Thank you that is my plan to purchase whatever i can transportation wise. Just wasn't sure the ideal way though. Thank you for your itinerary. I might just try to use your route haha.
The best and easiest way is to open google maps when you arrive at the airport and ask for directions to Gare Montparnasse. It will guide you through the airport to the train stop at the airport and tell you which trains are due to arrive and what routes you can take. Miss one train and it will tell you the next option. Super easy - I use this method anytime I arrive in a new city now. It gives you train and bus options and will generally tell you which ones are quicker and which ones have the least amount of transfers. It also tells you how many stops until you get off the train. Which is very helpful when you can't hear/understand the overhead announcements on the train!
I recommend that you take the RER B line train from the metro station in Charles de Gaulle and get off at Dendert- Rochereau station. From there you can walk, take a bus or a taxi to Gare Montparnesse.
Thanks! Yes, I'm beginning to think staying in Bayonne might be a wise decision. It's a long day landing in Paris! Do you know where you are staying in Bayonne yet?
I am staying at the Ibis Styles Bayonne Centre Gare. It is a little pricey but I wanted a good night's sleep after a long trip from the states. I was told it is only 2 blocks from the train station.
2 blocks sounds like a good reason to pay a little more! I'm assuming you're taking a very early train to SJPDP? The more I think about your idea, the more I like it. It'll help recover from the flight over to Paris and will get you into SJPDP earlier the next day.
So... I am arriving in Paris at 10:30am, but there are no trains until the evening (well, no TICKETS available). I am arriving in Bayonne at midnight. This means - I will be tired - but I do get to spend a day in Paris. I will take the trains to Gare Montparnasse and drop by backpack off in luggage hold. Then I will explore the city until time to go back to the train station. Once I arrive in Bayonne - I will stay at the Ibis because it is super close to the train station, easy walking distance, AND they have late night checkin and a noon checkout time allowing me to sleep in if needed. The disadvantage to this is I will be VERY tired when I get to Bayonne. The advantage is - it will force me to stay awake during my first day - which always helps me get used to the different time zone. I will however have to set my alarm - because I undoubtedly will sleep VERY well that first night! Anyhow - I would have preferred an afternoon train to Bayonne - but this will work out just fine!
I am going to take my time getting to SJPDP. I am not leaving until 11:24am the next day. When I fly over, I am checking my backpack to Paris and traveling with a smaller backpack with my non-hiking clothes and shoes. I am staying about 3 months in Spain, so I am in no hurry. Gathering all my luggage, I will take the train to Bayonne. Then, I have a room at a B&B in SJPDP for the next night. I then begin my walk on my 3rd day in Spain.
If you don't mind taking the metro with your bags, take RER B from CDG to Châtelet Les Halles or Denfert Rochereau, then transfer to Metro line 4 to Montparnasse.
You have a plan! That's all that matters! I'm hoping to spend a day or two in Paris when I'm done!
Yes - if you haven't done Paris before - definitely do it! I have done all the "must see" things, so I am not as concerned about Paris.
****JUST LEARNED THAT THE RER B LINE IS SUBJECT TO DISRUPTION DUE TO MODERNIZATION AND CONSTRUCTION ON THAT LINE. STARTED AT LEAST 2 TO 3 MONTHS AGO FROM WHAT I'VE READ AND AND WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE INTERMITTENT DISRUPTIONS UNTIL THE YEAR 2025!!!
That was my initial plan as well until i decided to spend an extra day in Paris. that said - I am still using RER B
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Sirron-- see my modified post-- RER line is being modernized and will have intermittent shut-downs and disruptions of services for several more years! See airport website for guidance on this. Surface transport is available but will eat up much more time!
I take the RER B from the airport to Denfert/Rochereau and take the short walk to Montparnasse. It is good to stretch my legs after the flight from the USA.
I wouldn't want to try to get to SJPdP on the same day, but others have done it.
We are going the same day but I bought my train tix a couple months ago. I understand the Tix sell out. You may want to try and see what’s available prior to arriving in Paris. The other alternative may be to rent a car and drop it off in Bayonne and the take the train from Bayonne to SJPDP
