Getting Out of Paris, Overcoming RER Delays, Uber Hacks, and Airport Challenges on the Way to Charles de Gaulle
Our trip from Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) was supposed to be a straightforward journey. With tickets on our phones and plenty of time to spare, we felt confident about navigating the RER train system to the airport. Little did we know, a cascade of complications was about to turn our morning into a lesson in travel adaptability.
Choosing the Route
The morning began with a minor debate: Apple Maps suggested one route to CDG, while the official RATP app pointed us toward another. Trusting the app tied to Paris’s public transit system, we followed its guidance and made our way to the RER station at Gare du Nord. In hindsight, Apple Maps might have been trying to warn us, but at the time, the RATP app’s directions felt like the safer bet.
The First Sign of Trouble
When we arrived at the station, we noticed an unusual scene: passengers were waiting outside the train rather than boarding. Soon, an announcement came over the intercom—entirely in French. While our French is limited, the tone of the announcement made it clear that something was amiss. After a brief pause, about half the people decided to board the train, so we followed suit.
It wasn’t until the train made its first stop at La Plaine–Stade de France that the full scope of the issue became clear. Another announcement came on, this time in both French and English, stating that the train was no longer in service due to an accident on the tracks ahead. Our hearts sank.
The Clock Is Ticking
Checking the RATP app again, we discovered the grim update: there had been an accident involving a person on the tracks ahead, and no trains were running to CDG from our location. With our flight scheduled to depart in just two hours, the tension began to rise.
We quickly explored alternative options. There was a bus departing in 15 minutes that could get us to the airport in about an hour. Unfortunately, even if the timing aligned perfectly, we wouldn’t make it in time for our flight.
That’s when Deb remembered her $35 Uber credit from her Amex Platinum card—a lifeline in an increasingly desperate situation.
Booking the Ride
Opening the Uber app, I found two options: an UberXL for €38 or a standard UberX for €30. Opting for the cheaper ride, I quickly confirmed the booking and hoped for the best. However, when we met the driver, we noticed another passenger already in the car. It dawned on me that I must have accidentally selected a shared ride option. Not ideal, but at this point, we were willing to do whatever it took to make our flight.
We dropped off the first passenger at their destination, adding precious minutes to our journey. Finally, the car pulled into CDG, and we bolted toward the terminal.
A Smooth Finish
To our immense relief, security at CDG was remarkably efficient. We made it to our gate with enough time to stop by Ladurée for a box of their iconic macarons—a small treat to celebrate the fact that we had successfully navigated a morning full of chaos. It’s a pleasure we never miss on our way home.
The Uber Surprise
The next day, however, a surprise awaited us. Instead of using the $35 Uber credit, the ride had been charged to Deb’s debit card—for a total of €49, not the €30 I had been quoted. Annoyed, I reached out to Uber for an explanation.
To my surprise, Uber quickly adjusted the charge to the original €30 without any argument or clarification. It felt as if they’d been caught in the act and decided to make things right without further discussion. However, when I pressed for the charge to be applied to the Amex credit, Uber refused, stating that credits can’t be applied retroactively. Frustratingly, this meant the Amex Uber credit would expire unused at the end of the month.
Lessons Learned
This experience left us with a few valuable takeaways for future travels:
- Always Double-Check Transit Apps
When one navigation app suggests a route that differs from the official app, it’s worth investigating why. In this case, Apple Maps may have been flagging issues on the RER line that the RATP app hadn’t accounted for yet. - Screenshot Everything
When booking an Uber—or any ride service—take a screenshot of the quoted price. It’s a simple step that could save you from overcharges or disputes later. - Set Up Uber Credits in Advance
Make sure your Uber app is configured to use any available credits by default. These settings can easily be overlooked, but they’re crucial to maximizing perks like Amex credits. - Trust, But Verify
This experience has left me wary of Uber’s billing practices. While they corrected the mistake quickly, it’s disheartening to feel like you need to constantly monitor charges for accuracy. - Leave Extra Time
Even when everything seems straightforward, unexpected delays can throw a wrench in your plans (especially in France). We were lucky to have just enough buffer time to adjust when things went awry.
Final Thoughts
Traveling is often unpredictable, and this journey to CDG was a stark reminder of that fact. While the morning was far more stressful than we anticipated, it ultimately became a story to laugh about—especially when we finally sat down at our gate with a box of macarons in hand.
As we look back on this experience, we’re grateful for the lessons learned and for the quick thinking that got us to the airport on time. And next time, we’ll be sure to listen when Apple Maps suggests a different route!