Travelling from Paris CDG airport via Air France bus or RER?
Jan 29th, 2012, 09:43 AM
#21
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I just have one of those huge suitcases and one carry-on bag but the suitcase has wheels and a handle so it shouldn't be too bad ... as long as there are elevators because I'm sort of petite 
hmm after reading through all the comments here again, it sounds like if i take the Air France bus, the bus stop will be somewhere pretty far from my hotel (Gare Montparnasse) so I will end up having to take a taxi after that. I don't mind having to change to a metro but I would rather not have to take a taxi if it's very expensive.
i'm leaning more towards the RER and then metro then even with all the transfers detailed by TimS (thank you btw!). Walking is ok - i expected it since the hotel's closest metro station is apparently 10 minutes away but the Air France Gord Montparnasse station sounds too far to walk unfortunately.
hmm after reading through all the comments here again, it sounds like if i take the Air France bus, the bus stop will be somewhere pretty far from my hotel (Gare Montparnasse) so I will end up having to take a taxi after that. I don't mind having to change to a metro but I would rather not have to take a taxi if it's very expensive.
i'm leaning more towards the RER and then metro then even with all the transfers detailed by TimS (thank you btw!). Walking is ok - i expected it since the hotel's closest metro station is apparently 10 minutes away but the Air France Gord Montparnasse station sounds too far to walk unfortunately.
Jan 29th, 2012, 10:13 AM
#22
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No, you cannot count on elevators anywhere in the Metro system. Or escalators. STAIRS. And maybe/probably up and down with a long correspondance.
The bus and a taxi may be possible and better, but be sure there is a stand near the bus drop off (probably is--you can't just hail a cab in Paris).
When travelling with a big suitcase, sometimes you have to "pay the piper"--as in taking a taxi. You will need to be able to actually carry your suitcase in all probabablilty. And maybe this is a consideration for your total trip--wheels are great, but they don't solve all the problems. We travel with 22" cases that are expandable to 24" and can handle most things. We are not petite, and are not young. LOL Just a thought.
The bus and a taxi may be possible and better, but be sure there is a stand near the bus drop off (probably is--you can't just hail a cab in Paris).
When travelling with a big suitcase, sometimes you have to "pay the piper"--as in taking a taxi. You will need to be able to actually carry your suitcase in all probabablilty. And maybe this is a consideration for your total trip--wheels are great, but they don't solve all the problems. We travel with 22" cases that are expandable to 24" and can handle most things. We are not petite, and are not young. LOL Just a thought.
Jan 29th, 2012, 11:59 AM
#23
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I second Gretchen's assessment: Do not count on elevators or escalators. And even if the stop has them, they are frequently inoperable.
I'm not worried about your safety one bit, but since you are lugging bigger luggage than most of us do, I am worried about how you are going to do this and be aware of your surroundings.
My gut suggestion since you are taking this big suitcase? Spend the money on a taxi going IN. On your return to CDG, then you can be as darn frugal as you want.
You have another option: Air France bus to Gare Montparnasse, then Bus 95 (Direction PORTE DE VANVES)to the stop BRANCION-VOUILLE. Your walk to where you are staying would be two minutes from where you get off.
Here's a link that you could use to play with the directions a bit: http://tinyurl.com/89bmoq8
Buses take the same tickets (billets) as does the Metro/RER.
I'm not worried about your safety one bit, but since you are lugging bigger luggage than most of us do, I am worried about how you are going to do this and be aware of your surroundings.
My gut suggestion since you are taking this big suitcase? Spend the money on a taxi going IN. On your return to CDG, then you can be as darn frugal as you want.
You have another option: Air France bus to Gare Montparnasse, then Bus 95 (Direction PORTE DE VANVES)to the stop BRANCION-VOUILLE. Your walk to where you are staying would be two minutes from where you get off.
Here's a link that you could use to play with the directions a bit: http://tinyurl.com/89bmoq8
Buses take the same tickets (billets) as does the Metro/RER.
Jan 29th, 2012, 12:15 PM
#25
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ooooo thank you so much for the directions Alessandra and for all the help to everyone else too!
I've actually been trying to figure out how to read the bus schedule today and gave up because I'm not exactly the most spatially aware person out there. And as for the luggage issue, yes I might have to rethink it but I plan to do a fair bit of shopping so hence the big suitcase. It should be fairly light though going INTO paris since I plan on leaving most of it empty for things I will be buying so fingers crossed.
I think I may just do the Air France bus thing cuz my friend must have had a reason to insist on it and then change buses to get to the hotel. Fingers crossed the traffic into Paris won't be too crappy but I think it should be ok at around 10 in the morning.
I'll pay for the bus like someone else suggested and then pick up a Navigo pass for the rest of my trip later that day after i've checked in.
I've actually been trying to figure out how to read the bus schedule today and gave up because I'm not exactly the most spatially aware person out there. And as for the luggage issue, yes I might have to rethink it but I plan to do a fair bit of shopping so hence the big suitcase. It should be fairly light though going INTO paris since I plan on leaving most of it empty for things I will be buying so fingers crossed.
I think I may just do the Air France bus thing cuz my friend must have had a reason to insist on it and then change buses to get to the hotel. Fingers crossed the traffic into Paris won't be too crappy but I think it should be ok at around 10 in the morning.
I'll pay for the bus like someone else suggested and then pick up a Navigo pass for the rest of my trip later that day after i've checked in.
Jan 29th, 2012, 12:37 PM
#26
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I took the RER in the opposite direction - from Paris to CDG - early last year and I understand what your friend is saying.
There are some "unsavory"-looking people, especially right at the platform. All you have to do is to take some precautions. I try not to be near these people, but try to look for more normal looking people, people who are travellers, little old ladies, etc. and try to stand next to them. There is no reason why you have to stand around and be a target. Move to where you'll feel safer. No big deal.
You are going to have to learn to live defensively anyhow while in Paris. Theft is the major problem, not assault.
Try and reduce the amount of things you're carrying. Travel light. Also look into dividing up your things into two smaller bags, one stackable on top of the other, the one with wheels. Carrying two pieces of luggage, one in each hand, is a lot easier than dragging one heavy piece of luggage around and up stairs.
If you're not travelling when it's hot, look into investing in a scottejacket, not the vest, but the jacket. This jacket has so many pockets, half of them on the inside for safety. I've used the jacket to carry my netbook, camera, phone, passport, money, etc. It really takes the place of a small suitcase. Also get the one with a hood, which eliminates having to carry an umbrella around. Get a size that is larger than what you would normally get because you'll need room to put stuff into the pockets.
http://www.scottevest.com/
I can travel around Europe for months with a scottevest, a backpack and a 21"/22" suitcase. Trick is to travel light.
You will find many threads here on Fodors on how to pack light.
You'll be fine on the RER. Keep your eyes open and stay safe!
There are some "unsavory"-looking people, especially right at the platform. All you have to do is to take some precautions. I try not to be near these people, but try to look for more normal looking people, people who are travellers, little old ladies, etc. and try to stand next to them. There is no reason why you have to stand around and be a target. Move to where you'll feel safer. No big deal.
You are going to have to learn to live defensively anyhow while in Paris. Theft is the major problem, not assault.
Try and reduce the amount of things you're carrying. Travel light. Also look into dividing up your things into two smaller bags, one stackable on top of the other, the one with wheels. Carrying two pieces of luggage, one in each hand, is a lot easier than dragging one heavy piece of luggage around and up stairs.
If you're not travelling when it's hot, look into investing in a scottejacket, not the vest, but the jacket. This jacket has so many pockets, half of them on the inside for safety. I've used the jacket to carry my netbook, camera, phone, passport, money, etc. It really takes the place of a small suitcase. Also get the one with a hood, which eliminates having to carry an umbrella around. Get a size that is larger than what you would normally get because you'll need room to put stuff into the pockets.
http://www.scottevest.com/
I can travel around Europe for months with a scottevest, a backpack and a 21"/22" suitcase. Trick is to travel light.
You will find many threads here on Fodors on how to pack light.
You'll be fine on the RER. Keep your eyes open and stay safe!
Jan 29th, 2012, 01:00 PM
#27
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Here's a link to the Air France bus site where you can buy a discounted ticket online and print it out. We did this when we used the bus from CDG to Gare de Lyon around noon on a weekday last September and traffic wasn't a problem.
www.lescarsairfrance.com/en.html
According to this site - http://www.worldtaximeter.com/paris - the taxi fare from the Gare de Montparnasse to 61 rue Brancion would be €6.10
Personally, I would think it might be worth that fare to not have to find the bus stop in Montparnasse then walk from a bus stop to your destination with baggage. It should be easy to find a taxi near the station. We used this site to estimate several taxi fares during our trip and it was very close every time.
www.lescarsairfrance.com/en.html
According to this site - http://www.worldtaximeter.com/paris - the taxi fare from the Gare de Montparnasse to 61 rue Brancion would be €6.10
Personally, I would think it might be worth that fare to not have to find the bus stop in Montparnasse then walk from a bus stop to your destination with baggage. It should be easy to find a taxi near the station. We used this site to estimate several taxi fares during our trip and it was very close every time.
Jan 29th, 2012, 01:07 PM
#28
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Thank you all really so so much! It is my first time travelling alone and since i'm literally a 100 pound weakling lol i think i will do the Air France bus thing then taxi it to the hotel since the taxi fare isn't that much according to Maine's link. The traffic into and inside Paris shouldn't be too bad I think at that time of the day since it's right between the morning rush and lunch time.
I'll have to do some experimenting with carrying different sized luggage around my house before i leave because quite frankly I hadn't considered the fact that there are no escalators in the Paris metro All the subway systems I've been on so far in my life have escalators and/or elevators so that's something I really shuold have researched more about. Thank you for that bit of advice!
I'll have to do some experimenting with carrying different sized luggage around my house before i leave because quite frankly I hadn't considered the fact that there are no escalators in the Paris metro
All the subway systems I've been on so far in my life have escalators and/or elevators so that's something I really shuold have researched more about. Thank you for that bit of advice!
Jan 29th, 2012, 02:20 PM
#29
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I will be your grandmother here. Cut down on your luggage. Yes you will bring things back. You can do different things to accomodate that up to buying a cheap duffle to put your clothes in and put your "valuables" in your suitcase.
I will also say--take a taxi especially if this is your first time travelling. Not to alarm you, but you can become a "standout" with luggage and shoulder bags and trying to find out where to go.
I really really hate the Metro/RER for arriving in Paris for its long connections (correspondances), stairs and general long distances.
I will also say--take a taxi especially if this is your first time travelling. Not to alarm you, but you can become a "standout" with luggage and shoulder bags and trying to find out where to go.
I really really hate the Metro/RER for arriving in Paris for its long connections (correspondances), stairs and general long distances.
Jan 29th, 2012, 02:35 PM
#30
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When you arrive at the Gare Montparnasse, the AF bus people should be able to tell you where you should go to get a taxi. It's a good idea to have the name of your hotel and the address written down to hand to the taxi driver.
Bon voyage!
Bon voyage!
Jan 29th, 2012, 02:39 PM
#31
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Take "grandma" Gretchen's advice and get one of those very lightweight nylon duffel bags that folds up into almost nothing.
I assume you're in the States. Get that duffel bag here. Unless you know where to shop, things are generally more expensive in Paris.
Lay everything out on your bed, reduce by half. Leave out any precious items like jewelry, your favorite blouse, etc. Pack everything, including prescription medicines, toiletries, electronics - just as if you were going to leave that day. Then walk around the block with your luggage, just as if you are in Paris already and have to haul all your things from the airport to your place of residence.
When you come back, I'll guarantee you, you'll be taking more things out of your luggage.
It can get really heavy!
There are also other tips, like choosing one or two basic colors and building your small wardrobe around those colors in mix-and-match. Some Fodorites are really excellent with their advice on how to pack and how to pack light.
I assume you're in the States. Get that duffel bag here. Unless you know where to shop, things are generally more expensive in Paris.
Lay everything out on your bed, reduce by half. Leave out any precious items like jewelry, your favorite blouse, etc. Pack everything, including prescription medicines, toiletries, electronics - just as if you were going to leave that day. Then walk around the block with your luggage, just as if you are in Paris already and have to haul all your things from the airport to your place of residence.
When you come back, I'll guarantee you, you'll be taking more things out of your luggage.
It can get really heavy!
There are also other tips, like choosing one or two basic colors and building your small wardrobe around those colors in mix-and-match. Some Fodorites are really excellent with their advice on how to pack and how to pack light.
Jan 29th, 2012, 02:49 PM
#32
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Here's the thing: You'll be tired. People often don't factor this in when arriving. Arriving in a foriegn place can be disorienting. And as others have said, you cannot count on elevators in the train stations. "Light" luggage becomes heavy very quickly when you're tired. You won't be attacked on the RER, you'll be a pickpocket target with your luggage. Normally, I don't worry about that EXCEPT when I arrive because I'm so tired from traveling and therefore less alert. Personally, I'd take a taxi from CDG, but if that's really out of your budget your plan of taking AF bus to Montparnasse then a taxi is truly money well spent. The driver will handle your luggage. You can sleep on the bus if you need to and when you get to Montparnasse, turn right when you get off and head right to the front of the train station where many, many taxis will be waiting to take you to your hotel. I have traveled for years to Paris alone and have never, ever had a problem on any train, or in any train station. I have been warned by locals at times around certain stops, resulting in extra cautiosness. Ultimately being alert is your best defense.
Jan 29th, 2012, 02:51 PM
#33
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Yeah I'm only going to be there for 2 weeks so clothes-wise, there's not a lot that I'm bringing. It's just that I'm planning on picking up a fair number of handbags (furla, LV etc.) so I can't just travel with a single duffel bag carry-on. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't even bother with a suitcase because I didn't want to have to check-in luggage or run the risk of the airline losing it.
But i love the suggestion of dragging it all around the block here before i go. Hadn't thought of that before so thank you! I'll stash my carry on bag inside the suitcase so at least i'll only have to be hauling around that one thing (well, plus my purse) instead of 2.
But i love the suggestion of dragging it all around the block here before i go. Hadn't thought of that before so thank you! I'll stash my carry on bag inside the suitcase so at least i'll only have to be hauling around that one thing (well, plus my purse) instead of 2.
Jan 29th, 2012, 02:54 PM
#34
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Thank you again so much everyone! And yeah i think AF bus + taxi is the way to go. I'll double check on traffic jam situations at that time in Paris closer to the date but i'm hoping it shouldn't be too big of a deal since like i said, 10-11 in the morning should be right in between rush hours.
Jan 30th, 2012, 04:55 AM
#35
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Just curious. Why are you buying all these purses? And how many? For personal use? I may be wrong but I think LV, for example, may "ration" them. Anyone else know? If you take a duffel and a bag that fits in the overhead, you can put your clothes in the duffel and check it coming home, and keep your valuable purchases with you on the plane.
I really urge you to think about a 22" expandable.
Are you going to be in Paris the whole time? Will you need to put your suitcase/luggage onto a train to go somewhere else?
Traffic jams can happen at any time any place in any city as large as Paris. I wouldn't waste much time "checking" on them--and wouldn't know how to do that anyway.
And think about the purse you'll be carrying. the one time we were pickpocketed, I was carrying a purse. I use a belt pack now, although DH does carry a "messenger" style bag that I can stash some stuff.
I mistook your initial post to say you were going for months. Thanks for that clarification of it being weeks.
I really urge you to think about a 22" expandable.
Are you going to be in Paris the whole time? Will you need to put your suitcase/luggage onto a train to go somewhere else?
Traffic jams can happen at any time any place in any city as large as Paris. I wouldn't waste much time "checking" on them--and wouldn't know how to do that anyway.
And think about the purse you'll be carrying. the one time we were pickpocketed, I was carrying a purse. I use a belt pack now, although DH does carry a "messenger" style bag that I can stash some stuff.
I mistook your initial post to say you were going for months. Thanks for that clarification of it being weeks.
Jan 30th, 2012, 07:54 AM
#36
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I had the same question about purses, as Gretchen. By the way, if you are into handbags and purses, there is a great forum: http://forum.purseblog.com/
Jan 30th, 2012, 07:55 AM
#37
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Just for personal use - and really only maybe 4 or 5 total. I would love to buy more but will have to win the lottery to do so unfortunately. I have heard about LV rationing their products too actually so if that's the case and they don't want my business, then I'll just take it elsewhere.
I will shop around for those expandable duffel bags. I don't think we have one but I'm sure I've seen them before somewhere. And yes just for a few weeks but I'll be staying in Paris the whole time (and actually in the same hotel the entire time) so the only hassle really is dragging my stuff to and from the airport.
Thanks for the heads up about the everyday purse Gretchen! Actually I picked up one of those messenger bags with a gazillion hidden zips especially for this trip so i can stash my valuables in different places.
I will shop around for those expandable duffel bags. I don't think we have one but I'm sure I've seen them before somewhere. And yes just for a few weeks but I'll be staying in Paris the whole time (and actually in the same hotel the entire time) so the only hassle really is dragging my stuff to and from the airport.
Thanks for the heads up about the everyday purse Gretchen! Actually I picked up one of those messenger bags with a gazillion hidden zips especially for this trip so i can stash my valuables in different places.
Jan 30th, 2012, 09:38 AM
#38
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I don't understand your priorities at all. What difference does it make if there is some traffic and you get there 20 min. later than you want, if you are taking the AF bus which has a flat fee? And why are you being so cheap about paying for a taxi when you are buying 4-5 luxury purses? I can't believe you seriously want to take a city bus with your huge suitcase from the AF bus stop to somewhere near your hotel, especially if you can't even read a transport system map. Maybe in mid-day that will be possible, you couldn't even get on the bus at some times if it is crowded with a suitcase (during rush hours and lots of buses in early evenings are very crowded). And be prepared to walk a bit from the AF bus stop to the train station taxi queue as it is about 2 blocks away (it is in front of it on bd Montparnasse, really at place 18 Juin 1940). There might be some taxis kind of across the street at a hotel there, but the official taxi queue is farther away. The AF bus stops in front of the musee Jean Moulin. And hopfully it won't be raining.
There isn't any way you can check on traffic jams closer to the date. Taxis drivers actually can check on them within their cars now, with computer or phones or whatever, I had a driver a couple months ago showing me why he was taking a different route than I expected (when I asked him why he was going a certain way), as he could tell where the traffic jams were.
GOod luck with all this. I wonder if you've considered a group shuttle van service that will take you to your hotel. They have flat fees. Even if they stop for other passengers, I wouldn't think it would take longer than the stuff you are planning.
There isn't any way you can check on traffic jams closer to the date. Taxis drivers actually can check on them within their cars now, with computer or phones or whatever, I had a driver a couple months ago showing me why he was taking a different route than I expected (when I asked him why he was going a certain way), as he could tell where the traffic jams were.
GOod luck with all this. I wonder if you've considered a group shuttle van service that will take you to your hotel. They have flat fees. Even if they stop for other passengers, I wouldn't think it would take longer than the stuff you are planning.
Oct 6th, 2013, 06:22 PM
#39
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I am reading this with some interest as I am about to leave on a 6 week trip to France via Paris in 3 days. I, unfortunately have to take at least a 25 inch suitcase. I am planning on taking the AF bus to Montparnasse, which is about 1.2 km from where I am staying. I was going to walk, but rain is predicted all day. I am wondering if there is a taxi station close to from Rue de commandant Mouchotte, which is supposed to be the drop off stop.
Oct 7th, 2013, 05:19 AM
#40
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Yes, there are close by taxi ranks. The problem is that when it rains, taxis quickly get taken at the taxi ranks. Many never show. Taxis will always be at the airport--plus it's simpler to nab one.
Ironically, the first time we took an Air France bus was when our reserved taxi for our return trip to CDG never showed up. Up to then, our returns had always been a matter of reserving a taxi the night before. The hotel concierge told us to get the AF bus up the street because this "no-show" happened whenever it poured.
So BELIEVE me when I say that your best bet is simply to take the taxi to your hotel (taxis will ALWAYS be at the airport).
All of us who go to France frequently will say that you can save money in zillions of little ways throughout one's stay in France, and that so-called "splurging" on your arrival taxi, if one thinks about amortization of cost, ends up costing pennies by the end of the stay.
Ironically, the first time we took an Air France bus was when our reserved taxi for our return trip to CDG never showed up. Up to then, our returns had always been a matter of reserving a taxi the night before. The hotel concierge told us to get the AF bus up the street because this "no-show" happened whenever it poured.
So BELIEVE me when I say that your best bet is simply to take the taxi to your hotel (taxis will ALWAYS be at the airport).
All of us who go to France frequently will say that you can save money in zillions of little ways throughout one's stay in France, and that so-called "splurging" on your arrival taxi, if one thinks about amortization of cost, ends up costing pennies by the end of the stay.
