Paris-Lyon to Paris-Nord

There are several ways to transfer from Paris Gare de Lyon to Paris Gare du Nord

The first is to take the RER (which is a suburban underground train, and a kind of part of the Metro).  An alternative is to use the taxi rank, which is located right outside Gare du Nord station. And another way is to pre-book a taxi so that the taxi is waiting for you already, when you arrive at Gare du Nord.

Let's look at each one, starting with the pre-booked taxis.

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Pre-booked taxis

Photo: Daniel Elkan

The easiest way to change stations in Paris is with a pre-booked taxi. The driver either waits at the end of the train platform holding a card with your name on it, or at a pre-arranged meeting point just outside the station.

The vehicles are spacious and can take skis and snowboards (at no extra cost). If your train is delayed (rare) the driver will wait for you. All the drivers speak English.

The drive from Paris-Lyon to Paris-Nord takes around 30 minutes in the taxi. However, you should allow a minimum of 120 minutes in total (i.e. TGV arrival to Eurostar departure from Gare du Nord) for the change from Paris-Lyon to Paris-Nord. That's because you should allow at least 60 minutes betweent the stations, and at least 60 minutes for Eurostar check in. 

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Ski-Lifts prebooked taxis

We're pleased that Alpine transfer company, Ski-Lifts, are now offering a cross-Paris taxi transfer service to help skiers travelling by train to the Alps. A Ski-Lifts driver will meet you at the end of the train platform, holding a placard with your name on it. Ski-Lifts has a range of vehicles of various sizes and they can take skis and snowboards (you can indicate that you have skis or snowboards when making the booking).

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C.A.T prebooked taxi

Another company that we can recommend is City Airport Transfers (the name belies the fact that they also offer taxi transfers between train stations in Paris).
You'll be met at the designated meeting point opposite the station. City Airport Transfers has a range of vehicles of various sizes, and they can take skis and snowboards.

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What's the pre-booked taxi service like?

Want to see what the pre-booked taxi service is like?

We've made a one-minute film about it to show exactly what it is like - and had quite a lot of fun doing it!

Certainly a good way of travel for a family or a group of friends. It just makes things very easy.

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Taxi rank

When you arrive at Paris-Lyon the taxi rank is right outside the station.

Taxis arrive constantly and even when there is a queue, it rarely lasts more than 10 minutes.

The price from Paris-Lyon to Paris-Nord is 15€ - 20€ per four-person taxi. These can carry skis or snowboards.  There is normally a 1€ charge per big piece of luggage.

You should allow about 1.5 - two hours in total (to include Eurostar check-in time) for the change from Paris-Lyon to Paris-Nord, to be on the safe side.

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RER (like the Metro, but simpler)

RER between Paris Gare de Lyon to Paris Gare du NordPhoto: Daniel Elkan

The RER is a suburban train running through Paris, similar to a Metro train.

The journey between Paris-Lyon and Paris-Nord takes 15 minutes, with trains running every six minutes. A ticket costs about 2€, and you can save time by buying a carnet of 10 from a Eurostar or TGV cafe-bar. Allow 50 minutes for the transfer in total.

RER, Line D, towards ORRY-la-Ville-Coye (alight at Gare du Nord)

There are escalators and lifts to take you to and from the platforms. Don't struggle up the first stairs you see – take a moment to look for the escalator or lift, or ask someone. The French for "escalator" is "escalator" and "lift" is "ascenseur."

The ticket entry gates on the Metro/RER can be a bit narrow to enter with if you have a really wide suitcase. Look for the wide-entry gate, which has a button that you press for it to open.

You should allow about 1.5 - two hours in total (to include Eurostar check-in time) for the change from Paris-Lyon to Paris-Nord, to be on the safe side.

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Restaurants at Paris-Nord: Terminus Nord

Situated: Opposite the station
Address: 23, rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris
Cuisine: Brasserie, traditional
Price for a main course: set menus at €21 - €23 for lunch and €25 - €32 for dinner
English spoken: Yes
Space to store bags/skis: Yes
Reservation: Not required
Opening times: 08.00 - 10.30 for breakfast and 11.00 - 23.00
Website: www.terminusnord.com

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Restaurants at Paris-Nord: La Maison Blanche

Situated: Opposite the station
Address: 21 rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris
Cuisine: Brasserie
Price for a main course: €12
English spoken: Yes
Space to store bags/skis: Yes
Reservation: Not required
Opening times: 00.00 - 0.00 everyday
Website:
Phone: 00 33 1 48 78 15 92

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Ski holidays by train — Ask Snowcarbon

At Snowcarbon we are always happy to help you with suggestions for great resorts, fantastic accommodation and how to get there.

Looking forward to helping you.

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