Is that a long enough time to get out of the airport and maybe visit the city for a few hours?
Yes. You can take the Roissy Bus and be at the Opera in 60 mins. Depending on time of day, hit up a cafe or go to lunch and wander around for a few hours before heading back.
San said:
Yes. You can take the Roissy Bus and be at the Opera in 60 mins. Depending on time of day, hit up a cafe or go to lunch and wander around for a few hours before heading back.
There are 3 airports serving Paris, this answer isn’t relevant to all and the OP has not specified which one.
@Channing
Good point. Though based on the question, I assumed CDG since I would think anyone flying into ORLY or BVA would have more context for Paris and not be asking this question.
San said:
Yes. You can take the Roissy Bus and be at the Opera in 60 mins. Depending on time of day, hit up a cafe or go to lunch and wander around for a few hours before heading back.
Make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to your gate. Security can be very long sometimes.
Yes, by RER B train. It takes 35-45 min from CDG to Notre Dame. Cost is about $12 USD. A cab would be $55-85 plus traffic!!!
From Google:
The first train from CDG to Paris leaves at 4:50 AM and the last RER B train leaves Charles de Gaulle Airport at 11:50 PM. Your return trip from Paris to CDG airport is similar: the first RER B train leaves at 12:02 AM and the last train leaves the city at 11:56 PM.
The cost to get from CDG to Paris on the RER B train is €11.80 (about $12.70), according to Monsieur Charles de Gaulle Airport.
@Oswin
OP did not specify CDG.
Channing said:
@Oswin
OP did not specify CDG.
It probably is CDG though.
For starters, I thought this said a lover in Paris for 8 hours and asking if that was enough time. Was thinking…for heavens sakes. Yes.
I would definitely jet out of the airport and see what you can. Might just be a drive-by for the sites but that’s better than the interior walls of the airport only!
@Zane
lol
Depending on the location of the airport, I usually require a minimum of 6 hours, given the over-the-top airport security rigamarole in this day and age.
Probably. I did this years ago—had a lovely meal at a cafe and went to visit Napoleon’s Tomb. Took cabs (I was with my folks who paid for them because my mom won’t take public transportation).
Probably not. The trains are the only viable option (the roads to the airport can get gridlocked) and those take time both ways, plus getting through customs and back through security.
Stevie said:
Probably not. The trains are the only viable option (the roads to the airport can get gridlocked) and those take time both ways, plus getting through customs and back through security.
And that train to CDG is jam-packed with mostly immigrants pretty much the whole way. Not exaggerating. Too late now but much better to take advantage of Air France’s new free stopover.
@jub
What?
Montmartre is the closest area. Find something there.
Oli said:
Montmartre is the closest area. Find something there.
They didn’t say what airport.
Maybe, if your incoming flight is not delayed, and there’s not a transit strike that day. If you leave the airport and then there’s a transit strike, your situation will be difficult.
CDG airport. Sorry forgot to mention.