My husband and I are flying into Paris CDG in July. Flight is due to arrive at 8:35 a.m. We'll each have one checked bag. We want to catch the TGV out of Montparnasse at 11:50 a.m. We'll either take the Air France bus to Montparnasse or go by Metro. Any thoughts on which would be faster? Am I being realistic in thinking we can do this in the time allowed?
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
Ok first of all your flight won't be on time and if it is there won't be a gate available. Then you have to go through customs along with every other flight that just landed (and I've found customs at CDG to be very well organized and efficient). So, now it's 10:30 as you leave customs. Truely, I'd give myself another hour at least. If all goes wonderfully you're forced to have a delightful pastry and coffee to pass the time.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
84 posts
Nancy, we flew into CDG airport last September - took the metro to the Montparnasse Station. When we left we took the bus back to CDG. I would highly recommend the metro - we found it much faster and cheaper. You will need to change trains a couple of times, but the metro system is so great you won't have any problems. If I can do it - anyone can. If you have problems just ask - we found everyone very kind and helpful. I would also give yourself just a bit more time - you may be cutting it close.
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
Good advice from Harry, if you're going to Tours, Bordeaux, Le Mans or other S/SW destinations, the TGV can begin right at the airport. If you can't find a schedule that fits, post a reply with your destination city & you'll get some help.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Washington
682 posts
Thanks so much for your replies. We're going to San Sebastian, so Hendaye is our destination. I like the 11:50 departure because it runs straight from Montparnasse to Hendaye. There are plenty of other departures to choose from, but most involve a transfer. After the flight from Seattle, a direct train sounds very appealing. I know we'll be weary. There is one departure from CDG, but it leaves at 4:37 p.m. and arrives in Hendaye at 11:13 p.m., so the time doesn't work well for us. I don't know if more options will be available in July, since it's during the tourist season. While we're on the subject, it sounds as though getting from Hendaye to San Sebastian is relatively easy. Anything I should know about that portion of the trip? Thanks again for you help - it's much appreciated!
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
Okay, your plan makes good sense. I rechecked the departure time for the direct train and it now departs at 12:10 which gives you another 20" to work with. You should have enough time using either the RER or Air France bus to get to Montparnasse on time. I prefer the bus since you don't have to do any changing plus I don't like hauling luggage through Metro stations. I assume you're planning on getting the tickets in advance when the July schedules are available.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
It's the RER, not the Metro, that connects CDG with Paris. To reach Montparnasse it will be necessary to transfer to the Metro from the RER somewhere in Paris. Check the Metro map. I always use the RER into Paris, then transfer to the Metro to reach my hotel. If you are not traveling light, the bus might work better, but could take longer.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you're packing light, I'd recommend the RER and Metro. It will be both faster and cheaper. The Air France bus is a good choice if you have time, but heavy traffic can affect your travel time. And if you barely miss one bus, you'll have to wait 30 minutes for the next one. RER and Metro trains run more frequently.
Take the RER B to Denfert-Rochereau and then either Metro line 4 or 6 to Montparnasse-Bienvenue. The current fare is €8.40. (There is likely to be a fare increase on 1 July.)
For a zoomable map of the RER and Metro system, go here. For directions (with photos) on how to get to either of the two RER stations at CDG and how to use the trains, go to www.parisbytrain.com.