help with Paris transportation
 

Other than a taxi, what is an easy way to get from CDG to the St. Germain des Pres area?

RER B train from CDG terminal 2 to St. Michel-Notre Dame then walk or switch to métro. Keep the RER ticket on you, you may need to show it, and you need it to exit the system.

www.ratp.fr - brings up maps, and lets you input exact itineraries incuding a pedestrian option.

Train to St Michel-Notre Dame, then a bus. See my description of Paris bus lore:

fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?tid=34987572

If you'd rather ride a bus in from the airport as well, the Roissybus terminates at Opéra.

If there is more than one of you, just take a taxi. It will cost about 60 euros.

I took the RER from CDG. I had planned to go to St. Michael/Notre Dame and for some reason, the train stopped at Gare de Nord and did not move on. I was so tired that I just went outside to get a taxi to my hotel instead of wandering around this huge station looking for the Metro. Also, I had to stand in line to buy a RER ticket. The ticket machines had long lines as one was out of order (there are four machines, I think).

The RER was VERY CROWDED!!!!!!! If you have lots of luggage, DO TAKE A TAXI.

Thin

On gracejoan's recommendation here and on another board I frequent I booked a private shuttle service , Shuttle-Inter for 55 Euro for up to 3 people. I was glad I did instead of taking our usual taxi for around the same price. We got tied up in a big traffic jam on the peripherique and the taxi fare would have just kept escalating.On our return trip the driver was right on time and took us directly to the airline checkin area.

All of the choices are summarized here: tinyurl.com/mpjhn

I've taken the RER the last few times. Coming from N.A., my plane landed mid-morning, mid week. Since the train starts from the airport, the passenger load is whatever amount of people have landed and are headed to central Paris. I had no delays or issues with getting on or finding seating on the train. My luggage was one large bag.

My take on RER versus taxi/shuttle is for speed and cost, the RER wins. For convenience of not having to walk between metro stations, think about directions, carry multiple pieces of luggage,etc..taxi/shuttle may win.

I prefer to save 40-50 euros by taking the train. I also don't mind switching between RER and Metro lines,etc.. But, I've been to Paris before, speak french, and see this as part of the experience. At some point , you will have to use the RER/Metro, the question is do you want to start the moment you land.

Last trip, I took the Air France bus back to RER, just to see what it was like. Worked out fine. Took Metro to Montparnasse and caught bus there.

Whee exactly is your hotel?

Well, Mickey, I must have gotten on some other RER at CDG because my train clearly stopped and picked up large numbers of passengers from the suburbs between CDG and Gare de Nord. The train was so packed that people were hanging over me. I don't know how I would have gotten out at my stop if I wasn't prepared and started moving toward the doors before the train stopped. However, this did not happed because everyone had to get off at Gare de Nord.

Yes, the Metro can be crowded but you aren't carrying luggage with you when you are just taking the Metro to sight see.

I think the RER is good for young, poor backpacker.

Thin

The RER B line is NOT just to service the airport, it certainly does have other stops and people ride on it who are not from the airport. Now there are some express runs between Gare du NOrd and the airport that don't stop, but you have to note which are which, but clearly to say the RER is only for the airport is not true. I believe Michel_Paris is saying that if you are on first, you will get a seat, that's all. But it can still be crowded.

People ask these questions all the time and give no information as to where they are going, as if St Germain area is just a few blocks. Walking from St Michel RER stop all the way to the St Germain-des-Pres metro stop with luggage after a long flight is not what most people want to do. That is really quite a hike.

Quick and easy change at St. Michel RER to the St. Michel metro line 4.

No traffic jams and no delays for 8.40€.

It's only a question of whether your luggage is a hassle or not when you are transporting it yourself.

Thhe airport if the start (or end) of the line. My experience is that I have not ever had to stand while coming into Paris from CDG.

If I was arriving a 7AM on a weekday, I would reconsider taking the RER. Since I come from North America, my flights arrive after rush hour. So for my situation, the crowds I have experienced for the 6/7 times I have used the RER have not been to large that I would say 'never again'.

But, then again, I have no qualms about traipsing through Metro or walking to hotel with luggage.

The RER is one choice. As with all choices there are pros and cons. Cost and speed favor the RER. Possible crowds, possible need to transfer to Metro and/or walk may not.

More details from the OP would narrow down the choices.