Eurostar Arrival: Gare du Nord to RER B - Procedural Questions

If you're just planning to buy single tickets, the easiest is to buy the tickets from the Bistro on the Eurostar. Paper tickets are on their way out and there is no guarantee that they will have any tickets onboard the Eurostar but it's worth asking.

Just wear a money belt with your credit cards and cash, Rick Steves store has two different types. I've never heard of anyone wearing a money belt getting pickpocketed. Sometimes simple things works best.

I'm not sure what it's like at Gare du Nord, but we did this last summer at Gare Montparnasse for our two families (3 adults and 3 kids total). When we got off our TGV, we made our way to the Metro Station, and I stood in line with my brother to get the Navigo Easy passes at the window for everyone while the kids and my husband waited around the corner next to some of the self-serve kiosks with our luggage. It really wasn't a problem. Just as long as someone is in charge of baggage so it isn't left alone. I used my phone plenty on the metro and RER C and just had a small crossbody I kept my wallet in along with our Navigo cards. We only used public transportation on our entire trip and had no issues, but were aware of our surroundings and didn't leave phones out on tables, etc.

Firstly, when arriving Gare du Nord, walk away from the crowds. Pickpockets are most effective when working in crowded locations. Leave nothing easily accessible, and never leave any bag unattended, not even for a moment. For 5 people, I would arrange for a car, which can hold up to 7 passengers.

https://monchauffeur.sncf-connect.com/reserver-un-taxi-vtc

This is booked through the SNCF so drivers are used to train station pickups.

Otherwise, there is a sales counter at the arrival level, the opposite side as that of Eurostar arrivals, where you may purchase Navigo Easy cards (2€) and load tickets t+ (2.10€ each), ten of which cost 16.90€.

Lastly, the RER B is on the lower level. Be sure the train you board is going to Luxembourg, all southbound trains stop there.

When leaving Eurostar arrival area, expect touts offering rides. Keep walking into the main station, just ignore them. (The real taxi waiting area is outside.). As noted above, you will find ticket machines and manned seller stations away from the Eurostar arrival. Machines can be used, pretty easy, but with the number of cards you need, I would go to the manned window. English spoken well enough to get the task done.

My recent experience, I had someone arrive at my elbow presumably to offer “help” at the machine. I canceled the transaction which I hadn’t completed and joined the manned line after giving the guy a targeted look. The manned line seemed long, but moved very quickly. I have heard of apparently uniformed men offering assistance at machines. Don’t believe it,

As for safety of your possessions, not much different from any where else. Valuables in inner pockets or money belts or cross body bags or whatever you favorite system is. No need to stand against walls. Keep luggage together within easy reach.

The machines snd manned ticket windows are not in narrow spaces. Plenty of room and lots of travelers in the area. You will have no problem finding a space to wait for Hubby where you can see each other. Everyone has luggage, you won’t stand out as a target any more than anyone else.

"For 5 people, I would arrange for a car, which can hold up to 7 passengers."
I could not agree more with this statement and the suggestion to use Mon Chaffeur through the SNCF site. It's not that I think that it is a poor decision to take mass transit -- it's just that I think a private pre-arranged transport is the better decision at Gare du Nord. It's vacation/holiday/vacance -- opt for convenience and avoiding situations in which you need to think about the process as much as you are. There are times on vacation when all that cannot be avoided but this is not one of them.

I also agree with the idea of a private transfer,. With 5 and luggage and new to Paris, it will be a much less stressful intro.

Congratulations you're going to Paris! I am a big fan of the Metro and RER so I would just take that. Have everyone keep an eye on their bags and money belt/neck wallet the important stuff. I don't have the same concerns as you as I have also been to Paris many times and am familiar with how it works. However, I will mention, there are plenty of van taxis in Paris that will hold all five of you. So if you're overwhelmed with the prospect of using RER just head to the taxi stand. I will take a taxi if my kids are fussy, I'm tired of holding/watching the bags, or the other public transportation is too confusing. Taking a cab is an experience too. You will likely have plenty of time to use the Metro and RER later in your stay.

I'm in Paris now and the RER B has frequntly been jammed. Ticket kiosk and machines often have lineups. A fixed-price official taxi will cost about the same as tickets for your group and certainly be more comfortable.