Saturday, February 25, 2012

From CDG to Paris


When you arrive at CDG airport in Paris, how do you get into the city?

Oskar prefers to take the RER which is easy for him as he travels light... one small bag and he is ready to go.  The price is good at 9,10€ allé simple (one way) and there are multiple options for stations and transfers after you get into the city.  Be sure to hold onto your ticket as you will need it to exit any of the arrival stations.  On my last trip into Paris with Oskar and Holly, we departed the RER B at Châtelet les Halles to walk several blocks to our apartment.  Now, let me say that Châtelet les Halles is an enormous arrival station with many levels.  We were simply headed for the exit at street level and did not have to take the stairs even once.  We rode at least 5 escalators but no stairs either up or down. 
Note: This does not work going the other direction!


Another option from CDG is the RoissyBus which leaves every 15 minutes from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and arrives at Opéra (Rue Scribe and Rue Auber) for 10€ one way.  You do get a more scenic view for your arrival in Paris and you do not have to be worried about the dreaded stairs.  The return is just as simple with the departure from Opéra every 15 minutes.

If you are not concerned about the cost, you can simply take a taxi, but I can envision all the other ways to spend my Euros and with only carry-on luggage it is not that difficult to avoid a taxi.  If you go to the links above you can plan for your arrival and transportation, deciding on the best option for your preferences and final destination in Paris.

Oskar says, "Bienvenue à Paris!"

 


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36 comments:

  1. JackFebruary 25, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    How do I spell "limousine"?

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  2. RandyFebruary 25, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    He looks like quite the traveler.

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  3. Sylvia KFebruary 25, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    Sounds good to me! I love your friend, Oskar! What a colorful fellow and a perfect traveling companion! Hope you both have a lovely weekend, Genie!! Enjoy!

    Hugs
    Sylvia

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  4. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2012 at 1:01 AM

    Reserving a shuttle van is the best. 23Euros, and you're moving in comfort right to your drop-off point.

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  5. My name is RietFebruary 25, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    Good tips for travelers here. I love Oskar. Happy weekend!

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  6. Rob-bearFebruary 25, 2012 at 3:36 AM

    Trains are good. Buses are good. You, and Holly, and Oskar are good. Taxis, not so good. Limousines? Je pense que non.

    Hope you're having an excellent weekend.

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  7. Rob SiemannFebruary 25, 2012 at 3:56 AM

    We usually go from CDG to PAR with the RER. OK?

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  8. MalyssFebruary 25, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    And what did Oskar think about CDG airport? isn't it the ugliest airport in the world?!

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  9. AndyFebruary 25, 2012 at 5:25 AM

    Cute photo Genie and quite the instructions on using the RER.

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  10. Red_CardinalFebruary 25, 2012 at 5:26 AM

    I take the RER whether I have hand luggage or a suitcase. It's the fastest and easiest transport to use.

    The trouble with taxis is that you might get stuck in a traffic jam (not unknown ;) ) and then the price can really rack up.

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  11. winterludesFebruary 25, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    oskar is so cute! wasn't he shocked by the rer smell?

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  12. La BrocanteuseFebruary 25, 2012 at 7:08 AM

    Into Paris...RER,..leaving Paris...Taxi...
    but when leaving for the country side, rental straight from airport.. which is also perfect when returning the vehicle to airport on departure, since we can do cargo, wrap baggage in plastic, do last minute La Post all from where we have to drop of the vehicle. works realy well.even a chemist and last minute touch up in extra large and quiet bathrooms. All good before taking the lifts upstairs for departure..
    Colette XX

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  13. Janey and Co.February 25, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    I think I have done it every way possible: Air France Bus, RER, taxi and even hired a mini van to meet us (a group of girlfriends). As close as I am going to get to a Limo Jack!
    They sell Visit Paris Passes (I think in Terminal 3) You can ride unlimited on the three day pass...RER and Metro. Note: there are express trains (RER) from CDG. So look at the sign for it. That way you don't stop at every single stop>

    The Visit Paris pass is a tiny ticket. That you must insert and retrieve...and keep up with. Also put the date you start on it.

    Oops I have gotten carried away. Can you tell I am a retired Travel Agent?

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  14. PetFebruary 25, 2012 at 8:29 AM

    This sounds like really good advice. And coming from a seasoned traveler like Oskar, very much to take into account :-)

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  15. Carol Schiff Daily PaintingFebruary 25, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    Great post with very good information!

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  16. brattcatFebruary 25, 2012 at 8:41 AM

    look how far oskar has come from his humble beginnings in vermont. he is lucky to have such savvy and knowledgeable traveling companions. wish i could join you someday on one of these adventures.

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  17. Genie -- Paris and BeyondFebruary 25, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    Janey, just to clarify... If you are buying the 3-day or 5-day pass and will be within Zones 1-3, you should buy the pass at one of the arrival stations in Paris rather than the Zones 1-5 pass sold at CDG. The 1-3 zone pass is less expensive and you cannot buy it at CDG and you probably do not need zones 4 and 5.

    ...back later, great comments and suggestions!

    Bises,
    Genie

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  18. The Cloth ShedFebruary 25, 2012 at 9:49 AM

    RoissyBus from Opera is good for seeing a little more of Paris before you leave....
    Julie x

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  19. KsamFebruary 25, 2012 at 10:55 AM

    I used to take the RER, but after having heard of (and seen) so many thefts/assaults even in broad daylight, I started taking the Air France bus (15-18€ if purchased online) or reserving a shuttle if I have a lot of luggage (30-35€ door-to-door).

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  20. Janey and Co.February 25, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    Genie,

    I should have made it clear. We were just staying three days on that trip..on the way to Basque Country....and we stayed at the airport(CDG). So going back and forth into town on the RER was something we needed...

    I am loving Oskar...and may just need a little friend to travel with me!
    Maybe I could name her Copy Cat!

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  21. JudyMacFebruary 25, 2012 at 11:04 AM

    Thanks, Genie! We're definitely taking notes.

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  22. VirginiaFebruary 25, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    Mar and I like the RoissyBus. In the morning, it's usually still dark, but it's a nice ride in and of course no Metro stairs!
    Bon weekend!
    V

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  23. EsmeFebruary 25, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    I always take the train into the city-however those steps when you are leaving are another story.

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  24. Hana de PragueFebruary 25, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    Usually I take the RER but I have NEVER found the right exit at the station Châtelet-Les Halles till now. BTW, Oskar is very cute - and I have the same Longchamps bag as you have :-)
    Have a nice weekend!

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  25. Amanda SummerFebruary 25, 2012 at 11:30 AM

    genie, i prefer to save my euros as well. so good to know about alternate ways to get into the city from the airport. athens has a train as well, costing a fraction of what it would to take a cab (and avoiding cab drivers who often rip off unsuspecting tourists)

    bien fait!

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  26. HarrietFebruary 25, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    Could you give info on getting to the RER station from CDG? When we did it, we walked quite a ways. There must be a better way. I have most often used the Air France shuttle, departing from Gate 34 at the terminal -- forgive me, can't remember which terminal.

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  27. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    Oskar is adorable! How wonderful to have a companion who doesn't talk back!

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  28. RoseannFebruary 25, 2012 at 1:32 PM

    I took the L'Opera bus to CDG on New Year's Day 2005. I had only 8 Euros (the cost of the bus) in my pocket to get to the airport.

    Lucky me! All transportation in Paris is FREE on New Year's Day. Maybe only till 12N but it was a big help to me!

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  29. StarmanFebruary 25, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    The problem with the RoissyBus is they only stop at specific points and you might just have to take a taxi to your destination anyway.

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  30. Photos by StanFebruary 25, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    Oskar, you lucky little bugger -- hope you chip in to pay for the tickets--lol--

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  31. BirdmanFebruary 25, 2012 at 5:05 PM

    I'm beat just listening to this tale. zzzzzzzzzzzz

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  32. ALFebruary 25, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    Oskar seems to have the best seat with perfect views. Great treavel tips...all I need now is the ticket to fly to CDG so that I can experience the RER. Happy weekend.

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  33. Genie -- Paris and BeyondFebruary 25, 2012 at 11:18 PM

    To all - what great ideas, comments and questions here! I am going to edit this post in the next few days and add information and links. I cannot promise that it will answer every question but think that I can point you in a direction to find the best information.

    I'll let you know when it is updated. We all draw from our own experiences and you have given me some great ideas.

    Bises,
    Genie

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  34. MerisiFebruary 27, 2012 at 5:31 AM

    *smile*

    I'll have to bookmark your tips, if I ever make it to your fair city, at least I'll know how to get there from the airport! Merci beaucoup.

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  35. The Armchair ParisianFebruary 27, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    It is my goal one day to travel as light as Oskar! But somehow, I always seem to go in the winter and just can't do without several sweaters and an extra pair of boots that take up too much room!

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  36. JamesMarch 5, 2012 at 3:07 AM

    I used to take a taxi but it's too expensive so now it's RER to Châtelet les Halles then walk.

    Hmm now you have me interested in the RoissyBus in the future. :)

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Merci for your comments!