CDG/T1 to Montparnasse (RER vs Les Cars)

[Chatquipeche]

We have a 2 1/2 hour time frame between scheduled arrival of flight into CDG, Terminal 1 (no checked luggage) and TGV departure from Gare Montparnasse. Would you take RER (with all the transfers: CDGVAL->RER/B->Metro/6) or Air France bus "Les Cars"?

Merci!

[ben]

Assuming your plane lands on time and considering you have no checked luggage and if the wait until the next Air France coach is short (it can be up to 30 minutes), it might be nicer/simpler to just take the Les Cars Air France from CDG to Montparnasse, switch the brain off and relax until you arrive at Gare Montparnasse.

The downside is that it's more expensive: 16,50€ vs. 8,70€; subject to greater variance in travel time depending on street traffic, infrequent departures (one bus per 30 minutes as opposed to every 10 minutes for the RER B train from CDG to Paris).

Door 34 at Terminal 1 Arrivals level is the Les Cars Air France stop. Check with the ticket office there for the next bus departure and if it's within the next 10 minutes, that would seem like a reasonable option. I wouldn't wait 30 minutes for another bus though.

Best regards,

Ben

[Chatquipeche]

Yes, Ben, it will be a "push," but given all the connections necessary on the RER option, I'm leaning toward Les Cars. I've also been told that the Montparnasse Metro entrance is a long way from the train departure area, whereas the AF Bus lets passengers off closer--not so confusing for the first time traveler in Montparnasse. We have our tickets, so we just head for the right TVG!

There are uncertainties in everything we do in life, and sometimes we just have to make a choice and hope for the best.

I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to respond in this informative way.

With regards,

Michael

[ben]

Glad I could help, Michael.

It's true that the walk between the Metro and Gare Montparnasse can be long, up to 10 minutes depending on which line you're arriving from.

Les Cars Air France should arrive on Rue du commandant Mouchotte, Paris which will be closer than Montparnasse Bienvenue Metro station.

Have a great trip,

Ben