Paris Metro Question?

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xalynn

Actually, Porte Maillot has both RER and metro stations. As pointed out by Rilifane, the easiest way to go to Gare d'Austerlitz without having to do any changes is to take the RER.

As a matter of fact, the RER and the metro stations at Porte Maillot are at different locations. Have a look at this google map (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=48.879118,2.283343&spn=0.003147,0.006909&z=17&msid=115077796292949825263.00045dc0cab45e2ab7e41 ) as I've marked the locations of the bus station, the RER station and the metro station.

You want to look for RER station called Porte Maillot-Neuilly. Coming out from the bus terminal, cross the road at the side where the bus enter the terminal and walk towards the Palais de Congres. It's the huge building in front of you so you can't miss it. As you arrive by the side walk of the building, there is signpost there (to help guide the Ryanair travellers) with arrow to the right, point in general direction of where to get the RER and metro (ie it's pointing to where there's a lot of traffic going in this huge roundabout to your right).

As you walk round the (short) side and come to the front of the Palais de Congres, if you look straight ahead somewhat to the left, you will see the RER station right there. It's not difficult to find. (Definitely, for most travellers, much easier to spot than trying to location the entrance to the metro system in the area) That station is a standalone small off-white building with RER signage in front of it.

It will not take long for you to get from the bus station to the RER station. 2-3 minutes, taking into account you may have to wait to cross the roads.

Get a ticket (1 zone ticket will do) and then take a RER in the direction of Massy-Palaiseau as previously advised. Stop at Gare d'Austerlitz and the travel time will be just under 30 minutes.

Rillifane

Its quite simple. Just go to the Porte Maillot RER station and take the RER C (Direction : Massy-Palaiseau) which will take you to the Gare d'Austerlitz in about 27 minutes.

In case you do not know what I am talking about when I say "RER", it is the rail system run by the RATP, the same organization that runs the Metro.

The RER lines are completely integrated with the Metro and at stations where the RER crossses the Metro you can transfer between the lines. They use the same tickets and have the same fare structure.

However, while the RER uses the same stations it has difference points of entry so make sure you are going thru the right turnstile and entering the RER portion of the system and not the Metro. It will be clearly marked.

The RER trains are larger than the Metro cars so it will also be easier to lug that suitcase.

NB: By the way, as you struggle to haul that large suitcase around think about the fact the every single travel writer I know of says that packing light is one of the keys to happy traveling. I travel for a month at a time with the contents of one small rolling suitcase and a small carry-on.

Graham I

Rillifan has given you the correct answer - take the RER line C and it's a direct journey with no changes.

To answer your question about metro lines, each line has a number and a unique colour, and the same is also true of the RER system, for example RER line C is yellow.

4Esme

I would take the #1 line in the direction of Chateau de Vincennes and transfer to the #5 line to Les Gobelin.

Rose T

The others have given great answers about getting to Gare d'Austerlitz, so I will just add that there are quite a few stairs at Austerlitz and not an escalator or elevator that I saw. I had quite a struggle with my suitcase when I stayed at a hotel near the station. Pack as light as you can!

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