French transport options explained...

So you've landed in France for the first time. Where to from here? French transport can be daunting for the first time visitor, but be reasurred, the public transport in France is not hard to navigate and it's reliable, cheap and clean.



Getting to France is the easy part, but what do you do when you get there? How do you get from A to B if you're on a tight budget and you can't speak the language? Read on for answers to these and many more questions, plus some tips on how to negotiate the different transport options in France, including car-hire, RER, Metro, TGV, Bus and self-drive.


You could also consider an airport shuttle coach to get you to your hotel accommodation. Check when you book your accommodation if the facility is available and what you will be charged in advance.


For the budget conscious, read on...


Taxi Transfer

Catching a Paris taxi/cab from the airport is a mid-range and hassle free option. Simply follow the signs to the cab ranks. Just make sure you have some euros to cover the fare. The fares are regulated by the Paris police headquarters and must be displayed clearly in the taxi. For concise information on cost and hours of operation... click for Parisian taxis here.

French Transport - TIP 1:
When you travel for France, consider purchasing a travel bag with wheels and extendable handle. There's a vast array of trolley bag sizes and you can choose a budget, one-off brand, or go for a super light and durable version. Either way, these are so much more manoeuvrable for travelling than the traditional suitcase-types and they also save your back.



When I've travelled with kids I've allocated each child with their own personal trolley bag (size depending on child's age) plus a personal backpack for day to day items. Restricting baggage to two items per person reduces the chance of losing or forgetting stuff. This way you're always in contact with your luggage (so important when travelling) and every person still has a hand free (to hold on to a child's hand, hand over a ticket, recieve change, etc., )... giving you more mobility and freedom.




For those with more mobility... even cheaper French transport options...


Train Transfer - RER

The regional express rail network (Réseau Express Régional) of Paris and its surrounds (Île de France), offers reliable and affordable transfers from both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. Be warned: there are eight terminals at Charles de Gaulle. To get to the RER line is different from each. In some cases you may have to take the free automatic light rail service (CDGVAL) or shuttle bus (Aéroports de Paris) to transfer to the RER station. In all cases, look out for the blue and white "RER" signs or "RER Paris par train" ("Paris by Train").

For concise info on how to get from your Airport Terminal to the RER station, click RER Charles de Gaulle to Paris directions or RER Orly and CDG to Paris directions.

Trains usually leave every 10 to 20 mins, operate between 5am and midnight and take approx. 30 mins travel time to Paris. Click here for a PDF map of RER system in Paris.

The approximate cost for transfer by RER from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris by RER is about 8.20 € for adults and 5.80 € for children (4 to 10 yrs).


French Transport - TIP 2:
Don't be fooled by websites offering ordinary shuttle transfers at greatly inflated prices. If you're worried about getting overwhelmed, just remember to take your time when you arrive, don't rush. After you have checked out of immigration and customs, have a break and grab a coffee or tea from one of the cafés in the airport. Here you can take the time to orientate yourself or even ask the waiter for directions if necessary when you are ready to leave.


Bus Transfer

From Charles de Gaulle airport you can catch the Roissybus, which takes you close to the heart of Paris: drop off destination being by the Opera Garnier, which is then easy walking distance to Gare St Lazare Station (main station for links to Metro, RER and TGV). This is a great option if you don't want to struggle with baggage between RER trains and Metro links before you even emerge in Paris. The service is clearly marked "Roissybus", takes a little longer than the train - 45 to 60 mins and operates every 15 to 20 mins from 6 am to 11 pm. Roissybus fare is approx. 9,10 €. Click here for Roissybus map and more info.

From Orly, the Orlybus provides trasfer from Orly airport to Paris, destination Place Denfert-Rochereau. The Orlybus departs usually every 15 mins and takes approx. 30 mins. You will find the Orlybus departure point located at Exit J – arrivals level. The Orlybus fare costs approx. 6,10 €.

Paris Metro