CDG to Pompidou Center area
 

Greetings!
First my apologies for anyone thinking this has been asked AND answered before. I have spent quite some time searching and reading many threads on the subject but never quite getting the answer.
We will fly from Boston to CDG in a few weeks arriving at 6:15AM (Paris time). We initially planned to take the RER into Paris and then walk 3 to 5 blocks to our apt.
Today my husband said that after being sardined on a jet for 6-7 hours, taking into consideration jet lag and our early arrival, we probably ought to just take a cab instead.
I am inclined to agree with him but cost wise am wondering if we could save a little by taking the RER in to Paris then taking a cab for 3-5 blocks? The address in Paris is rue Simon Lefranc.
Also, do we tip the cab driver and if so how much?
Thanks!
Michèle

I think the answer to your question depends on whether you are coming into Paris on the weekend or weekday and how much luggage you might have.
On the weekend or with lots of luggage I would take a cab. On a week day with modest luggage I might consider the RER. No tip is required for a cab but I always round the fare up to the nearest Euro or so.

I think your husband is right :) It doesn't seem the best moment to save a few euros if you are tired and carrying luggage :)

I always take a cab - no more rush hour rides on the RER with luggage for me, thank you.

And I usually tip the cab driver around 10%.

I agree with your husband. I would not personally attempt to take a cab three blocks -- in Paris or anywhere else. I don't think they will be too happy with that request.

I like Plan A: ride the train to Gare du Nord, and hire a cab from there. There will be minimal luggage-schlepping - only enough to get on and off the train. But getting to the train doesn't require a whole lot more effort than getting to the taxi queue, so that's almost a wash.

In one sense, your early arrival works to your advantage, because it will only be 1AM on your body clock, and you may have even had a little nap on the plane.

I'd play it by ear. If you don't feel up to the train ride, take a cab. <i>Bon voyage!</i>

According to my trusty Paris Mapguide, your street is next to the Pompidou center and quite a distance away from the Gare du Nord. You can get there on the #38 city bus. The closest RER station is Chatalet les Halles, a huge labyrinth. Nord is easier to negotiate.

I would either take the RER all the way taking into consideration the luggage, stairs , multi exit station at chatelet that others have mentioned or I would take a taxi all the way. Taxi's in Paris are not interested in short rides and you will be greeted with much complaining and possible refusal to take you.

While the RER is cheap, luggage, turnstiles, stairs, wondering if I am in the right place are expensive to me. And that will be rush hour on the RER--not a pleasant place to be with luggage to keep out of the way.
The taxi will be about 50&euro; with a tip. It might be one place not to economize. You may find yourself comfortable in returning to CDG by that method however. If you do take a cab from Gare du NOrd, for example, there will be a small charge for being picked up at a gare plus per piece of luggage. I would guess it would be about 15&euro; to your hotel from there.

I would take the RER to Chatelet and walk the rest of the way. I carryon so would only have one small suitcase and a messenger bag pocketbook. If you do this take the express train from CDG (KROL). It doesn't stop at local stations. I have never had a problem.

I'd go to the platform and get on any train. The first KROL isn't until 8:55.

..avoid Chatelet at all costs. I have wandered around there for 30min in tears..I was living in Paris at the time and was trying (the operative word is trying) to catch a train to meet my SO in Normandy. If you are a first time visitor, have more than a carryon, and are zonked from an overnight flight grab a cab.

Ch&acirc;telet is easy to get <u>out</u> of, which is what OP would need to do. By following the <i>SORTIE</i> signs, you're on the street in two minutes.

This might sound crazy, but I find that chatelet and other large stations are kind of fun to get from point a to point b in. It's like a maze, but there are maps and directions posted all over.

You have got to be kidding--Chatelet fun?

each to his own, I guess.

Ch&acirc;telet suffers from signage overkill if anything. I can't imagine anyone really getting lost there, but I will agree that it seems to make not much sense the first time you are navigating through the RER level.
Anyway, someone going in the direction of the Pompidou Center wants the &quot;rue Pierre Lescot&quot; exit.