RER B to CDG Airport & Potential June Strikes

Go to the airport and stay at Ibis Hotel at terminal 3 the night before the flight so you can sleep and don't have to worry about that the day of the ; that is probably what I would do as an economical way.

Consider the Roissy Bus or the Air France bus as economical alternatives. I would not feel comfortable risking getting to the airport late for an outgoing flight.

It depends upon which United Flight you are taking. If it´s one of the earlier flights, before 10h00, you´ll need to either take an alternate means of transportation or spend the night at the airport. If it´s one of the later flights which departs after 11h00, you can take an early RER B, one which leaves Gare du Nord before 06h30 and be OK. If you take the RER B, plan on 90 minutes en route.

Consider also the Roissybus or le Bus Direct (Cars Air France no longer exists). Taxis are 50€/55€ depending upon from where you depart, there is a 7€ reservation free if you call for pickup the day before. English speaking operator is available at 01 41 27 66 99.

United suggests your being at the airport at least 3 hours before scheduled departure (unless you have special status of some type).

I am flying on United the same day you are. Both the 27th & 28th are strike days. Because my flight departs at 09:15 I decided to spend the night of the 27th at an Ibis at the airport. There were several choices of hotel, so I hope I chose the correct one. I'm hoping the RER will be available to me on the 27th, but if not I will take bus 350 from Gare de l'Est.

I would take a taxi if you are unsure as to train schedules on strike day. It is set fare of 50/55 euros - depending on what part of Paris you are staying

Thank you for the suggestions. I will look into the Roissybus and consider a taxi as alternatives. Our flight doesn't leave until 13:00 so it won't be necessary to spend the night before close to the airport.

Tocard thanks for the suggested time allowance for RER B during the strike.

I am feeling better having some of these other options to consider. Fingers crossed they will resolve their dispute well before the end of June!

Cabs are always a good backup plan. Or even a plan A if you're concerned about time. But DO give yourself plenty of time. On our last trip (March 2017) we took a cab, arrived at CDG 4 hours before our plane, and waited in endless lines, with what seemed to be an extra layer of security (a nearly 10 minute chat with the gendarme while waiting to check in and check bags, in which we had to give an account of everything we did during our trip). By the time we got through all of the lines, we had just enough time to go to the bathroom before they started boarding our plane. Hopefully, things aren't that bad any more, but I wouldn't give myself anything less than 4 hours.

We were in Paris last week (April 14 - 18) and used RER B from CDG to Luxembourg (Latin Quarter neighborhood), and both days of travel from and to the airport it was a strike day. Yes, the number of RER B trains running on strike day are fewer but we waited only 15 - 20 minutes on Saturday travel into Latin Quarter. The train from CDG stopped at Gare du Nord, and all passenger needed to disembark. We walked to a lower platform and were informed by personnel in red jackets that RER B services inside Paris resumes on track 42. We followed the signs for track 42 (another level below) and that train took us to Luxembourg. This break in service was a surprise (was not given a heads up at the CDG TI when asked about RER B strike impact), but learned later that this break occurs because train operators belong to different unions for inside and outside Paris.

When we traveled back to CDG, on Wednesday morning it was rush hour time and trains were more crowded but had no problems getting on at Luxembourg. Because it was a strike day, we needed get off at Gare du Nord and then walk up two levels to board the RER B to take us the balance of way into CDG. The first train was fully loaded and we didn't bother trying to squeeze in because there were three of us with luggage. The next train arrived 8 minutes later, we boarded and got seats easily. It left Gare du Nord within 7 minutes (per board schedule). So our total travel time on weekday morning rush hour time from Luxembourg to CDG was under 90 minutes.

Note, we did purchase RER B tickets at the CDG TI when we arrived, for arrival day and departure day travel, as suggested by RS book. The west side entrance at Luxembourg is not manned, and ticket machine happened to be broken during our visit period.

Frank.tepes Thanks so much for the very detailed information! I'm glad to hear riding the RER B on strike days to/from the airport worked out well. Having this information helps put my mind to rest. As well as having a back up plan as suggested by other members.