DarcieM

We're traveling to Paris at the end of April. it seems, from reading many posts, that taxis are expensive but the least hassle with luggage to get to the hotel. What's the availability of a taxi at CDG---Is there a process for getting one? We're due to arrive at about 10:30am on a Tuesday.

BigRuss

This isn't difficult - you exit the terminal and there will be taxis. It's an airport, that's how these things work.

Look at this web page for more information: http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/e...ccess/by-taxi/

Michel_Paris

To be complete in your options, there are also the Roissybus and Air France buses. They go to pre-determined locations in central Paris. If your hotel was near these sopts, cheaper. Or...taxi from these spots...or Metro.

I've taken the RER train to central Paris, then switched to Metro to get to hotel, with a large bag on wheels. But, I am comfortable with system. Since the RER line starts at CDG, good chance of gettign seat near your bags (area to put them)

Shuttles are also a possibility. You can pre-order one before you arrive, and it will take you to hotel. I've also used the communal shuttle, which also takes you to your hotel, and the other people in the shuttle to theirs.

Going to CDG, RER will not have to worry about road traffic.

flytheworld

I agree with the first two posters. Taxis are really easy to get, but buses (both Air France and Roissy buses) are also easy if you have a lot of luggage. Depending on your final destination, there are multiple stops in the city center and you can take a taxi from there to your hotel if you need to.

You can also take the RER train, but luggage is a bit more difficult due to stairs.

adrienne

There are always plenty of taxis and a facilitator to ensure you get the right size cab (for instance if you're a large party with plenty of luggage the facilitator will ensure that you get a station wagon or similar for your party).

Follow the signs that say "taxi." Very easy.

Taxis are not the least expensive option but the easiest IMHO.

DarcieM

Fabulous suggestions---never even thought of combining options!
What's the best way to access the Roissybus or Air France bus?
I'm also glad to hear that taxis are readily available, as at other airports.

AlessandraZoe

Take the taxi. Easy-peasy.

As you exit the baggage/nothing to declare area, you'll see signs for taxi overhead. Keep looking for them. DO NOT pay attention to anyone inside the airport who asks if you need a taxi. These are not official people.

Once you exit the correct "taxi" door, you'll see the taxi rank railings/posts. An official person is in charge of directing you towards the next taxi. Just show the number in your party with your fingers. By the way, I have never encountered a long line there.

Even though I can actually speak enough French now that Paris waiters don't interrupt me in English now (it's not an insult--they just have things to do and can't be bothered to tutor Americans trying to remember their high school French), I still hand over the name and address of the hotel to the driver on a postcard. I always figure that there's no need to make things any harder for him or for me.

There are ATMs in the airport, by the way, if you need Euros. Some cab drivers DO take credit cards, but I can tell you my cab driver in November 2011, who had a lovely car and even more lovely manners, had no way to take credit.

Alternatives:
I have taken the Air France bus in to town. I have taken the RER into town. There was a reason, though. For one trip, I was staying on the same block as the Air France bus destination stop; for another trip, I was practically staying on top of the RER B line.

My preferred transport into town is STILL the taxi.

Southam

DarcieM, the link in the post by BigRuss also contains complete information for bus services into the city. Scroll down to Les cars AirFrance. There are four of these buses so you will have to decide which stops the closest to your destination. They are not like municipal buses which offer multiple stops. Bus service costs more per person than using the RER/Metro but probably less than a taxi (depending on the number of passengers in the cab.) If you are tired from an overnight flight or toting piles of luggage, weigh the extra cost of bus or cab against the need on the RER to keep your bags within your grasp at all times -- do not deposit luggage anywhere it can be snatched.

Connie

I took the Roissy bus and never will again. Very hard to find at the airport--wasted lots of time looking. They let you off at the Opera and you have to find the correct Metro station--ours was not easy, even after asking two people. It's somewhat hidden.

After being exhausted and in a new place, it took us from 8 am when we landed until almost noon to get to our room--wasted time and we were even more exhausted by then.

To me, getting easier transportation is money well spent at a time like this.

Gretchen

So there are two of you. You take the bus. Then get off and find a taxi. I can't remember how much the bus is but for that combo I'd guess the difference from a taxi directly might be 15E. We just find starting out with getting directly to our hotel in a cab is a part of doing business, and then we are ready to get started on the fun part of the trip.

StCirq

I almost always take a taxi, but I disagree that the Roissy Bus is hard to find at the airport. There are large overhead signs that point you to all the correct airport gates for the various shuttles and buses. The Opéra métro station is across the street from the Opéra, but there are two others nearby. A simple Google search brings up dozens of sites and maps that show clearly how to find them, like this:

http://parisbytrain.com/closest-metr...s-paris-opera/

DarcieM

Taxi sounds to me like the easiest bet---even if it does cost more. I'm all for making life easier---and getting to the hotel asap!