Getting from CDG to Montparnasse at 5pm on a Friday
Jun 22, 2017, 12:49 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: Aeropaln
Posts: 44
Getting from CDG to Montparnasse at 5pm on a Friday
So I need some advice.
My wife, brother-in-law and I are flying YVR-MUC-CDG with an arrival time in CDG of 17:10.
Im trying to figure out the best/fastest/cheapest way to get to Montparnasse to meet up with the rest of the family.
My initial thought was to take the train and the Metro. This is certainly the cheapest but is it reasonable to do with two large (checked) suitcases and 2 or 3 carry-on bags/suitcases?
Are we better off spending the extra 20€ to sit in traffic in the back of a cab?
While I've lived in Paris and am comfortable with the Metro I'm not really sure what this trip would look like.
Advice?
My wife, brother-in-law and I are flying YVR-MUC-CDG with an arrival time in CDG of 17:10.
Im trying to figure out the best/fastest/cheapest way to get to Montparnasse to meet up with the rest of the family.
My initial thought was to take the train and the Metro. This is certainly the cheapest but is it reasonable to do with two large (checked) suitcases and 2 or 3 carry-on bags/suitcases?
Are we better off spending the extra 20€ to sit in traffic in the back of a cab?
While I've lived in Paris and am comfortable with the Metro I'm not really sure what this trip would look like.
Advice?
Jun 22, 2017, 9:38 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
IIRC one of the airport bus routes goes to Montparnasse. It will be a lot cheaper than a taxi and avoid the risk of a huge fare if traffic is bad but of course it won't save time compared to a taxi and might actually require a bit more time if there are other stops. It's also easier with luggage than the RER and metro combination, especially in rush hour.
Jun 23, 2017, 1:19 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Paris, France
Programs: United, TAP Victoria, AVIOS
Posts: 480
The Bus Direct to Montparnasse first stops at Gare de Lyon. The ride can seemingly take forever to reach Montparnasse. At 3 x 17€ the cost for the Bus is 51€. A taxi to Montparnasse from CDG will cost a flat 55€.
The RER B is 10€ each but will require an awkward connection at probably Denfert Rochereau. If you have a lot of luggage, I wouldn´t attempt it, particularly at rush hour.
No one option can simultaneously be best/fastest/cheapest. In your case however, a taxi, from the official taxi queue, will come close. Do not accept offers from clandestine drivers soliciting from within the terminals.
The RER B is 10€ each but will require an awkward connection at probably Denfert Rochereau. If you have a lot of luggage, I wouldn´t attempt it, particularly at rush hour.
No one option can simultaneously be best/fastest/cheapest. In your case however, a taxi, from the official taxi queue, will come close. Do not accept offers from clandestine drivers soliciting from within the terminals.
Jul 6, 2017, 7:19 am
#5
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,458
The taxis are now flat fee from CDG so getting caught in traffic should not be an issue.
https://www.thelocal.fr/20160229/fla...mes-into-force
https://www.thelocal.fr/20160229/fla...mes-into-force
Jul 12, 2017, 4:01 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. / Washington, DC
Programs: AA PPro/DL PLT, PPass, Marriott / Hilton Gold, JetBlue Mosaic, Hertz Presidents Circle, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,628
Even by bus it will take a long time. They do have a dedicated lane in some portions of the route, but once it enters Paris, it gets stuck on the way to Gare de Lyon.
The bus usually takes 70 - 90 minutes. If I were the OP, I would just take a taxi.
The bus usually takes 70 - 90 minutes. If I were the OP, I would just take a taxi.
Aug 24, 2017, 1:24 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2013
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Gold, AF apologist
Posts: 207
If you are feeling strong and agile with your luggage, why not the RER B to Denfert and then a taxi to Montparnasse? It will be faster (no rush hour traffic) especially if you can get a train that is non-stop to Gare du Nord. Denfert is smaller, so [relatively] easier to exit (or even get off at Port Royal or Luxembourg). Shorter taxi distance = less time waiting around after your long day/ short night of flying.
Mar 15, 2018, 8:15 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Paris, France
Programs: United, TAP Victoria, AVIOS
Posts: 480
A taxi from the official taxi queue will cost 55€. There is no surge pricing and only taxis can use the bus lanes which will get you to Montparnasse faster than any other service.
Do not accept offers from clandestine drivers soliciting from within the terminals.
Do not accept offers from clandestine drivers soliciting from within the terminals.
Mar 15, 2018, 10:30 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,824
If you are feeling strong and agile with your luggage, why not the RER B to Denfert and then a taxi to Montparnasse? It will be faster (no rush hour traffic) especially if you can get a train that is non-stop to Gare du Nord. Denfert is smaller, so [relatively] easier to exit (or even get off at Port Royal or Luxembourg). Shorter taxi distance = less time waiting around after your long day/ short night of flying.
Mar 16, 2018, 2:47 am
#11
Moderator: Flying Blue (Air France & KLM), France and TravelBuzz!
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Paris, France, AF F+ Rouge pour toujours, Flying Blue whatever, LH FTL, HHonors Gold, formerly proud SCC Executive, now IC Ambassador, BA down to nobody, Grand Voyageur Le Club
Posts: 12,400
I would probably avoid using roads to travel from CDG to Montparnasse on a Friday around 5PM. Three carry-ons and two suitcases for three adults would seem to be manageable on the RER. I would take the VAL from T1, switch to RER until Luxembourg and then call a G7 cab via their app to get to Montparnasse.
Mar 16, 2018, 4:09 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 3,682
IIRC one of the airport bus routes goes to Montparnasse. It will be a lot cheaper than a taxi and avoid the risk of a huge fare if traffic is bad but of course it won't save time compared to a taxi and might actually require a bit more time if there are other stops. It's also easier with luggage than the RER and metro combination, especially in rush hour.
Mar 16, 2018, 4:12 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 3,682
I would probably avoid using roads to travel from CDG to Montparnasse on a Friday around 5PM. Three carry-ons and two suitcases for three adults would seem to be manageable on the RER. I would take the VAL from T1, switch to RER until Luxembourg and then call a G7 cab via their app to get to Montparnasse.
Mar 16, 2018, 7:38 am
#14
Moderator: Flying Blue (Air France & KLM), France and TravelBuzz!
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Paris, France, AF F+ Rouge pour toujours, Flying Blue whatever, LH FTL, HHonors Gold, formerly proud SCC Executive, now IC Ambassador, BA down to nobody, Grand Voyageur Le Club
Posts: 12,400
Mar 16, 2018, 10:15 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 3,682
I think we mostly agree. My point was that heading to T1, taking the train and then a cab might save 30 minutes or so, at best. It might well save nothing or even take longer. I am a big proponent of keeping things simple when there is little given up in doing so. Classic example here.