Arrived this morning at CDG, got Navigo passes and went to the RER line where a sign said the next train was in about an hour. Went downstairs to the platform where the sign indicated next train in 2 minutes -- so we jumped on, stood for the 7 stops into Paris. Trains running ONLY to Gare du Nord (not to Chatelet, as recommended by the apartment owner) so took metro to Bastille and walked to our apartment in the Marais.
Not as easy as prior non-strike trips into Paris, but not a disaster either. Next trip, Paris to Strasbourg on Saturday, also a strike date; official word will be Friday at 5 p.m. Looks like we may travel earlier or later than our tickets were booked, but most likely we will get there on Saturday.
Posted by
22 posts
Hi,
how often does the RER B run?
Was the platform crowded with people trying to get on?
Posted by
OP
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Answers:
1) unknown scheduling -- we got lucky. I understand that there are only about 1/3 of the regular trains running.
2) platform was pretty full, but not scarily so. There appear to be two stops at CDG so a lot of the seats were already taken -- smarter move might be to CDGVAL free shuttle to the origin station. Everyone seemed to be able to get on.
Also, what we should have done is just taken a taxi from Gare du Nord rather than metro with transfer. Minds get groggy after too long in an airplane.
Posted by
Colorado, USA
15 posts
Laura B., What does CDGVAL stand for? I'm trying to figure out the best mode of public transportation on a strike day to Paris. Gare du Nord is close to our hotel. I'm wondering if a taxi for three people is worth it.
Anyone, are there tips on catching a taxi from the airport to Paris?
Posted by
OP
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
CDGVAL is the free shuttle train between the terminals at Charles de Gaulle airport.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Good to know about the shuttle to Gare du Nord if the RER B is not running. I'll be in Paris the first week in May and again the first three days in June on the way back.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8892 posts
A taxi for 3 people would be worth it strike or no strike. Follow the signs to the official taxi rank, don't get fooled by "helpful" offers anywhere else.
Posted by
Florida
341 posts
I use a shared shuttle into Paris. They drop you off at your front door
www.parishuttle.com
Posted by
OP
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Just to clarify --the CDGVAL free shuttle is only between airport terminals 1, 2 and 3. Not to Gare du Nord.
Posted by
Chicago
8561 posts
It will cost 31 Euro for 3 people to take the train while hauling their luggage up and down stairs on metro transfers and of course exposing all their stuff to pickpockets if they don't know how to stow it properly. It is 50 Euro to the right bank by cab; 55 to the left. Door to door. Shuttles might be cheaper for one person, but tend not to be for several.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Thanks for the information.