Air France shuttle bus (for May 2009)
 

Hi friends,

I may take the Air France shuttle bus to the Gare de Lyon station, like I did back in 2007. From there it was a quick ride to my apartment in the Marais (just under $10USD).

If I purchase round trip tickets, do I have to specify where I will leave from in Paris? I'm starting my trip in the Marais and ending on the left bank, which the Montparnasse station may be closer for me.

I'm also thinking by the time I buy my bus tickets and pay the taxi driver, maybe a shuttle/van service would be the same price and easier by not having to switch to a taxi.

Thanks!

Monica ((F))

The round-trip ticket is valid for the entire Ligne 4 route. So you could get off at Gare de Lyon and on at Montparnasse (or the reverse) if you chose to.

Thanks Robespierre!

Monica ((F))

I have been really weighing my options and it seems like the Air France bus might be best, as I am staying near Place De La Bastille. Do I need reservations, can I pay the driver? I was going to RER it, but maybe alone it is not such a deal.
Thanks RosieCaro

Hi Monica,

I think your best bet is a shared shuttle for both price and time as you will be able to go directly to your apartment/hotel and not have to wait for a taxi at the station.

I can recommend Leader Shuttle (leadershuttle.com). It's 25 Euros for 1 person (plus tip to the driver - I gave 10%). They will meet you with your name on a sign and are very obliging. I set my brother up for a round trip with Leader and he was quite pleased with the service (he travels a lot for business and is very picky about service). The driver took them from CDG to Gare du Nord for a train and stopped at a Parabas ATM (Bank of America) while they got Euros then on to the station. Good service on the return from Paris hotel to CDG.

My brother was going to take the Air France bus to Gare du Nord but I pointed out that for 4 Euros more he and my SIL could take the shuttle that would take them directly to the station.

The other shuttle that I took was Yellow and I believe I booked a friend with Gray shuttle; all about the same price. Of the last 2 shuttles I think Gray was more on time with the pickup going to CDG. Yellow was a bit late picking me up (I was the last pickup that morning - there were 3 stops) although it didn't matter much at the airport end.

Hi Rosie,

You can pay the bus driver directly. Here’s a web site I had in my favorites:

http://www.colleensparis.com/Colleen...sportation.htm

I had considered the RER but since I would have to change at Châtelet, I decided I didn’t want the hassle of going through that particular metro station with my luggage. I understand there are several exits.

Adrienne,

Thanks for the recommendation of Leader Shuttle and the others. The other day I went through the web and found several companies ranging from 23-25 euros. Seems like most are the same. Will have to book soon.

Monica ((F))

For people taking the RER from CDG to Gare de Lyon, the change is not at Châtelet. You just get off at Paris-Nord and cross the platform -- about 5 meters. The RER D will then take you to Paris-Lyon via Châtelet.

It is a non issue for people with baggage.