Taking the Train to the Airport for Your Umrah Flight

Train in France — Before boarding your flight to Saudi Arabia, you first need to get to the departure airport. From most French cities, the train is the most convenient, affordable, and reliable option. Here is the complete guide based on your departure airport.

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) — Main Hub for Umrah

Paris CDG is the primary gateway for flights to Jeddah and Medina departing from France. Here is how to get there:

From Central Paris

• RER B — Direct from Paris (Châtelet, Gare du Nord, Denfert…) to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Journey time: 30–45 min. Fare: approximately €11. Frequency: every 10 minutes.
• CDG Express (operating since 2025) — Direct from Gare de l’Est to CDG Terminal 2 in 20 minutes. Ideal for passengers with luggage.

From Major Provincial Cities

• Lyon → Paris CDG: Direct TGV Lyria (2 hours). From Gare de Lyon to CDG Terminal 2 via the RER B (connection at Châtelet).
• Marseille → Paris CDG: TGV in 3 hours 20 minutes to Gare de Lyon. Then take the RER B.
• Bordeaux → Paris CDG: TGV in 2 hours 5 minutes to Gare Montparnasse. Metro → RER B.
• Lille → CDG: Direct TGV from Lille Flandres/Europe ↔ CDG with no connection required! (1h15)
• Strasbourg → Paris CDG: TGV in 1 hour 45 minutes to Gare de l’Est. CDG Express: 20 minutes.

Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS)

Saudia operates seasonal flights from Lyon. The airport is accessible via the Rhônexpress from Part-Dieu in 30 minutes (fare: €16.90).

Marseille Provence (MRS)

Direct shuttle from Saint-Charles station (Marseille city center) to the airport: 30 minutes, every 15 minutes, €10.

Tips to Optimize Your Journey

• Book your TGV the day before your flight to avoid any last-minute stress
• Ouigo offers low-cost TGV services from many cities — book early for the best rates
• Allow at least 3 hours 30 minutes between your arrival at the airport and your boarding time (international flights)
• In case of strikes, have a backup plan: carpooling (BlaBlaCar) or car rental

Check our complete travel guide for flight tickets and domestic flights in Saudi Arabia. For preparing your travel documents, see our visa guide.

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