What is the best method of getting from Charles De Gaulle Airport to downtown?

Question

Would it be less stressful to take a taxi or private shuttle? I know it would be much more expensive, but after 13 hours of travel, would it be worth it?

Or should I just quit whining and suck it up?

Answer 1

From CDG airport there are buses (every 15 minutes and 8.50 euros/ticket) going to the main points of the city. I'll suggest to use the bus which stops to the Garnier Opera, just the center of Paris. From here it will be easy to go at your hotel.

Answer 2

Use the train...its only a few minutes walk from the airport....trains are regular and efficient and will take you to the main stations in town that connect to the metro..

You could get out at say one of the main stations eg Gare du Nord or which ever is closer to your hotel....and take a taxi from there, or you can go on the metro from there ....you will need another ticket i think...but don't quote me on that...I got a carte orange which only allowed me in zones 1 and 2 i think, and the RER is out further .....the metro is extensive and you apparently will never need to walk more than 500m to a station!

After 13hrs you will find you are still running on fumes for a while afterwards and its nice to get out and walk etc and you can chill out on the train.

Answer 3

You should be aware that the taxis and private shuttles can be ridiculously expensive.  On top of the basic distance charge, they levy a surcharge per item of luggage and for travel to or from airports/stations.

A better bet, being both cheaper and quicker, would be to catch the RER train which travels direct from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle to downtown (Chatelet les Halles.)  Alternatively, catch the Air France shuttle bus to l'Arc de Triomphe - these run every 15 minutes from about 5am-11pm.

Finally, you should bear in mind that the French drive like lunatics, so getting a taxi after a long flight may be MORE stressful !!!

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Answer 4

You can get one of the airport shuttles to your hotel for little more than the price of the Buses or Trains. When you're tired and jet lagged it can be worth the small extra expense. Traveling on public transportation with luggage can be a nightmare.

Check out the Blue Vans for example. http://www.paris-blue-airport-shuttle.fr... . Two people traveling to the same hotel and reserving in advance can pay as little as 14.50 euros per person.

Taxis are rather costly with a trip into central Paris costing roughly 55-60 euros.

Answer 5

Air France bus is a good way.

They'll charge U 12 euros to l'Arc de Triomphe as James B said but be carfull there are 3 or 4 busses make sure wich one to take. After the bus drops U Ucat take a txi to ur exact location for few euros.

I usually walk.

Answer 6

There is a direct RER going to downtown. It will be MUCH cheaper than taking a taxi

Answer 7

Take le metro

Ca c'est meilleur!