Gare Saint-Lazare

How to Get to Gare Saint-Lazare

Gare Saint-Lazare is located in the 8th arrondissement. Note that magnetic paper tickets are no longer in use as of 2026. You must use the Île-de-France Mobilités or Bonjour RATP app on your smartphone, or purchase a reusable Navigo Easy card (€2) at station machines. Machines have an English language option and accept credit cards.

From Airport

• From Paris-Orly (ORY): Take the direct Metro Line 14. It is the fastest route, taking approximately 30 minutes for a fare of €11.
• From Charles de Gaulle (CDG): There is no direct train. Take the RER B to Châtelet-Les-Halles, then transfer to Metro Line 14 (direction Saint-Denis–Pleyel) to reach Gare Saint-Lazare. Total journey time is about 45–50 minutes; cost is €13.

From City Center

• Metro Lines: The station is a major hub served directly by Lines 3, 12, 13, and 14. Depending on your central location, these lines provide the quickest access (typically 10–20 minutes).
• RER E: If you are near the eastern or central districts, the RER E line stops at the connected Haussmann–Saint-Lazare station.
• Bus: Numerous lines, including the 20, 26, 29, 43, and 94, stop at the station. Contactless credit card payment is available on all buses.

By Taxi

• Time: 25–45 minutes, depending heavily on traffic.
• Cost: Approximately €35–€65 from Orly or CDG. Always use official taxi ranks at airports to ensure fair, metered pricing.

Gare Saint-Lazare is a large, historic terminus station, meaning all tracks end here rather than passing through. It features 27 platforms (referred to as voies) arranged side-by-side in a single, massive row. Think of the layout as a long horizontal line: when you stand at the main concourse facing the tracks, platform 1 is at the far left (west end) and platform 27 is at the far right (east end).

Because this is a major hub, the platform assignments are generally grouped by destination. Platforms 1–18 at the west and center of the station primarily serve the Transilien commuter lines, including routes to western suburbs like Versailles-Rive Droite. As you move toward the east end of the station, you will find platforms 19–27, which are dedicated to the regional "Grandes Lignes" or Intercités trains serving Normandy hubs such as Rouen, Caen, Le Havre, and Cherbourg.

Navigating such a large station can be overwhelming for a first-timer. Since it is a terminal station, you do not need to worry about levels for boarding trains; all platforms are accessed directly from the main concourse level. However, given the station's width, it is a large-scale facility—allow yourself at least 10–15 minutes if you need to move from the far west side to the far east side, especially when traveling with luggage.

A common point of confusion is the timing of platform announcements. In France, platform numbers are often only displayed on the departure boards 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Do not be alarmed if your platform is not listed immediately upon arrival; simply wait in the main concourse and keep an eye on the large digital departure screens.

For accessibility, the station has been modernized with elevators and escalators connecting the street-level shopping areas to the main concourse and platform level. If you are heading to Normandy, look for the "Boutique Normandie" ticket office near the east end (near platform 27), which serves as a helpful landmark for that side of the station. Always keep your ticket handy, as you will likely need to scan it at the automatic gates to enter the platform area.

Gare Saint-Lazare is a bustling, beautiful hub, but it can be overwhelming for a first-timer. Don’t worry, but do prepare—I wish someone had told me these things before I arrived.

Before You Arrive

• Download the SNCF Connect app: This is essential. Use it to buy tickets in advance; prices rise and trains can sell out, especially for Normandy routes. You can store your digital tickets directly in the app or your phone’s wallet for easy scanning.
• Skip the ticket machine queues: Buying online saves you from struggling with machines at the station. If you must buy at the station, ensure you are using the correct machine—look for "Île-de-France" machines for local trips and "Grandes Lignes" for longer journeys.

At the Station

• Know your zone: Tracks are divided by destination region. If you are heading to Normandy, look for the blue "Normandie" signage. The platforms are located on the right side of the station as you face the tracks.
• Toilet access: Restrooms are located near the exit on Rue d’Amsterdam and at platform 27. Be aware they cost €1; keep some Euro coins handy as card payments aren't always reliable at the turnstiles.
• Food and supplies: The station is essentially a large shopping mall. Avoid overpriced kiosks; there are plenty of shops and supermarkets within the station complex if you need snacks or drinks for your journey.
• Getting around: The station has multiple levels. While there are elevators, navigating with heavy luggage during rush hour is a "zoo." Stick together with your group, as it is very easy to get separated in the crowds.

Common Mistakes

• Don't check the platform too early: Signboards often don't display your track number until about 10–15 minutes before departure. Checking 2 hours early is pointless; rely on the app for real-time updates while you grab a coffee.
• Payment pitfalls: Many older ticket machines in Paris stations do not accept non-European credit cards. Always have a backup plan, like cash or a debit card with a chip, and try to buy your tickets online beforehand to avoid this stress entirely.

Terminus station serving Paris, France. Originally opened in 1837, Gare Saint-Lazare is the oldest railway station in Paris. While the site dates to the early 19th century, the current structure primarily reflects renovations completed in 1889, with further modernization in 2012 to integrate a multi-level shopping complex. As the second-busiest station in the city, it serves as a critical hub for regional Transilien commuter trains and intercity services to Normandy, handling over 100 million passengers annually.

First-time travelers may wonder if the station is overwhelming. It features a straightforward, wide-concourse layout with 27 platforms arranged side-by-side. Platforms 1–18 typically handle suburban routes, while platforms 19–27 serve intercity lines. The station is well-signposted with English-language displays, making it manageable even for those unfamiliar with the French rail network.

To ensure a smooth departure, allow extra time to navigate the concourse, as platform assignments are often finalized 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Keep an eye on the large digital information screens located throughout the main hall to confirm your specific platform number. The station is fully accessible and offers seamless connections to the Paris Métro and RER networks, helping you transition easily to your final destination.