Can you go to the Eiffle tower and back to CDG in 4 1/2 hours?

Question

Hi, We have a 4 1/2 hour lay over in Paris. Is it possible to take in the Eiffle tower via taxi and back to the airport in 4 hours or am I pushing it? I would love to show my husband while we have a lay over there. We arrive at 11:05 in the morning and don't leave again until 3:40 in the afternoon.

Answer 1

Living on the edge: yes you can do it

Being safe: no, i missed my air france flight last week and had to pay 657 euros (to the UK one way!!!) I was 2 mins after the stated time for check in.

The airport is huge and takes a while to traverse, often you have to catch a shuttle from your boarding gate to the actual aircraft, security is tight and the traffic in Paris is terrible.

Even taking the RER to Gare du Nord (35 - 40 mins) then jumping on the metro directly to the Eiffel would be cutting it VERY fine considering having to buy tickets etc.

Maybe just catching the RER to the Gare du Nord directly from the airport (35-40 mins) then a 2 min walk to the Tour Du Montparnasse (the 56 storey building with a viewing platform on the top (open air)  and a floor dedicated to Paris would be interesting for him. It is an amazing 360 view. You could grab some lunch at a cafe around this area and he could get a feel for Paris.

This would only use up about 2 hours.

Answer 2

I wouldn't try it. Just the round-trip from CDG to the Eiffel Tower would be 2 hours minimum, and with airport security, traffic, finding and being ripped off by a taxi, breakdowns etc...no, it's just not worth it. But the Tour de Montparnasse is a great idea!

Answer 3

Yes you can GO to the Eiffel Tower in 4 1/2 hours but Going UP the Eiffel Tower is most likely out of the question because the lines are ridiculous and you'll be waiting the whole time... unless you feel like walking up the stairs... the lines for the stairs are considerably shorter... it'd be worth it to just check it out and if you cant get up o well?

Answer 4

i'd say you have the time to take a cab there, take a look around, then head right back to cdg.

well, that's me... i like to leave a lot of time in between for things.

but if youre daring, and you get opinions otherwise, i'd say go for it.  Paris is a fabulous city and it's definitly a must-see

good luck!

Answer 5

If you are coming into Paris as an international arrival it is not likely that you will be able to do so.

You will have to pass thru passport control and customs to exit the secure area. This will likely take almost an hour.

The taxicab ride into Paris can take between 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic and the time of day. A similar amount of time will be used to return. The total fare for the round trip will probably be in excess of 100 euros.

Re-entering the secure area to board your continuation flight can also consume an hour.

Bottom line, its not something that can safely be done if making your continuation flight is important to you.

Answer 6

I'd say you could do it...might even make it on the metro if you get through customs quick (but likely won't). You won't have time to go to the top though - that takes a couple hours in itself.

Answer 7

Rillifane is correct about having to clear French Customs and going back through security. Traffic from CDG into Paris can be miserable.  You are taking a real chance to do something like that.

Answer 8

In theory, it is possible. There are some buses going directly from the airport to the centre of Paris and it takes 45 minutes. However, practically, CDG is the most annoying airport in the world to cross the custom. I missed my correspondance to Nice (2 hours) last time because a stupid guy with a badge wanted to see everything inside my bag and even my shoes. Dress well, be smiley and it might be OK...