suze

Maybe I'm wrong, but I assume each person would have a suitcase with them? Think about dealing with that, on public transportation, in a large city you are not familiar with, where you don't speak the language. I think the 50 euro on a taxi would be money will spent.

Gretchen

"First time". "Book a shuttle".
A taxi is the easiest and most reliable way to get you to your hotel upon a first arrival.
You go to the taxi stand (well marked). You DON"T take a taxi from anyone who approaches you in the terminal.
A shuttle may require you to phone and tell them you are there and there are instances that they never show up--NOT a good way to start a first trip.
The shuttle for 2 is only slightly less than the fixed price of a taxi now.
As other say, print out your hotel name and address (and even a little map if you want). Enjoy your first ride into Paris, see the Eiffel Tower for the first time and relax.
For your return to CDG you may do something different--or not.

suze

You can save money in other (easier) ways later in your trip. Walk everywhere. Use public transportation when you aren't hauling a suitcase around. Have a couple cheap picnic meals instead of a restaurant. Etc. Etc.

fuzzbucket

The amount of money you have spent to get airfare, lodging and meals are nothing compared to 50 EU for one taxi.
Just go ahead and do it.

musicfan

Having just done this two weeks ago (first time to Paris, arriving at CDG, etc.): take a taxi. We were met by a local family friend who navigated us through the air terminal and then the massive station onto a train (subway?) to get to our hotel. While all the walking (so much walking!) felt great after a long flight, I am positive we NEVER would have been able to figure it all out on our own.

When we left this past Monday, we took a taxi from our hotel, 55EU flat rate. Easy peasy and worth every euro.

StCirq

Take a taxi. Period. Problem solved.

diteal

Thank you everyone...we will take a taxi!

suze

Hooray!!!!!!!

stricky

Just an FYI - Last summer, when I was in Paris, I took a picture of the sign at the airport bus stop right outside the main terminal at CDG. "Le Bus Direct" - the bus line that takes you to Paris cost $17 one way ($30 round trip) and makes 3 stops in Paris: Etoile/Champs Elysees; Trocadero; and Eiffel Tower. You can catch the bus at terminal 2 at doors E, F, D and A. It departs every half hour from 5:45a until 11pm. It's a large bus and luggage is stored underneath so you don't have to lug it up to your seats. At the etoile stop, there's a taxi queue so it's easy to take a taxi from there. I did take a Uber back to the airport on my return and that cost 50-60 euros. It can go as high as 80 or 90 depending on time of day and traffic. A Paris taxi costs more - closer to $80-90. (see www.taxifarefinder.com).

Whathello

No A taxi has a fat fare 50 to right bank 55 to left. Euros.

StCirq

<<. A Paris taxi costs more - closer to $80-90. (see www.taxifarefinder.com).>>

No it does not. There are flat fares now, as whathello has pointed out.

And Le Bus Direct fare is 17 EUROs, not dollars.

Sarastro

<i> A Paris taxi costs more - closer to $80-90.</i>

This information is incorrect. The flat fares from either CDG or ORY into Paris are explained here:

http://www.prefecturedepolice.interi...ars%202016.pdf

analogue

The flat fee is still perhaps a big higher than it should be, but it is an excellent compromise compared to the extremely variable fares of the past and the 'tourist route' that many taxis would take.

fuzzbucket

Did you book Uber in advance to go to the airport?
They are not supposed to occupy regular Parisien taxi stands, or pick up passengers on the street.
Uber also has surge pricing at rush hour.

Uber cannot use the bus lanes that Parisien taxis can - that's why your trip cost so much.

Only Parisien taxis can use the dedicated bus lanes - and get there faster.

AJPeabody

Just back from Paris. On arrival, just followed the signs to Taxis. One hustler tried to divert us: "Don't use that door!" Then another guy came and said "I am an official taxi." All in English. Rejected them, in French. The official taxi line was easy, the cab was a joy to ride in compared to American taxis, and 55 euro to the left bank, no tip expected, baggage carried to the hotel door. Just have your hotel name and address written down clearly so the cabbie can put it into the GPS, especially if you don't speak French.

rouelan

As a regular commuter between Paris and CDG, I would never recommand RER for a 1st timer.
Parisians get used to it and even laugh about it
http://www.legorafi.fr/2012/10/16/fe...e-et-en-rer-b/

Taxi is now the safest bet