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Post by willow on Aug 2, 2007 10:37:39 GMT -5
With my trip approaching in only 19 days, I decided to return to some heavy duty planning to calm my nerves and not let excitement get the best of me.
One of the things I am rethinking is my transportation from the airport. Originally I planned on taking a shuttle, but there seems to be a lot of negative experiences with it. So next on my list is the RER. I looked it up on the Metro website, and they showed me taking RER B to Chatelet des Halles and transferring to a line to Hotel de Ville. How easy would this be to maneuver with one suitcase (26 in) and a backpack? I arrive at CDG around 2:30 pm, and my apartment is on Rue Aubriot.
The other option is the Roissy Bus. But that takes a bit longer. I don't really mind, but it would still require taking the Metro.
Any suggestions?
~Anna
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Post by arrowcapet on Aug 2, 2007 10:51:47 GMT -5
If you take the Roissy Bus and transfer to the Metro, you'll have to change at least once, and the ease of that will honestly depend on what your stamina is like. More or less the same would be true if you took the RER to Chatelet and transfered to the Metro. If you're doing this from an overnight flight from Chicago, I'd tell you that it can be done, but you're going to wish you hadn't once you finally arrive at your apartment. It's hot down there, you're going to be sweating, it's going to be crowded, you're going to be worried about keeping your luggage with you, you'll be standing and want to sit down, and you're going to be tired. You'll have to get your luggage through the ticket barrier while your messing with your tickets, avoid people walking slower than you, stay out of the way of people walking faster, an so on. Your apartment is located just inconveniently enough from any RER station that I would caution you to consider other options, like taking a taxi from either Gare du Nord if you take the RER or from the Opera if you take the Roissy bus. The combination of the two would be pretty close in price to the shuttle. The option of RER/Bus/Metro can definitely be done, but I would consider it only if you are so restricted by your budget (which is entirely valid) that you can't consider other options.
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Post by Penny on Aug 2, 2007 11:05:27 GMT -5
Check out this map. It shows the lines in very distinct colors. www.amadeus.net/home/new/subwaymaps/en/paris.htmI used it to plot my route from Gare de Nord to avoid Chatelet des Halles as I had been told it was a long walk between lines. Although if you on an RER before switching to metro that may not be possible to avoid. I had a chart showing which stations service more than one line but could not find for the RER. state what the nearest Metro stop is and someone may be able to tell you if there is a better choice to change at. Regarding suitcase, I'm 60, handled a 21 inch stuffed suitcase with no problem except for getting stuck in gate at Gare de Nord. ::)If there is a manned gate at the entrance ask to go through there. the stairs at the metro are much easier to handle than the tube in London. Usually all you have to do is smile and say please. Regarding what you do with ticket, not sure, just don't lose! Another option may be taking the Air France bus and the Metro from there. Not sure which stop would be easier. If I can find the link I post.
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Post by willow on Aug 2, 2007 14:27:57 GMT -5
How much would a taxi cost from Opera or Gare du Nord? I'm open to options that do not cost too much, but also don't cause headaches. I've ruled out a taxi from CDG to my apartment, but I think halfway shouldn't be bad.
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Post by Jody on Aug 2, 2007 15:02:30 GMT -5
You are young so may not encounter problems with lugging luggage. Is that why they call it luggage. ? If it were me , I'd take the RER to St Michel and grab a taxi at the taxi stand right outside of the station. The fare should be under 10 €
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Post by willow on Aug 2, 2007 22:09:33 GMT -5
St.Michel is one stop past Chatelet, right? That seems like a good idea. The taxi ride would not be long, and I would not have to go through crazy Chatelet! Thank you everyone for your suggestions!
19 days to go!!!
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Post by goldenmama on Aug 3, 2007 4:18:25 GMT -5
Penny-- You are 60?! Why, you don't sound a day over 40 in your posts! Seriously! Willow, its getting so close! I'm getting excited for you! ;D
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Post by Penny on Aug 3, 2007 10:30:10 GMT -5
LOL my body is but I still think I'm 30. (hard to do when you have a son over 40).
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Post by willow on Aug 3, 2007 10:53:55 GMT -5
Thank you goldenmama! I just have two weeks left at my job and one family wedding before I get to go to France! So soon, yet not soon enough!!!
18 days...
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Post by Happygoin on Aug 3, 2007 11:30:08 GMT -5
Unless things changed recently, the Air France bus stops at the Arc de Triumphe and Port Maillot. Why not take it to the Arc de Triumphe and then a taxi to your hotel?
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Post by sandy on Aug 4, 2007 10:18:27 GMT -5
We took Roissy bus from CDG to Opera and that was the best decission we made in our trip. No hussle, no walking, no dragging luggage, no stairs. You just seat on the bus and relax till you get to Opera. Then you can take a taxi, or bus 29 to your apartment (look at the ratp site for directions). The other oprion I would take would be the Air France bus, maybe it drops you nearer your apartment (check on the "what sites should I check" for the Airfrance bus website).
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Post by willow on Aug 4, 2007 10:39:03 GMT -5
Are the Roissy Bus and the Air France bus hard to find at CDG? I will be arriving via Swiss Int'l, not sure which terminal.
17 days!!!
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Post by willow on Aug 4, 2007 11:11:38 GMT -5
Just checked my e-ticket, and it is terminal 2-B.
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Post by sandy on Aug 4, 2007 11:18:27 GMT -5
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Post by Ray(aka) tripnebraska on Aug 4, 2007 11:20:48 GMT -5
Willow, I believe for terminal 2B the Roissy bus pick up is door 11
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Post by GitteK on Aug 4, 2007 11:41:29 GMT -5
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Post by willow on Aug 4, 2007 11:43:42 GMT -5
Wonderful! I found that map just now too! Thank you all for helping me out and getting rid of that worry!!
~Anna
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Post by willow on Aug 4, 2007 12:37:30 GMT -5
Ok..silly part 2 of this transport question. I've never taken a cab in my life, so I am wondering how it all works. Will there be a cab stand by where the Roissy bus drops me off? I plan on having a little map with the address ready so that if my french fails me, I can show it to the driver. Is there a surcharge for luggage?
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Post by sandy on Aug 4, 2007 12:43:10 GMT -5
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Post by willow on Aug 4, 2007 14:25:21 GMT -5
Thank you sandy and GitteK! I know these questions may seem a bit silly but my parents questions are driving me to become a worrywart! I feel like I need a plan for everything. I really appreciate the time you take the answer these questions. I love that this forum is so wonderful for all levels of travelers! It seems to me all the great advice and friendliness of TA came here without the surliness and drama!
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