From Orly Airport

The Orly airport is approximately 8 ¾ miles, or 14 kilometers, south of Paris. Since it is close to Paris, the cost of a taxi to the train station is about $40.00 U.S., or around 32 Euros. Tell the taxi driver that you want to go to La Gare Montparnasse train station.

From Charles de Gaulle Airport

Charles de Gaulle (Roissy/Charles de Gaulle) Airport is around 15 miles, or 23 kilometers, from Paris and is the largest airport serving Paris. Just go outside the terminal from the baggage claim area and look for the Air France bus and ticket area. You must purchase your ticket before getting on the bus. The fare is around 12 Euros. Look for the Air France bus that goes to La Gare Montparnasse train station. This is the least expensive way to get into Paris from Charles de Gaulle; however, it can take up to an hour to get into the train station, depending on traffic.

If you don’t mind the cost, a taxi is the quickest way to the train station. There is usually a long line of cabs outside the terminal that will take you to La Gare Montparnasse. While more expensive (around 70 Euros, or $86.00 US), the cab ride is typically only a 30 minute trip.

The SNCF network serves as the French national train system, similar to the U.S. Amtrak. Trains leave promptly, using the 24 hour clock. For example, 14:20 is 2:20 PM. You must carry all of your own belongings yourself when you board and depart the train. This is where traveling light takes on a new meaning! There are no porters available to carry luggage – everyone must carry their own. Chartres generally has 13 to 14 trains per day from Paris. Inside the station, there is a large information board with the times the trains leave posted, and an office where you can pick up a schedule. At the station purchase a one way, aller simple, ticket on the SNCF to Chartres. The train may say, “LeMans” or just “Chartres.” The train usually stops in other towns on the way to Chartres. The cost is approximately 11 Euros one way and there is no price break for purchasing a round trip ticket. The trip is about 55 minutes. Other trains leave this station so please make sure you are on the SNCF train.

Once you arrive in Chartres, you may walk or take a taxi from the train station to your hotel. The Seminary is about a 15 to 20 minute walk and the Hotel Grand Monarque is about a 10 minute walk.

If you are walking to Maison St. Yves, as you approach the front of Chartres Cathedral (west façade), look for the store on the right side at the far end of the Cathedral named La Crypte. Walk towards La Crypte, then follow the narrow street on the left side of La Crypte down the hill. This street curves to the right on a blind corner (be very mindful of oncoming traffic). Maison St. Yves is on the left after the bend.