We used the AF bus in September to the Gare de Lyon and it was very comfortable and convenient. The bus stop is on the Boul. Diderot right in front of the station. You can buy your tickets online (at a small discount) and print them at this site:

http://www.lescarsairfrance.com/en.html

We have used the Air France Bus from Gare Montparnasse to CDG and also to Gare de Lyon from CDG. Liked it, and certainly if our stay is near one of the stops and our party is small, it is both economical and convenient.

Guenmai, the info you provided is fabulous. We're going to print it out and take it along on our trip. The areas you mentioned are a few that are "on our list" and the details, not only bus #'s, but specifics about the stops, are invaluable. Thanks so much for taking the time to spell all this out. It will, no doubt, be helpful to others as well as to us. Thanks so much!!!

Since becoming comfortable in understanding the bus system, I never take the metro unless I'm going far and need to make time. The intimidating part of the bus system is understanding where to catch the bus in the first place! At a metro station, you can ask the attendent for a "Plan du Bus" which marks all of the stops and the direction they are heading (remember, Paris is almost all one way streets. The buses are a pleasure and IMHO much nicer than taking the metro.

tomarkot: Hope the "Magic Cream" (aka Voltaren) does the trick for you. It sure did for me.

It worked wonders for me thanks to maitaitom. I have two tubes left.

If you happen to be near the Eiffel Tower during New Year's eve, I suggest you research transportation in more detail. That was the only time I had to resort to the metro, not so much fun, packed like sardines.

Daughter's study abroad friend is in agony with knee injury and I have told her "Fodors to the rescue". Voltaren on shopping list. Thank you.

With half of the metro running all night, crowds are just a matter of timing.

I can agree with the comments on the AF bus. Very comfortable, more coach than bus!

Maitaitom, great to hear from you on this thread! We've re-read and enjoyed your "Christmas in Paris" TR, as well as re-played your great video in preparation for our upcoming trip. We're considering a day trip to Reims, and enjoyed your interesting re-counting of your experience.

The "Magic Cream" seems to be working, perhaps combined with a little P-T. Hope it continues. Thanks for asking.

We'll follow with interest your plans for your spring trip to the south of France and Paris, and will enjoy a glass of wine in your honor during our upcoming trip.

We just got back from Paris last night and used the bus and metro. There were a few times on the weekend when the 87 bus we needed was out of service (Friday night/Sunday afternoon). I am sure if we had done more research, we would have been a bit more prepared for that, but no matter. A Metro station was right there anyway. Any deficiencies are on our end...both are great systems to use.

Joan does a smart thing (besides using L'Indispenable)...she prints out the individual bus line routes (or at least the ones with close stops to the her apartment). She was nice enough to give us a print out of the 69 route that shows all the stops, which was good to carry in our pocket.

Sadly, though I have used Voltaren for other things...I did get a huge tube in Paris but whatever is wrong with my knee didn't respond too well. BUT, I did walk up and down stairs and all over Paris (it was not rested at all). It was inexpensive compared to the US.

Tomarkot: You're welcome. Glad the info was of help. Have a great trip. Happy Travels!

We've been visiting Paris for more than 15 years and switched from the metro to the buses our first trip. We rarely ride the metro. The buses are far more pleasant in many ways. The ride isn't always longer, either - especially when you consider the time transfers take on the metro and the time it takes to get to the track from the street and vice versa. The stops also put you much closer to your destinations.

We also use the Air France coaches when we're within a reasonable walk of one of their stops.

If you're returning to CDG from Gare de Lyon (or anywhere), be sure to allow plenty of time. Occasionally, the bus fills at Gare Montparnasse or there aren't enough seats remaining for those waiting at Gare de Lyon, and once in a while the "next bus" doesn't come along as quickly as promised.