Pecan

Got two pairings this month with the deadhead from CGN (DUS) to CDG on Air France. Anyone ever do a mid-trip deviation and take the train? Seems like it would be easier, but don't know where to start.


Thanks

appDude

Very easy-
The Belgian Thalys goes all the way there.
Train tickets to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne - Thalys.com
Stops in Brussels.
Get first class.
Cheap wine and WIFI for the ride through the countryside.
Ends at Paris Gar du Nor - take cab if you have the dev bucks, otherwise the metro.
appDude

CloudSailor

Hey Pecan,
I'm not familiar with mid-trip deviations. However, the train from Cologne Hbf (central station) to Paris Nord is great. Just look into Voyage en train vers Paris, Bruxelles, Amsterdam - Thalys.com for schedules and cost. The only problem I have had with Thalys is the inability to use the company card for an online purchase because they require a second party authentication (or something along those lines). For on-line ticket purchase, you can use your personal card and then expense it as an Out Of Pocket item. Otherwise, you can just purchase your ticket at the station.

CloudSailor

As appDude said, take the cab. While traveling first class on Thalys, they will reserve a cab for you, so that you don't have to stand in line for about 30 minutes waiting for a cab once you arrive at Paris Nord.

Pecan

Thanks CloudSailor and appDude. Doesn't look too complicated. Now gotta get that mid-trip deviation approval.

Pecan

2cylinderdriver

do not forget to request both a mid trip and a GT over 100 USD pre approval. The FC train ticket will be close to 200 US. great ride, enjoy.

CloudSailor

No need for train pre-approval. Just make sure to expense it under "train" not "GT".

Zpig

Took Thalys from CDG-CGN last month. Comfort 1 = 1st class and includes wifi (avg to below avg connection) and meals/snacks/drinks depending on time of day. Had issues prepaying online with both my VISA and FX company MC due to them both being non European issued. Eventually solved that problem and paid with company MC by selecting "Belgium" as my country and "English" as my language (€129). I googled the online credit card issue and changing country of origin seemed to be a common solution. Who knows. Also, subway kiosk in Paris did not take either credit card (same issue) and had to pay €9,25 cash for ride from CDG airport Terminal 1 (Roissypole Gare) to Paris Gare du Nord. Black Bus (free shuttle) runs every 15-20 mins between CDG Terminal 1 and airport Marriott. My deviation skills are avg at best and this was fairly straight forward. Probably the most "challenging" part will be at Paris Gare du Nord. From the Thalys platform (Grand Lignes) it's about a 15 min walk, down 1 escalator and 2 flights of stairs if my memory serves me.

Zpig

Also, this topic has been discussed here before so try searching past posts.

FlybyKnite

+1. Keywords for your search: train cdg cgn
You get a nice long list of threads. Not sure how long searches are saved, but you might try this link: train deviations