What is the story about getting into Paris from Terminal 1 (United flight from SF) on RER? I have read conflicting reports about getting the RER at Terminal 1 and another that talks about taking two shuttle busses to the shopping area and terminal 2. Is this a big headache to do? Any advice on the most expedient way to get into the 6eme via public transportation? Merci beaucoup.

The last time I was in CDG, there was a shuttle bus from Terminal 1 to the RER station- I think it runs direct to the station. <BR> <BR>In terminal 2 the RER station is at the end of the terminal so you do not need to take a bus although it can be a fairly long walk. I'lltry to find out more information on the airport website.

Hi, we came into Terminal 1 also and had no problems. There are signs that you follow and it was not fare to walk. <BR>Basically, the train station was on the side and downstairs. <BR>We got the tickets there with no problems, very fast, and got on the RER to go into the center. <BR>It was so simple. We had no idea what we were doing, nor where to go, but found everything easy enough, and that's traveling with a toddler, stoller, bags, bags, and more bags. <BR>When you collect your luggage, there should be a sign, and it will be directing people to I think it was halls A, B, and ?? sorry I don't remember. <BR>But it says halls, and you will see a symbol for the train. <BR>Don't worry about Terminal 2, that will be another stop once you are on the RER. <BR>The distance you walk will depend on which hall you come into.

Hi, Mary Susan. The whole RER thing sounds complicated, but it really just falls into place. We did it outward bound last spring without a problem. Just take a deep breath and relax. Hey, you're in PARIS!!!

Hi <BR>I've just come back from France and I came into Terminal 1. Not impressed with the terminal facilities etc but it was easy to find the bus to Terminal 2 (actually it went straight to the station) We stayed in the 6th and found Luxembourg a suitable stop for us, requiring no changes). People at train station were nice and spoke English (you will be surprised how much English is willingly used these days!) My brother came into Terminal 2 and had such a difficult job locating the station that he ended up taking an expensive taxi, so the inconvenience of our free shuttle bus was minor in comparison. We arrived early in the morning so the train was not busy with commuters...might be a bit more difficult under other situations. Enjoy France as much as we did and you will consider any insecurity about getting into Paris worth it!

You have gotten some good advice and ideas. If you google you can get maps and info you can print out for reference--it can get confusing when you are actually there. I would post the quote but I think Fodor's will remove it.

From terminal 1, where most trans-atlantic flights land, and its arrivals hall you must take an elevator down to a lower level where the free navette (shuttle bus) stops to go to the RER station (gare), about a 10-minute ride and direct - no changing of buses. (Ironically an expensive peoplemover was built to link terminal 1 to the RER station but though finished has never been operated due to technical problems.)Fare on the single class trains from the airport to any point in Paris is about FF50 ($7) each way - for convenience buy your return ticket at the same time if coming back to airport. Trains run about every 20 mins, but some go non-stop to the Gare du Nord and others are stopping trains, taking longer. After validating your ticket by putting it through the turnstile, keep your ticket as you may need to put it into a turnstile to get out of the system. Be careful on the train - the US State Department has issued a warning about petty thefts on this train - watch your bags and beware anyone coming up to you or trying to distract you. Like previous post says, some trains will go direct from airport to Luxembourg RER station, but on others you may have to change at the Gare du Nord - a den of pickpockets as illuminated in recent press reports. But usually there it's just changing from one platform to another. If you're planning on taking the metro much in Paris or are going to outlying areas like Versailles, investigate buying a transit pass at the airport ticket window that would cover the airport train and RER and metros all over the Paris region for a set number of days.

Mary Susan, we paid 98 ff each one way; maybe round-trip each way is cheaper. Frankly for another 50ff for two the cab is better. But then I've moved passed the age where budget travel would be called fun.

I agree with Shanna...budget travel is not fun. If you could swing it, I think it would be worth it to make shuttle reservations or something like that to get to the 6eme. Our hotel was in that district, and we took a shuttle that we reserved online, and it was much more relaxing that hasseling with the RER and metro (which we did ride...and, did have a bad experience with pickpockets!)...just becareful and enjoy - whatever way you decide to travel.

Lisa, <BR>Do you remember the website you used to <BR>book the shuttle? I'll be there (with children)at Christmas, and would like to take care of as much ahead of time as possible. <BR>Thanks <BR> <BR>

Kim, <BR> <BR>Yes - The shuttle was called Airport Connection at www.digital.france.com <BR> <BR>We just got back from our trip to Paris, and they were very reliable.

I got the RER out to CDG from paris just yesterday. I was going to book a airport shuttle but the number in my guidebook must have been wrong so decided it would be simpler to just get the RER as i was near Luxumbourg station. It was very simple & straight forward & there are 2 CDG stops - one for terminal 1 & one for teminal 2. I was at terminal 2 & from the CDG 2 station had to catch a free shuttle bus to my check-in hall - everything was well signposted. It cost only 50FF one way & the biggest obstacle was all the stairs I had to get my suitcase down at Luxumbourg....fortunately plenty of charming frenchmen were on hand to lend assistance!

Suggest that you avoid the RER or Metro from CDG into or out of Paris centre. It goes through a bad slum area giving purse and luggage snatchers the chance to board and grab something--then jump off at the next stop. Dealing with luggage and stairs if you have to change trains is very difficult in the city. The cab from Gare d Est to CGD cost 220ff. I felt that it was a bargain.