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RER (Regional Trains), Paris
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RER (Regional Trains)
travel through Paris and outside to the suburbs
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Paris RER (Regional Trains) ReviewsTips 1 - 10 of 64  
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RER (Regional Trains): RER Train Doors
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  • Updated By bpacker on October 14, 2004
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  • Press the button! - Paris
    Press the button!
    by bpacker
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    This may seem pretty obvious but I've seen many frustrated travellers cursing colourfully on RER ( suburban trains ) when the doors don't seem to open. Actually all they need to do is to press a wee metallic button on the train door itself. Pushing it will open the heavy doors pneumatically..

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    RER (Regional Trains): RER to Paris
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  • By LizD on June 26, 2004
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  • You can get to Paris from CDG airport by the RER train. If possible take Euro coins with you as you can purchase a ticket from a machine rather than have to wait in a queue at the ticket office. Price as at June 2004 is about E7.80 Once you arrive in Paris this same ticket will take you to your final destination on the metro "as long as you do not leave the station" (ie. go through an exit turnstyle)

    Trains run very regularly, but just beware sometimes you may have to change half way through your journey when you did'nt expect too. Don't worry about it. You will soon get the idea when your still sat down and everyone else is getting off. Just wait at the same platform for the next train.

    You can also use a Paris Visite ticket for Zone 5 on this train but check it's worth it before you buy. If you are not using the metro much for the rest of the day, a single train ticket may be cheaper.

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  • Website: http://www.ratp.fr/
  • Other Contact: www.paris.org/Metro/

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    RER (Regional Trains): Keep your eyes open when going to CDG
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  • By jglsongs on January 3, 2004
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  • There are 2 RER B lines from the city to CDG (DeGaulle Airport); make sure you get on the right line that goes out to CDG. Sometimes it can be confusing: the boards list all the routes and designate whether they're 'long' or 'short' trains. Then when the RER's come in, they are identified by their names, not necessarily the destination.

    One goes to Mitry, the other to CDG. They split after the Aulnay-sous-Bois stop. It may not always be clear which one you're on...but here's a fail-safe clue:

    after the Aulnay-sous-Bois stop, if the train goes into a tunnel, you're on the right track; if you can still look out and still see the sights, get off at the next stop (Sevran-Livry), turn around, and get off at Aulnay for the right one.

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    RER (Regional Trains): RER
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  • Updated By CALSF on September 5, 2005
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  • The RER (Reseau Express Regional) is related to the metro system, but it is not exactly the same. There are fewer stops for one thing. And the RER serves locations outside of Paris such as CDG, Orly Airport, Disney Paris, and Versailles. And there are only 5 lines.

    You can use the RER withing Paris proper. For example, we used the RER when we needed to travel from CDG Etoile in the 17th district to Gare du Nord in the 10th district in order to catch the Thalys train to Brussels. It's faster than the metro as there are fewer stops within Paris. Because of this please be sure of what your exact stop should be.

    And be aware that many RER stations do not have elevators and escalators.

    You may use your metro ticket (or the Paris Visite pass) to access the RER within Paris proper only. For destinations that are further on you will need to purchase a separate ticket for that destination.

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    RER (Regional Trains): The Fast Track through Paris
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  • Updated By BeatChick on April 23, 2006
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  • RER-B train to go to Paris - CDG airport - Paris
    RER-B train to go to Paris -
    CDG airport
    by BeatChick, 1 more photos
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    One of the easiest, fastest ways to get around in Paris is the RER, the express train through Paris that also takes you to regional areas such Chartres or Chatou. If traveling solo, have one suitcase & want to save a bit of cash, the cheapest way to go is via the RER-B train from CDG. It stops conveniently at a few stops in Paris such as Gare du Nord, St-Michel-Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Port-Royal, & Denfert-Rochereau. Because it stops at fewer stations it gets you quickly to where you need to go. I've taken the RER into Paris every trip including when I came into Paris via the Eurostar to Gare du Nord. But be careful in Gare du Nord as it's notorious for pickpockets.

    The other thing I'd caution you on is that many times the ticket machines are difficult to use; this past trip I stood in line with a long line of people as person after person got exasperated when the machine refused to accept his or her credit card. So I just went to the long lines to pick them up in person. This turned out to be a good thing as I was able to get my Metro pass, a carnet of tickets and the return fare to CDG. I believe round-trip fare from CDG to Paris centre is about 15 euro - not a bad deal at all. Remember to keep your ticket with you as you're likely to need it to exit the station. At least it's that way going into CDG. Also, there are Metro cops that may pull you aside to check if you've got your ticket with you. I'd been lucky prior to this trip in that I'd never seen them but ran into them late one night at Barbes Rochechouart stop. I flashed them my Coupon Jaune Metro pass and all was well. I asked if I could take a photo of them for you good folks here at VT to see but they politely declined.

    If you're traveling with other people and can split the cost of a taxi, then that is a much more convenient and cost-effective way to go. Also, taxis are a good idea if you're traveling with young ones or have more than one suitcase.

    Photos: February 2006

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    RER (Regional Trains): Getting back to CDG on the RER with a Stroller
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  • By ChicBaby on February 24, 2005
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  • Car seat toted on to suitcase.Pack on top - Paris
    Car seat toted on to
    suitcase.Pack on top
    by ChicBaby
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    Getting in to Paris was easy. Going back to CDG was a little more tricky for us. First, it's important to understand that trains may use the same main line in Paris, but branches off. If you find out that the train to the airport is on a particular platform, read the signs and make sure that the on-coming train goes to CDG. We couldn't see any signs on the train itself. We had to look at the overhead signs and see what was coming next. Don't forget that you'll have to lift up the stroller and luggage to get in. Once on the train you'll need to know which terminal you should go to. Our e-ticket papers had this information. When you arrive your correct terminal follow everyone and look for the exit. Everyone will be running for the shuttles. You won't miss them now. We had to wait 10 minutes before a shuttle came and although it was a long accordion style bus, we could tell that we might not get in if we waited. So we made sure we were one of the first ones to get in. People were wild and the just were so anxious to get to the planes...So be a little agressive and make sure you get on the bus!

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    RER (Regional Trains): Getting Up and Down with a Stroller RER/Metro
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  • By ChicBaby on February 21, 2005
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  • Small example of stairs in the Metro - Paris
    Small example of stairs in the
    Metro
    by ChicBaby
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    The RER can be a great way to get around Paris. With a toddler and stroller you must take be prepared for anything. Some RER stations have elevators but as we encountered on our arrival to Paris, sometimes they are out of order. In that case, you might have to carry your stroller, baby, backpack, etc. up who knows how many flights of stairs. Escalators may be working one hour, but on your return, they're out of order. You will sure to see someone lugging a suitcase on wheels up and down the stairs. I only mention this to mentally prepare you for anything. My husband and I went to Paris with the belief that we would have to carry the stroller up and down everywhere. It certainly helps if you have an extra hand. We had a system going where I would carry the stroller from the handles and my husband would carry the stroller from the front. We took turns wearing the backpack and every morning, we made sure we didn't over pack!

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    RER (Regional Trains): RER - Regional train
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  • Updated By pieter_jan_v on December 25, 2004
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  • RER - Paris
    RER
    by pieter_jan_v
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    On first sight it is confusing, Paris is served by two train systems: SNCF and RER.
    RER (Réseau Express Régional) are run by the RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens), also running the Paris Metro and Bus system.

    The RER serves the following lines:
    - The RED A-line
    - The BLUE B-line (serving the Orly-Sud & Charles de Gaulle airports)
    - The YELLOW C-line (serving Versailles & Orly)
    - The GREEN D-line

    The RER serves 245 stations.

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    RER (Regional Trains): From Paris to Versailles
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  • Updated By boggild on August 11, 2003
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  • Chateau Versailles seen from the garden - Paris
    Chateau Versailles seen from
    the garden
    by boggild
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    If you're going to Versailles you can save yourself some time (and a few Euros) by buing a combined transportation and entrance ticket.

    The ticket can be bought at all major RER stations. The current price is EUR 20,80 (summer 2003). If you only want to see the main part of the chateau, this ticket is too expensive, but if you also want to see the garden and the two Trianons you'll save a few Euros.

    But saving money is not the main advantage you get from buying this ticket. There is a special entrance for people with ticket, so you'll not have to stand in line to buy tickets at the chateau (and if you're unlucky you can spend a couple or hours doing that).

    To get to Versailles is quite easy. Take RER line C direction Versailles Rive Gauche. Get of at the end station and follow the signs / crowd to the chateau (5 to 10 minutes walk).

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    RER (Regional Trains): EZ trip from CDG to Les Halles / Chatelet
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  • By Roadquill on January 24, 2005
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  • I took the RER from CDG to Les Halles/Chatelet metro for 7.95 euro fully armed with backpack, camera bag, rolling suitcase and rolling ski bag. Admittedly it was noon and the train was only 1/3 full. I was able to pick up a ticket at the airport station machine which took my Wells Fargo money card with even requiring my code. Getting off the train and negotiating through the Les Halles metro was no big deal and the locals were very helpful.

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