Hi!

Sorry for posting off-topic concerning the Paris Metro, but since my French
language is very limited, I cannot really post into french groups. I hope to
find English languagepeople here that know Paris a bit, and like to share
some advice.

My question is: What is the best way to get from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport
(landing: 20 min past 8pm, weekday) to the Porte de Bagnolet, and what
prices can be expected?
I found, using the routeplanner on www.ratp.fr that following can be used:
Bus 351 (45mins, ticket: orange 5? price: ?)
Combination of RER, and Metro ligne 4 and 3 (2 changes, 1:05h, ticket/Price:
7,5 Euro?)
What would a taxi (4 person) for this journey be approx.?

How good are the signs around the Airport? Is it easy to find the way from
Terminal 1 to the Bus/RER-Station?

Thanks!
Ralf

Again, apologies for posting this to UK/London group, but I will get even
less results if I try my french...

On Mon, 18 Apr 2005 13:16:42 +0200, "Ralf Hermanns"
wrote:

Hi!

Sorry for posting off-topic concerning the Paris Metro, but since my French
language is very limited, I cannot really post into french groups. I hope to
find English languagepeople here that know Paris a bit, and like to share
some advice.

My French is OK and I've been to Paris loads of times.

My question is: What is the best way to get from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport
(landing: 20 min past 8pm, weekday) to the Porte de Bagnolet, and what
prices can be expected?
I found, using the routeplanner on www.ratp.fr that following can be used:
Bus 351 (45mins, ticket: orange 5? price: ?)

This is a direct bus which looks to be express for quite a part of the
journey. As it is rather long you need to validate for the number of
sectors covered. For your trip you will cover 7 sectors and therefore
you need to validate 3 tickets per person. Best thing to do is buy a
couple of Carnets at 10.50 euros which means each trip is 3.15 euros per
person as opposed to buying full price single tickets at 1.40 euros per
ticket which would mean you would pay 4.20 euros per person (3 tickets
per person). Most Paris bus routes are now flat fare but the 351 is not.
I know that all sounds a bit complicated but if you have luggage it will
be far more convenient that using the RER and Metro as you will need to
change twice.

Combination of RER, and Metro ligne 4 and 3 (2 changes, 1:05h, ticket/Price:
7,5 Euro?)

I agree with this. My first look at the route involves changing at Gare
du Nord to the Metro. Be warned that the interchange at Gare Du Nord is
very big and the walks are quite long between the lines. You will also
go in and out of ticket gates between the various systems. I can't
recall what the interchange is like between lines 4 and 3 at Republique.

I see that the ratp search result sends you via Chatelet Les Halles -
that's one of the biggest underground stations I've ever been in and
again some of the connections can be quite long.

If you have not been to Paris before then when using the RER you need to
look for the destination of the train. There is usually a big display
showing where the trains stop - typically all trains serve the main
central area stations but the service pattern becomes more irregular if
you travel beyond the centre of Paris. There are also 4 letter codes for
the different services - there is usually an explanatory list on the
platform that says where the train stops - you really only need that if
you travel to the suburbs as I do. Travelling from the Airport won't be
a problem though as the trains start there and head into Paris.

On the Metro remember both the line number and the end destination as
the signage works on "direction Nation" or "direction La Defense".
Therefore when considering what way to go look for your station and then
follow the line to the end station to determine the direction you want.
There are lists of stations on signs to direct you to the platforms. I
got horribly lost once but that's only because I assumed (wrongly) that
the signs would like the tube in London. It's easy once you get the hang
of it.

What would a taxi (4 person) for this journey be approx.?

No idea - I rarely if ever use taxis.

How good are the signs around the Airport? Is it easy to find the way from
Terminal 1 to the Bus/RER-Station?

It is a very long time since I have flown to Paris - I tend to take the
train!. My experience of most airports is that there is very clear
signage to local transport. Using the local maps on the RATP website it
is clear to me that the 351 bus stop is just outside terminal one and is
beside the express Roissybus link to central Paris. It is also beside
the RER station at Terminal 1 so simply aim yourself in the direction of
the buses and trains to Central Paris and you will find the stop for the
351. Having eventually found a guide to the airport that makes some
sense if would appear the exit 30 on the arrivals level is the door to
head for in order to find the buses. There is a tourist information desk
just outside where you leave the baggage reclaim / customs area and
enter the main passenger terminal.

http://www.adp.fr/webadp/a_cont01.nsf/0/39D43CF84AA356F9C1256D88004C5EC7/$File/Guide%20Pratique_CDG_2003.pdf

but it is in French. There are maps though of terminal one and the
"quitter aeroport" section on page 82 gives details of how to leave the
airport via the various modes. "Navette" means shuttle bus.

Thanks!
Ralf

Again, apologies for posting this to UK/London group, but I will get even
less results if I try my french...

No problem.

I hope the above information proves to be of some help to you. Out of
all of the options I'd use the 351 bus as it is simple and direct.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!

Just to add to Paul's (excellent and helpful) reply....

In message , Paul Corfield
writes
On Mon, 18 Apr 2005 13:16:42 +0200, "Ralf Hermanns"
wrote:

Hi!

Sorry for posting off-topic concerning the Paris Metro, but since my French
language is very limited, I cannot really post into french groups. I hope to
find English languagepeople here that know Paris a bit, and like to share
some advice.

My French is OK and I've been to Paris loads of times.
I work quite often in Paris and speak French.

Remember that virtually any staff you encounter around the airport will
speak at least some English. However, they can get a bit wound up at
"les Anglo-Saxons" (English-speakers who just *assume* everyone speaks
English). You'll find, if you just being with "Excuse-moi, parlez vous
anglais?" or "Vous pourriez m'aidez?" (Excuse me, do you speak English"
or "Could you help me" people will usually go out of their way to help.

Please also note that the French themselves hardly ever refer to this
airport as "Charles de Gaulle". In everyday usage, they seem to prefer
to call it "Roissy", after the area in which it is located.

My question is: What is the best way to get from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport
(landing: 20 min past 8pm, weekday) to the Porte de Bagnolet, and what
prices can be expected?
I found, using the routeplanner on www.ratp.fr that following can be used:
Bus 351 (45mins, ticket: orange 5? price: ?)

This is a direct bus which looks to be express for quite a part of the
journey.
It is indeed express (subject to the ravages of the A1 autoroute which
can be horrendous but Monday evening into Paris is as free flowing as
you're likely to get!)

As it is rather long you need to validate for the number of
sectors covered. For your trip you will cover 7 sectors and therefore
you need to validate 3 tickets per person.
I *think* you can actually buy a single ticket at the *cost* of three
tickets, if you see what I mean. However, Paul's suggestion of buying
carnets will work out cheaper.

Best thing to do is buy a
couple of Carnets at 10.50 euros which means each trip is 3.15 euros per
person as opposed to buying full price single tickets at 1.40 euros per
ticket which would mean you would pay 4.20 euros per person (3 tickets
per person). Most Paris bus routes are now flat fare but the 351 is not.
I know that all sounds a bit complicated but if you have luggage it will
be far more convenient that using the RER and Metro as you will need to
change twice.
The RER from the Airport is a pain for many destinations and the 351 bus
is indeed a good bet.

Combination of RER, and Metro ligne 4 and 3 (2 changes, 1:05h, ticket/Price:
7,5 Euro?)

I agree with this. My first look at the route involves changing at Gare
du Nord to the Metro. Be warned that the interchange at Gare Du Nord is
very big and the walks are quite long between the lines. You will also
go in and out of ticket gates between the various systems. I can't
recall what the interchange is like between lines 4 and 3 at Republique.
If you think some interchanges in London are long, those in Paris are
often (with a few exceptions) truly unbelievable. I have frequently
walked further than I have travelled on the metro when changing lines.
Some 15 years of visiting Paris pretty intensively have still given me
no mental idea of which interchanges are better or worse for this!

I see that the ratp search result sends you via Chatelet Les Halles -
that's one of the biggest underground stations I've ever been in and
again some of the connections can be quite long.
There are a couple of cross platform possibilities at Chatelet Les
Halles but as Paul said, some of the interchanges can be very long
indeed, putting things like Bank-Monument in the shade.

That said, the signage on the Metro/RER is excellent, once you crack the
system of always following signs for the "direction", ie the number and
ultimate destination of the train you want to catch.

What would a taxi (4 person) for this journey be approx.?

No idea - I rarely if ever use taxis.
Taxis for journeys outside the City of Paris (which CdG is) do not have
to be metered, so you'd need to agree a price with the driver first. I
understand that they often *do* use meters for such journeys; its just
that they're not obliged to.

Whatever it costs will be well in excess of using the 351, though.

How good are the signs around the Airport? Is it easy to find the way from
Terminal 1 to the Bus/RER-Station?
There are plentiful; signs for the RER. The 351 picks up outside
Terminal 1 (arrivals level) and the stop has both the RATP sign and the
"351" in a circle. Don't confuse it with the "Roissybus" which picks
up nearby (and costs more). If in doubt ask for "Autobus RATP"
(pronounced "Air - Aaah - Tehy- Pay"!) and staff will show you!

Bon voyage!
--
Ian Jelf, MITG
Birmingham, UK

Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk

On Mon, 18 Apr 2005, Ian Jelf wrote:

On Mon, 18 Apr 2005 13:16:42 +0200, "Ralf Hermanns"
wrote:

Sorry for posting off-topic concerning the Paris Metro, but since my
French language is very limited, I cannot really post into french
groups. I hope to find English languagepeople here that know Paris a
bit, and like to share some advice.

Remember that virtually any staff you encounter around the airport will
speak at least some English. However, they can get a bit wound up at
"les Anglo-Saxons" (English-speakers who just *assume* everyone speaks
English).

Unlikely to get wound up at the OP, then - he's German!

tom

--
solvilvitur ambulando. copy a diamond shape, recording angel. .. ..

Paul Corfield wrote:

Admits to working for London Underground!

Now, how often do you get help with the Paris Metro from an employee of
LU? Not very often, I'll warrant.
--
Michael Hoffman

In message ,
Tom Anderson writes
On Mon, 18 Apr 2005, Ian Jelf wrote:

On Mon, 18 Apr 2005 13:16:42 +0200, "Ralf Hermanns"
wrote:

Sorry for posting off-topic concerning the Paris Metro, but since my
French language is very limited, I cannot really post into french
groups. I hope to find English languagepeople here that know Paris a
bit, and like to share some advice.

Remember that virtually any staff you encounter around the airport will
speak at least some English. However, they can get a bit wound up at
"les Anglo-Saxons" (English-speakers who just *assume* everyone speaks
English).

Unlikely to get wound up at the OP, then - he's German!

Memo to self: "read the headers!" :-))

Sorry, Ralf!
--
Ian Jelf, MITG
Birmingham, UK

Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk

My question is: What is the best way to get from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport
(landing: 20 min past 8pm, weekday) to the Porte de Bagnolet, and what
prices can be expected?

Thanks to all of you, esp. Paul, for the excellent advice on this trip. I do
appreciate it a lot, I did not at all expect that much detail and info -
"admits to working for LU"... I am very confident, you could change and work
for RATP anyday!

Let me ask one more thing, if I may: You said, I needed 3 ticket for each
person on the Bus 351 - where did you find this bit on Information? I turned
the German and English Version of www.ratp.fr upside down, and even took a
deep look into the french page, but I did not find it.
And how is it done, in reality? Upon boarding (we are 4) I move to the
Validator machine, and stamp 12 tickets? If a fare inspector wants to
validate us, each one gives 3 tickets? Or do you have to stamp them as you
run along the route?

I have been to France before (as someone noted, I am from Germany, and it is
only 280 miles by car) but I have never flown there. The only reason I do
fly now is my old parents want to see Paris (hey, I told them London is
better, but the did not listen), and have never before flown in their lives,
so I connected that, and want to make sure that I am well-prepared for
everything. Once I am into central Paris, I know my way quite well. I do
understand and read french, I just cannot speak or write it very well...


Cheers, you all have been tremendous help!
Ralf

"Ralf Hermanns" wrote in message
...
My question is: What is the best way to get from Charles-de-Gaulle
Airport
(landing: 20 min past 8pm, weekday) to the Porte de Bagnolet, and what
prices can be expected?

You could also try posting on the misc.transport.rail.europe newsgroup.
Cheerz,
Baz

"Ralf Hermanns" a écrit dans le message de
...
My question is: What is the best way to get from Charles-de-Gaulle
Airport
(landing: 20 min past 8pm, weekday) to the Porte de Bagnolet, and what
prices can be expected?

Thanks to all of you, esp. Paul, for the excellent advice on this trip. I
do
appreciate it a lot, I did not at all expect that much detail and info -
"admits to working for LU"... I am very confident, you could change and
work
for RATP anyday!

Let me ask one more thing, if I may: You said, I needed 3 ticket for each
person on the Bus 351 - where did you find this bit on Information? I
turned
the German and English Version of www.ratp.fr upside down, and even took a
deep look into the french page, but I did not find it.
And how is it done, in reality? Upon boarding (we are 4) I move to the
Validator machine, and stamp 12 tickets? If a fare inspector wants to
validate us, each one gives 3 tickets? Or do you have to stamp them as you
run along the route?

SNIP

I haven't looked for confirmation on-line, but as far as I know the need for
3 urban RATP (bus/metro) tickets here is based on the number of 'sections'
that the journey traverses (these are shown on the relevant route maps, 1
ticket per 2 sections). The conventional practice used to be to stack the
tickets *for each traveller* into the most compact form possible without
bending them, and 'validate' them as a group in a single operation (repeated
with another set of tickets for the next passenger) at the start of travel.
But maybe there's a new high-tech way now...
--
Regards,

- Alan (in Brussels)

On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 10:00:42 +0200, "Ralf Hermanns"
wrote:

My question is: What is the best way to get from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport
(landing: 20 min past 8pm, weekday) to the Porte de Bagnolet, and what
prices can be expected?

Thanks to all of you, esp. Paul, for the excellent advice on this trip. I do
appreciate it a lot, I did not at all expect that much detail and info -
"admits to working for LU"... I am very confident, you could change and work
for RATP anyday!

Thanks for the kind comments but I try to be helpful as I know how
confusing it can be trying to get to grips with transport systems. You
haven't heard me speak French so I think RATP might struggle a bit with
me working in their offices.

Let me ask one more thing, if I may: You said, I needed 3 ticket for each
person on the Bus 351 - where did you find this bit on Information? I turned
the German and English Version of www.ratp.fr upside down, and even took a
deep look into the french page, but I did not find it.

You need to go to the "s'infomer" (inform yourself) section and then
select "titres de transport" (tickets and passes). Under the "ticket t"
option (which I assume translates to single trip tickets) look for the
text on buses and trams.

If my translation skills are working properly what that says is that
nearly all bus and tram routes in Paris and the Ile de France require
one ticket to be stamped for one trip, without interchange, for a
journey of any length. There is then a list of exceptions that includes
the 351. The text then adds that the cost of a trip on these routes
varies by length.

This basically means most bus routes are now flat fare in Paris but this
was not previously the case. You had to validate one single ticket per
section travelled. You therefore needed to consult a map to work out how
many sections your trip traversed and then check to see how many tickets
for that number of sections.

Now I then went to the line diagram for the 351 (click on 351 on the
page or use the link below) to count the sections. Your trip starts in
section 7 at the airport and then finishes at section 1. This equals 7
sections. If you then read the text under the 351 at the left of the
diagram you will see that you need to validate

1 ticket for 1-3 sections
2 tickets for 4-6 sections and
3 tickets for more than 6 sections.

http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif...ue/300/351.gif


And how is it done, in reality? Upon boarding (we are 4) I move to the
Validator machine, and stamp 12 tickets? If a fare inspector wants to
validate us, each one gives 3 tickets? Or do you have to stamp them as you
run along the route?

There is a validation machine beside the driver and you simply take one
ticket and stamp it and repeat until you have enough tickets validated.
You do it all at the beginning and I would simply hand over all the
tickets if you do get a ticket inspection. It's years since I have
experienced a ticket check in Paris though so I would be amazed if you
encounter one.

As I said last time you can buy a ticket on the bus but this will be
more expensive than the Carnet option and it is always useful to have a
carnet in your pocket.

I have been to France before (as someone noted, I am from Germany, and it is
only 280 miles by car) but I have never flown there. The only reason I do
fly now is my old parents want to see Paris (hey, I told them London is
better, but the did not listen), and have never before flown in their lives,
so I connected that, and want to make sure that I am well-prepared for
everything. Once I am into central Paris, I know my way quite well. I do
understand and read french, I just cannot speak or write it very well...

Depending on how much you will be using public transport during your
stay then carnets or a Paris Visite may be useful as a ticket option.
The Paris Visite is the tourist ticket so that is an expensive option. I
usually buy a Mobilis ticket which is the Paris One Day Travelcard
ticket - partly because I stay in the suburbs and thus have a RER return
trip before using Metro and Buses.

The first time you buy one you get a Mobilis card with a serial number
on it and you write your name on this - there is no charge for this. You
also get a magnetic ticket onto which you write the serial number and
date. You can chose various zone combinations but 1 and 2 will work
for central Paris. If you go to La Defense by RER you need Zone 3 but by
Metro Line 1 zones 1&2 work (don't ask!). This is a bit more expensive
as an option that say a Carnet but I like the fact you can ride at will
for a day in the zones you've chosen and not worry about running out of
carnets or having to queue for RER or SNCF tickets if you venture out
further. You can also buy different zone combinations per day and if you
are sure about your travel plans can pre-purchase Mobilis tickets and
just date and serial number them as you need to use them - no queues!

--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!