19. The Airports- Charles de Gualle CDG

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19. The Airports- Charles de Gualle CDG

Updated January 21 2003

*** Note; All the prices I have listed are to used as a guide only. Please check for exact prices. The prices I have listed are in Euros. You can expect to pay at least the amount I have quoted.

Charles De Gaulle Airport is AKA Roissy, because it is located in the northern suburb by that name.

If you are coming into Paris, you will most likely arrive at this airport.

This airport needs remodeling. I for one do not like the "satellite" system, and I do not think you will like it either. But, since this is your holiday, don't let it overwhelm you, and take your time.

CDG has three main terminals. You will most likely arrive at and leave at terminal 1 or 2.

A very important note. If you decide to splurge and take a taxi, you will need to tell the driver which terminal you need, because there are no overhead signs telling you which airline goes out of what terminal. Ask the agent booking your flight,which terminal you will need upon your return to the airport. If you do not have this information before hand, the only way to find out is to drive to the drive thru overhang , get out of the car and try to find your Airline on the Board.

This was not fun, and it was very time consuming for me and the taxi driver. I did not know which terminal I needed, I thought there would be some overhanging signs as we got near the terminal...no! I was flying on Air Lib. Air Lib use to go out of Orly but changed , to CDG,the taxi driver s' map was still showing Orly, So I had a hard time convincing him to take me to CDG. When we arrived at CDG, and got out of the taxi to look for Air Lib on the board, it was not listed yet! We had to actually drive to a terminal; I ran in and checked the screen to find the terminal. It was very time consuming. So a word to the wise.

Of course there are taxis and buses. If you are traveling light, try the RER/metro.

If you need to change money right away, go to either the exchange office located on the arrival level near the exit or one of the ATMs. As I said before it is preferable that you do not change money in the airport, exchange rates are low, commissions are applied, and you'll waste time.

Information stands.

Information stands, marked: "French Renseignements", provides lots of useful information and assistance in English. You may not need this help. But its nice to know that it is there. If you arrive, and decided to "wing it" regarding hotels, you can find same-day hotel bookings here at up to 50 percent discount, a little know and useful service

Transportation from CDG Airport.

The RER -the train service

This is the fastest and most reliable access into Paris from Charles De Gaulle Airport. Count on about forty minutes of travel time to central Paris.

There is a direct access by foot to the RER station at the airport from Terminal2. This is the fastest and the easiest.

if you want you can take the shuttle , but the walk is not so bad.

Follow the signs for RER. From terminal 1 you need to take the free airport shuttle (navette) to the RER station, which is only five minutes away.

Catch the shuttle outside of the terminal. Directly across the street, you will see a little awing, then a small crosswalk. The shuttle will stop there.

Trains run every fifteen to twenty minutes Starting at 5am until 11:45PM, and cost 57 ff per person each way.

Purchase a round trip ticket; also purchase a "carnet" of metro tickets. (A canet is a book of ten metro tickets; this is the cheapest way to go).

Since you are there, you may also want to purchase a "telecom card".

It is nice to have, as you will need this card for the public phones,

The public phones do not accept coins. You get 50 units on a card. I use them to call into the States, to check messages, bank stuff. It's a great way to keep up with how much you spend for phone calls. And a lot cheaper than what the hotel will charge.

The RER stops in Paris at:

Chatelet-Les Halles

Cluny-la Sorbonne

Denfert-Rochereau

Cite Unversitaire

Above the Platform you will see a lighted sign indicating which train is the next to leave (depart) for Paris. The airport is the end of the line, so you can't possibly take the train the wrong way.

Follow the signs for taxis and line up on the sidewalk as the next available taxi pulls up to the curb. Parisians do not share taxis and drivers do not appreciate your attempts to make a deal with the people in front or in back of you in line. I have heard that taxi drivers at not know for their general friendliness. True I have found they are not as "outgoing" as American taxi drivers are. But I have yet to meet a rude or sourly driver. Few speak English. Some smoke, it is their taxi, and I would think twice before asking them to put it out. If you are a smoker... You are going to LOVE Paris!

Others drive around with a dog in the front seat. Rip-offs are not common but nonetheless you should check that the meter starts when you get in. You should have a rough idea of where you are going and not appear hopelessly dependent.

From Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris center, count on50-65 euros at least.

You may be charged at least 1 -2 euros extra for each piece of luggage

Tipping is really up to you, but most people add an extra 3 -5 + for an airport to Paris journey.

Don't over-tip. Count on an hour from the airport to the middle of Paris, depending on time of day and traffic.

Pick up services.

Aside from hotel services and limousines, there are only three main companies offering regular and reliable shuttle and/or pickup services.

Paris Airports Service

Although the last one isn't technically a shuttle.

Airport Shuttle.

Operates seven days a week, year -round and offers a guaranteed service regardless of season or demand. It is around 90-100ff per person for a party of two or more, or 120+ff if you're alone, on of the company's bright blue and yellow eight-passenger minivans will be waiting for you at your terminal at Charles de Gaulle or Orly. No extra charge for luggage. Simply reserve ahead by phone, Fax or e-mail, stating your name, airport, flight number, and time of arrival. Upon landing, but before clearing customs or claiming baggage, you must call the toll free number,

To let the driver know that you have arrived. In normal circumstances, you can expect to be at your hotel about an hour and a half after claiming your luggage.

Airport Shuttle Bookings: you can reserve online at:

Click here: paris-anglo.com : eat. drink. work. play. understand.

Click on the blue bus under Paris Services to book an airport pickup.

Once on the site. Scroll down to: " sections" then click on Arriving by air: this is were you will find the blue bus.

Voyage a Paris. (VAP) Service.

For 7-10+euros +ff per couple (50+ euros for up to four people, 70+euros+ff for five to eight people,) the VAP driver meets your plane holding a sign with your name. If for any reason you don't see him, call the toll free number:

The driver is English-specking and is supposed to be your first guide to the city, your first Parisian contact. The price is guaranteed even if your plane is delayed, and includes luggage handling. 30+euro is a bit more than the RER or even a shuttle, but a bit cheaper than a taxi, and far more convenient.

To Order in advance, call, or Fax VAP at:

Telephone: (33) 01-55-35-38-00

Fax: (33) 01-42-61-21-64

If you must rent a car (I wouldn't, and never will, so I am no help in the car rental department.

Unless you are traveling outside of Paris, there really is no reason to rent a car for the city. Paris transportation system with the Metro is so very easy; you will get the hang of it in no time.

From Orly Airport.

Follow the signs for the RER/Orlyvavl. These trains are accessed directly from both terminals. The Orlyval is a fast, fully -automated train offering a connection service between Orly Airport and the RER (Line B). At a station called:

The trip takes thirty-two minutes to Chatelet in the center of Paris.

The train stops in Paris at:

Cite Unversitaire

Denfert-Rochereau

Cluny-La Sorbonne

St Michel/Notre-Dame

Chatelet-Les Halles

every four to seven minutes from 6am to 10pm Monday through Saturday

between 7amand 11:00pm on Sunday.

Price including uninterrupted use of the metro (subway): 9 euros+ per person each way.

Other transportation for Orly Airport

Air France Airport Bus

Pickup Services/ Shuttle

Here is another great link to help you to getting around in Paris: click here

If the link does not work : just retype / or copy and paste the link above in your browser.

Please call and check for the exact prices. My listed prices are only used as a estimate.

19. The Airports- Charles de Gualle CDG