CDG->RER B and transfer to Metro

Posted by Cindy (Cherry Hill, NJ) on 10/23/14 12:33 PM

I thought I had the Paris train system down, but I don't remember whether my ticket from CDG on RER B (outer zone) will allow transfer to a Metro line. I will have a metro pass, but prefer not to activate it until the day after arrival.

Last time we just got off at Chatelet Les Halles and walked 3 blocks to our apartment. This time we have to connect as our apt is across the street from BOURSE (line 3). I'm thinking that my best route is CDG to Gare du Nord. Then take Line 4 to Reamur-Sebatapol and transfer to line 3. I think there would be too much walking underground to connect to Line 4 at Chatelet Les Halles.

Thoughts?
Thanks,
Cindy

Posted by Southam

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

10/23/14 01:04 PM

4088 posts

The RER ticket from the airport is good to enter the Metro. Chatelet Les Halles is undergoing some rebuilding so might be more congested than usual. You probably know this place to plan your route, but just in case: http://www.ratp.fr/en/

Posted by Tom

Milwaukee, WI, USA

10/23/14 02:44 PM

197 posts

Cindy,
I might suggest taking the Roissybus from CDG to Opera. It lets you off on the side of the Opera House but go to the front of Opera to enter the Metro. It is only 2 stops to Bourse on line 3 from there. The fare is €10.50 and you would have to pay for a separate Metro ticket (€1.70) but it seems more convenient than all the other transfers. By the way, be sure not to miss Rue Montorgueil shopping street at the Sentier metro (Petits Carreux exit). I am renting an apartment there a half-block away & I am thrilled by the location having never ventured into the 2nd before.

Posted by Teresa

Seattle

10/23/14 07:17 PM

922 posts

As Southam says, your RER ticket will allow you to transfer to the Metro, provided you don't go above ground (i.e., stay in the station). Last month, I took the RER B to Denfert-Rochereau and transferred to line 6. I don't have any memory of the actual transfer at D-F, but I know I only bought the one ticket at CDG and everything was pretty seamless.

Have fun!

Posted by Elizabeth

L'Occitanie, France

10/24/14 01:56 AM

10633 posts

Tom's suggestion to take the Roissybus to Place de la Opera is excellent. You could even walk to Bourse from there and skip going up and down the stairs and escalators in the Opera metro station. I've taken RER, Air France bus, Roissybus, taxis, private shuttles, and even cheap city bus into the city, so for this destination, Tom's suggestion works well. I usually find that walking in the fresh air after a plane ride is rejuvenating.

Posted by Cindy OP

Cherry Hill, NJ

10/25/14 09:45 AM

154 posts

Thanks for all the input.

I did consider the Roissy bus, but I actually figured the metro would be faster and leave us practically at the door even considering the transfers. The 4 of us will only have a (very well packed) carry on, so maneuvering in the Metro shouldn't be too bad.

At least we have both options. We could certainly walk a few blocks from Opera Bus stop.

@Tom.....
Last year we stayed in the 1st just at the border of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. (Etienne Marcel stop was at practically at our door)
As soon as we settled in apt, we ventured out and found the pedestrian market street...Rue Montorgueil. It was a Sunday afternoon so there were street musicians, singers, cafes and a lot of activity. There is a shop for everything there. I think we were the only tourists there. It was mostly Parisians going about their daily routine. We were very lucky to be so close to a great market street. Later in the week we ventured over to the much touted Rue Clair and I thought it was a let down in comparison. Very touristy, dirty and some not-so-friendly shop keepers. (with the exception of some very nice guys in the fromagerie). JMHO.

Our Bourse area apt is not that far, so we hope to walk over and stock up on essentials: Bread, cheese, wine! ;)