Paris to Épernay by train starts at Paris Gare de l'Est, either on a direct train or on a TGV to Reims with a change to the regional TER. Épernay station is a 5-minute walk from Avenue de Champagne.
The short answer
Direct trains from Paris Gare de l'Est reach Épernay in 1 hour 20 minutes, and the fastest trip takes 1 hour 13 minutes. 17 trains a day run from Paris Est to Épernay, the first at 6:36 a.m. and the last at 9:36 p.m.
Fares start at €11 ($12). On the direct TER Fluo trains, seat reservation is mandatory and free.
Your options
| Option | From | Time | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct train | Paris Gare de l'Est | 1h20 | None |
| TGV to Reims, then TER | Paris Gare de l'Est | 45 min to Reims, then about 30 min | 1, at Reims |
| Car | Paris, 140 km | 1h30 to 1h45 | — |
Direct train
Direct trains leave Paris Gare de l'Est and reach Épernay in 1 hour 20 minutes.
Seat reservation is mandatory on the TER Fluo trains of the line from Paris to Épernay, Châlons-en-Champagne, Saint-Dizier and Strasbourg. A seat is assigned free and automatically when you buy a one-way or return ticket, and it is valid only on that train.
TGV to Reims, then the Ligne des Bulles
TGV trains leave Paris Gare de l'Est regularly and reach Reims in about 45 minutes. From Reims, the regional TER "Ligne des Bulles" reaches Épernay in about 30 minutes.
The Ligne des Bulles leaves from Reims Centre-Ville station every 30 minutes or so, from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It makes 4 stops on the way: Rilly-la-Montagne, Germaine, Avenay-Val-d'Or and Aÿ-Champagne.
Some TGV INOUI and TER combinations change at Champagne-Ardenne TGV instead of Reims. That station, in Bezannes, is 25 km from Épernay, and downtown Reims station is 28 km away. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is 35 minutes from Champagne-Ardenne TGV.
Reims and Épernay in one day
The Épernay tourist office's one-day plan covers both towns. Take an early train to Reims, see the cathedral and a champagne house in the morning, then take the short train to Épernay for an afternoon on Avenue de Champagne. Return to Paris in the evening.
By car
Épernay is 140 km from Paris. The drive takes 1 hour 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Tickets and fares
Paris to Épernay fares start at €11 ($12). TER Grand Est sells low-price tickets from €4 ($4), €6 ($6), €11 ($12), €16 ($17) and €21 ($23), including trips to and from Paris Gare de l'Est.
Buy these tickets on the TER Grand Est website, from one month to one day before departure.
Arriving in Épernay
Avenue de Champagne is a 5-minute walk from Épernay station, and it runs for 1.5 km. The tourist office is at 7 avenue de Champagne, and the wine museum at 13 avenue de Champagne is 10 minutes from the station on foot.
Most of the main attractions in Épernay are within walking distance of the station. Hautvillers is 6 km from Épernay. For the wider region, see Champagne.
Before you go
- TER Grand Est's low-price tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, and they are valid only on the train you choose.
- The last train from Épernay to Paris leaves at 7:49 p.m. 23 trains a day make the trip, the first at 5:29 a.m.
- Book champagne house tours and tastings in advance. Most houses require it, especially on weekends, on public holidays and in summer.
- Look up the timetable for your travel date on SNCF Connect before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Paris to Épernay?
Direct trains from Paris Gare de l'Est take 1 hour 20 minutes, and the fastest trip takes 1 hour 13 minutes. With a change, the TGV reaches Reims in about 45 minutes and the regional train on to Épernay takes about 30 minutes.
Do I need to reserve a seat on the train to Épernay?
Yes, on the TER Fluo trains between Paris and Épernay. The reservation is mandatory and free: a seat is assigned automatically when you buy a one-way or return ticket. It is valid only on the train you booked.
What time is the last train from Épernay back to Paris?
The last train from Épernay to Paris leaves at 7:49 p.m. In the other direction, the last train from Paris Est to Épernay leaves at 9:36 p.m., and the first leaves Paris at 6:36 a.m.
How much does the train from Paris to Épernay cost?
Fares start at €11 ($12). TER Grand Est's low-price tickets run from €4 ($4) to €21 ($23), go on sale one month before departure and can't be refunded or exchanged.
Can I visit Reims and Épernay in one day from Paris?
Yes. Take an early train to Reims for the cathedral and a champagne house in the morning, then the regional train to Épernay, about 30 minutes, for an afternoon on Avenue de Champagne. Return to Paris in the evening.
