Least confusing way from CDG to Rue Cler
Jan 18th, 2007, 08:21 AM
#21
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I checked my 2005 travel journal: I took a cab from CDG to Hotel du Champ de Mars (very, very close to Rue Cler) for 45 euros. I guess the cab rates may have gone up some, but I’d still do it. I was tired, the shuttle wasn’t immediately available, and — hell — I was on vacation.
Jan 18th, 2007, 08:26 AM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
okay, the OP needs to decide what is important to her and the budget. I take a taxi from CDG all the time and don't consider it cost prohibitive, but obviously that is simply a judgment based on what that means to me. Nothing is "cost prohibitive" to the right person, including being picked up in a gold-plated limo and taken by personal driver to the city, if you are maybe the Sultan of Brunei (no offense to him if he's reading). I have a fairly wellpaying professional job, so don't consider 50 euro "cost prohibitive" as a minor cost of my vacation as I don't get that much and don't have expensive tastes in other things anyway, so I can well afford it.
Actually, I do work with econometricians and have done work in labor economics, and I've read articles that on my salary level, there are many jobs I shouldn't be doing as it doesn't make sense economically (but I do), like mowing my own lawn. But that's a digression, but the point is saying anything is cost prohibitive without knowing what these folks consider the maximum that will pay doesn't make sense, really.
I think the group van shuttle is a good idea, but I'm not actually sure they run that late at night, I think many stop by 8 pm. That's another point as to why I personally think a txi is best in this situation -- it will be late at night. I also would say that as it appears the thought of dealing with public transportaton is rather scary to these folks, and it would be if they literally have never used them before or never spent much time in big cities. I've used them in various cities where I've lived and traveled all my life, so none of that is very daunting to me even in a city I don't know. It always amazes me people that ask for specific directions of how to get to their hotel by metro, as I think if you can't read a metro map on the spot, you shouldn't be doing that in the first place. All metro systems have maps on the walls or available at the window for you to figure out where to go, and if you can't do that, I think you shouldn't be there.
I wouldn't bet that this will only cost 40 euro though, as someone else said. I think that is a very optimistic and somewhat unrealistic estimate, so don't get too surprised if it is more like 50 euro. Fares are a lot higher at night, for one thing, and even in the daytime I have never had a fare that cheap to the Left Bank.
Actually, I do work with econometricians and have done work in labor economics, and I've read articles that on my salary level, there are many jobs I shouldn't be doing as it doesn't make sense economically (but I do), like mowing my own lawn. But that's a digression, but the point is saying anything is cost prohibitive without knowing what these folks consider the maximum that will pay doesn't make sense, really.
I think the group van shuttle is a good idea, but I'm not actually sure they run that late at night, I think many stop by 8 pm. That's another point as to why I personally think a txi is best in this situation -- it will be late at night. I also would say that as it appears the thought of dealing with public transportaton is rather scary to these folks, and it would be if they literally have never used them before or never spent much time in big cities. I've used them in various cities where I've lived and traveled all my life, so none of that is very daunting to me even in a city I don't know. It always amazes me people that ask for specific directions of how to get to their hotel by metro, as I think if you can't read a metro map on the spot, you shouldn't be doing that in the first place. All metro systems have maps on the walls or available at the window for you to figure out where to go, and if you can't do that, I think you shouldn't be there.
I wouldn't bet that this will only cost 40 euro though, as someone else said. I think that is a very optimistic and somewhat unrealistic estimate, so don't get too surprised if it is more like 50 euro. Fares are a lot higher at night, for one thing, and even in the daytime I have never had a fare that cheap to the Left Bank.
Jan 18th, 2007, 08:28 AM
#23
Why am I not surprised by the direction this thread has taken. If one lives for public transport and and - oh never mind
IF your friend wants an easy, comfortable way to get to your hotel at night listen to the majority. (but the thread will not die until someone gets his last word so be prepared for this to be kicked around until you are totally tired of the whole thing)
IF your friend wants an easy, comfortable way to get to your hotel at night listen to the majority. (but the thread will not die until someone gets his last word so be prepared for this to be kicked around until you are totally tired of the whole thing)
Jan 18th, 2007, 08:37 AM
#24
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"...lives for public transport..."
Well, that's a pretty bitchy thing to say. I actually live for my family and all the things we do together, not what goes on in an internet travel board.
And by the way, my contributions concerning transportation are a small fraction of my postings here. Your emphasis on them reveals something about how your brain works.
Well, that's a pretty bitchy thing to say. I actually live for my family and all the things we do together, not what goes on in an internet travel board.
And by the way, my contributions concerning transportation are a small fraction of my postings here. Your emphasis on them reveals something about how your brain works.
Jan 18th, 2007, 08:39 AM
#25
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ride the Rossey bus into Paris, it will let you off at opera, walk over about one block to the metro and get off at the ecole militaire stop, I think its only 3 stops. After getting off the metro you will be within two or three blocks from your hotel.
Jan 18th, 2007, 09:15 AM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well now... Hmmm... Don't quite know what to say.
Except thank you. I appreciate all of the advice, as I am clueless on public transport. I live in an area where the local bus is the only option other than private vehicle, and the traveling I have done has never taken me to an area where there were subways. I did hop on a locals bus a few times in San Jose del Cabo, and in Nassau. What an experience!
My friend will make it to the hotel just fine, I am sure.
Robespierre, I will do some research on public transportation for my daughter and myself. We will be alone in Paris for a few days before my friend gets there, perhaps we will be seasoned bus and metro riders by the time we meet up with her.
Thank you all again
Except thank you. I appreciate all of the advice, as I am clueless on public transport. I live in an area where the local bus is the only option other than private vehicle, and the traveling I have done has never taken me to an area where there were subways. I did hop on a locals bus a few times in San Jose del Cabo, and in Nassau. What an experience!
My friend will make it to the hotel just fine, I am sure.
Robespierre, I will do some research on public transportation for my daughter and myself. We will be alone in Paris for a few days before my friend gets there, perhaps we will be seasoned bus and metro riders by the time we meet up with her.
Thank you all again
Jan 18th, 2007, 10:19 AM
#29
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You will find an abundance of maps and other resources here:
http://www.ratp.info/orienter/tous_p...hp?partenaire=
Have a great trip whatever you decide to do!
http://www.ratp.info/orienter/tous_p...hp?partenaire=
Have a great trip whatever you decide to do!
Jan 18th, 2007, 11:56 AM
#31
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't understand why Paris, in particular, seems to get people so hot and bothered about how to get from the airport. When people ask how to get to most other European cities from the airport, the public transit instructions are always welcome, and are seen as an easy, quick and inexpensive option.
On my first trip ever to Europe I took public transportation to my hotel from CDG. It isn't difficult, it was pretty quick and very affordable. If you have a lot of luggage then a taxi would be "easier", but that is the case anywhere.
I almost always use public transit to and from airports, unless I have a very early flight, or I am in a country where my currency is very strong.
I may be in the minority, but I actually enjoy that first bus or train ride - especially if you are not underground and can see things. I find it more relaxing than sitting in a cab worrying that I could get ripped off.
On my first trip ever to Europe I took public transportation to my hotel from CDG. It isn't difficult, it was pretty quick and very affordable. If you have a lot of luggage then a taxi would be "easier", but that is the case anywhere.
I almost always use public transit to and from airports, unless I have a very early flight, or I am in a country where my currency is very strong.
I may be in the minority, but I actually enjoy that first bus or train ride - especially if you are not underground and can see things. I find it more relaxing than sitting in a cab worrying that I could get ripped off.
Jan 18th, 2007, 12:19 PM
#33
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah, the thread that, like Rasputin, refuses to die!
Threerohdes: I hope you’re not more “confused” that you were when you first asked your innocent question. (What was it again?)
Oh, if Bush had only spent as much time on his “new way forward” as Fodorites have spent on the least confusing way from CDG to Rue Cler! (Here’s one way to kill a thread: Go political.)
Threerohdes: I hope you’re not more “confused” that you were when you first asked your innocent question. (What was it again?)
Oh, if Bush had only spent as much time on his “new way forward” as Fodorites have spent on the least confusing way from CDG to Rue Cler! (Here’s one way to kill a thread: Go political.)
Jan 18th, 2007, 12:38 PM
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No, I am not more confused, just a bit surprised at the very strong opinions people have when a question is asked that they feel strongly one way or another about.
I have been lurking on this site for many, many months, but just recently started posting, as my trip for my daughter is just a couple of months away now. I have received very valuable information for the most part, and the information that was a bit "snarky" was taken with a grain of salt.
I am not a totally inexperienced traveler, just a bit of a "type A always needing to know what is going on" kind of traveler, which is more magnified since I will be traveling with my 17 year old daughter. My first concern is being mom and keeping her safe and happy, but I do realize we might just have to wing it and enjoy that part of the travel experience.
I enjoy doing the research and learning more about the areas in which we will be traveling, but sometimes asking a very specific question on this site saves me many hours of online probing, and for that I am thankful.
I have been lurking on this site for many, many months, but just recently started posting, as my trip for my daughter is just a couple of months away now. I have received very valuable information for the most part, and the information that was a bit "snarky" was taken with a grain of salt.
I am not a totally inexperienced traveler, just a bit of a "type A always needing to know what is going on" kind of traveler, which is more magnified since I will be traveling with my 17 year old daughter. My first concern is being mom and keeping her safe and happy, but I do realize we might just have to wing it and enjoy that part of the travel experience.
I enjoy doing the research and learning more about the areas in which we will be traveling, but sometimes asking a very specific question on this site saves me many hours of online probing, and for that I am thankful.
Jan 18th, 2007, 12:49 PM
#35
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What you have picked up on is the frustration that some of us experience with the "one size fits all" or "there is only right answer" approach by a particular poster. No matter who or what the circumstances, said poster will assert that taking a taxi from CDG is a waste of money and his route (train and then taxi or walking or bus) is THE RIGHT ANSWER.
Your scenerio, first time visitor to Paris, arriving at night, alone, with limited prior experience with public transit screams TAXI!!! Shuttle is a runner up. Unfamiliar train with cab/walking combo at night by a woman pulling a suitcase alone - well, I wouldn't let any of my friends do that - NO MATTER the city.
My opinion only, of course.
Your scenerio, first time visitor to Paris, arriving at night, alone, with limited prior experience with public transit screams TAXI!!! Shuttle is a runner up. Unfamiliar train with cab/walking combo at night by a woman pulling a suitcase alone - well, I wouldn't let any of my friends do that - NO MATTER the city.
My opinion only, of course.
Jan 18th, 2007, 12:51 PM
#36
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wouldn't let a friend do that in my small town. It's just NOT the way to arrive in an unfamiliar locale. Period. Not to save 20 to 30 euros - a fraction of the total vacation costs. No way. No how.
Jan 18th, 2007, 01:07 PM
#37
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"What you have picked up on is the frustration that some of us experience with the 'one size fits all' or 'there is only right answer' approach by a particular poster."
Which one? The ones who blurt "TAXI" as their entire post? Or the one who presents a carefully reasoned alternative?
Folks, this isn't rocket science. Reverting to my Lyon analogy, the case for a taxi all the way from CDG to Rue du Champ de Mars falls apart. First you take the train, then choose among bus, Métro or taxi, according to your comfort level.
Which one? The ones who blurt "TAXI" as their entire post? Or the one who presents a carefully reasoned alternative?
Folks, this isn't rocket science. Reverting to my Lyon analogy, the case for a taxi all the way from CDG to Rue du Champ de Mars falls apart. First you take the train, then choose among bus, Métro or taxi, according to your comfort level.
Jan 18th, 2007, 01:22 PM
#40
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On the question of the least confusing way to get from CDG to Rue Cler:
I say we resolve this finally by bringing in some of the data experts from the “Recline the Seat” thread, who have voluminous amounts of information to share on the dimensions of seats, the incline of food trays, etc. We should put them right to work on threerohde’s query for a definitive answer before the April 1 deadline.
Or threerohde’s friend could simply take a taxi.
I say we resolve this finally by bringing in some of the data experts from the “Recline the Seat” thread, who have voluminous amounts of information to share on the dimensions of seats, the incline of food trays, etc. We should put them right to work on threerohde’s query for a definitive answer before the April 1 deadline.
Or threerohde’s friend could simply take a taxi.
