Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris

[ILoveScotland]

I will arrive at CDG next fall and go into Paris for a couple of days before heading to Provence and finally to Barcelona where I'll board a TA cruise.

 

I am an older woman and will be traveling alone which is fine. I've done this before but not in Paris. I know I can get a taxi to my hotel, but the cost is about 50 Euros or maybe more.

 

That leaves the train or bus. I'll be tired and sleepy and jet lagged so want to do something easy given my state of mind. I will probably have one wheeled bag plus an cross body bag plus a purse under my coat which means I'll be pretty mobile.

 

So, suggestions about the best way for me to get into Paris given all I've said.

 

Thanks.

[Hlitner]

Given your situation we assume you want a vehicle to take you from the airport directly to your hotel. A taxi is certainly the most convenient and also the most expensive (especially for a single person). If you Google "CDG shuttle" you will see lots of links to companies that provide various shuttle services (such as Super Shuttle) to hotels. Most of these have a shared van and they will give you instructions where to meet the van (normally right outside your terminal). They will usually stay in the airport area until they have their full load (this can vary from a minute to perhaps 30 min) and then they take each rider to their hotel. It takes a bit longer then a taxi, but the price is usually very good.

 

Hank

[ILoveScotland]

Given your situation we assume you want a vehicle to take you from the airport directly to your hotel. A taxi is certainly the most convenient and also the most expensive (especially for a single person). If you Google "CDG shuttle" you will see lots of links to companies that provide various shuttle services (such as Super Shuttle) to hotels. Most of these have a shared van and they will give you instructions where to meet the van (normally right outside your terminal). They will usually stay in the airport area until they have their full load (this can vary from a minute to perhaps 30 min) and then they take each rider to their hotel. It takes a bit longer then a taxi, but the price is usually very good.

 

Hank

 

Thanks, I'll look into the shuttle. Actually I would be okay on the train and then a taxi from the train station in Paris to my hotel, but this sounds better.

[mskaufman]

Similar question. This summer on the way back from Barcelona we have a 7 hours Sunday layover at CDG. I was wondering if we had a shot at getting into Paris for 3 hours using public transportation?

[TLCOhio]

Similar question. This summer on the way back from Barcelona we have a 7 hours Sunday layover at CDG. I was wondering if we had a shot at getting into Paris for 3 hours using public transportation?

 

You might have a "shot", but most don't realize how super large and confusing can be de Gaulle airport. Lots of time gets consumed walking and walking to get off of the airplane, getting to the public transportation places, waiting for a train, etc., etc. People don't like to spend more money, but a cab could be quicker to get you there, allow that driver to give you a mini-tour to see a good sampling of the key sights, etc.

 

Time is money and it is valuable. When you have such a tight schedule and need to get back to the airport in a timely manner to do security, do more walking in this massive airport, etc., trying it by public transportation might not be that practical and/or time-efficient.

 

If you have never been to Paris, it might be worth it to spend a little more and make things work in a smoother, quicker, easier manner.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 65,579 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[6rugrats]

Similar question. This summer on the way back from Barcelona we have a 7 hours Sunday layover at CDG. I was wondering if we had a shot at getting into Paris for 3 hours using public transportation?

I don't think you will have enough time to do this using public transportation. After landing, you have to get off the plane and clear immigration. That could take a while.

 

Then, you'd have to get into Paris, walk around, get back, clear security and get to your gate.

 

I personally wouldn't even try this, but if you do, you really need to arrange for private transportation.

[cberge]

Thanks, I'll look into the shuttle. Actually I would be okay on the train and then a taxi from the train station in Paris to my hotel, but this sounds better.

When I go into Paris and I have done it quite a few times alone..I have tried various ways and I think if one does not want to take a taxi,and I am not crazy about the train I generally take the Air France bus to one of the train stations and then grab an taxi from there to hotel.They do make several stops and if you Google I am sure you can find info on them.Luggage goes underneath bus so no worry there and you can just ask where the bus kiosk is outside the doors.

[mskaufman]

Thanks everyone. We have been to Paris before and just didn't want to spend seven hours in the airport. We still have a couple of months to figure it out.

[TLCOhio]

Thanks everyone. We have been to Paris before and just didn't want to spend seven hours in the airport. We still have a couple of months to figure it out.

 

It is good you have been to Paris before. The other factor to consider would be the weather that specific day of your airport lay-over. If the weather is marginal, the "value" of doing this run-in and run-back option might be less. It's good you are considering your options and keeping flexible.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 65,579 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[hubofhockey]

When I go into Paris and I have done it quite a few times alone..I have tried various ways and I think if one does not want to take a taxi,and I am not crazy about the train I generally take the Air France bus to one of the train stations and then grab an taxi from there to hotel.They do make several stops and if you Google I am sure you can find info on them.Luggage goes underneath bus so no worry there and you can just ask where the bus kiosk is outside the doors.

 

My hotel will send out a van to pick us up at 18 euros per person. There are two of us. After reading this thread, it sounds like I should take them up on it.

[ILoveScotland]

My hotel will send out a van to pick us up at 18 euros per person. There are two of us. After reading this thread, it sounds like I should take them up on it.

 

Wow! Where are you staying? Is it one of the bigger hotels? I'm in a smallish hotel near the Louvre.

 

I did find one of the shuttles that will take me to my hotel for 27 Euros which I think may be my best bet especially I've never landed at CDG and only been in Paris for a day trip.

[hubofhockey]

Wow! Where are you staying? Is it one of the bigger hotels? I'm in a smallish hotel near the Louvre.

 

I did find one of the shuttles that will take me to my hotel for 27 Euros which I think may be my best bet especially I've never landed at CDG and only been in Paris for a day trip.

 

Hotel Gramont Opera - it seemed to be a moderate cost favorite on tripadvisor.

[4774Papa]

I will arrive at CDG next fall and go into Paris for a couple of days before heading to Provence and finally to Barcelona where I'll board a TA cruise.

 

I am an older woman and will be traveling alone which is fine. I've done this before but not in Paris. I know I can get a taxi to my hotel, but the cost is about 50 Euros or maybe more.

 

That leaves the train or bus. I'll be tired and sleepy and jet lagged so want to do something easy given my state of mind. I will probably have one wheeled bag plus an cross body bag plus a purse under my coat which means I'll be pretty mobile.

 

So, suggestions about the best way for me to get into Paris given all I've said.

 

Thanks.

Air Francehas shuttles from the airport into Paris. Here is the link.

http://videocdn.airfrance.com/cars-airfrance/index_en.html

Shuttle #4 is E16.5 and goes to Gare Lyon, and other places.

[Baseball fan]

There is the Roissy bus from CDG to the Opera but that will leave you a few blocks from your hotel.

 

We were right on a bus line that took us to the Opera and then we boarded the bus to the airport. We only had to walk about a block with our luggage.

[ILoveScotland]

My hotel is the Hotel Flor Rivoli at 13 Rue Des Deux Boules. I'll have to look it up again to see how close it is to any of the bus lines.

[CathyCruises]

Wow! Where are you staying? Is it one of the bigger hotels? I'm in a smallish hotel near the Louvre.

 

I did find one of the shuttles that will take me to my hotel for 27 Euros which I think may be my best bet especially I've never landed at CDG and only been in Paris for a day trip.

 

Hey there! It's Beth, right?

 

We have flown OUT of Paris a few times and always take the shuttle recommended at the hotel--can't remember the exact amount but we have done the math and always thought it was the best deal. I'm sure your hotel will hook you up if you contact them.

 

We are taking a TA to Southampton but disembarking at Le Havre and spending some time up in Normandy, then some additional time renting an apartment in Paris--just can't get enough! For a good read about post-Napoleonic Paris, read the Coral Thief--I started it as we were leaving Paris and was so mad that I hadn't made it a point to get to all the sites in the book. Can't wait to see Jardin des Plantes this go-around!

 

Have a fun trip,

 

Cathy

[ILoveScotland]

Hi Cathy,

 

Yes it's Beth - you remembered.

 

I'm on a TA out of Barcelona in early November but am spending about a week on my own in France - a couple of nights in Paris and then six nights in Provence. The TA is Barcelona to New Orleans which is a great as far as I'm concerned.

 

I am thinking about contacting the hotel sometime this summer to ask if the people there have a recommendation for the best way to get from the airport. Meanwhile, CC is always the best with suggestions.

 

Also, you may remember that my DH was living in a nursing home. He died in May which was sad, but he was also ready to go after living almost 89 years.

 

Beth

[hubofhockey]

There is the Roissy bus from CDG to the Opera but that will leave you a few blocks from your hotel.

 

We were right on a bus line that took us to the Opera and then we boarded the bus to the airport. We only had to walk about a block with our luggage.

 

Thanks. We have too much luggage to make it a few blocks, especially after our red eye flight from Boston to Paris. 36 euros or $48 isn't too much for the convenience, especially on vacation.

[mskaufman]

Air Francehas shuttles from the airport into Paris. Here is the link.

http://videocdn.airfrance.com/cars-airfrance/index_en.html

Shuttle #4 is E16.5 and goes to Gare Lyon, and other places.

 

So it sounds like if my flight lands at 9:30 I can get to downtown Paris by 11:00 and have maybe 2 - 2.5 hours before heading back for my 4:30pm flight. Wonder if it will work for 24E each.

[cberge]

So it sounds like if my flight lands at 9:30 I can get to downtown Paris by 11:00 and have maybe 2 - 2.5 hours before heading back for my 4:30pm flight. Wonder if it will work for 24E each.

I have to warn you if you use the AF bus.One of the times I took it inot Paris it was invloved in an accident and we sat there for a long time before it was settled.Just an FYI.Also,don't forget when you go back to the airport if you have not gone through the security there it can be daunting.Not like here in the US...more stations to go through and searches. They do not mess around.

[mskaufman]

Thanks for the warning. How long do you think it would take to get back through security on a Sunday afternoon?

[cberge]

Thanks for the warning. How long do you think it would take to get back through security on a Sunday afternoon?

You know..that is something I would never guess at.It could be a very busy day or not,but I would allow at least an hour or more to get to the gate.One time they delayed me to search my powder compact in great detail other times I have gone right through. Maybe someone else would have a better reply for you.

[Twickenham]

Last time I was in Paris, I took the RER train from Gare du Nord to CDG, and I remember it being quite easy. I honestly think it's the best bet both time and price wise.

[4774Papa]

Last time I was in Paris, I took the RER train from Gare du Nord to CDG, and I remember it being quite easy. I honestly think it's the best bet both time and price wise.

I took the RER train back in 1991 and had quite a bit of luggage, it was not easy, since the train was crowded and people did not want to let me in the train. Since I at 6'2" and 210, the eventually let me in the train.

[Alpine Climber]

Good Morning

 

I am very familiar with CDG airport as we live about 30 mins away near the beautiful medieval town of Senlis, and fabulous Chateau of Chantilly. I collect and drop off many of my UK relatives and friends when they come to visit us. My husband flies from there at least once a week and I use it (only if I really have to:) )

 

It is so tricky to estimate the time to allow for the check in and clearing security at the moment. It depends on type of check in you are using, amount of luggage you have, which terminal you are flying from, who is in front of you in any of the queues, how busy it is that day, any potential strike action etc etc

 

My last 2 sets of guests allowed 2.45 mins to fly to fly back to the UK from Terminal 2E, and both only made the plane with 5 mins to spare. They reported back that the queues were very long and very slow moving. They had all checked in online, had luggage to check in and were travelling on a Sunday.

 

On the other hand my husband checks in on line, only has hand luggage, uses frequent flyer fast track security queues (lucky him!) and seems to get through the whole procedure in about an hour. (He is a seat of the pants type of man though!!)

 

I am sure other people have had much smoother experiences but I thought it might be worth posting just in case.