Skip01

What is the best way of getting from the airport to downtown Paris. Years ago I think I took a train in; but unsure if that is still a good choice and where I would even pick up a train

paris1953

How many in your party? That will help others suggest best options. I usually take a taxi...runs 50 to 60 euros with tip.

Skip01

Just two are in the party.

isabel

The fastest and least expensive is the train (RER). There is a station right at the airport. Both terminal one and terminal two. Just follow the signs. Goes to central Paris where you can connect to the metro if your hotel is not within walking distance of one of the RER stops. It costs about 8€ per person.

http://parisbytrain.com/charles-de-g...aris-by-train/

www.ratp.fr/

TravelParis23

Take the taxi- much easier.
You even get a min-tour of Paris.

Our first trip we tried the RER - but met our first pickpocket when we got on the Metro.
Lucky for us - we had been warned and avoided trouble.
The thief smiled as we got off - then I guess he looked for another victim.
The money we spent on the taxi our second trip was worth every penny to arrive at our hotel safe and sound

Dondoro

Thinking about using a taxi or the shuttles when I go as well, just keep hearing the horror stories of getting ripped of by cabbies so that scares me a little

grandmere

That's interesting, Dondoro; I have never heard of a story of being ripped off by a legitimate taxi in Paris. There are lots of urban myths out there.

Dondoro

^Yeah, I was planning on taking cabs to/from airports (and if needed, within) Madrid,Rome, Paris but there's a lot of contradicting info..thankfully this forum has a lot of good information

spaarne

This question is reaching an Olympic record in number of times asked at Fodor's. And the way this one is phrased it is a really stupid question. Who ever heard of <i>downtown Paris</i>? LOL.

jscarbary

We took the Air France Bus, but we were not too far from the Gare Montparnasse.

Judyrem

spaarne there is no statute of limitations on questions here
There is no such thing as a stupid question IMO.

taggie

If you take a taxi make sure you don't get sucked in by the guys waiting in the terminal to pick off unsuspecting tourists. They can be a bit aggressive. Make sure you go outside the terminal to the proper, legal, taxi stand.

Seamus

RER B from CDG to central Paris will cost about 17 euro for two, take about 30-40 minutes once you are on the train. Location of your hotel will determine which station you exit. Cheapest way into town. Need to handle your luggage on and off train. Need to get from the station to your hotel via foot, metro or taxi

Taxi will cost about 50 euro, take 40-60 min depending on traffic and where in Paris you are going. Luggage handled for you, dropped at your destination. Easiest and most expensive. Use only licensed taxis available in the taxi rank at CDG.

Air France bus stops at Gare de Lyon and Gare Montparnasse (route 4) for 16.50 each or Porte Maillot and Etoile (line 2) Opera for 15 euro each. From there you walk, metro or taxi to your destination.

cynthia_booker

I always take the train. It is so easy and inexpensive. I have noticed that when I arrive mid-morning to mid-afternoon, the train is not at all crowded, a quarter or less of the seats in each car are occupied, so there is plenty of room for luggage without much trouble. Each to his own, but spending on a taxi means I have less for other things.

Guenmai

www.airport-connection.com Happy Travels!

Scootoir

We use a shuttle service that we book online before leaving home. It's more expensive than some mentioned previously, about $80 for two people plus tip, but after an 11-hour flight someone is waiting for us outside baggage claim, puts us and our luggage into the vehicle and drives us to our hotel. We don't have to wait for other parties to be dropped off. Bee Shuttle is one company we have used after it was recommended here and it currently has better prices than a service we used in 2003.

paris1953

I have been to Paris 12 times in as many years and never been taken advantage of in the taxi from CDG to my hotel or on the return. They have always been very congenial, quite willing to listen to my horrendous french, and very good 'tour guides' if asked about particular areas on the way to our destination. And I do always go to the taxi stand right outside the terminal. Even if the line looks long, it usually moves pretty swiftly.

Sue4

I love the Air France Bus, and usually take it to Gare Montparnasse, as one of my favorite Paris hotels is within walking distance. Or an easy taxi ride to a different hotel. The bus is very safe, convenient, and not expensive.

Sarastro

The best way is by taxi.

Next, one of the buses options if they are convenient. Apologies if someone did but I do not believe the Roissybus to Opera was mentioned - cost 9.10 euros.

Finally, the low cost option is the RER/metro at 8.70 to any destination in central Paris. Use this only if you are sure about where you are going. The en route time is fast but from baggage claim to your hotel lobby, a taxi is the fastest.

Shuttles are an American import which I do not feel Paris needs any more of. They are often more expensive than taxis and have a less than stellar record of reliability. Use these with caution.

Snowflake25

We took the RER B both to and from CDG last month. It was not crowded, no suspicious looking people or pickpockets on the train. Would recommend it if you know where you are going!!