Orly, CDG, and Paris Help?
 

Looks like I'm going to be flying into CDG but staying at the Hilton Orly Airport, and was wondering if any of my FlyerTalk friends could give me info on the best public transport from one airport to the other.

Also, while I'm staying at Orly, is there convienent public transport to the center of Paris?

I know CDG and Paris very well, but have never been to Orly in my life. Thanks in advance for any advice/info.

Premex:
There are many possibilities. The RER "B" line from CDG continues on thru Paris and becomes B4 on the left bank. Take this to the "Antony" station. From here there is a shuttle train called I beleive "Orlyval" to Orly airport. This, of course can get you back into Paris. Also from Orly to Paris, there used to be, and I believe still is, the "JetBus". This is a bus from the exit doors, in one of the stalls to the far right,that takes you directly to the Villejuif-Louis Aragon Metro station. I beleive that this is the cheapest way into Paris from Orly and what I used to take when CO flew into Orly. Note that its tricky coming back, in that the Metro stairs take you into a bus terminal when exiting. The bus back to Orly must be picked up on the street. Look for a "cutout" on the curb at the far right (head) of the bus station. That is where the return bus stops.
I know the system pretty well and will be going to CDG on Thursday this week. E-mail me if you have more questions or need any literature.
Note: If flying intoTerminal 2 at CDG, the main AF/CO/DL terminal, you need to buy an RER ticket in the terminal. When you exit customs, go right down a long moving sidewalk. At the end go Left and down the escalators to the RER level. The ticket office will be on your left when you get off the escalator. THe ticket to central Paris was about 40-50 francs last year.

[This message has been edited by Vulcan (edited 03-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Vulcan (edited 03-07-2000).]

Thanks Vulcan! It sounds like the RER/Orlyval option might be the best for me.

My flight arrives at Terminal 1 (United) and I know how to catch the shuttle bus to the RER station.

A question you might be able to answer that I can't find on the official RATP web site...Is the Paris Visite pass available for sale in Paris, or is it one of those you need to purchase here in the States?

Premex,
I purchased my Paris visite pass at my hotel the Hilton CDG airport located at the CDG airport. I believe you can also buy them at the train station at the CDG airport. It costs 100FF and was good for unlimited travel metro/bus for a whole day. Remember to copy the pass number onto your Metro ticket....

I bought one for each day that I was there because I didn't know how much it would cost coming for the outer zones into Paris each day. It was easier that way...

Enjoy!

Premex: I'll bring you some Orly-Paris links informations to New York next week.

visit Paris tickets: available at the métro stations at CDG. But I prefer the cheaper 'carte orange' tickets (weekly, monthly) which are what the locals take and are cheaper (bring a photo with you).

Between the two airports, Air France has a direct bus service. If you were connecting with an AF flight, the bus is free. Otherwise you have to buy a ticket. I'm pretty sure that this is the cheapest and probably the fastest alternative. There's no transferring to RER stations, then transferring again to the Orlyval (which I believe is quite expensive in itself). Just one bus ride airport to airport.



[This message has been edited by Austman (edited 03-08-2000).]

The Orlyval option can be quite confusing. In my opinion the Air France bus is much cheaper. When I go into Orly I take the Air France Bus. It stops at Orly Sud and Orly Ouest and then goes into Paris stopping at Porte d'Orleans, Montparnasse, Duroc, Invalides. The bus runs every 12 minutes and the fare is 45FF one way or 75FF round trip. You won't find an easier method to transfer between Orly and Paris.


As far as the metro goes Rudi is correct as usual the best bet is to purchase a Carte Orange ticket at the metro station if you are going to travel a lot. You would need a weekly pass and it is cheaper than buying a 100FF Visite pass every day. In fact if you think you are going to travel just on the metro here and there consider just buying a carnet (pack of ten tickets) for 55FF.

When are you going to be in Paris? I am in the process of moving there for a two year assignment (it will be tough but somebody has to do it!)

The bus is always an option. However, both times I took it into Paris reslted in 1 1/2 rides (while the RER is < 30 mins). Think of taking a bus from JFK to NYC in the rush hour. Paris may be one of the few cites that are worse. Still, if you arrive after rush hour, it is a consideration. There is probaby a bus that goes directly from CDG to ORY, as well. If your intent is to go straight from CDG to Orly, and it is rush hour, you risk two traffic jams, one north of Paris and the other SOuth. The ring road (Peripherique) is a giant parking lot in rush hour.
Since I will be in Paris, this week, I'll pick up anything I can find and bring it to the DO.

The Air France CDG-ORY bus certainly exists because I've been on it and they announced it again when I was at CDG 3 days ago. Outside the rush hours I'd say that it's the fastest and cheapest way between the two airports.

A great post, since I never thought of taking public transportation to MY PARIS!

Normally I'm coming in on the Chunnel train or frightening the taxi Driver with my fractured French. They tell me in very good English "Pleeze no bad French!"

Bon Voyage Mouiseur PremEx! Go say Le MEOW to the beautiful French women on the Champs Elysse for me.

I love Paris in the springtime... yada yada yada!!

I MUST GET BACK!

Thank You to all for the great info! I've just found out from the French Tourist Authority here in Los Angeles, that most of the public services to Orly suspend service at 10:30pm. This is not good for one that after a long day of meetings wants to head to the City of Lights for all it has to offer into the wee hours. Plus the guy at the FTA gave me a funny look and said "You do not want to stay Orly."

Therefore I have begun my pleading for a change of hotel for myself (a nice little inexpensive something in the Latin Quarter would be nice), and then would commute to Orly as required. Will advise.

[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 03-09-2000).]

Premex, the Orly HILTON is a terrible thing to do to you trip to Paris. Inconvenient, far from everything- except the Orly airport.
I'm French, listen to me http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif:

Get a hotel in town. The Libertel chain, which unfortunately just terminated its agreement with mileage plus ( THAT was a great way to use those hotel coupons!!!!!) ;-( is always a decent bet. They have hotels everywhere in Paris, check out their web site.
I like the Grand Turenne, it's a small intimate thing, friendly staff, in the best area of Paris, le Marais. You get off the RER at Chatelet and change to Line 1, it's near the Saint-Paul station.
Buy the 80FF weekly coupon for your travels on the metro/bus, it really is the best deal.

Jet Bus is on strike.

Catch the RER from CDG to Paris. Why were you going to stay at ORLY, are you flying AF domestic?

[This message has been edited by Droneklax (edited 03-10-2000).]

The Hilton Orly is where the company is holding their meetings and has booked us all in there. Like I said, I'm trying to get them to let me off the Orly hook. Will advise. I'm arriving on United at CDG.