 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi - we're getting the train to Geneva this friday with 70 mins (theoretically) to get to Gare De Lyon from GdN. Struggling to work out whether getting the RER (in train rush hour) at that time with bags and 2 kids is better or worse than getting a taxi in rush hour. Any advice and recommendations would be appreciated!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| cornelius82 wrote: |
| Hi - we're getting the train to Geneva this friday with 70 mins (theoretically) to get to Gare De Lyon from GdN. Struggling to work out whether getting the RER (in train rush hour) at that time with bags and 2 kids is better or worse than getting a taxi in rush hour. Any advice and recommendations would be appreciated! |
I can't answer that question properly, but will say that last year I went to Roland Garros for the tennis and decided to take a taxi from Gare du Nord to get there. It was a massive mistake as it took ages due to the traffic. We took the Metro on the way back and it was loads faster.
As I say, this isn't necessarily relevant to your question, but it was my experience of a taxi from Gare du Nord, so please feel free to take this with a pinch of salt.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Vegas has the over/under on the RER at 45:1 Taxi at 1:1
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I work in Paris and i suggest you avoid taxis at that time.
come out of the eurostar and turn left at the end of the platform looking for the first down escalators. keep walking along the lower level keeping left about 200 metres and you come to turnstiles with RER signs. you want platform 44 heading for melun or malesherbes. The tickets you buy on the eurostar will work as both stations are in zone 1. from leaving eurostar to getting to gare de lyon should take no more than 20 minutes. its 2 stops.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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ps it's line D.
If line D isn't working then take line B1 stop south from platform 42 and get line A 1 stop changing at chatellet. just as quick.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Great - I'm all up for avoiding them! I saw a few suggestions the RER would be rammed and we wouldn't easily get on, hence the question, but sounds like either way it's better/quicker than a taxi!
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cornelius82, i agree completely with emwmarine (except the bit about platform 42, which i would like elucidated a bit more).
Getting the tickets on Eurostar costs a bit more, but well worth it for saving hassle at rush hour.
You don't mention age of your kids, but you will need to brief them properly. Rush hour in Paris is just as bad as London.
If your kids have experienced London Rush Hour then they will be fine.
If not, then make sure they understand what it will be like. Treat is as a game. Stick together. Take no prisoners.
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6+4 but luckily they are used to rush hour (although whether they always take instruction is another point!) However, bag and a child each should work. I'll plan on line D working. Appreciate the answers
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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If line D isn't working then get B to chatelet and change to A. IIRC that particular change (B heading south -> A heading east) is in fact just walking across the platform.
Would definitely avoid taxis at that time, traffic inside Paris is chaotic during rush hour, and while you'd probably be fine (it's not very far) there's always a chance that you wouldn't. Get the RER.
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Also be aware that Gare du Lyon is split into two "halls" (not dissimilar to say Waterloo/Waterloo East, although all on one level). Hall 1 has platforms A-N, and Hall 2 platforms 5-23. At surface level it is probably a 5-10 minute walk between the two in the rush hour, and depending on your carriage you may need to walk to the far end of the platform as well.
Not sure where the RER comes up, but perhaps look for a platform indicator board asap and then head direct for the correct hall.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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This reminds me of the time we did this...Got to the RER platform to see on the indicator the next train was due in 40 mins. Stupidly we didn't believe it and waited. Cue mad scramble at the other end, leaping barriers with all our stuff. We caught the night train but only as it was pulling out. We then had to walk the length of the train inside with all our stuff. Happy days!
The moral of the story is check out the departure board as soon as you get on the Platform and change the plan if necessary rather than standing there like stressed out numpties!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| ecureuil wrote: |
| Also be aware that Gare du Lyon is split into two "halls" (not dissimilar to say Waterloo/Waterloo East, although all on one level). Hall 1 has platforms A-N, and Hall 2 platforms 5-23. |
Sounds all very logical, almost like the UK rail service.
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You know it makes sense.
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So, by way of update, now standing in hall 2 of gare du Lyon waiting for train. 25m from Eurostar to here. And we haven't lost a child.... thanks for the advice all. RER worked well!!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@cornelius82, congrats! Have a good journey to Geneva.
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Poster: A snowHead
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cornelius82, glad your journey went well.
But, question: why London to Geneva by train?
I'm a train fan - usually go to the alps that way - but Geneva is so easy by air.
I presume there is a good reason . . . ?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Why go by train Jonpim? Trains are so much more of an adventure for children (many adults too) than airports!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Jonpim, good question - a) very quick to get to St Pancras from home so no wasted time at airport / getting to airport and b) more relaxing and more of an adventure for kids, c) more restful for the parents, and d) way cheaper by the time I looked at flights to go.
Scenery was pretty good at points as well, especially on way from Geneva.
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@cornelius82, how easy was it coping with both skis and baggage through those gates - if you didn't have skis, di you think that they would have been a problem?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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It would have been a real pain but we found the double gated exit/ entrance twice and then someone let us through the larger exit with their tag, which was helpful. More tricky was the busyness on the rer itself but given it was so quick, I would recommend it.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@cornelius82, thanks. Thinking of going by train next season.
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Worked well, relatively stress free. Would recommend it
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