Joanne

Traveling this time with all the kids, and two taxi cabs to and from airports will cost a fortune. Has anyone taken the subway from CDG airport to the left bank, St. Germaine area (near the St. Michel metro), or from Via Del Corso near the Spanish steps to Rome's Da Vinci airport? <BR> <BR>Or do you know if there are vans? Thanks All. <BR>

Lee

Joanne: We used the Metro (subway) for the first time from the airport on our last trip and it was easy! <BR> <BR>At the CDG terminal, exit at gate #28 (unless at Air France terminal) and step on the bus outside marked "RER-B", it's free and will take you to the station which is close by. At the station, purchase your tickets for RER-B and get on the Metro marked "Orly", which is the "end" destination. You can get off at St. Michel-Notre Dame which is the St. Germaine area. It will take maybe 30 minutes. <BR> <BR>If you know the exact location of your hotel, I or someone else might be able to direct you. <BR> <BR>This will be much cheaper than a taxi, which would be $40.00 (US) plus additional passengers' cost. <BR> <BR>Can't help with Rome, sorry. <BR> <BR>Have a good trip! <BR>

Christina

Well, I've taken the metro (subway) a <BR>lot in Paris but I personally have not <BR>taken that route because I don't care <BR>to use the metro when I am tired, jet- <BR>lagged and have luggage and must <BR>get from a stop to a hotel. However, <BR>what is your question on Paris? It <BR>can certainly be done and that is a <BR>fairly easy route so would be better than <BR>many others because the RER line that <BR>you get on at CDG goes directly to the <BR>St-Michel stop without you needing to <BR>ever transfer. If you are within walking <BR>distance of your hotel from there, then <BR>I'd say this sounds very feasible and <BR>not too bad as long as you don't have <BR>a lot of luggage. You don't say how <BR>many kids you have, however, but I'm <BR>speculating you have 2 adults and 3+ <BR>kids or you shouldn't need two cabs. <BR>If that's so, you should be aware that <BR>a single fare from CDG one-way is about $8, <BR>I think (not sure about kids) so all of <BR>you taking the metro isn't so cheap, <BR>either. A van is probably a good idea, <BR>and yes there are a few services -- all you have <BR>to do is search Fodors WEB site, they've <BR>got info on it right here in the section <BR>in their Mini-Guide to Paris under the <BR>transportation, etc. info. One firm is <BR>called Paris Airport Shuttle and you can <BR>find their WEB site by using a search <BR>engine, I forget it. There's another <BR>co. also but I can't remember its name. <BR>

Monica

Joanne, I also took the RER (to and from Paris) like Lee did and I'll do the same next May. Yes, very easy! It's one reason I'm choosing the 6th arr: so that I'm close to the St. Michel RER stop. <BR> <BR>For Rome, I took the train from the airport (there are plenty of signs to guide you to the "station") straight to the Termini station in Rome. From there you can take a taxi to your hotel. The train ride lasted about 30 minutes and was inexpensive. <BR> <BR>Have a great time!

Richard

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Richard

Joanne, We use American to get to Paris, and they use Orly, but as from CDG we find the RER is the best way to get to Paris, The RER, is sort of a suburban rail line that stops at some Metro stations. Go to http://metro.ratp.fr:10001/bin/selec...h/france/paris for a map of the Metro, including the RER. In Rome, take the Metro from the Spanish Steps (entrance just to the left as you face the Steps) to Roma Termini. From there you can take the train directly to Fiumicino. Go to www.itwg.com/trains/tr_mfu.htm for a schedule. Word of caution, be alert for pick-pockets and scams in Rome. Also, lots of stair climbing involved in both cities Metro's. <BR>

Vincent

The previous posters are right. I would only add 2 things : <BR>- If you fly into Paris with Air France, Continental or Delta (or Air Canada), you'll arrive at Terminal 2, where the RER station is located. Which means you won't have to take a shuttle, and you can bring your luggage on the trolley to the station itself. <BR> <BR>- You can manage to stuff the whole family into one single cab : for that, take the normal line, and wait for a "monospace" cab (French word for van). About one out of 4 or 5 cabs is of that kind (it can be of any of the European car brands). <BR> <BR>But I agree with one of the previous posts : anyway, you spend so much money on such a trip, taking the RER is not always worth the hassle, if you consider that you have saved 30$ altogether...

Monica

Hi Vincent, I flew in to CDG on Air France and took a bus to the RER. You state, "If you fly into Paris with Air France ...you'll arrive at Terminal 2, where the RER station is located. Which means you won't have to take a shuttle ... <BR> <BR>I must have missed the signs. Could you please provide more information on getting to the RER without having to take the bus?

Anna

You should have no problem taking the metro from the Spanish Steps to Rome's main station (Termini). From the Termini trains leave frequently (at least every hour) to Da Vinci Airport. The journey takes almost an hour. The only problem we encountered is that the train did not start running until about 6:00 AM, so if you have an early flight to catch, you may have to find another option.

Vincent

Hi Monica. This built-in RER station is fairly new (maybe a year or so), and it is right the signing is not very clear. You might have to follow the signs to the TGV station, which is also in the Terminal, and next to the RER station.

George

Hi Joanne, <BR>I haven't been there, or done this, but I'm going to. Take a look at this address on the Web: www.paris-anglo.com/clients/ashuttle.html. It was recommended to me on this forum and I made reservations yesterday for a pick up and delivery, coming and going. It cost 89 FF per person based on two members. You've got kids. It also says "Reduced rates for groups and families!" This shuttle takes you right to your hotel and you aren't dragging luggage through the Metro with (how many kids?). Again, I haven't tried it yet, but I'm going to. <BR>

Monica

Hi Vincent, thanks for the information! I'll keep a good lookout when I get to Paris in May! I was last there in October 1997, so maybe it opened after that time.