mdtravel

I've read a few threads of others asking this type of question. The answer in most of them was to take a taxi for around 60 euros.

We'll be staying in the Place Vendome area and arriving on a Friday around 9:00 a.m. I've read about the Air France bus and other shuttles. It will be my wife and I with two pieces of luggage each (one suitcase, one carryon).

We're not completely price sensitive if we get a convenience factor worth it, but don't see the need to pointlessly waste money.

In your opinion, what is the best value and easiest way to get from CDG to the Place Vendome area?

-taxi
-shuttle
-private car
-train
-other

ggreen

The bus to Opéra would be a good option since it is pretty close to Place Vendôme. The bus itself is easy to locate at CDG and drops you in front of the AmEx office just to the side of the Opéra Garnier. In my opinion, it's very walkable, but my idea of a decent walking distance might be longer than yours! Also, keep in mind that streets are cobblestoned and sidewalks are mostly very narrow - if your suitcases are large/wide, you may prefer not to have to navigate walking with them.

I hope this helps!

mdtravel

Thanks.

Is that the Air France bus or the regular Paris city buses?

TimS

The bus in question is the Roissybus that goes directly from CDG to Opera Garnier, departs every fifteen minutes, and costs E8.50.

ggreen

TimS is right, I was referring to the Roissybus.

Robespierre

Here's a map of the area around the Opéra showing where Roissybus arrives:

http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/pdf...iers/opera.pdf

If you walk south on Rue de la Paix for five minutes, you will march straight into Place Vendôme.

mdtravel

Thanks folks. I think I'll lean toward either this bus or a taxi.

How many stops might the bus take between CDG and the Opera? Any estimate as to time from door to door?

rkkwan

Roissybus is non-stop between the airport terminals and Opera.

ggreen

Roissybus takes 45-60 minutes. Here's a link to the RATP English-language page on Roissybus:
http://tinyurl.com/hy9wv

starrsville

Someone recently posted a trip report and their taxi fare was 36 euros. I paid about 45 euros. I think 60 is a high estimate.

For some this is a no-brainer. For some of us, it is worth it to step out of the airport, grab the first taxi and be deposited at hotel's doorstep with no fuss or worry. Some don't mind the "scenic tour" of Paris via a shuttle. I am ready to start my vacation and just don't see the value in saving a few euros to get the vacation started.

Some posters strongly disagree. It really depends on your preference.

francophile03

I prefer taking a taxi. Although it is expensive it is also direct and that's all I want after a 10.5 hour flight.

rkkwan

It's just different style of traveling. I can't remember taking a taxi from airport to hotel in Europe or Asia for over 10 years. But I also think for some others it make sense.

Aileron

Since Place Vendôme is one of the most expensive addresses (the Ritz is at No. 15) in one of the most expensive neighborhoods (the First Arrondissement) in all of Paris, you'll have to excuse me in wondering why you even thinking of the bus.

Robespierre

You might as well wonder why Sam Walton drove a 1979 pickup truck.

W9London

My usual mode of CDG-Paris transportation is RER, because 1) I carry Euro coins (thus saving 30min queue at the CDG tix window), 2) I usually don't have heavy luggages, 3) I hate sitting in a traffic jam.

I would opt for a taxi 1)if I have heavy luggages, and 2) ONLY if I'm not travelling rush hour.

I would consider Orly bus 1)if I'm not pressed for time, and 2) if I'm rather budget-conscious.

Randy

I have used www.beeshuttle.com a number of times and it takes you directly to the door of your hotel. Check thw web site for rates.

Patty

I also think the 60 euro estimate is high. I think it'll be around 40-45 euros from CDG to Place Vendome. With 2 pieces of luggage each, I'd opt for a taxi.

alan64

We did the Roissybus and found it very easy & convenient. However, we only had one roller-case each and not two pieces of luggage. With four bags total, I think a taxi's a good idea for you.

nho9504

4 pcs of luggages and not price sensitive, take the taxi - no brainer choice.

For us though, one backpack for each of us and stay at L'Opera House area (International Le Grand), Roissybus is the no-brainer.

mdtravel

I think we'll go with the taxi after all of these comments. There is also something to be said for relaxing in the back of the car and watching Paris go by your window.

Response to a post from above. Just because we're staying in a pricey part of Paris doesn't mean we're loaded...or that tossing money away without value is something we relish. Like a lot of travelers, we go for value, not price. So if we can spend 40 euro and get some value (ease of use, not muckign with luggage and so on) we certainly don't mind doing so.

Thanks for all the help here folks!