My first trip to Paris. I have read many posts warning of thiefs on the subway from de Gaulle airport to the center of the city. Any comments? Or is there a shuttle I can take instead? Any idea of cost?<BR>Thank you.

Ellie,<BR><BR>I would not recommend the RER (train) to a first-time visitor. Either take a taxi or the frequent Air France bus to Etoile (Arc de Triomphe) and a cab onwards from there. There is also less frequent Air France bus service to Gare Montparnasse and Gare de Lyon, as well as frequent but less comfortable "Roissybus" (no a/c) service to the Opera Garnier.<BR><BR>www.adp.fr<BR>provides info on bus & taxi service & prices.<BR><BR>There are a number of shuttle services (you can do a search on this forum for more info), but I've never used one.<BR><BR>Andre

I have used PariShuttle. Others will say it isn't "cost effective," but for the eqivalent of $15 each, we were picked up outside the airport, had an English speaking driver take us directly to our hotel, and even give us a bit of a side trip sightseeing on the way. On the return trip, the driver even went into the airport to find a large luggage carrier for my friend. After flying all night, the last thing I wanted to do was figure out the Paris metro system or walk to a hotel I hadn't found yet. Do a search and you can come up with Mark Harris' e:mail; he is the manager and very good to Fodorites.

For Ellie - so it doesn't get lost

If you're used to public transportaion, and traveling light, there's no reason to NOT use RER. Cheaper, and probably faster.

I definitely recommend the Air France shuttle bus to different places in the city center - its very easy, you don't worry about when to get off, your luggage etc. They have info about it on the Air France website.<BR>I think for the first time taking the RER may be a bit of a hassle, and I don't think the RER is particularly enjoyable - but thats a personal preference!<BR><BR>

Thanks for all the feedback.<BR>Ellie

Take a taxi or shuttle. Subway is difficult with luggage. Some stations have turnstiles you have to lift luggage over (no gates). This happened to us when we stayed in the Rue Cler area although I dont' recall the name of the station.

I used Paris Shuttle, when I was there in June, after picking up my bags I called them and was told they were already there waiting. No problems coming home either, call night before and they were there on time. For peace of mind it is worth the $'s and the more in the party the less expensive it is. Have a wonderful trip and wear good walking shoes

I am not in favor of taking the subway from the airport-not too enthusiastic about taking it within the city either. And although many may disagree, I don't believe in taking a taxi either. I'm in favor of taking a shuttle as it does work out cheaper if there are more in the party. You can pay as little as $15/pp. I realize that a shuttle may drop other passengers off and you're along for a ride in the meantime, but a taxi is more expensive (may charge for luggage by the piece and if you're more than 3 you need to hire 2 taxis).<BR><BR>I know many comments may follow that a taxi is way better than taking a shuttle. I personally like a shuttle over a taxi.

If you are traveling without much luggage, the RER is good, but not for a first-time visitor. If this is your first trip to France, I suggest a taxi or a shuttle service.<BR><BR>If you prefer taking the train, keep this in mind: Unless your hotel is near an RER station, you will at some point have to switch to the Metro. At some RER stations, there is a very long distance to walk to get to the Metro. By "long" I mean 30 minutes or more of walking.<BR><BR>Also, when you finally get to the Metro, you may have to change train lines to get to your final destination, and switching to another line would involve more walking. <BR><BR>Because of all the walking involved, using the RER is only feasible if your hotel is near an RER station, or if you take a taxi from the RER to your hotel, or if you have minimal luggage and are in good physical condition.

If you are going to take a shuttle then use parishuttle.<BR>We used them in June after contacting Mark direct and were very pleased with their service.<BR>We paid 15 euros each after mentioning fodors.<BR>

I would recommend the RER if you only have one piece of luggage.<BR><BR>We took the RER and transfered to the metro without much trouble. Just get on the internet, find a metro map, locate your hotel and work backwards to CDG. Sure its a little difficult but I think its worth it.<BR><BR>

Hi Greg,<BR>Paris Shuttle sounds like the way to go, but who's Mark?<BR>Ellie

He is the office mgr.

[email protected]<BR><BR>Mark Harris, the manager of PariShuttle

Thanks Beth for the email address.<BR>Ellie

Any time!! The hitch is you have to take me along.....

Hi Beth,<BR>I would if I could, but I can't! But thanks for the info anyway. I'm leaving in two weeks.<BR>Ellie