If you want to travel from Lille or London to Stuttgart, for example, you have to change trains in Paris. For some other connections, changing trains in Paris is unavoidable. The big problem is that Paris has 6 major train stations.

In this blog, I will explain how to get from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est. Here you will learn exactly where to go and how much time you really need. Measured by a real traveller.

Opposite direction

Two years ago, I made the change in the opposite direction. You can read about it in my blog here: Raildude Blog

Back then, I was still a beginner, but now I would describe myself as more of a pro at changing trains in Paris.

Paris Nord Station

Trains to Cologne, Brussels, Amsterdam, Lille and London depart from here. London is the most important for Germany, because the change of train station is most useful for connections with a change of the Eurostar, for example from London to Stuttgart.

Paris Gare de l'Est

This is the German name for Paris-Est. With ‘only’ 93,000 travellers a day, it is still the smallest of the three TGV stations. Trains to Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich and Freiburg depart from here, as well as trains to Strasbourg, Reims and Luxembourg within France.

Transfer from Paris-Nord to Paris-Est: initial situation

During the 2024 Olympic Games, my colleague and I had the chance to complete the transfer route on foot in exactly the same way. Although we were travelling on the Paris local transport system instead of the long-distance system (the distance between the stations is so short that a metro journey is not worthwhile), our destination was still the departure of a TGV in Paris-Est. So I tried to make the whole thing as realistic as possible.

Regarding the initial situation, it should be said that we were both travelling with a rucksack and a medium-sized trolley case. I have some local knowledge by now, so I didn't get lost. More about this below in the time calculation

On foot

We assume that we arrive at Paris-Nord on platform 13. These are the middle platforms in the station. So you could be a little further ‘back’. In this case, add 1-2 minutes to the calculation. We also start at the beginning of the platform, so we act as if we got off at the very front of the train. If you don't get off at the very front (which I recommend), then also add 1 minute.

If you are coming from the Eurostar, I don't know if you still have to undergo checks when you get off. It's best to ask about this in the forum: https://raildude.com/forum

We are at the beginning of platform 13, it is 10:10 and 31 sec. Even if we had arrived here with long-distance transport: you don't have to pass through platform gates when you get off. This only applies to regional trains.

A minute later, we have left the Gare du Nord through the glass part.

Since I now know my way around Paris quite well, we take a different route this time than last time. While two years ago I took the beginner's route via ‘Rue de deux gares’, this time I'm taking the pro's route via ‘Rue de Dunkerque > Rue d'Alsace’.

The big advantage of this is that you only have to turn once.

Looking back: the exit from Gare du Nord

First, as seen from the exit of Gare du Nord, you simply walk 200m (depending on which exit you took) to the left on Rue du Dunkerque. Here you have to walk absolutely straight. There is a crossroads on the way with slight left/right turns, do not take them.

Then you will see the Bristol Hotel on the left at the end of the road, which is the end of the road. It is 10:14 and 38 seconds.

From here you can see both train stations: If you turn around, you can see the Gare du Nord on the left-hand side of the street. If you look further ahead/to the right, you can see the roofs of the platforms at Gare de l'Est.

As mentioned, turn right in front of the entrance to the ‘OKKO’ hotel and you will come to an escalator. This did not exist two years ago. It makes the journey between the two stations easier, as you no longer have to carry your suitcases up the stairs. It is the only construction project that was completed in time for the Olympic Games. It is exactly 10:16 a.m. The next half-minute is spent on the escalator.

After that, it's just a short walk of less than 100 metres straight ahead, and the way to the entrance of the Gare de l'Est is well signposted. You walk behind platform 1 the whole time, so you can't miss the way.

At the we are at the entrance at 10:17 and 42 sec. If you then go through the entrance, on the left you have the tracks from 1 ascending. We have to be on track 24, almost all the way to the back. We reach the first accessible door of the train there at 10:20 and 29 sec, just under 10 minutes after arrival at Gare du Nord.

Time calculation

Walking speed

My colleague and I walked very normally. I took the photos on the way, looked for the way 1-2 times, so I really took it easy. But: I have walked the route in the opposite direction before, so I was not a complete novice. If you arrive at Gare du Nord further back (platforms 1-12, or with the Eurostar), then add 1-5 minutes to the calculation. So you should plan at least 15 minutes for the journey (with buffer), plus possibly 10 minutes for any delay of the arriving train.

Paris Central Station

It would all be a lot less complicated if Paris just had a central station. After thorough research, however, I unfortunately found no official plans for this. I myself have often thought about such a construction project. So here is a little advertising on my own behalf – if you are interested, take a look at it.

Tickets

If you are now in the mood for a trip to France, the UK or an Interrail adventure, I would be very happy if you buy your ticket via our links. The price remains the same, but you support our free content and blogs. Thank you! :)

Your Interrail Pass

Tickets for all of Europe are available here: Omio

The best website for German trains is: Deutsche Bahn

You need a place to stay in Paris? Then this is the best place for you: Booking.com

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our raildude.com forum anytime: raildude.com/forum

Posted 3 months ago

Tobi
Traveller
175 comments