Anyone have experience and insight in transportation from the airport to Arrond. 4? Have you tried the RER then Metro? Is it doable with a small amount of luggage?
We are adventurers and would like to avoid the expense of a taxi unless it is necessary.
Just to clarify: are you going to rue Cler or the 4th arrondissement?
Debbie,
This question seems to occur on a regular basis. The website provided in the previous reply will give you a good idea on the options for the trip into Paris.
If you're planning to use the RER / Metro method, you can purchase tickets either at a staffed ticket office (note that there are two at the airport, however one is ONLY for TGV tickets etc, and the other for RER tickets). Depending on the number of flights arriving at a particular time, the staffed ticket office sometimes has a HUGE queue! Tickets can also be purchased via automated ticket Kiosks (usually the faster method). However, these will ONLY accept the newer "chip & PIN" credit cards or (as I recall, Euro cash). I used a "chip & PIN" credit card when I was there last June and it worked well.
Happy travels!
An alternative to the train is the bus. It runs about every 15 mins, it is EUR 8.50 and will take straight to Opera. From there you can walk down and grab the metro or even better, grab a cab to Rue Cler for about EUR 6.
The bus is nice and clean with a place for luggage. The driver can make small change if you have a 10 or 20.
It is much lower stress than the train (although that's not so bad either).
Michael,
FYI, the fare on the Roissybus from CDG to Opera is now €9.10.
The fare on the RER + Metro to anywhere in central Paris is €8.50.
