Paris: Getting from CDG to Gare de l'Est on Nov. 7

Just for fun (so I don't have an attack if it's not truly warranted LOL) - have you already purchased train tickets, or do you just REALLY want to make that 9:05 train (I've been there before)? Are you going carry-on only? For clarity, and prettier colors, take a look at the following link from a website called "Colleen's Paris" - she's a recently-retired flight attendant who spent years working on her website (and still does - she lives there now), so she knows her CDG-Paris/RER stuff (as any good flight attendant would). I've found her info very helpful over the years.........http://www.colleensparis.com/blog/2010/09/20/rer-b-is-under-construction-travel-to-airport-disrupted/............If you'll look at a Paris metro map, the disruption isn't so bad, but the problem is you don't know exactly when the buses will show up. From CDG, a bus will take you to the RER B5 stop called Mitry-Claye; from there, it's a regular RER ride into town (and Gare du Nord, near Gare de l'Est). You'll first need to purchase your RER tickets at the airport - THAT will take possibly 30-45 mins at least. If you've never done that, look at ParisByTrain.com for some fantastic info on getting around the airport and Paris in general (and it's not all on trains). The photos are very helpful in recognizing where you are when you get there. To see the Paris metro map and find RER B5 that runs just south of RER B3, look at:......http://www.ratp.info/orienter/cv/carteidf.php?lang=uk.........Another great resource is http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-gb/passagers/home/...click on Public Transport (for CDG, NOT Orly!)

In case you chicken out and don't click on the link that says 'French only', here it is...hope it's helpful......http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/Resources/fc280f84-a23e-485b-910f-323aa889e63e-RERBtravaux2010.pdf

Yes, I have already bought the train tickets ...

Oh yes, and we are strictly carryon travelers!

*** As a reminder, most of Europe (including Paris) will end Daylight Saving Time on Sun, Oct 31; 'fall back' 1 hour! *** [[[ You're probably taking a taxi, but I'll continue... ]]]......Excellent on the carry-on; you just might make it...Do you need to go to the counter at Gare de l'Est to pick up tickets? It's a busy station...hopefully not too busy early on a Sunday. Get off that plane ASAP and claw your way to the front of any line you have to stand in - no time to be exhausted and discombobulated LOL! Go the the lavatory on the airplane (wink) - no time wasted looking for restrooms.

If your flight lands on time and you can be actually waiting for the bus (#350, timetable given in the link at the end; scroll to very bottom for Sunday/dimanche) BY somewhere around 7:15 at the latest, you can probably take the bus straight to Gare de l'Est with good results (timetable says it takes 53 mins - you'll only get 2 attempts); otherwise, you should probably plan on a taxi (see 'aeroportsdeparis.fr' for info on taxi companies, fares, etc. - note a surcharge for Sunday). It'll be €50+ to Gare de l'Est............Bus 350 - NOT BUS 351!!! - (per the official airport website/official metro timetable) shows it leaving CDG Roissypole Gare RER at 6:57, 7:27, and 7:57 {{EDIT the time}}- your ABSOLUTE last possible time to get to the train station in time (arrives at 8:50). If you can't make the 7:27 departure (and I'm not counting on that if you arrive on time), then I'd take a taxi. Use the links I've given you to find and note the taxi stands, bus stops (correct names), prices, etc., of each mode of transportation (AND bring these notes with you for reference).........http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_horaire.php?nompdf=350&loc=bus_banlieue/300...............http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-GB/Passagers/Access-maps-car-parks/Paris-CDG/Access/public-transport/350.htm..................Please PM me if you need more info, or have a question about any of this oh-so-clear post ;-)

How long does it take to get from Mitry-Claye to Gare du Nord on the RER?

Trains leave Mitry-Claye every 15 minutes and the trip to Gare du Nord takes 29 minutes. The walk from Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est takes just under 10 minutes.