I know CDG to St. Lazare has been discussed quite a bit already, but I'm weighing the options of RER B-E and the RoissyBus. I will have quite a bit of luggage (enough to get me through June) and I have navigated the Paris metro with luggage before: not fun (turnstiles and luggage don't work out well, and I think I had less luggage then). I am assuming that transferring from RER B to E would involve the Metro turnstiles, right? (which I would want to avoid since I have luggage)But I also wanted to know if the bus would be a decent option with luggage (is it the style of bus that would have standing room where I could stand with my luggage? and does is have reasonable length stops for the beginning and end of the line stops?). I know a taxi is an option, but would rather not shell out the money for one if I have a semi-reasonable alternative. Thanks for any advice!
Beth
Luggage goes into compartments under the bus. It is not like a city bus, only stopping at its destination. Since it sounds like you will play pack horse to walk to your lodgings anyhow,paying extra for a taxi right to your door may save energy, worry and back pain if not cash. http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-GB/Passagers/Access-maps-car-parks/Paris-CDG/Access/public-transport/public-transport.htm
Thank you for the information! the bus doesn't sound like too bad of an option (I did something similar in Brussels with the same amount of luggage and a 1.4 km walk from my apt to the bus stop, so the 750m walk from the bus to train station should be okay).
One correction: RoissyBus doesn't have a compartment under the bus. You take it onto the bus with you, but that's not a big deal. The bus doesn't fill up, and as Southam says, has only the one stop in town. It's a very easy walk from the RoissyBus stop to St. Lazare station, straight along the street in front of the department stores (stay on the less crowded side) and then turn right after the last building of Les Printemps department store. But why would being gone for a month entail more luggage, unless you have special sports equipment, wedding gown, study abroad or research materials, or such to take over. Otherwise, it's usually the same old clothes day after day stuffed into a carry on, whether you're there for a weekend or eight weeks.
"But why would being gone for a month entail more luggage, unless you have special sports equipment, wedding gown, study abroad or research materials, or such to take over. Otherwise, it's usually the same old clothes day after day stuffed into a carry on, whether you're there for a weekend or eight weeks." ??
I will be there from oct-june (clothes for winter take space) I will also be teaching, so I think I should look fairly presentable.
Now it's clear. Sounded like you were going for the month of June. In that case, if you can manage it on public transportation, you are a champion packer. When we go for that length of time, we have too much stuff (bags, computers, research materials, even an electric guitar once) and have to resort to a taxi. Good for you and enjoy!