sava13

Hello Everybody,

I have 2 questions about Pairs and need some suggestions.

This summer, I will arrive the Charles De Gaulle Airport in the morning about 9:00 and will transit to Budapest at 18:00 on the same day.

I believe that I will have enough time to go to the Eiffel Tower.

What is the quickest way to get to the Eiffel Tower from the Airport and how much is the fare?

Thanks for your ideas.

Sarastro

It´s quite interesting how often I see this question posted on travel forums. The Eiffel Tower is a compelling attraction even if one only has hours in Paris.

Generally yes, you have sufficient time to visit the Eiffel Tower. There are travel options depending upon how comfortable you might be in taking them:

1. Taxi - very simple and sure. About 40€ to 50€ depending upon the day you arrive. Sunday morning is closer to 40€.

2. RER - departs from Terminal 2, lowest level. Requires a train change at St Michel to the RER C, exit at the Champs de Mars station. Cost 8.70€ each direction. This option is not difficult if you have used the RER/métro before, otherwise you will not have a great deal of time to recover from a mistake. For example there are two destinations north bound on the RER B, one goes to CDG, the other does not. Also there is a good amount of maintenance going on right now on the RER B line which will require your transitioning to a bus for portions of the distance.

3. There are bus options but they really do not fit for someone travelling CDG to the Eiffel Tower


Be sure to be back at CDG 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure and allow one hour for the en route return.

jpie

The RATP (public transport site for Paris) site says that the maintenance work on that line should be done by April 10th, so it shouldn't affect summer travel.

TDudette

The taxi will give you the most flexibility, in my opinion.

soogies

If money is not an issue, I also vote for taxi. That will maximize your time at the tower, plus you can see some of Paris as you drive. Of course, this will just be a tease and beckon you to come back!

Gretchen

I think if there is no luggage I'd take the Roissy bus to the Arc de Triomphe and then a taxi. And return the same way. A little cheaper. Could devise a little sightseeing trip of Paris also. Take the bus that goes down the Champs from the Arc. Then taxi to the Tower. I would not try to go up in it personally. just enjoy the view.

Gretchen

I think if there is no luggage I'd take the Roissy bus to the Arc de Triomphe and then a taxi. And return the same way. A little cheaper. Could devise a little sightseeing trip of Paris also. Take the bus that goes down the Champs from the Arc. Then taxi to the Tower. I would not try to go up in it personally. just enjoy the view.

Sarastro

The Roissybus only serves Opéra.

The Air France Bus #2 does go to Etoile (Arc de Triomphe). 15€ one way, 25€ return. It´s a lot of extra steps for someone who has but hours to be in Paris.

Gretchen

But you can see the tower, and Paris. I am saying "do more than go to the Tower" Just a thought. Don't go UP in the Tower. See something.

Christina

If you take the AF bus to the Arc, you will then have to figure out the metro system and buy metro tickets, also. You could actually walk over there from the Arc, it's not too far. Or you could walk down to the Seine at place de l'Alma and sit in a cafe and look at the tower. I actually would prefer that idea myself (AF bus to Arc, walk to Seine). YOU can certainly see it from there and that sounds like more fun, anyway. And one would save on the bus fare over taxi and see the Champs-Elysees, to boot (I don't care what everyone says about it, it is definitely a very important part of the city, especially historically and that vista down the Champs is incredible. Hey, you could see that beautiful bridge, also (Pont Alexandre) which is to the east. That would be a good itinerary -- go to place de l'Alma, sit in a cafe and have a drink of some kind, look at that big piece of metal, then walk east and see Pont Alexandre and maybe the Tuileries and walk up back to the Arc to the bus stop.

sava13

Thank you everybody for your replies. It seems like taxi will be the best option. Is it a fix fare for all cabs from CDG to the tower or depends who you ask? I will arrive on a Friday morning.

Thank you.

Gretchen

OK, I meant Air France bus. and to me, "extra steps" are not real integral. Take the bus, get out and walk around the Arc, get a taxi if you want to the Eiffel Tower. But from my experience in Paris, the views of the Eiffel Tower from a distance are just the magical moments of Paris. I like christina's idea. Sit and "drink it in". They'll serve you a glass of wine at 11AM!!
And no the taxi is ON the meter, and it could be "more" if the traffic is bad. Take the bus.

jpie

The taxi fares are regulated and there is some variance by time of day, weekend, amount of luggage, etc. Bes sure you go to teh official taxi line and don't take a so-called "gypsy" service that may be hanging around at the gate wanting your business.

The G7 Taxi site has an estimator and it puts it at:

Time from 42 to 56 minutes Cost between 64 and 84 €

http://www.taxisg7.com/estimation-tarif-duree-course

That could be a bit high but it probably is at least 50 euros in my experience.

sava13

How far is the Tower from thr Arc? I might consider to walk.

Thanks.

sava13

Are there any other tourist attractions around the Eifel Tower?

Thanks.

Croque_Madame

If you plan to actually ascend the Tour Eiffel, not just look at it from below, don't waste an hour, possibly two hours, standing in line to buy your ticket. You can purchase a ticket online:

http://www.tour-eiffel.com/preparing...g-your-tickets

You'd be surprised how far in advance the tickets are reserved. You are given a choice of dates and times. You pay online with a credit card and print your ticket at home, then take it with you. There are categories of tickets. You can choose to go to the summit or only part of the way up. I say, why do things half-way? Who knows when you'll get another chance?

Years ago, when I took my grandson to Paris during the Christmas holidays, we stood in line beneath the Tower, freezing, for more than three hours. I suspect waiting in the summer sun would be even less enjoyable.

Amma

Thanks for all the great info. Did you do this lately sava13?

avalon

I prefer the view from the top of the Arc to the view from the tower. There is lots of space to walk around, the tower is usually jammed with people making it hard to concentrate on what you are seeing

cls2paris

I like the idea of going to the Arch, Pont Alexander and walking! Maybe take the Air France bus to the Arch and a taxi back to CDG? I think the 50E taxi fare would be one way, right?

TDudette

A de Triomphe has nice views if Eiffel is too crowded. Elevator also.

Another place for good view is rooftop of Pompidu center. Resto up there.