Connections from CDG Airport

Posted by Lisa (Cheshire, CT, USA) on 03/12/10 10:47 AM

I'm trying to find out the best/easiest way to get from the CDG airport to the apartment in Paris I rented. I know there are many ways - the metro/RER seems to be the cheapest, but our apartment agency suggested to not use it if it's the first time using the metro system (pick pockets, luggage, fatigue from the flight, etc.)

I've also been reading that taxis are very expensive (especially if it's just one person) and a little hard to get.

I've come across a shuttle service called 'Airport Connection' and it's quoting 20E from the airport into the city (it's a shared vehicle). Has anyone heard or used them? Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get into Paris realitively easy and cheap?

Thanks!

Posted by Tim

Minneapolis, MN, USA

03/12/10 12:16 AM

8700 posts

If you give us the address of your apartment, we'll suggest the best route on the RER and metro, including the number of connections required. Then you can decide if it would be a hassle with whatever amount of luggage you'll have. If you pack light, it's not all that difficult.

Posted by Lisa OP

Cheshire, CT, USA

03/12/10 12:22 AM

15 posts

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. After reading them, I'm inclined to use the metro and RER since I have one bag and am not fearful of using this system (I haven't done it yet, but it can't be THAT hard!)

Thanks again!

Posted by Lise

St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)

03/12/10 11:55 AM

340 posts

Lisa,

We have used three different options. 1) The easiest, of course, is a cab. If you can meet someone on the flight who might be interested in sharing the cost of one with you it might be a viable option. There is a taxi queue when you exit the airport - look for signs. 2) Second, I would go with the RER/Metro. It isn't difficult if you prepare yourself in advance with knowing the trains, transfers and stops for your journey. This is the easiest, most affordable way to get around Paris and after you use it once or twice it becomes second nature. 3) Shuttle bus. I would not choose the shuttle bus. We used this one time and it was hot and stopped at SO many hotels before getting to ours that we were on the bus for a very long time. Not pleasant. If the "Airport connection" is a van and only holds 8-10 people, it won't make as many stops so that might be an option.

Posted by Lee

Arvada, Colorado

03/13/10 06:26 PM

78 posts

TripAdvisor has a nice summary:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187147-c3476/Paris:France:Getting.To.The.Eiffel.Tower.From.Cdg.html

I've taken the Air France coach twice (once from Terminal 1 and once from Terminal 2) and was very pleased. Seemed to be a good compromise between the RER and a cab.

Posted by Ambrosia

Dreaming of my next trip to Europe

03/13/10 06:55 PM

273 posts

I used BluVan and found them to be great, they are on time and they can find even the tiniest apartment.

Posted by Michael 1

Phoenix, AZ, USA

03/14/10 12:30 AM

1035 posts

Another option, which imho is the least stressful and easiest, especially coming off a morning flight, is to take the bus to Opera and then grab a cab or metro.

The bus runs express to Opera and it is filled with other tourists. If you have small bills the driver can make change.

Here is a summary.

Posted by Ty

CA, USA

03/14/10 08:52 AM

333 posts

Thank you for the BluVan suggestion. We have a 6:30am flight out of CDG on June 1 and we will use this to get to the airport.

An additional tip: Even though it's expensive, if I am in a new city for the first time and have just got off of a long flight, I use a car service or cab. I hate being lost, dragging luggage and half doped up from jet lag.

That combination seems to a great recipe for a large row between my wife and myself and I figure the 50$ we spend on the cab is a wise investment :)

Posted by Claire

Montpelier

03/15/10 09:53 AM

71 posts

20E isn't that much, I'd be inclined to try it depending where they'd drop you.

Posted by Sherry

Collierville, Tennessee, USA

03/16/10 05:48 AM

517 posts

I have done the trip by cab, RER/metro combination and Roissy bus/cab combination. I think the best option (price vs. easy) is the Roissy bus/cab combination. The bus drops you off by the Opera, and then you can catch a cab to your apartment.

If you use the RER read up on how to know what train you are getting on. The RER is not like the Metro which has dedicated lines. On the RER, trains coming to the station have different routes and stops and you have to watch the board to make sure that you are getting on the right train.