Crossing Paris with RER is getting easier
On two journeys, from Grenoble to London and then from London to Bourg St Maurice, I changed station in Paris by RER. With the improved signage and the Navigo card, things seem to be even easier.
Crossing Paris by RER does seem to be getting easier.
Recently, I came back from a resort called Les 7 Laux, which is near Grenoble. I crossed Paris Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord, and used the RER.
I've done this many times, but this was the first time that I bought a Navigo card to do it.
I wasn't really aware of what the Navigo card was about, but it has replaced the old Metro tickets.
It was really straightforward to do. I asked a local Parisien who was queueing up behind me at the ticket machine, what to do. The rest was easy.
RER ticket machinesPhoto: Daniel Elkan
The machine is easy to use, and has instructions in English.
Buying a Navigo passPhoto: Daniel Elkan
The signposting on the RER does seem to be getting better too. Lots of large green signs for the RER.
Sign for the RERPhoto: Daniel Elkan
And of course there are escalators and lifts, so you don't have to haul your luggage up or downstairs.
RER escalator and liftPhoto: Daniel Elkan
There are signs on the platform for the trains. And I always ask a local if I'm not sure. People are friendly and love to help. Society is formed of people helping each other!
RER indicator boardsPhoto: Daniel Elkan
It's only a couple of stops to between Paris Gare du Nord and Paris Gare de Lyon. The journey time on the RER train is about 10 minutes (but allow an hour between your train arriving and reaching the other station, just to be on the safe side when changing trains).
The RER stations are clean. On board the RER train itself doesn't feel glamourous. It's a bit down-at-heel. But it's a really easy and reliable way to cross Paris.
Guide to the Navigo - video
Having used the Navigo, I searched on YouTube and found this informative video about how it works, which you may find useful too.