Train Station at CDG - Robespierre/Ira
 

Thanks Robrspierre and Ira for informing me there was no need to go to Gare du Nord to catch a Thalys train to Brussels, that we could take the train right from the airport. So here is my next question. We arrive from Spain at 9:30 am (it is a Air France flight direct from Malaga)since this is not a flight from the states will we have to do customs again? The big question is can we make the train that leaves at 10:46am or is it better to play it safe and choose the 12:46pm train to Brussels? Thank you.

Hi pine,

Both Spain and France are part of the Schengen agreement.

You won't have to go through immigration at CDG.

Whether you can make the 10:46 train depends on how late your plane arrives, how much traffic there is at the airport, whether you arrive at CDG1 or CDG2, how long it takes to get your luggage.

If you miss the 10:46, you will lose your PREM ticket. If you have a regular, refundable ticket you can exchange it for one on the 12:46 for about 9E.

There is shopping and there are cafes at CDG2 if you have to wait.

((I))

If it's a Thalys, I think the cheapest ticket is a Smilys, not a Prem (that's SNCF TGV, right?). I have changed a few Mezzo tickets (not the cheapeast, but still less expensive than full fare) without paying a 9 euro fee--is that new for Thalys? I didn't see it noted on their web site. The Smilys fare is no changes, no refunds.
If you want the Smilys tickets, I'd go for the later train. If you opt for a Mezzo or full fare ticket, then hope the luck gods are smiling on you and book the earlier train (but remember, the Mezzo tickets only give you a 1 hour window after your outbound departure for a change--if your plane makes you later than that, you'll have to buy a new ticket).

Listen well to BTilke's advice. Information from someone who has actually done it is always better than that from wannabees.

Gee Aunty,

I make one error, PREMS instead of SMILEYS, and suddenly I'm disgraced, discredited and sent off beyond the Pale.

Wow, you do set a high standard.

Thank you for the correction, BT.

((I))

I hope that was not a slam against ira - his sage advice rocks!

Thanks, Degas.

Check Auntey's other posts.

Whoa...Ira, please don't think I had anything to do with AuntIda's post! It was just a simple clarification as I believe you can also get to Brussels (indirectly) via TGV.