I took the RER B out to the last station, Aulnay-sur-Bois, expecting their bus to take me the rest of the way. It was so disorganized. Literally cramming people onto a bus, standing room, even in the steps. SNCF worker could only tell me there would be another bus, but not when. No line. Masses of people late for planes. I'm in an Uber pool so I can make my flight comfortably. Good thing I allowed so much time. Save yourself, take a taxi or bus from center of town if there is line work.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2542 posts
It can be chaotic but it is not the end of the earth. Just leave extra time, an extra hour would probably not be too much time.
Posted by
Paris
9550 posts
Thank you for this reminder that the RER B can spring its own surprises on people . . .
Posted by
OP
New Carlisle, Ohio
46 posts
Yes, I had the time but not the patience. Thus my decision to take Uber. People literally shoving one another to get on the bus. The SNCF workers were responsive enough to questions, but no answers and no organization of a queue for people so the shoving and yelling could subside. Just wanted others to be aware if their Google, Citymapper or similar suggested the route.
Posted by
Paris
9550 posts
And good on you Maureen for planning so well that you had time and options for getting to your flight!
Posted by
Paris
9550 posts
CityMapper will have rerouted people. It takes such disruptions into account when providing prospective route information.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
My backup to the RER has always been a taxi. So far I haven't needed it.
When I was in Paris during a transportation strike period, the fork of the RER B that goes to CDG was shut down - the rest was running. Fortunately that trip, I had gone through Iceland and my flights were into and out of Orly.
I keep my bag down to a shoulder bag and no more than 12 lbs. (aim for 10). I really appreciate traveling light - much more flexibility (especially when running into the unexpected).
Posted by
OP
New Carlisle, Ohio
46 posts
Yes, Citymapper alerted me. Knew I could make it work with loads of time, with the bus picking up where the train stopped. Had no idea however the bedlam and chaos would reign quite so much. I agree with others, backup plans, allowing sufficient time, and patience go a long way. But I'm fortunate enough, while I will schlep for the cheaper, and more ecologically friendly mass transit, I have the means to make a break for it! I live in a rural area, but I know how to Uber!