Charles De Gaulle to Downtown Paris Transport

Our family used the RER to get from CDG to Paris(Rue Cler), the cost was 8,60 euro. We had one bag each and a backpack. If you are going to have a little more luggage you may want to look at taking the roissy bus from CDG. Where in the Latin Quarter will you be staying?

Jeremy,

This is a frequently answered question here on the HelpLine. I'll provide a summary of the options....

The quickest and easiest method is to use the RER "B" from CDG (there are two stations) and connect with the Metro at either Gare du Nord, Chatelet or other stations. The RER ticket purchased at CDG (€8.50) can be used on the Metro as long as you don't exit the system.

I'm assuming it's "acceptable" to carry luggage on the Metro, as that's the method I always use (a Backpack and a Daypack). I probably "stick out" but I don't see that as a problem.

You could also take either the Air France or Roissy Buses to Paris, and then connect to the Metro (one terminates near the old Opera - details in the Guidebooks).

There's also the option of using one of the Airport Shuttle services. Have a look at This for the links. Some of these have to be pre-arranged, and require a phone call after landing at CDG; prices seem to vary somewhat.

Finally, there's the option of a Taxi which would probably cost about €50, but of course this would depend on traffic density at the time.

I'd suggest having a look at either the France or Paris Guidebooks as the various options are listed (as well as lots of information on the Metro passes, Hotels, Restaurants, Museums, etc.). The 2010 edition of Paris is available now, and France 2010 will be available on 27 October.

Happy travels!

Jeremy,

One other point to mention about using the RER.

There's a staffed ticket office to obtain tickets, however there are often very LONG queues for this. There are automated ticket machines, but these will ONLY operate with the newer "chip credit cards" or Euro coins. I used a credit card when I was there a few months ago, but I believe there are change machines nearby that will accept €10 or €20 notes. Using the ticket machines is often MUCH faster than waiting at the ticket office.

Have a look at This Excellent Website for all the details.

Cheers!

Thanks, Ken that was very helpful.

I read somewhere where you can get an extended metro pass in advance. I was thinking of ordering something like that in advance and then we'd already have them. Am I misunderstanding this? That seems like it would be the easiest way to avoid the lines...?

Jeremy, We just got back from France. We took the RER into the city; we stayed very close to the Latin Quarter. We arrived on a Sunday morning. The lines to buy tickets were long, but they moved pretty quickly. The train was not crowded. We got off at Luxembourg Gardens and just walked to our apartment. It was several blocks, but it was fun walking through the park and seeing the city for the first time. We each had a suitcase on wheels and carryon,. (Mine were both small.) It helped that it was a beautiful day.

About luggage on the RER and Paris Metro... you will be far from the only person carrying luggage here, so don't worry about sticking out. Just mind your luggage and you will be fine.

But one little logistical hurdle you will have to overcome. It is rather difficult, if not impossible to carry your luggage with your through the turnstyles at the Metro. Some stations have a sort of "luggage gate" that you can use to pass the luggage through, but not every one does. If there is no gate, it is easy enough to pass luggage from one person to the next across the turnstyle, but this is a good reason not to pack too heavily and to use a smaller bag, if possible.

Enjoy your trip!

I've gotten my rolling bag stuck in the Metro gate a couple of times. One way to avoid this is to push the bag ahead of you thru the gate.

Thanks! This is all helpful information.