RER B from CDG

[Happygoin]

Does anyone know if the RER B shuttle bus is clearly marked for visitors waiting outside the terminal doors at CDG? I am seriously considering taking the train since I will be traveling alone and St Michel is one of the stops which is quite near my apartment. I have always taken a taxi, and figured that, when disbursed among two or more travelers, I could justify the cost. This time, I would like to use the RER train, I am just a little apprehensive about recognizing the shuttle.

[geordy]

Happy you do not have to leave the terminal ...just follow the signs to the Gare or Train The RER B stops at both Terminal One and Two and is clearly marked. (picture of a train!) The ticket machines do not take USA credit cards but I've never had to wait very long in the ticket office.

Then the signs to the correct platform are also very clear. Just keep your ticket...you may need it to exit!

[suzanne]

I'm anxious to see how this works out for you. I have been exploring the possibility myself. Most people have discouraged this form of transport for us since we have suitcases. I thought it sounded like a good idea since the RER seems to get there so quickly. However if dragging suitcases up stairs is involved then I think I'll pass.

[Happygoin]

That's the only other thing that's on my mind, Suzanne. I will be attempting to travel lightly, but I've said that every other trip and failed miserably . I'm going to try to keep in mind, as I'm packing, how steep and narrow some of those stairs in the metro stations can be.

Thanks, geordy, for the info. I'm definitely going to give it a whirl. What's the worst that can happen? (I end up in Brussells )

[geordy]

At CDG it's all relatively new so escalators all round(now if one breaks down..... ). The problem is , as you noted,the Metro stations...some of course have an escalator entrance/exit option ..but not all. St. Michel is pretty big though so maybe....I don't recall.

I found it to be a quick and easy way..I do travel fairly light. This time though for where the hotel is the AF coach is my easiest option.

[Happygoin]

I've used the AF coach and, you're right, it is easy. Since I used it that time though, I've never stayed anywhere that it was convenient to. Using a taxi has spoiled me, I'm afraid. Thanks for the info.

[annettecinca]

Happy, we take RER B from CDG most trips and have never used the shuttle, just follow the "Gare" signs to the end of the terminal and go down 2 escalators. The billet office is on the left as you get off the escalator, and is usually quick. It's 8,40€ (if my jet-lagged memory serves me correctly). We got off at St. Michel and I purposely counted the stairs as we exited to street level--40. Really not a hassle if you're traveling light. On the other hand, doing it in reverse on the way home, there are perhaps double the stairs and since one is usually loaded down a little heavier it's more of a challenge, and probably not recommended for the faint of heart.

[Happygoin]

Thanks, Annette. My mind is racing with possibilities for the trip back to the airport. Maybe I'll bite the bullet and just take a taxi. You're right. Going up 40 steps with luggage is much easier than going down 80, especially when loaded like a pack mule. Hmmmm.

[suzanne]

40 steps! Ugh. That's it. I'm booking Paris Shuttle.

[Happygoin]

I'm going to rest on the assumption that there's a taxi stand at St Michel. Some (expensive) conveniences are just worth it.

[Jody]

Yes, there is ..it's on the quai side

[Happygoin]

Thanks, demarais. I guess the plan is RER on arrival and taxi back to the airport. Now if only I remember to tuck the taxi fare away so I have the euros on the last day

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

I don't want to be an alarmist, but I only once tried to take the RER from central Paris to CDG and swore I never would do that again. First, it stopped in the middle of nowhere and I had no idea why (or how long the wait would be), although I managed to ask someone a sufficiently coherent question to be assured that we would be moving before long. (Naturally, the only announcements were in French and I had no clue whether they were saying that the bridge had washed out, or the wheels had fallen off, or just that there was too much traffic and there would be a 5 minute delay.)

Then, when I got to CDG, the escalator that should have taken me up to the ticketing level was stopped because a movie was being filmed (I assume it was too noisy), so I had to drag my baggage up a very long stopped escalator (I was traveling alone).

I'm sure these things are not common, but I decided on the spot that it was not worth it and in future I would take a taxi to the airport!

[Happygoin]

Thanks, Becky. I am going to be a bit adventurous and take the RER from CDG to St Michel on arriving in Paris.

You're singing to the choir on the return ...schlepping my bags down 80 steps into the metro station on the way home is a bit daunting. And that's before I get to the airport. I'd need a vacation from my vacation! A taxi it is.

[suzanne]

Happy, I'm beginning to think you must like stairs. Your apartment has quite a few also. I was thinking of doing what you have planned, Now that I know how many stairs are involved I'm having a change of heart. Please let me how it goes since you will be there before I will. Thanks, Suzanne

[joan1]

We found the RER dead easy ,, I have no idea how, we just followed signs. bought the tickets from the machine and hopped on. I can't even remember thinking about it. We got off a ST Michel, and walked to our hotel. Yes, there are stair, but , you can walk a flight, then rest then walk again, it wasn't that bad, really. Mind you I pack light, small suitcase and small carryon. I got a ride back to airport last time, but if I didn't I probaly would taxi it, as I have done before.
It does help that I try and get flights that arrive after morning rush hour and before dinner rush hour. It is easier to get around between 10 and 3 .

[Happygoin]

Suzanne, all the stairs are part of my Diet-In-Paris plan. They offset the high caloric intake from endless food forays.

Thanks all!

[suzanne]

Happy, That's a good idea.LOL.

[ladyjicky]

How much is a taxi to St Mic from the airport these days I wonder???

[Happygoin]

It depends on the time of day and all the other variables involved. But I should think between 40-60E.