RER advice for a first time Paris traveller
Jan 22nd, 2012, 06:44 PM
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RER advice for a first time Paris traveller
Hello-
Four of us are travelling to Paris next month and we're looking for some advice on how to best get from CDG to the apartment we're staying in on the Rue de Chateaudun.We're open to suggestions or advice from anybody who's done this before. Right now we're leaning towards taking the RER into Gare du Nord. This is where it gets a little squirelly though. There are lots of Metro stations close to where we're staying, but of course none of the stations are lines that we could pick up at Gare du Nord. We could walk- it's about a km, but I'm a little worried about luggage and stuff. Another thought is transfer to RER E and take it one more stop to Haussmann St. Lazore, which is about 1/3 of a mile from where we're staying. Does anyone know how complicated it is to transfer from one RER line to another?
We're not against taking a cab, but will Parisian taxis be able to take all four of us?
A little background information- we're chubby middle-aged Northeasterners with no children. Together we can hobble together some French, but nobody is fluent by any stretch. For three of the four, this is our first trip to Europe. We're flying overnight from Boston via Iceland and we're landing around noon on a Sunday.
Thank you, seasoned world travelers, for your advice. I really appreciate it. I'm super excited to finally get out and see the world some.
Four of us are travelling to Paris next month and we're looking for some advice on how to best get from CDG to the apartment we're staying in on the Rue de Chateaudun.We're open to suggestions or advice from anybody who's done this before. Right now we're leaning towards taking the RER into Gare du Nord. This is where it gets a little squirelly though. There are lots of Metro stations close to where we're staying, but of course none of the stations are lines that we could pick up at Gare du Nord. We could walk- it's about a km, but I'm a little worried about luggage and stuff. Another thought is transfer to RER E and take it one more stop to Haussmann St. Lazore, which is about 1/3 of a mile from where we're staying. Does anyone know how complicated it is to transfer from one RER line to another?
We're not against taking a cab, but will Parisian taxis be able to take all four of us?
A little background information- we're chubby middle-aged Northeasterners with no children. Together we can hobble together some French, but nobody is fluent by any stretch. For three of the four, this is our first trip to Europe. We're flying overnight from Boston via Iceland and we're landing around noon on a Sunday.
Thank you, seasoned world travelers, for your advice. I really appreciate it. I'm super excited to finally get out and see the world some.
Jan 22nd, 2012, 06:53 PM
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For four of you, consider a taxi or shuttle service right to your apartment. There are larger taxis that you can get both at the airport or at the train station.
There is a service that one Fodorite always recommends, I think it is called ShuttleInter, or maybe InterShuttle. You'll find it easily enough searching here.
On our last trip, we took the RER to the nearest station (St Michel) and then popped in a taxi, although there were only two of us.
What does your rental company suggest?
There is a service that one Fodorite always recommends, I think it is called ShuttleInter, or maybe InterShuttle. You'll find it easily enough searching here.
On our last trip, we took the RER to the nearest station (St Michel) and then popped in a taxi, although there were only two of us.
What does your rental company suggest?
Jan 22nd, 2012, 07:18 PM
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The RER will cost you just under 40 euros for the 4 of you.
A taxi might cost in the 50-55 euro range. Why cheap out over 10 or 15 euros which is less than 5 euros each?
Just so you know... there is an extra charge for the 4th person and 1 euro a bag after the 1st. But there is no shortage of taxis at CDG and many are minivans that will swallow your party with ease.
Should you opt for the RER it's an easy transfer and one ticket is all you'll need. Keep it until you exit onto the street.
A taxi might cost in the 50-55 euro range. Why cheap out over 10 or 15 euros which is less than 5 euros each?
Just so you know... there is an extra charge for the 4th person and 1 euro a bag after the 1st. But there is no shortage of taxis at CDG and many are minivans that will swallow your party with ease.
Should you opt for the RER it's an easy transfer and one ticket is all you'll need. Keep it until you exit onto the street.
Jan 22nd, 2012, 07:28 PM
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The RER/métro will cost you 9.25€ each but you´ll reach your destination much sooner (and it´s much easier) by simply taking a taxi from the taxi queue found but steps from baggage claim. Plan on 45€ to 55€ and 45 minutes from the taxi stand to the front door of your hotel. Hand the driver you destination address on a piece of paper to preclude any misunderstanding.
Most taxis will not accept payment by credit card but I should make my intentions known before departing the airport.
Most taxis will not accept payment by credit card but I should make my intentions known before departing the airport.
Jan 22nd, 2012, 07:39 PM
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If you don't speak French, write out the name and address of your hotel and hand it to the driver. Expect to pay about 50-60 euro at most for the ride, but look at a map ahead of time to make sure you know the best route (the taxi driver will, for sure, and they are almost invariably honest, but it doesn't hurt to know the route yourself in advance).
Make sure you get in the official Taxi Parisien taxi line at the airport and don't accept any unsolicited offers for a taxi before you get there (they are scams). Your taxi will sport a Taxi Parisien sign on the top of the cab. A man with a whistle will steer you to a taxi that is big enough for your party and all your luggage.
Don't sweat it. It's easy.
Make sure you get in the official Taxi Parisien taxi line at the airport and don't accept any unsolicited offers for a taxi before you get there (they are scams). Your taxi will sport a Taxi Parisien sign on the top of the cab. A man with a whistle will steer you to a taxi that is big enough for your party and all your luggage.
Don't sweat it. It's easy.
Jan 23rd, 2012, 08:10 AM
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>>>
The last I took the RER was three years ago and unless they changed the cars, I would not do it
<<<
I agree... last trip I decided it was time to try the RER after always using taxis from airports in the past. It was over 90 degrees F and only the tiny little top windows opened. No A/C.
It was broiling. And our luggage ended up on our laps as the train filled up. When we left for the airport several days later the heat wave was still on so we took a cab.
I'd consider the RER again... but not when it's hot.
The last I took the RER was three years ago and unless they changed the cars, I would not do it
<<<
I agree... last trip I decided it was time to try the RER after always using taxis from airports in the past. It was over 90 degrees F and only the tiny little top windows opened. No A/C.
It was broiling. And our luggage ended up on our laps as the train filled up. When we left for the airport several days later the heat wave was still on so we took a cab.
I'd consider the RER again... but not when it's hot.
Jan 23rd, 2012, 08:39 AM
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I think the RER B line is pretty crummy, also, it's not like a line really designed for airport transport so lots of room for luggage.
I wouldn't do it, but if you want, transferring lines is not particularly complicated by my terms, there are signs and it is easy, I think. But depending on the station and transfer, you can walk quite a ways, that's all, to get to the other point.
The RER E line is the best one, however, as it is the newest. I really like the RER E line, but I couldn't tell you exactly how many steps that particular transfer will be. The E line does have some elevators in it, also, as it is newer, at least in the places I've been.
The RER E line isn't at Gare du Nord, however, it's at the Magenta stop. Sure, they are connected underground, but it's not quite the same thing, mainly in distance.
I wouldn't do it, but if you want, transferring lines is not particularly complicated by my terms, there are signs and it is easy, I think. But depending on the station and transfer, you can walk quite a ways, that's all, to get to the other point.
The RER E line is the best one, however, as it is the newest. I really like the RER E line, but I couldn't tell you exactly how many steps that particular transfer will be. The E line does have some elevators in it, also, as it is newer, at least in the places I've been.
The RER E line isn't at Gare du Nord, however, it's at the Magenta stop. Sure, they are connected underground, but it's not quite the same thing, mainly in distance.
Jan 23rd, 2012, 08:57 AM
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Wizardpants:
I'm thumbs up for the taxi. I am not afraid of Paris pickpockets--knock on wood, that has yet not been a problem for us. But the RER line into Gare du Nord is obviously a place I WOULD CHOOSE if I were a pickpocket because people tend to be jetlagged while not having protective hand free because they are trying to deal with luggage. Any slight distraction would be quite effective.
So back to the taxi thing...
As frequent travelers to Paris, we are pretty picky about where we spend our travel $, but we consider our taxi IN to the city to be the best way to go unless we are staying right on the RER B line. We always a) end up at our hotel! and b)we don't risk back injury try to lug luggage up staircases, etc.
Have tried RER to Metro line to hotel (let's talk endless correspondances, broken escalators, no elevators--and let's talk potential divorce because of the husband who suggested this route), have tried AirFrance Bus (for one or two people and with logical endpoint, has its value for sure), have tried hotel-recommended shuttle back to airport (I did not enjoy stopping at three different hotels after our stop to pick up people who had not packed yet).
We found a taxi to be the most effective use of our travel time and energy into the city for sure.
If you DO want to take a taxi, I do want to summarize the most important pieces of advice you have been given:
--Go to the official taxi rank (signs are posted inside CDG)
--In doing so, ignore anybody who stops you and asks if you want transport.
--The taxi rank wrangler will assess your party size, your girth and your luggage. If he/she feels you need a minivan type, that's what you'll get. If by chance they don't "get it", just say, "Je suis Americain" (am assuming you are male--if not, say "Je suis Americaine") and puff out your cheeks, and they'll laugh and get you a bigger car.
--Do not assume you can pay by credit card. There are ATMs at the airport. Last trip, we had a lovely driver with a lovely taxi who did not have that capability. No problem--he stopped at an on-the-way ATM for me (I usually have Euros with me from past trips and on this one, I didn't). I was in and out of the car within 3 minutes.
--Do hand your hotel and address on postcard to the driver. He may speak English and you may speak French, but there's no reason to make it harder for the both of you.
--I have never had a CDG-to city taxi driver try to cheat me. Some have not been really nice, some have been peaches, but cheats, no. Traffic into town can be awful. That's just the way it is.
Returning to the airport? Choose any darn way you want. You will be rested, focused, and alert then.
I'm thumbs up for the taxi. I am not afraid of Paris pickpockets--knock on wood, that has yet not been a problem for us. But the RER line into Gare du Nord is obviously a place I WOULD CHOOSE if I were a pickpocket because people tend to be jetlagged while not having protective hand free because they are trying to deal with luggage. Any slight distraction would be quite effective.
So back to the taxi thing...
As frequent travelers to Paris, we are pretty picky about where we spend our travel $, but we consider our taxi IN to the city to be the best way to go unless we are staying right on the RER B line. We always a) end up at our hotel! and b)we don't risk back injury try to lug luggage up staircases, etc.
Have tried RER to Metro line to hotel (let's talk endless correspondances, broken escalators, no elevators--and let's talk potential divorce because of the husband who suggested this route), have tried AirFrance Bus (for one or two people and with logical endpoint, has its value for sure), have tried hotel-recommended shuttle back to airport (I did not enjoy stopping at three different hotels after our stop to pick up people who had not packed yet).
We found a taxi to be the most effective use of our travel time and energy into the city for sure.
If you DO want to take a taxi, I do want to summarize the most important pieces of advice you have been given:
--Go to the official taxi rank (signs are posted inside CDG)
--In doing so, ignore anybody who stops you and asks if you want transport.
--The taxi rank wrangler will assess your party size, your girth and your luggage. If he/she feels you need a minivan type, that's what you'll get. If by chance they don't "get it", just say, "Je suis Americain" (am assuming you are male--if not, say "Je suis Americaine") and puff out your cheeks, and they'll laugh and get you a bigger car.
--Do not assume you can pay by credit card. There are ATMs at the airport. Last trip, we had a lovely driver with a lovely taxi who did not have that capability. No problem--he stopped at an on-the-way ATM for me (I usually have Euros with me from past trips and on this one, I didn't). I was in and out of the car within 3 minutes.
--Do hand your hotel and address on postcard to the driver. He may speak English and you may speak French, but there's no reason to make it harder for the both of you.
--I have never had a CDG-to city taxi driver try to cheat me. Some have not been really nice, some have been peaches, but cheats, no. Traffic into town can be awful. That's just the way it is.
Returning to the airport? Choose any darn way you want. You will be rested, focused, and alert then.
Jan 23rd, 2012, 11:21 AM
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In countless years of travelling by train or plane to Paris, there are two things I've never done:
- travel into Paris by RER from CDG. The relative painlessness of grabbing a taxi always wins. They're all almost honest (my first Paris experience was living in a Paris cabdriver's household for a month, and learning first hand the concept of 'more or less honest') - but these days disgracefully ill-informed about Paris (poor old Maurice must be turning in his grave), so writing the address down is always a good idea. There's sometimes a case for travelling out to CDG by RER on a weekday evening rush hour, but that's not your question
- had an experience anything other than horrid trying to pick up a taxi or get a metro at Gare du Nord.
Get a taxi.
- travel into Paris by RER from CDG. The relative painlessness of grabbing a taxi always wins. They're all almost honest (my first Paris experience was living in a Paris cabdriver's household for a month, and learning first hand the concept of 'more or less honest') - but these days disgracefully ill-informed about Paris (poor old Maurice must be turning in his grave), so writing the address down is always a good idea. There's sometimes a case for travelling out to CDG by RER on a weekday evening rush hour, but that's not your question
- had an experience anything other than horrid trying to pick up a taxi or get a metro at Gare du Nord.
Get a taxi.
Jan 23rd, 2012, 11:41 AM
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I just moved to Paris 2 weeks ago for exchange and took the RER from CDG. If I had been able to share a cab with someone I would have done it, but by myself it was too pricy. I was carrying a ton of luggage as well and getting off the train during rush hour was a nightmare!! Luckily my station had escalators but you may not be as lucky. I agree with getting a cab because you are 4 and the price will not be much more expensive, and you will be much more comfortable. Otherwise taking the RER is perfectly fine, is just like taking any train in a big City, packed, uncomfortable, but it will get you where you need to go for cheap.
Jan 23rd, 2012, 12:56 PM
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Unless each of you can comfortably manage all of your belongings on long walks, double staircases, escalators, take a taxi. It's worth every extra €uro.
Most first-timers follow everyone else onto an RER train and end up standing all the way to Paris trying desperately to hang on themselves and onto their belongings.
If anyone loses (or is relieved of) anything important taking public transportation, you won't have saved anything.
Most first-timers follow everyone else onto an RER train and end up standing all the way to Paris trying desperately to hang on themselves and onto their belongings.
If anyone loses (or is relieved of) anything important taking public transportation, you won't have saved anything.
Jan 23rd, 2012, 01:24 PM
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As several say, take the taxi. Make a map of your apartment address, and give it to the driver. Enjoy a stress free ride into Paris, and see the Eiffel Tower in the distance for the first time and ENJOY.
For your return, call a cab to pick you up from the nearest stand or have your apartment person arrange one for you. Be sure to say there will be 4.
A taxi will be cheaper than a shuttle.
For your return, call a cab to pick you up from the nearest stand or have your apartment person arrange one for you. Be sure to say there will be 4.
A taxi will be cheaper than a shuttle.
