I am helping my daughter-in-law with travel plans to Paris in early Dec. I want her transfer to Paris to be hassle free but hope to avoid the expense of a taxi. Roissy bus to Opera only involves taking one metro to hotel area in Rue Clare. RER Train -B to Gare du Nord or St.Michel/Notre Dame each involve 2 metro lines. In general for the first time traveler to CDG, is it easier to locate and take the bus or the train? (Her flight arrives on a Saturday morning at terminal 2) If the train is the better option, is it better to get off at Gare du Nord or continue to St. Michel/Notre Dame? Thanks!
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2707 posts
I don´t understand the logic of the Roissybus to a métro connections. Not only does it cost more for two separate tickets, there is the hassle of carrying luggage down stairs to the métro station. The RER B from CDG has escalators to the departure platforms and costs only 10.30€.
How well does she know Paris? For those who have done it, the train/métro is relatively easy. However, if she arrives CDG after an all night, transatlantic flight, she will be tired, easily disoriented, and all of these connections will not be obvious. When someone is not sure about directions, arriving street level from a métro station and knowing which direction to travel to find an hotel is not always as straight forward as it may seem.
If she is new to Paris, a taxi to rue Cler will be cheap at 55€ (no tip required) and make her arrival as safe and easy as possible. She should go to the official taxi queue and avoid clandestine drivers soliciting within the terminals.
Posted by
California USA
4103 posts
I’ve been to Paris many times and I don’t think either of your choices is “easiest” for a first time visitor. Why don’t you have her take a 55€ taxi when she arrives and let her try public transportation for her departure day. That way she will have a better feel for how to navigate the airport and how the metro and RER are structured.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
How would you go about researching "whatever scam the taxi driver might pull", Barbra? There is no scam to be pulled if the meter is at zero when you enter the cab and you make it known you understand the set fee. No need to alarm the young woman with scam talk.
Posted by
Chicago
8559 posts
The meter is set at 55 when she leaves CDG. If they try to run the meter that is a scam. Of course it is on the meter at Opera if she takes a taxi there. This is one to not cheap out. Hauling luggage up and down stairs in metro stations (and there will be many if she changes lines twice) while exhausted and carrying all your valuables is not a good way to start a trip. If she does opt for bus/train etc make sure she knows how to be pickpocket proof. No valuables within reach i.e. pockets, backpacks or carelessly held purse or bag. Use a money belt in transit or have things deeply stowed.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10633 posts
Hassle free=55€.
Compared to all the other costs on this trip, why not just give the 45€ difference for a taxi as a gift. All of us MILs want our DILs to be happy..
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3990 posts
I agree that hassle free = tax — either from CDG to Rue Cler or from Opera bus stop. That being said, I think it is easier to find the train than the bus at CDG. If you decide on the bus, depending on which part of Terminal 2, you can check at http://easycdg.com/roissybus-paris-cdg-de-gaulle-airport/ for the exact location of the bus stop. There are a few things in your post and the possibility of no taxis at the taxi stand near the bus stop that have me thinking that taxi all the way from CDG is the way to go for your daughter-in-law so that is my suggestion here.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1229 posts
While I take the RoissyBus every time, and find the bus stop much easier to find than the train (it's right outside the door in arrivals), I also usually stay in the Opera area (or get right on a train at Gare-Ste.-Lazare). So I don't have to get a taxi after that.
That being said, I agree (at least in theory) with the simplicity of the taxi. Yes, it is the most expensive way for a single person, but if this is a Paris novice, this one is well worth the minimal splurge. You don't want to start a long trip or vacation tired, confused, and wishing you could just get to your first stop.
Here's this week's episode of my favorite podcast on the subject:
https://joinusinfrance.com/episode/best-paris-airport-transfer/
Posted by
USA
423 posts
I have taken the RER B train, as well as the Metro, and a taxi- and all are good options- with that being said- the taxi was a set fee ($55 euros), there is a taxi line with a man who will call over the next taxi in line for you, and off you go- easy and relaxing! Just ignore any people who come up to you saying “taxi” and go outside to the official taxi line.
I have found European public transportation ie: trains, metro, buses, all to be easy to use, safe, convenient, and much better than USA!
Happy Travels💫✨