How much time to get from CDG to central Paris?

We took the RER from CDG to central Paris a couple of weeks ago and it took us about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the time our flight arrived. We took the RER to the Chatelet station and transferred to the metro.

Can you call the owner after you have landed and cleared immigrations with a better time? Depending on time of day, the bus/metro would probably be quicker than taxi. Paris traffic is bad most of the time. Use the metro, I would allow an hour after clearing immigrations.

Adding to Frank's post: It can take up to an hour (sometimes more) to de-plane, clear immigration/passport control, and claim your luggage.

I think the point I was trying to make is that the big variable is the landing, baggage claims, and immigrations. After that it should be a very dependable hour via train/metro. So arrange to call once you are ready to leave the airport. Or set a time with a wide mark -- maybe 2 to 2.5 hours. If early find a nice cafe and enjoy your first French cafe -- pastries, etc. Make it easy on yourself.

Thanks for the responses. I think it’s a great idea to set up the expectation that we’ll call the rental owner once we have landed. It sounds like two hours is a reasonable estimate too, and we’ll just go with the flow from there. If we have time to pop by a café, all the better. It might even help us get over the jetlag. :o)

I'll be flying into Paris in May, and after researching the various options (Shuttle, Taxi, RER & Metro), I felt that rail would probably be the quickest and "least painful" after a long flight. The big advantage is that this avoids traffic problems (as someone else noted, the traffic in Paris can be difficult at times). In the past I've only flown out of Paris and used pre-booked shuttles for that.

One question though - I believe my flight (Air Transat) arrives at Terminal 3. Where is the nearest airport station from that location?

I don't know yet which Hotel I'll be using, but with the Metro it won't be difficult to get anywhere in Paris. I'll probably transfer to the Metro at Gare du Nord, as I suspect I'll be heading for the Rue Cler area first.

Thanks for any comments!

Ken....hang a right out of the terminal, follow the concrete sidewalk under a highway, across a local airport road, and past the Ibis hotel entrance, and you'll be at the RER station....less than 100 meters.

Norm,

Thanks for the info - much appreciated!

I'll add that to my travel info later today (have to head out to the Travel Agent to book the flights today).

Cheers!

Ken, as you walk from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 and just before you reach the Ibis Hotel, you will see a Bus Stop (RATP). Actually there are 2 buses, No 350 & 351, which go from there into Paris and the fare is 3 bus tickets, under 5 euros. The 350 will terminate at Gare de l'Est and the journey is about 50 minutes. You can buy the tickets from the driver. Just an alternative way to get into Paris and the cheapest of all, short of walking.

I took the Roissy Bus and metro over to Rue Cler area and it was easy. The bus drops you off at the Opera metro stop; take Line 8 (direction: Balard) metro to the Ecole Militaire stop. The metro stop at Opera is out in the middle of the large circle in front of the Opera House.

Norm,

After speaking with the Travel Agent regarding flights, it looks like there's been a change of plans (should have this confirmed on Monday).

It now appears likely that I'll be inbound to Paris via Air Canada, arriving at Terminal 2A.

As I recall, the three terminals in Paris are a bit "spread out". Where's the nearest RER access to Term. 2A?

Thanks!

There'an RER station under terminal 2....it's between C-D and E-F. Terminal 2 (except for the G extension) is really just one big long building, so you won't have a problem finding it.

Norm,

Thanks very much for the additional information. I'll add that to my Itinerary.

Ken, if you decide to try my suggestion of the RATP Bus. No. 350 to Gare de l'Est, wait for it outside of Door 9 at Terminal 2A.

Thankyou both! Having good, accurate information sure makes travel easier.