Roissy-Paris bus at CDG

Laurie - here's the info on pickup points at CDG: http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_22211/roissybus/

And here are 2 other useful websites to help you: tomsguidetoparis.com and parisbytrain.com

Unless there is a specific reason you need to take the Roissy-Paris bus, I would also suggest you just go to the lower level of terminal 2 and catch the RER blue "B" line into Paris. The rail terminal is actually under Charles de Gaul. Follow the signs to the RER or TGV. The rail station is very conveniently located and will give you direct access to the metro system. Get off at either Gare du Nord or Chatelet Les Halles and take the metro to your final destination. Check out Norma's links for more information.

Laurie, what address are you going to after you get to Paris via either RoissyBus or RER? That's how I'd determine which to take (although I'm a RoissyBus convert, unless RER really makes more sense).

Thanks for the input and the questions. I'm going to one of Rick's recommended hotels in the Rue Cler. It's about a 7 minute walk from the metro line 8 stop Ecole Militaire. The reason I thought the Roissybus would be best is because I could take it right to the Opera metro which is right on line 8; no transfers once I'm on the metro! Always a plus when you have luggage and after a 10 hour flight.

I'm with you! The RoissyBus s you off on the side of the Opera Garnier; the "Opera" metro stop is in front of the building, in a sort of traffic island. If you know how to use Google Streetview, you can see it. FYI, I read that you could buy tickets from the driver if necessary and if you have exact change; it's worked for me, but if possible I'd suggest that you buy tickets first ;-)

Thank you Eileen. Good to know that I'm on the right track with someone who's already been there. Google Maps street-view is a life saver! I took your suggestion to check out the Metro entrance at the Opera Garnier stop. Now I won't be traveling blind, so to speak. One thing I've learned is that, for me, it's really important for me to have a plan on how to get from an airport to where I'm staying in advance. When I travel with my family we usually take a cab but since I'm on my own on this trip I thought I'd take the more frugal route to help keep my skills up. I really appreciate your feedback.

Another vote for Roissy Bus, much easier, lower stress, especially if you aren't familiar with the Paris train system. EDIT: They will make change on the bus if you buy it there (although I wouldn't have something bigger than a €20). I think, someone correct if I am wrong, those ticket machines for the bus are useless with US credit cards.

Laurie, pay attention to the photo of the bus at the ratp website; there are approx. 87 different buses that circle the airport, so you'll want to know what the RoissyBus will look like. Also, Michael mentioned the ticket machines; while it's true that the self-service ticket machines of the French train system take only chip and PIN credit cards, when I've taken the RoissyBus they supposedly sold tickets at the TI desk somewhere indoors; I've been through CDG jillions of times and never seen a TI info desk...Since I've always had The Family in tow, I never bothered looking for it...just hopping on the bus was waaaay easier LOL! So, you can buy on board, and Don't Forget To Validate Your Ticket ;-) I think you'll enjoy taking the bus; the trip eases you into Paris, and the view is certainly better than the RER. So are the seats, the AC/Heat, etc... And with most new things - Streetview IS great! It's a great tool, and a great way to blow a whole lot of time on the computer...;-)