Train from Paris CDG to Bayonne

[verypoetic]

Hello all, I've been a lurker for sometime looking up details and tips while I plan my Camino. This has been the main site I've been using and it has been very helpful thus far, so I give my thanks. I'm just now joining the board as I have a particular question (my apologies if this has been posted else where) about trains. I'm flying into Paris CDG from SFO on Sep 11th around noon & I'm wanting to spend a few hours in the beautiful city before I depart. I've be reading up on tickets from rail europe. I'm sure I want to take the train (scenic view) and stay a night in Bayonne but not sure if I should purchase the ticket now online from the states or if I'll be better off purchasing it at the station once I'm there. Would it be cheaper? How's the availability if I wait? Any suggestions/advice is welcomed and appreciated, thanks guys.

 

[mspath]

verypoetic,

Welcome to the Forum!

If today you were to purchase/reserve a French TGV train running from Paris to Bayonne for September 11 or 12 the cost would be roughly 100 to 110 euros depending on the time of departure. See voyages-SNCF.com for schedules and prices. The closer to departure that you purchase a ticket the more expensive it will be.

Be sure to scan the Forum thread how to travel from Paris to SJPdP for additional info.

Bon voyage and Buen camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Felipe]

In Paris, you may go to Saint Jacques square (a few steps from Ile de la Cité), where pilgrims met to start their way. You will see the vieira or shells, the jacobean symbols, in the entrance!
And other jacobean spots in Paris, if you are interested:
http://ultreia.pagesperso-orange.fr/parissjac.htm#

 

[whariwharangi]

There are several trains from Paris to Bayonne daily. Tracks from CDG and Montparnasse converge just prior to Massy so Massy will have the highest frequency of service. You can purchase tickets at the station just prior to travel, however you will then pay full fare. Availability is scarce on holidays but otherwise worst case scenario is you end up waiting for the next train.

 

[verypoetic]

Thanks for the welcome and helpful replies. Also, didn't know that I'll have to check that out Felipe, thank you. So my next question would be which route to take then? whariwharangi - do you think Montparnasse to Bayonne has more flexibility? or is it just personal preference. Thanks for the link mspath. Looking at schedules now

 

[whariwharangi]

Thanks for the welcome and helpful replies. Also, didn't know that I'll have to check that out Felipe, thank you. So my next question would be which route to take then? whariwharangi - do you think Montparnasse to Bayonne has more flexibility? or is it just personal preference. Thanks for the link mspath. Looking at schedules now

Trains to Bayonne leave from Paris at 4 different stations. (if you include CDG 2 and Massy there are 8 stations in Paris area) TGV trains to Bordeaux and onward to Bayonne leave from CDG 2 and Gare Montparnasse. There is greater frequency of service from Gare Montparnasse. TGV trains from both stations travel through Massy. Intercites overnight trains leave from Gare d'Austerlitz. I guess it depends on what your plans are for your time in Paris and train schedules for which is best option.

 

[verypoetic]

Trains to Bayonne leave from Paris at 4 different stations. (if you include CDG 2 and Massy there are 8 stations in Paris area) TGV trains to Bordeaux and onward to Bayonne leave from CDG 2 and Gare Montparnasse. There is greater frequency of service from Gare Montparnasse. TGV trains from both stations travel through Massy. Intercites overnight trains leave from Gare d'Austerlitz. I guess it depends on what your plans are for your time in Paris and train schedules for which is best option.

Thanks for explaining in more detail. I'll most likely be looking to grab the train from Montparnasse then. Possibly staying one night in Paris. Doesn't go without saying the help is much appreciated guys

Buen Camino

 

[whariwharangi]

Thanks for explaining in more detail. I'll most likely be looking to grab the train from Montparnasse then. Possibly staying one night in Paris. Doesn't go without saying the help is much appreciated guys

Buen Camino

This thread discusses travel from Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Caveat. I do not have first hand knowledge of most of the information presented here. The material in this thread was researched using web resources that may be out of date. Information may be incomplete or incorrect. The information presented here is not exhaustive. You are advised to confirm your own travel details.

2100 Paris

2101 This section discusses transportation services in Paris.

Index 2100
2102 Paris Airports
2103 Getting around in Paris
2104 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Orly Airport
2105 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare d'Austerlitz
2106 Charles de Gaulle Airport to TGV Massy
2107 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare Montparnasse
2120 Trains in France
2121 Paris Train Stations
2125 Paris to London by Eurostar
2135 Paris to Barcelona by train
2150 Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2102 Paris Airports

Paris has two major airports. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is known as Roissy and is located NE of Paris. Orly Airport (ORY) is located to the South of Paris.

CDG and Orly:
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-gb/passagers/home/

2103 Getting around in Paris

Paris Transit Network
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/carteidf.php?lang=uk

Paris RER/Metro route planner - SNCF Transilien
http://www.transilien.com/itineraire/rechercheitineraire/init

Air France Shuttle Bus with service from CDG to Orly airport (#3) and to Gare Montparnasse (#4)
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/...97348c-aerolis_deplianttakeoneBD_Mars2013.pdf

2104 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Orly Airport

There are two transit options from CDG Airport to Orly Airport.

a. RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Station Antony. Take Orly Val (name of train) from Station Antony to Orly airport Terminal Sud and Terminal Ouest. Allow 1:30 hours.

b. Air France bus from CDG airport direct to Paris Orly airport. Allow 1:15 hours.

2105 CDG Airport to Gare d'Austerlitz

RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Saint Michel Notre Dame RER station. Walk from RER station to Metro. Take Metro line 10 from Cluny la Sorbonne to Gare Austerlitz. Allow 1 hour.

2106 CDG Airport to TGV Massy

RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Massy-Palaiseau RER station. The Massy TGV station is located next to the RER station.

2107 CDG Airport to Gare Montparnasse

There are two transit options from CDG airport to Gare Montparnasse:

a. RER Line B (destination B2 Robinson or B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Gare du Nord. Paris Metro Line 4 from Gare du Nord to Metro Station Montparnasse Bienvenue. Allow 1:00 hour. Allow an additional 15 minutes to walk from the Metro station to Gare Montparnasse.

~Note there are 3 points where it is possible to transfer from RER B to Metro line 4. A transfer at St Michel may be preferable as Gare du Nord is a large station and will require orientation time.

b. Air France operates a bus service from CDG direct to Gare Montparnasse. Allow 1:15 hours.

2120 Trains in France

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

SNCF TER
http://www.ter-sncf.com/

SNCF Railway Map
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-map/sncf-map-large.htm

2121 Paris Train Stations

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2 train station
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frmlw/accueil/

Gare de Massy TGV
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frdju/accueil/

Note in additon to CDG 2 and Massy there are 6 major train stations in Paris:

Paris Gare d'Austerlitz
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpaz/accueil/

Gare Paris Bercy
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpbe/accueil/

Gare Paris Est
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpst/accueil/

Paris Gare de Lyon
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frply/accueil/

Paris Gare Montparnasse
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpmo/accueil/

Paris Gare Montparnasse Map
http://www.railteam.eu/en/files/2011/11/MAP_Paris-Montparnasse_En.pdf

Paris Gare du Nord.
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpno/accueil/

Map of TGV train network in Paris:
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-trains/images/tgv-map-paris.jpg

2125. Paris to London by Eurostar

Eurostar trains operate between Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras International Station
http://www.eurostar.com

2135 Paris to Barcelona by Train

SNCF and Renfe operate high speed trains between Paris Gare de Lyon and Barcelona Sants.

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

2150 Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2151 This section discusses how to get from Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Index 2150
2152 Executive Summary
2153 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP
2154 Train from Paris to SJPdP
2155 Train stations between Paris and Bayonne
2156 Saint Jean Pied de Port
2157 Author's Pick

2152 Executive Summary

There are at least two viable options for getting from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport to Saint Jean Pied de Port (SJPdP):

a. Fly from Paris to Biarritz and take the train from Bayonne to SJPdP.

b. Take the train from Paris to Bayonne and transfer to another train from Bayonne to SJPdP. Stations in Paris with trains to Bayonne include: CDG 2, Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare Massy.

Note: The tracks between Bayonne and SJPdP got washed out in Spring 2014. At time of edit (July 2014) the train goes from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains. Passengers to SJPdP transfer to an SNCF operated bus at Cambo les Bains. There is no information as to when the tracks will be repaired. The schedule is changing often.

2153 ~Option 1 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP

a. Fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ). Easy Jet provides service; or,

b. Fly from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ) Air France provides service.

The Chronoplus urban bus #14 leaves from the doors of Biarritz Airport and goes to Gare de Bayonne. Allow 40 minutes.

The SNCF TER train #62 travels from Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP.

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

Chronoplus
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2154 ~Option 2 - Train from Paris to SJPdP

TGV trains travel towards Bayonne from three train stations in Paris:

a. There is a TGV station located at Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2.

b. There is a TGV station located at Gare Montparnasse in central Paris. There is greater frequency of service from Gare Montparnasse than from CDG 2.

c. The tracks from CDG 2 and Gare Montparnasse converge and TGV trains from both stations stop at Gare Massy.

SNCF TGV trains leave from Paris enroute to Bordeaux or Irun. Often there is a transfer required at Bordeaux. TGV trains from Bordeaux terminate in Irun. TER trains from Bordeaux terminate in Pau or Hendaye. If your train is bound for Pau another transfer is required at Dax. Trains bound for Hendaye or Irun stop in Bayonne.

SNCF Intercites night trains travel from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Hendaye and stop in Bayonne.

SNCF TER train #62 travels from Gare Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP.

You will get limited results if you try to find a schedule for a train from Paris to SJPdP. I'd suggest planning your trip from Paris to Bayonne then Bayonne to SJPdP.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2155 Train Stations between Paris and Bayonne

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean (Saint Jean is name of main station in Bordeaux)
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/en/frboj/accueil/

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean according to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Bordeaux-Saint-Jean

Gare de Dax
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/fracg/accueil/

Gare de Bayonne
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frxby/accueil/

2156 Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port
http://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/default.aspx

2157 Author's pick

If I were traveling to SJPdP by way of Paris I would:

a. Determine if it was cost effective and time effective to fly from Paris to Biarritz. Time effective means arriving in time to catch a train from Bayonne to SJPdP on the same day.

b. If arriving at CDG and taking the train is the better option ... take the train from CDG 2 if the schedule is viable.

c. If CDG 2 schedule doesn't work ... Take the RER train from CDG to Massy and catch the TGV train originating from Montparnasse ... Massy is easier to access than Montparnasse because there are no transit transfers required.

d. If arriving at Orly ... take the Orly Val to station Antony and RER train to Massy. Trains from CDG2 and Montparnasse converge before Massy.

 

[verypoetic]

Wow, thank you so much for your time, help & info @whariwharangi - So I booked a room in Paris for a night. Part of me was wanting to take the train only because I felt staying in Paris for a few hours was too short lived & thought it would be nice to see some of the country side while travelling to Bayonne. To be honest though, if taking a quick flight from Paris to Biarritz is more time and cost effective than perhaps that's what I'll look into.

 

[verypoetic]

random update: Made it Paris on the 11th of September-changed flight to Biarritz so I could stay an extra day in the beautiful City of Lights. Caught flight on the 13th at 7AM to Biarritz thru easy jet. caught bus/train to port. started on the 14th at st jean. met so many amazing people, had so many amazing experiences and met a girl im crazy about at the end of all of it. flew out from madrid on the 15th. took me 30 days exact on the camino. thanks again guys for the help and this forum- cheers

 

[MaeZen]

I have a question about booking the tickets online. I just checked the train tickets for Dec 12 from Paris Airport(CDG) to Bayonne (via Bordeaux) through 'raileurope' cost $164 plus $7.95 booking fee. It seems a lot to me. Will it be cheaper if I buy tickets when I am at the station? My flight arrives Paris CDG at 7 am on Dec 12. I am thinking a 10:16 am train from CDG to Bayonne.