Question for experienced travellers in Paris?

Question

I work in the Middle east and live in Rural Brittany. Unfortunately I dont get as much time at home with my wife as I'd like hence every hour is valuable.

I fly into Paris CDG and have been getting the TGV to Rennes.

Last time I got into CDG at 06.30 in the morning and tried to get the 9.05 out of Montparnasse. I fact i didnt make it until the 11.05 so it was getting late by the time I got home.

I went from CDG on the RER to Gare du Nord, the by metro to Montparnase.

My question is this.

Is it possible to go direct from CDG to Montparnasee and if so is it resonable to hope to catch the 9.05 from Montparnasse if landing at CDG at 6.30?

Last time a lot of time was wasted queueing to purchase RER/Metro/TGV tickets etc.

Any time saving tips would be appreciated.

As far as I am aware I cannot pre-book or pre-pay TGV as they send the tickets in the post to addresses in France.

Thanks in Advance.

Answer 1

Why would you go into Paris? You can take a train direct from "AEROPORT CDG 2 TGV" leaving at 10h27 - arriving at 13h27 in RENNES.

No way you're going to miss that even if your flight is late, and you only lose a couple of hours on the Paris train without the stress of getting into Paris on the RER.

Answer 2

Try these sites:

http://www34.ratp.info/Pivi/piviweb.php?...

as for the Tgv try this:https://secure.voyages-sncf.com/leisure/...

You can choose what country you are in.

Answer 3

I don't think that's enough time and in your shoes, I'd avoid going into Paris at all if it can be avoided.

Also, any delay at all with your flight and you're messed up and probably will be even later, by the time you sort it all out.

When they say "land", that means touch-down. You still have to get to the gate, deplane, get through immigration, get your bags...I couldn't get home when I worked at CDG in that amount of time...and I lived much closer than Montparnasse.

You are also arriving a *prime* commute traffic hour.

You'll still need time to catch the shuttle if arriving at Terminal 3. If you're already at T2, you can walk over to the train station.

If you want to still try, the Air France bus might be better. At least it picks up directly at both terminals, without having to do that miserable shuttle to th e RER station. The first one leaves at 7am;

http://www.cars-airfrance.com/

Good luck and take the 10:27. Have a coffee, avoid downtown Paris...

Answer 4

There is no direct RER line from CDG to Montparnasse but why do you change at Gare du Nord? This is not the quickest way. You should stay on RER B as far as Denfert Rochereau and then you are only 3 métro stops away from Montparnasse (métro line 4 direction Porte de Clignancourt).

According to the RATP website it's a 59-minute trip (they suggest connecting at St-Michel to line 4 direction Porte d'Orléans but I think it's about the same whether you connect there or Denfert Rochereau). So if your plane arrives on time and you only have carry-on luggage it should be feasable to get the 9:05. The real nightmare at CDG is waiting for luggage.

To avoid wasting time, do not check in any luggage, buy several RER tickets so you don't have to purchase one each time you travel (they do not have to be used the day of purchase, you know). Also, buy your train tickets online if you know your dates ahead of time. They send the tickets internationally, not just in France. You can also print your ticket online and you just show up with it on the train along with a piece of ID. The only drawback with the print&go ticket is that they are not exchangeable nor refundable, but internet deals are usually so good that it shouldn't be an issue. I think it would be the best solution for you.

If your plane or luggage is late, just aim for the direct 10:27, it's less hassle than going through Paris.