using the metro to go from Paris CDG to Central Paris
 

Message: I am thinking of taking the Metro(RER) from Terminal 1 into Paris.

My, understanding is that I need to go to Terminal 2 using the airport shuttle and then go the the RER station. Is this accurate?

Is there anything that I should particularly watch out for, as a non-french speaking, first timer in Paris.

Thanks

You will do fine. Watch for pickpockets when you are stuffed into the bus to take you to the other terminal. Our friend had money, tickets, etc. stolen, but she had unwisely put it in the front part of a fanny pack. Just use good sense. The metro system in Paris is easy. On the other hand, the last time we went, I opted for a taxi from the airport. There were four of us, and using a taxi was not that much more than buying four tickets. I found that much easier after a long flight, but my husband always wants to use public transportation.

Evidently there is a green shuttle bus that goes from Term. 1 to the RER stop. There is a CDG Terminal 1 stop on the RER - I have always gone to Terminal 2 so don't know exactly where it is. You can also look at the airport website - adp.fr - there is an English option.
Mara

I hope you are young and strong and have slept on the plane and are arriving after rush hour and have little luggage.

Ditto St. Cirq's last statement!

Make it easy on yourself and arrange for a shuttle, especially if its your first time in Paris. I'd recommend Paris Shuttle. It's around $15? from CDG to central Paris for 1 w/ luggage.

Most definitely take the shuttle. It's well worth the extra cost. I have visited Paris at least 10 times and still refuse to take the Metro with luggage and all from the airport. Once settled in my hotel I eagerly use public tranportation.

I agree about using the shuttle and I am a very avid public transportation and train buff. The shuttle we used from CDG to Place des Vosges came promptly when we called their toll-free number and let them know we had arrived, there was absolutely no hassle with the luggage and we always travel "heavy" and the cost was worth every penny.

I don't understand everyone's aversion to the RER. Have taken it my last three trips to/from CDG, once with my over-60 mother! (We both had a 22" rolling suitcase and shoulder tote each.)

There's no traffic jams to contend with, and no waiting for a shuttle to arrive, so it gets you into the city faster than any other option. I will use it again if it makes sense for the location at which I'm staying.

A couple of tips if you do decide to take the RER. First, it's not exactly the same thing as the metro - the trains are longer, travel further and faster, and stop less frequently. Most (but not all) RER stations within Paris interconnect with the metro, and all have bus connections.
Remember to keep your ticket once you've gone through the turnstile, as you'll need it to get out through the exit turnstile when you arrive at your station.
To be on the safe side, keep a close eye (or hand) on your bags, and avoid storing things in the overhead racks if possible.

I agree that using the RER is better, especially if you have luggage, than using the regular METRO..but if you do have to change to the Metro then it is another story entirely. If the entire trip is by RER then I would consider it..otherwise, no.

Another RER fan here. Used it first time in Paris (with light luggage, of course), and it was very easy.

Thanks for your replies.

I will have to take the RER and then transfer to a metro. ( assuming that there is no Metro connections directly to the airport)

But the shuttle idea definitely sounds worth considering.

You are correct in assuming that the Metro does not go as far as the airport. Here are the sites for two airport shuttle minivan services: Airport Connection (www.airport-connection.com) and Paris Airport Services (www.magic.fr/pas).

I have taken both the RER and a taxi. When we took the taxi it took us forever because we were in bumper-to-bumper traffic the whole way. It was gruesome, especially for my daughter who gets carsick and was exhausted. Taking the RER involves some schlepping, but with a wheeled suitcase, I didn't find it a problem, and it was much, much faster. Just my 2c.

I always use the RER, but if you feel uncomfortable about using public transportation because you have just taken a long flight, are tired, can't speak the language etc., take a taxi or shuttle. On your way out you can take the RER, and on subsequent visits you will probably use the RER.

ssk4f...

I just did this today for the second time. The first time, back in Jan, I had a Eurail pass, so I wasn't aware of the cost.

It's y7,20 to go on the RER from CDG into Paris. Plus metro ticket fare. If you know where you are going, it's fairly easy.

However, if the shuttle is truly only y15, it may be worth the convenience of not having to "figure" things out.

St. Cirq's comment is a good one. I'm young, (although these days I don't feel strong) and have only a backpack. If you have lots of luggage, the metro can be a pain.

Where is your hotel? Do you know what metro stop? I posted mine before I left, and a fodorite gave me very thorough directions, which I still have printed out in my notebook (even used it today). Perhaps someone can help you with more detail.

BTW, I think I flew into Terminal 1 today, but I was directed to the bus that went to Terminal 3, where the RER station was. I may be seriously wrong here, as I was in a daze...

sorry, the euro signs didn't work (they are on this keyboard though). The "y" in front of the numbers above is supposed to be the sign for euro.

The shuttle services I listed in a previous post were recommended by rick Steves in his Paris 2002 guidebook. I think the current price for one person is 23 euros. I did a Google search and checked a few more shuttle services. The cheapest one I found charges 20 euros.

If the shuttle is 23 Euros per person, it doesn't make sense for two people to take the shuttle into Paris when a Taxi would cost about 40-45 per taxi.