Shuttle Service in Paris
 

We will be arriving in Paris CDG at around 11:30am after an International flight from LAX with luggage. We need to get ourselves over to Gare St Lazar so we can take the train to Rouen.

Paris Shuttle has said we need to allow 4 hours between the arrival time of our plane and the departure time of our train to Rouen if we use a "SHARED Shuttle". They have not quoted me a price yet. I did also ask them to quote me the price of a PRIVATE shuttle, so hopefully we would not be "wasting 4 hours in transition.

What are our other options? We don't want to take the Metro from CDG due to fatigue and luggage.
Does anyone have any idea the cost of a Taxi from CDG to St Lazar?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks so much everyone. I love THIS FORUM. :)

Check out airport buses that I believe go to the Opera right by Saint-Lazare

or simply take the RER from CDG to Gare du Nord and switch to RER E which deadends at Gare Saint-Lazare - pretty easy.

Have you looked at shuttles from the airport direct to Rouen - Rouen is not that far from the airport I think and save train fare - may not be much more than cost of car service into Saint-Lazare.

http://www.shuttledirect.com/en/transfers/Rouen/

http://www.shuttle-paris-airports.co...ort-rouen.html

Thank you PalenQ. The direct shuttle service is a good idea. I did not think about that, or was even aware of it. I'm going to price it out and it might be a bit more $$, but well worth it. At this point we are trying to save our backs and arms and feet by not hauling luggage from station to station. Thanks again!!! Merci!

The Roissybus goes to the opera, very cheap, so that's not a bad option.

Having a private car instead of group shuttle will save some time, sure, but you are still going to have to allow for at least 3 hours, I'm sure, to be on the safe side. It may take close to an hour just to get out of the airport: at last 15 min getting off the plane (and maybe have to get a shuttle to the main terminal if it drops you off way out as some flights do), then I've easily spent 30 minutes at passport control, then maybe 15 at baggage claim. SO that's an hour. COunt on an hour transfer time (if traffic is really bad, I've actualy spent more, but that's rare), and then you don't want to get there at the last minute if you aren't familiar with the station. So I'd personally plan on 3 hrs to be comfortable.

A taxi might cost you 50 euro, if you want ease, consider that.

Private shuttles are not something common in Paris.
No local would take them.

You are better with normal taxis...

Thank you everyone!!! These are great tips, and especially the "estimate" of 50 euro for a taxi. As I mentioned we are reluctant to take bus or metro (and save a lot of $$$) with luggage and jet lag. Once we are settled sans luggage the metro is just fine.

Considering 50 euro for 2 for taxi from CDG to St Lazar
75 euro for train for 2 from St Lazar to Rouen
20 euro(???)for taxi from train station in Rouen to hotel

Total: 150 euro

Where as direct private car from CDG to hotel in Rouen is estimated at 166 euro for 2 (approximate).

The locals (of Paris) have a lot more fortitude and strength than us flabby Americans, but we try not to be too obvious. :)

Merci encore!

just curious as to how long the direct CDG to Rouen takes - it should also be quicker I think that schlepping into Paris with bags and even by private car transferring to the train but not sure.

Probably quicker I would think by a whole lot.

PalenQ...One of those websites you sent me says 1 hour and 53 minutes from CDG to Rouen. Our hotel is in downtown Roeun. I think this is what we will do. But returning to Paris will be another thing. I think we'll be taking the train from Caen to Paris and then a taxi from the Gare (St Lazar??) to our hotel in the 6th A.

Thanks again. :)

Thanks for the thanks!

In less than one hour and for 10€ per person, you can take the RER B from CDG to Gare du Nord and transfer to the RER E that goes non stop from Gare du Nord to Gare Saint Lazare. No other way makes any sense to me.

For novices the transfer from RER B to RER E could be confusing - a rather long walk thru underground walkways - be sure to take E direction Opera or Saint-Lazare.

also for novice users of metro/RER - keep your ticket until you are out of the system - you may need to to trip the exit booth just like you did entering.

RER E is a wonderful line - automatic I believe and there is a special boarding mechanism to prevent crowding on - large panels that don't open to the train comes to a halt and others get out - if I recall correctly.

There isn't any reason anyone ever should litter or immediately throw away their ticket upon entering any bus or metro system anywhere in the world. It doesn't even make sense why anyone would do that anywhere, although from some comments on here, apparently some people do. You can always be asked to produce your ticket by transportation authorities anywhere, and it is often needed to get out of systems, also, and not just in Paris. So I guess some people do need warnings.

I think the RER sounds good, but a lot of people jsut don't want to deal with public transportation systems as they aren't used to them or just don't want to exert the energy or have the hassle. this isn't meaningless, I understand it as sometimes I feel that way, and it also depends how much stuff you have and how many transfers/stairs, etc there may be and how long you've been traveling. I personally think spending 50 euro between two people is a fairly modest cost for comfort at the beginning of a trip versus 20 euro for the RER for two.

But going direct to Rouen by car does sound appealing to me, and forgetting the whole train thing, if reasonable.

Paris CDG at around 11:30am after an International flight from LAX with luggage. We need to get ourselves over to Gare St Lazar so we can take the train to Rouen.

Rent a car at CDG, drive up the west side of the Seine for a little way (maybe Les Andelys? Can't remember). Cross back over the seine to the main highway to Rouen

What then from Rouen? to Caen. Are you doing all this by train? PLEASE rent a car and enjoy the countryside.

Maybe if we knew the rest of your plans.....

For your estimated difference in cost of 16€ more, I don't see any reason for not taking the private car service from CDG to Rouen. Although I do think your estimate of a taxi in Rouen might be a bit high, but not by much.

But going direct to Rouen by car does sound appealing to me, and forgetting the whole train thing, if reasonable.>

Given the price differential it's a no-brainer for me - be driven after jet lag to Rouen - could arrange maybe if it is a private driver and not shared mini-van to stop at Giverny en route if driver is willing - for an extra stipend of course.

After flying from Los Angeles, I see no reason not to take the private car service to Rouen. It almost seems like it would be crazy not to.

On the return trip, just as you say, you can take a taxi from your Rouen hotel, to Paris, then a taxi to your Paris hotel.

If you can afford this comfortable option after the flight from LA, please go for it.

Others don't know your health, age, stamina or budget.

Rent a car and drive. For heavens sake.

When you are in Rouen, are you also going to hire a limo/car to take you elsewhere. What a way to see France--hire a car and driver. It's such a great way to travel.

Driving after jet lag is not always a good idea.

We recently used Shuttle Direct from CDG to Rouen. The cost for the shuttle was less expensive than taking a cab to Gare St Lazare and then on to Rouen. The driver even stopped and let us get a coffee and croissant on the way. We were tired and jet lagged. It was much was easier and much more comfortable. They do a great job. They meet you in arrivals after you clear passport control and get your luggage.

Wow! I though the subject was closed and here you all are with your wonderful ideas. Here is some background information: Husband 70 with weak back and weak knees. I am 67 with strong back, strong knees but tired feet and bum shoulder. I am familiar with the Metro, the long underground tunnels and changing trains etc. Piece of cake, but WITHOUT luggage. That is the deal breaker right there. Our original 2 1/2 week trip to France has morphed into a 30 days trip with a wedding in Germany at the very end of the 30 days. Now we must lug appropriate wedding clothes, wedding presents, and cool weather clothes and warm weather clothes, etc, etc etc for 30 days.
I did investigate shipping over a box of wedding clothes and presents to the family of the bride in Germany, but my local United Parcel Service (UPS) said German Customs are particularly bad in regards with keeping items shipped from America for a very long time, like 2 months. UPS can "guarantee" a 2 weeks delivery to the home of the bride for the small sum of $400.00 US. US Postal Service can also deliver to Germany with NO Guarantee of 2 week delivery for the small sum of $200.00 US. We're bringing an extra suitcase.

Anyway..back to CDG to Rouen...I did try to book Paris Shuttle from CDG to Rouen Private car. The 163 euros charge converted to $250.00 US The current rate of exchange is $1.00= 1.23 euros. I can't figure how they got $250. out of 163 euros. I asked Paris Shuttle and they said it was my Credit Card Company. I don't know if that is correct but $250. is a lot and so we thought we would go back to Taxi to St. Lazar and train to Rouen.

rgnoww can you tell me how much money (euros or US dollars) you paid for your recent trip on Shuttle Direct from CDG to Rouen? Was it Private Car or Shared?

Of course Private Car sounds wonderful but for $250.00 US I can practically "buy" a car myself. (Just kidding). My husband does not want to drive...he likes to look out the window. :)

We will have one night in Rouen to get over the Jet Lag and explore the city on our own. Then train to Caen for 3 nights. While in Caen we will have 2 days filled with "guided tours" of the DDay Beaches on day 1 and Mt St Michel on Day 2. Then train back to Paris on day 3 for 5 nights in 6th A with day trip to Amiens to visit a friend.

The trip progresses after Paris but I have that covered.

Thanks Gretchen, Palen Q, rgnoww, tuscanlifeedit,Cathinjoetown and Christina (the name of the bride in Germany actually) Now I'm so confused :(

Taxi from CDG to the Marais, two weeks ago, cost 50 euro.

Yes, if we are going back to going to St. Lazare for the train, a taxi is not that much more than a shuttle service without the hassle of calling, etc. Just walk out to the taxi queue.
Driving from Paris to Rouen in a rental car is not so difficult--you are on the northerly side and it is an easy drive if you don't want to take the scenic route up the Seine I mentioned.
Driving out of Rouen toward Caen there is the Abbey Road--a string of medieval churches that were fun for us to see and we were your age when we did it with some issues also. You could leave the car in CAen if you wanted and train back to Paris. You might enjoy seeing even more of the countryside en route. Just a thought.

Thanks Peter_S_Aus for the cost of the taxi from CDG to Marais. 50 euros sounds good especially compared to the $250.00 US for Shuttle Direct to Rouen

Gretchen...unfortunately driving is not an option at this time. :( but thanks for the encouragement.

I'm not sure I'm following the conversion issue. Could you pay them cash? Could you use a different card?

I went through the same exercise recently, and took a cab.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-apartment.cfm

Rouen is nice but not great IME - maybe just rest up in Paris one night then take train to Caen?

Pal DOES have a point. Get bearings, have a nice evening in Paris--boat ride on the Seine maybe and early to bed since the travel to Rouen is really a bit arduous on top of your flight.

Tuscanlifeedit: From looking at the web site for Paris Director or Paris Shuttle I have to give a credit card number which is charged directly to my card. Paying cash at time of service doesn't look like an option.

Peter_S_Aus: I just read the thread for your experience arriving at CDG and taking taxi to Marais. Thanks for that.

PalenQ: Thanks for advice on Rouen, but it's part of Normandy and "on the list"! Besides it is just that much closer to Caen where our first tour starts the next day.

Just FYI this forum is so addictive. I have been sitting here for 3 hours, no breakfast yet even. One link just leads to another link, etc. I got lost on Sunday Markets in Paris and then needed to find a "small" church to attend Sunday Mass and ended up with St. Medred at end of Rue Mouffetard so can go from mass to market. This all is of course AFTER the 4 days in Normandy.

https://www.google.com/search?q=jumi...FQcJkgod7l8MzA

If Jumieges Abbey - a romantic ruin overlooking the Seine Estatuary isn't on your list check it out - I think not far from Rouen.

Thanks PalenQ!

PalenQ: Thanks for advice on Rouen, but it's part of Normandy and "on the list"! Besides it is just that much closer to Caen where our first tour starts the next day.

We enjoyed Rouen for a half day--the square, the Impressionist wing of their museum and then drove on. I would encourage you not to think of it as on the way--you will be VERY tired, and you might do just as well going to Caen. But it's your trip--and it is another "stop" to see an fun.
I wish you were driving--just my preference.