I arrive at Terminal 2F at around 9am. My mother, who is visually impaired, arrives around the same time but at Terminal 1. She will be able to get her luggage and all that, but after that I need to go to Terminal 1 and get her before going to the RER B. She will not be able to navigate that by herself or to take the CDGVAL by herself. My question is: how to I take the CDGVAL from T2 to T1; does that require tickets? Can I take it back to T3 once I collect my mother?
Much appreciate the advise!
1 answer
The CDGVAL shuttle train between CDG Terminals is completely free so there's no tickets and yes you can take CDGVAL from T2 to T1 in about 8 minutes (departing every 4 minutes). Terminal 2 and Terminal 1 are at opposite ends of the CDGVAL train so you'll be riding it across all stations to its terminus at Terminal 1. I believe the CDGVAL train is on Level 4 of Terminal 2 so you'll need to take the elevators or escalator up to Level 4 from arrivals. There will be overhead signs for CDGVAL train thoughout Terminal 2 so you shouldn't have troubles finding the station at T2.
It might be easiest to meet your mother just outside of the Terminal 1 arrivals baggage collection area. Then you two can make your way to Level 2 of T1 to catch the CDGVAL train back to Roissypole (middle station along the line) to take the RER B train into Paris. Or if you prefer a bit more time to enter the train and find seats you could take the CDGVAL with your mother back to Terminal 2 and buy tickets for Paris & board the RER B train at the Terminal 2 train station, which is the terminus/origin station. The RER B trains at T2 train station will be parked here prior to departure and you'll have more time to select a quieter train car and get yourselves seated. The RER B train will only stop momentarily/for a shorter time at Roissypole to pick up passengers from T1 prior to continuing on to Paris.
Hope this helps and feel free to post another question if you have other inquiries.