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How to Get to Reims

How to Get to Reims

Reims Champagne, France Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Flights

Reims access via large international airports near Paris.

Gateways to Reims

  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): France's main international airport, 130 km (80 miles) NE of Paris.
  • Paris Orly Airport (ORY): South of Paris, mainly for European and domestic flights.
  • Paris-Vatry Airport (XCR): Smaller airport, 40 km (25 miles) E of Reims, caters to low-cost carriers.

Pricing & Facilities

Flight prices vary by season; airports offer full services.

Booking & Amenities

  • Flight prices highest in summer/holidays. Book several months in advance for better rates. Dollar Flight Club for deals. Skyscanner for comparisons.
  • CDG and ORY offer extensive shops, restaurants, car rental desks, currency exchange, and lounges.
  • Paris-Vatry (XCR) has more limited facilities.

CDG to Reims

TGV train from CDG TGV station to Reims Centre takes ~30 mins. FlixBus/BlaBlaCar Bus also available (~2 hrs).

Car Rental/Taxi

Car rentals at airports. Driving to Reims takes 1.5-2 hours (tolls apply). Taxi rides are very expensive.

ORY & XCR Transfers

From ORY, multi-leg train to Paris then TGV. XCR often has shuttle buses to Reims center.

Onward Connections

Train Connections

  • High-speed TGV: Most efficient way to reach Reims, especially from Paris Gare de l'Est (~45 mins).
  • Book TGV tickets in advance for better prices.
  • Regional Trains (TER): Slower, more frequent, connecting Reims to other towns within Grand Est.
  • Long-distance Bus: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer economical but longer journeys to Reims.

Self-Driving & Roads

  • Requirements: Valid national driving license; International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU citizens. Major credit card for deposit.
  • Road Conditions: Generally excellent and well-maintained. Major motorways (autoroutes) are typically toll roads.
  • Safety: Drive on the right. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Parking in city centers can be challenging and expensive.
  • A rental car is very useful for exploring the wider Champagne region. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland City

Reims is an inland city, so it lacks direct sea or river port access for international passenger travel.

No Direct Sea Ports

Major seaports (Le Havre, Calais) serve ferries, but require onward land transportation to Reims.

River Use

The Vesle River and Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne are mainly for freight or private pleasure boats, not regular passenger transport.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

Whether flying out of Paris or continuing your journey by train, understanding the procedures and timing recommendations is helpful.

Timing & Considerations

  • International Flights (non-Schengen): Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure for check-in, security, and passport control.
  • Domestic/Schengen Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. No separate passport control within Schengen.
  • Factor in travel time from Reims to the airport (~30 mins by TGV to CDG), plus time for potential delays.

Train Station Departure

Reims Centre Train Station offers basic facilities. Paris airports have extensive services.

Station Facilities

  • TGV Trains: Arrive 20-30 minutes before departure. No formal check-in or extensive security.
  • Regional (TER) Trains: Even less time needed, perhaps 10-15 minutes before departure.
  • Airports (CDG/ORY): Wide range of duty-free shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and lounges.

Exit Fees & VAT Refunds

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly at the airport or train station.

Financial Details

  • Costs are usually included in your flight or train ticket price when purchased.
  • If claiming a VAT refund, allocate enough time at your final EU departure airport for customs procedures before checking luggage.
  • Have all purchase receipts and tax-free forms ready for inspection.

Departure Checklist

A few final considerations for a smooth departure.

Final Checks

  • Confirm your departure terminal and gate for flights well in advance.
  • Consider using an airline's app for real-time updates.
  • For early morning flights or late-night departures, book an airport transfer or taxi in advance.

Avoid Flight Delays

  • Allow extra time for unforeseen circumstances, like traffic or security queues.
  • Travel during off-peak hours if possible to avoid rush-hour crowds.
  • Check weather forecasts before heading to the airport.
  • Do not pack prohibited items in your carry-on or checked luggage.
  • Ensure your luggage complies with airline size and weight restrictions.
  • Be aware of any liquid restrictions for carry-on bags.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Reims is inland, far from the coast. No direct sea or river port access for international passenger travel.

Connections from Ports

  • Major French seaports like Le Havre or Calais serve ferry services to the UK and other countries.
  • Cruise ships may dock at ports like Le Havre, Marseille, or Nice.
  • Travelers arriving by sea at these ports arrange onward land transportation (train or bus) to reach Reims.

River Transportation

The Vesle River and Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne are not for regular passenger transport.

Waterway Use

  • These waterways are mainly for freight, private pleasure boats, or specific river cruises that tour Champagne canals.
  • No regular passenger river transport services serve as a main means of international or long-distance travel to Reims.
  • Immigration procedures occur at the seaport if arriving from outside the Schengen Area.

Seaport Arrivals

Requires onward land travel from ports like Le Havre to Reims.

River Travel

Not a main mode of passenger transport for long-distance travel to Reims.

Geographic Reality

Reims' inland location means air and land transport are the main travel methods.

Departure Tips

Planning Your Exit

Whether flying or taking the train, proper planning for departure brings a smoother experience.

Considerations

  • Confirm your departure terminal and gate for flights well in advance.
  • Use an airline's app for real-time updates on flight status.
  • Allow sufficient travel time from Reims to the airport, accounting for potential traffic or train delays.

At the Station/Airport

Ensure enough time for procedures and to utilize amenities.

Departure Day Protocol

  • Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights (non-Schengen) or 1.5-2 hours for domestic/Schengen flights.
  • For TGV trains, 20-30 minutes before departure is typically ample.
  • If claiming a VAT refund, allow extra time at your final EU departure airport for customs.

Considerations for a Smooth Departure

Luggage Prep

Ensure luggage complies with airline size and weight limits. Be aware of liquid restrictions for carry-on bags. Do not pack prohibited items.

Security & Customs

Have all necessary travel documents readily accessible. Be prepared for security screening procedures. If needed, allow extra time for VAT refund processing.

Getting There

Book train tickets from Reims to Paris airports in advance. For early flights, consider a pre-booked taxi or airport transfer. Check traffic or train schedules.

Departure Wisdom

Book TGV tickets from Paris to Reims in advance for better prices and seat availability, especially during peak travel times.