrive - much better than going into town and probably not getting a train from any earlier than the 17:03 from the airport. If the airport train is full, not unusual, then go into Gare Lyon and try for hourly trains - but make your reservation at the airport TGV station for the train from Gare de Lyon as all TGVs require reservations before boarding.

Definitely book the 17:03. And go online right now to www.sncf.com and see if you can get a PREM (discount) fare. That route almost always has dicounted fares offered.

If you are just going to buy a ticket when you show up the France Railpass Promo, good for travel thru the end of Jan 2006 will save you lots of money:
2 days of unlimited travel in a 1-month period for $99 in 2nd class and $129 in 1st class - this promo must be bought by Dec 5, 2006 - I'd contact BETS (800-441-2387), the railpass experts i always use and highly recommend for details - not sold in France.
Normal 2nd class fare Paris-Avignon is 88 euros or about $110 each way - even if you go the PREM route - discounted fares from the www.sncf.fr - French railways web site you'll pay 39 euros each way it seems or about $50 but these tickets may be hard to book unless you have a delivery point in France - visit the site and see but if showing up at station the France Railpass promo will save you tons of money it seems.

And with the PREM fares they are i think non-refundable and non-changeable so a bit dicey when arranging with an airline's landing, which could be late. With the pass you can use it on any train - that said, it's not always possible to get on every train if they train is full.

It's a little late to get PREM fares, as they sell out very quickly.

Hi S,

www.sncf.com is still offering a PREMS fare for 85E 1cl on the 17:03 to Avignon from Roissy CDG for next Thursday. 2cl is 70.

PS

Good info from PB.

Hey, PB - that's a great steer. Do you know if reservations are mandatory on the high speed services, as with Eurail? Think we paid $11 pp 1/cl.

Yes, reservations are mandatory on high speed trains (e.g. TGV and Thalys).

You guys are amazing. I now have a rail pass for two days and reservations on TGV leaving the airport. I thank you all for your kind attention. Especially the number of the travel agent for train travel. They are wonderful. Will let you all know how Paris and Avignon are. Thank you again and again...

Robespierre: Not only are reservations mandatory on TGVs but as of a few weeks ago they are also mandatory on some regional express trains such as Bordeaux-Nice I believe, etc.

I knew they're mandatory. I should have said "additional" - to the France Railpass Promo.

Are they?

Well yes - the France railpass promo is simply a carte-blanche ticket without a reservation - thus additional charges must be incurred to ride TGVs - 3 euros in France; yes same as Eurail. And, thanks for those great references to London maps and directions.