This is our first trip to Paris, and in fact our first trip to Europe.
My question is this:
What are the different, and preferred, methods of transportation from CDG Airport to Hotel Beaugency, which is located at 21 rue Duvivier, close to rue Cler.
Expense is of some concern, but really would like to hear about all options.
Thanks very much in advance!
mike,
One of the easiest methods to get from CDG to the Rue Cler area is to take the RER "B" line to Gare du Nord, and then connect to the Metro. You could also transfer at Chatelet-les-Halles but that's a larger station so might be a bit more confusing. You can buy RER tickets at CDG either from ticket machines (however a "chip" credit card would be needed) or from the ticket office (at times long queues though). For a more detailed look at that option, have a look at parisbytrain.com as it's well explained there.
You could also consider one of the Shuttle firms or the Air France or Roissy Bus, which will drop you in central Paris close to a Metro stop. From there you could take a Taxi to your Hotel (I think that's the method mentioned on your Hotel's web site). Your Hotel appears to close to the Ecole Militaire Metro stop, so that's the method I use. Depending on what time your flight arrrives, the Metro may be busy and you'll be tired and hauling your luggage, so something else to consider.
I wouldn't recommend a Taxi as they tend to be expensive and of course if there are "traffic issues" it could cost you a fortune!
I'd highly recommend packing along a copy of the Paris or France Guidebooks, as the transportation options are all well explained. The Guidebooks are also a great reference source while travelling.
Good luck and happy travels!
From our little valley it's a long trip to get to CDG and I don't sleep well on planes so I almost always budget for a taxi from the airport. Since I'm usually jet-lagged I prefer to not have to deal with my backpack and stairs and be on the alert for pickpockets. A taxi usually runs E50-E60 including 1 bag each in the trunk and rounding up for a tip.
mike,
When will you be taking this trip? Your answer will determine which route I would recommend if you take the RER and Metro. (Part of that route in central Paris is closed for construction until the third week in August.) FYI, the fare on the RER & Metro is €8.50 and includes unlimited transfers until you exit the system.
If you don't want to mess with luggage on the RER and Metro, then the Roissybus mentioned by Ken is a good choice. For €8.90 it will take you non-stop from CDG to Opera. According to viamichelin.com, it's only 3km from Opera to your hotel and the estimated driving time, barring traffic issues, is about 10 minutes. The fare for a taxi shouldn't be more than €10 - €15.
We just returned from there, stayed in the same area. IMHO, the answer depends on how much luggage you're travelling with. If it's anything more than a backpack or a carry-on sized roller bag then I do not recommend the RER and metro -- way too many stairs. We were each travelling with a roller bag (not carry-on size) and a duffel, and we elected to take the Roissy bus to the Opera and then a taxi from there to our hotel. Total cost for the Roissy tickets and taxi was about 26 euro for the 2 of us. Cheaper than a taxi or shuttle for the full route, and minimal hauling around of luggage, a win-win in my book.
On Page 436 of RS Paris-2009 guide book is his recommendation for traveling from CDG into Paris. On May 9, 2009, we used the Roissy-Bus (right outside the airport terminal) to Opera stop then Metro line(very short walk)to Ecole Militaire stop for our Rue Cler area hotel. Easy and good price. Each of us had our 21/22" RS carry-on sized bag. No problem for us retired folks. Enjoy Paris.
