Lea14

My daughter is arriving at CDG for a fall study abroad program in Paris. She has traveled solo before but not abroad. Her French is good, but after an overnight flight and carrying multiple bags, she'll be tired. Dragging bags up and down stairs for the train is out of the question. I wonder if anyone has any experience with private cars/shuttles - those who meet the passenger and assist with bags. I hear there are some that do not show up - so I'd like to avoid any with that reputation. She arrives early on a Sunday. Is it worth it? Or should she find the taxi que and manage on her own?

kerouac

If the expense is not a problem, a taxi is a much easier solution than waiting for a shuttle.

gracejoan3

[email protected]

Contact him and he will meet her with a sign upon exit. You just give him all the flight details.

That is my way of doing it.........

Bill_H

I would just get a luggage cart and get in the taxi line ... on a Sunday there won't be much traffic so the fare will likely be around 35 euro or so ...

lemidi

HI
We used Paris Airport Service in 2004 with no problems. Here is the link to their vip service which has the driver meet them outside baggage claim: http://www.parisairportservice.com/a...ng=en&pg=6


We only used them the one time and I believe I found out about them from this site back then. Others are recommending a taxi which may be more economical but the driver won't be meeting your daughter at baggage claim.

scdreamer

bookmarking

gracejoan3

The one I mentioned will meet your daughter outside baggage area with her name on a sign. There are many that offer this kind of service..the only type that I use..nice after a long trip...........

Christina

She's going to have to get her bags out to the front anyway as no drivers are allowed to help her with baggage at the baggage claim -- they aren't allowed in there. The taxi queue is only a few feet farther. For one person, that will be a little more expensive than a shuttle, of course, but a lot easier and you don't have to meet some pre-arranged schedule or call them. This is personal, as I find it more stressful and trouble to make arrangements with shuttles, look for some guy with a sign, worry if you are late, etc., than just go out to the taxi queue.

Taxi fares are higher on Sunday, I doubt if the fare will be as low as 35 euro, it never has been for me, but it depends where she is going. It could be if she's going to the north side of Paris.

Graziella5b

I agree with Cristina. On Sundays fares of taxis are higher in most cities, Paris, Madrid, etc but at the same time less trafic will make it less expensive. I have never paid so little lately.

gracejoan3

Cristina,

I have been doing it the way I mentioned for years..never had to call anyone, never had to look for someone...when I come through the door my man is there with the sign..along with many others with their respective signs..he takes my luggage from there and on to outside and the car....I like it that way....

Christina

so what, you already said you liked it that way. I don't, what's your point.

Robespierre

Would anyone care for a saucer of milk?

djkbooks

Taxi rates in Paris are higher on Sundays (not that much) but the fare will be lower because there's nearly no traffic.

In all the years we've gone to Paris, I've never booked a shuttle because there are so many reports of them being unreliable, and I've never been able to determine which, if any, is ALWAYS reliable.

I would recommend a tax. It's not that far from luggage pickup to the taxi queue, or there are carts.

Robespierre

Cost/benefit.

If DD can get to the nearest Roissybus stop, she can get to Opéra for 8,60€. Then a short taxi ride will get her home and dry. Map:

http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...artenaire=ratp

gracejoan3

Christina,

Why so short!! I was only trying to clarify that it was not necessary to call or to search for someone with a sign...immediately upon opening the door the pick up people are there with their signs..they take your luggage and carry it out to the car etc...

We all do have our ways of doing things..that is why there is no one way for where we stay, how we travel or what we spend...no reason for being nasty about it, though!!

travelhorizons

A taxi would be the most cost effective vs. stress free route to go.

If you *really* want to give her a treat, you can hire a VIP reception service. A hostess will greet her when she gets off the plane, escort her through a fast-tracked immigration line, help get her bags, and take her to her waiting limo.

Lea14

Dear Fodor Friends:
Thanks for all your suggestions. The girl wants her mom not to worry so and so I will let go... a bit ...with the new news that she will be able to meet up with another student who is acompanied by her mama AND grandma - I don't look like the hovering mother so much anymore. Now she will rendezvous with them and they'll share a taxi. Bill H has the sensible idea - get a luggage trolly and find her way - the trip... the experience is indeed supposed to be about learning. I have come to my senses!!! I will save the ideas for the private driver and treat my self when I visit in November!! Cest la vie! I'll work on my french phrases - but 'til November - Merci!!