ParisByTrain.com

[1JJM]

Hi Ben,

I need to go from CDG to Orly for my connecting flight in May 2009. My flight at CDG arrives at 11:00 a.m. from New York/JFK and my flight at Orly leaves at 4:15 p.m. (16:15) for Lourdes---5.25 hours between flights. I was thinking of taking the Les Cars Air France shuttle to get from CDG to Orly. I suppose I have enough time to do the transfers by bus, right? Or, should I book a private shuttle transfer or get a taxicab?

However, I have limited mobility issues lately---which started just a few months ago. I use a cane for support, not much for walking, but more for climbing up steps and stairs which is quite a struggle at times (going down the steps is more manageable for me). I wonder if the Les Cars Air France shuttle buses have a ramp or any assistive device or equipment to help people with disabilities or with limited mobility to get on and off, or up and down the coach buses. I have taken these buses about twice several years ago; I didn't have mobility issues then, and so I don't remember how accessible these coaches are for the disabled or for those with limited mobility problems. Now, I have difficulty getting up steps which are quite high---more than 6 or 7 inches high. My main problem is getting up the steps of the bus.
Does the staff/driver provide assistance? Otherwise, I would have to book the more expensive private shuttle transfers or take a taxicab.

I'm sure the drivers of the private shuttle transfers would definitely have to assist the passengers get on and off their vehicles since it's part of what they are paid to do...but obviously it costs the most! Would a taxicab be cheaper for one person from CDG to Orly? Please let me know what you think is the best thing for me to do. Thanks is advance!

1JJM

[ben]

Hi 1JJM,

You have plenty of time to make your transfer from CDG to Orly.

People in general are quite helpful in Paris, regardless of whether it's their job (such as a driver) or not. For example, mother's requiring help getting up and down stairs with strollers never have issues: someone always offers to help them lift the stroller up/down the stairs with them.

I'm reviewing your itinerary in my head and I'm thinking that taking the RER B train + Orlyval shuttle train would actually be better for your situation than Les Cars Air France, which, as you said, have steep steps at the entrance to mount the coach.

At CDG, to the best of my memory, you will not have mobility issues. All levels are accessible by escalator and normal-height-step stairs, including the train station platforms. I cannot remember seeing elevator access to the actual train platforms at either CDG Terminal 1 or 2 as it has been a few months since I was last there. But, there are escalators for certain.

As for the RER B train, it should easily accessible at both CDG and at Antony station, which the RER B connects to the Orlyval shuttle train which stops directly at Orly South and Orly West. There are no high-step requirements. I think the engineers had this in mind since most people would be travelling with heavy luggage and they made the height difference between the platform and the train itself as minimal as possible. Roll-on suitcases can literally be rolled on at these two stations (Antony/CDG T1 & T2).

Keep in mind that Orlyval train fare (7,40€) is not included in the normal CDG to Paris train fare (8,40€). More information on getting to Orly from Paris by train.

Let me know if anything is unclear.

Best regards,

Ben

[1JJM]

Hi Ben,

Thank you for your reply. However, the trains are not one of the options I'm considering because of the following reasons namely, it will take longer to get from CDG to Orly compared to the coach bus, cab, and private shuttle transfer; the train fares would cost me just about the same as the Les Cars coach (16-19 Euros); I'm already coming from a long transatlantic flight---New York---plus of course, my limited mobility issue might be a factor when my legs start getting tired and exhausted with all the walking, transfers, and moving around involved when going from one station to another while dragging luggage around. Also, I normally like to get to the airport with a lot of time before my flight leaves so I have more than enough time to rest, eat, and maybe shop a little bit.

I suppose my main concern first and foremost is time, comfort and convenience; then comes price/cost of travel next. Assuming no flight delays and time constraints at CDG, Les Cars would be the best choice for me since it will only cost me less than 20 Euros for the fare and transit time is approximately an hour or less between the two airports. Besides, I wouldn't have to worry about transfers and dragging luggage along the way. Assuming I can board the bus on my own (getting up the steps), or hopefully with someone's help if I encounter some difficulty climbing up, then I should be fine once on board the coach. I can manage getting out of the bus on my own once I get to Orly West.

In case there are delays of some sort at the airport, or I encounter problems boarding the coach, then I can always take the taxicab as my second choice---more convenient, but also more expensive (50-55 Euros?) The private shuttle transfer which I took before is definitely the most convenient and priciest of all, with the "meet and greet" service---and must be booked in advance (70-90 Euros). I figured that if all goes well with no delays and time constraints at CDG, and if Les Cars is accessible enough for me, or with someone's help, then I wouldn't have to worry about the other two more expensive options and be able to save some money as well. I just happen to get a little paranoid because I missed a connecting flight a few years ago from CDG to Orly when my flight got delayed at CDG and the private shuttle transfer car got stuck in traffic on the road (I had less than 4 hours between flights and missed it by only 20 minutes!). I had to pay for the expensive private transfer plus a new plane ticket.

What do you think? Should I take the Les Cars coach as my first option then? Thanks in advance for your anticipated response.

JJM

[1JJM]

Hi Ben,

I've been rethinking your suggestion regarding the RER B train from CDG2 to Antony, and then the Orlyval from Antony to Orly West. It seems that this trip whole will take just a little over an hour--- slightly longer than the Les Car Air France coach and costs almost just the same. Considering the time, money, convenience and accessiblity factors, I suppose I can consider it if you think that it is still my best option. Please let me know. I appreciate all your help and suggestions.

Thanks,
JJM