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How early to get to the station - travel from Paris to Barcelona

  • June 22, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 746 views
T
Keeps calm and carries on
  • T2Mum
  • Keeps calm and carries on

Hi,

We are from Australia and have no recent experience with European train travel other than managing to catch the Eurostar from London to Paris last Sunday.

We are catching the 9.40am train from Paris to Barcelona this Saturday leaving from Paris Gare Lyon. What time should we arrive at Paris Gare Lyon? We prefer to leave ample time so that we are not stressed, have a bit of contingency time. We are travelling with four children (aged 10-15) and have four suitcases.

Also do I assume correctly that this train originates in Paris, and that therefore there will be ample boarding time?

Best answer by rvdborgt

French railways only announce the platform 20 minutes in advance, so unless you have something else to do, it's no use coming to the station earlier.

3 replies

R
Railmaster
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  • rvdborgt
  • Railmaster
  • Answer
  • June 22, 2023

French railways only announce the platform 20 minutes in advance, so unless you have something else to do, it's no use coming to the station earlier.

Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
T
Keeps calm and carries on
  • T2Mum
  • Author
  • Keeps calm and carries on
  • June 22, 2023

Thank you! That is very helpful to know.

Andreas Trawöger
Full steam ahead

If you are completely new to Paris you probably should add another 10-15 minutes of extra time travel time to account for the possibility of getting lost in the Metro and RER labyrinth beneath Paris Gare Lyon.

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