Getting from CDG into Paris
 

I have read a number of posts on this subject but remain conflicted about how I should get from the airport to my hotel off St. Germain on the Left Bank. I am traveling alone, with a roller bag, and backpack. I am older and leery of hauling my stuff up and down lots of stairs - I don't want to try the subway hauling my bags - but I don't mind a little walking with them. It appears there are no RER stops close to my hotel and that the Air France bus also stops too far away to walk. If I did one of those options, I think I would need to find a cab to take me to my hotel after getting off the bus or train. So, I had about decided that I should just take a cab from CDG. I wouldn't mind spending a little more to do that if it is the best option but I keep reading that in the morning (my plane gets in at 8:15 am) the traffic will be bad, which will potentially drive the taxi fare way up. I also have read some things that make me fear the taxi driver may rip me off by purposefully taking a slow or longer route. I wish there were a reliable car service, like the one I used in Rome that was recommended by Fodorites - but the post I read on that made it sound like you were taking chances with a car service in Paris. So----what to do? how hard would it be to get a cab from the terminus of the Air France bus?

I've used Bluvan a couple of times for our return trip from Paris to CDG. It was relatively inexpensive and only stopped one time to pick up another couple (the first time) and didn't stop at all the second time as we referred another couple that were staying in our apt building and they rode with us.

On the way to Paris from the airport I took a taxi the first time but was with my husband and kids, which made it worth the cost. The next time it was just myself and a friend and we took the Roissy bus that dropped us off at the Opera Garnier. From there we took a taxi to our apt in the 3rd.

If it were me, I would probably take the bus again and then a taxi. That way there would be no stairs to climb and it would cost much less than just a taxi.

If memory serves me, the bus was €6 (in 2007) and around maybe €10 for the taxi.

I'd take the RER and metro -- but then I pack light so metro stations don't scare me.

"<i>I wish there were a reliable car service</i>"

There are, but if you are worried about the traffic via taxi -- you'll have the same traffic via car service.

If it was me -- when I landed if I had a good flight and was semi-rested, I'd hop on the RER and then metro from there. And if I was beat and just didn't want to cope w/ any hassle, I'd head out to the taxi rank.

But Roissy bus + cab would be a reasonable option.

I just got back from Paris yesterday and used Shuttle-Inter. This is the third round trip I have used them for. I have found them to be very reliable, and the good thing about them is that there is a flat rate for the trip so no matter how long you are in traffic, the fee is the same. It is a private shuttle so you would be the only person in the car.
www.shuttle-inter.com

Here is the link to Bluvan

http://www.bluvan.fr/en/calcul_prix.php

They have a private shuttle but we used the shared shuttle.

It is only 25.90 for one person one way.

My goodness, no one seems to want to answer nancythenice's question, which is a very good one.

Nancy, the main Air France bus makes 2 stops: at Porte Maillot, and at the Place Ch de Gaulle (Arc de Triomphe). The Arc de Triomphe stop is much closer to your hotel, but I have had lots of trouble getting a taxi there -- it's not at all close to a taxi stand. The Porte Maillot stop does have taxis nearby, but it's a long (therefore more costly) ride to your hotel.

However, there's a second Air France bus, to Gare de Lyon and Gare Montparnasse, which would be ideal for you. Take this bus to the 2nd stop, Gare Montparnasse. You'll find taxis directly across the street from the bus stop, in front of the Meridien hotel.

Also, be wary of suggestions to take the RER. At several RER stations, you may be hard-pressed to find a taxi nearby.

This is extremely helpful. I will explore where the second Air France bus picks up at CDG and also how to find the Roissy bus. I had read an earlier post debating the private car services and saying that if your flight was late, they would sometimes not wait for you, even if you had paid in advance. But I will check out the two mentioned. It would be convenient to be taken from the airport to the hotel, knowing in advance what it would cost.

Please take a taxi..is worth the price..

Info on the Air France bus to Montparnasse is at http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/e...air-france.htm ("Ligne 4"). Fare is €16.50, and a taxi to your hotel will be another €8-10.

I'm usually an advocate for the simplest method (in this case, a taxi directly from the airport), but the Air France bus + taxi is very easy and saves you about €30. Although it will probably take 15 minutes or so longer (to wait for the bus, then the short taxi ride), you likely won't be able to check into your hotel until the afternoon, anyway.

nancy if you do decide to take a taxi from the airport don't forget that even though your plane lands at 8.15am it will be quite a bit later than that by the time you get through customs etc and collect your luggage. Peak hour traffic should have eased by then.

Email your hotel and ask them how close they are to the Air France bus. That bus is the cheapest and easiest way.

If it's not close enough get a taxi and be done with it.

I was in Paris from March 25 to April 1,2011 and I used Super Shuttle with no problem from CDG to my hotel. I made the reservation on line.

ttt

Didn't I read where there are dedicated taxi lanes from CDG to Paris? If so, the concern about getting stuck in rush hour traffic should be lessened.

The Air France bus to Montparnasse looks like a convenient and cheaper alternative.

Love the help from Fodorites. The Air France bus does sound like a great option. Plus - I can always change my mind when I get to CDG and hop in a cab if I am feeling too jet lagged or something.

I also remember reading that there were dedicated bus/taxi lines that eased the rush hour traffic problem - but I only read that once, and it seems like if it were true, others would have chimed in. And like someone suggests, I thought rush hour might be tapering off by 9:30 or so - but I guess if there is construction or something, there could be a traffic jam regardless of the time of day.

There isn't any reason to ask the hotel how far it is, anyone could tell her if she gave the actual hotel location, which I don't think she did. But the issue is it's probably about the right distance (not too close) becuase taxis don't want to take you if it's too close.

I have never heard of (or experienced) dedicated taxi lanes on the roads to Paris, I can't imagine they could build lanes just for taxis, that would be an outrageous use of taxpayer's money. I take a taxi from CDG most every time I go there, but dont' worry about them going the wrong way as I know French and it is clear from what I tell them that they know I know where I am going in Paris (ie, I tell them which metro stop the hotel is near, which side of the street, etc.)

The problem is you can be afraid of every method.

I always am taking a taxi about the same time as most planes arrive in the morning. You aren't going to be getting out of there until 9-9:30, anyway. Most of the traffic problems I've encountered were not because of that, but construction or some issue like that.

I think the bus and then taxi are a reasonable choice for you, but then you will have to worry they'll take you the long way within Paris proper, I suppose. And it is going to take more time this way, but since you are getting there early, it doesn't matter that much, I suppose, as long as you are aware of that.

There are indeed dedicated taxi lanes along A1 into Paris, buses use them as well.

There is really no faster way to reach your hotel´s doorstep from the airport baggage claim than by walking the short distance to the taxi queue. You can be southbound on A1 in a taxi long before the next AF bus arrives to pick you up and then orbits around the remaining terminals before it departs the airport.

Shared ride shuttles (which are NOT like taxis nor private shuttles) can be the absolute slowest way for you to reach your hotel as you wait for other passengers to be picked up and dropped off. They are typically twice the cost of the RER. Should you decide to try one of the shuttles (and I caution against it), never, never pre-pay your fare as they are notoriously late if they show at all.

If you decide to combine a bus with taxi, the best overall choice might be the Roissybus to Opéra (fare 9.40€) from which you can usually get a taxi and the fare to the Latin Quarter should not exceed 10€ to 15€. This option offers modest cost with good overall reliability of service.

If I take a taxi, I have read I should have the hotel name and address printed out, so I can show it to the driver. That makes sense as my French is unusable for such things. But it will also make it clear I have no idea where I am going - and that I won't have a clue if the driver is taking the long way there. Any tips on how best to deal with taxi drivers?
I guess, as someone said above, nothing is a sure thing so just plow ahead. By the way, my hotel is at 59, Rue des Saints-Pères, just off St. Germain.

I would hand the written hotel name to the driver and let him know it is just off St Germain, letting him know you know where he needs to go....and indicating the written name is a courtesy for him.

Sarastro, thanks for chiming in--I knew I had read it here, and it was an earlier message from you. Good information.

nancythenice, I haven't had a problem with taking a taxi. The driver went straight to the address of the apartment which I had printed on a file card. If you're worried, familiarize yourself with a map--it's a pretty direct route from the airport.

"<i>But it will also make it clear I have no idea where I am going - and that I won't have a clue if the driver is taking the long way there</i>"

What if he <i>does</i> take you a long way around -- there might be a good reason. There might be a wreck or construction or something and the 'long' way might be the best way. Cab drivers will know the best way to get from point A to point B.

Between now and the trip take the time to learn to pronounce at LEAST the name of the hotel, and the name of the street - and have the name/address printed out for back up.

The cabby wants to get you to your hotel and off to his next fare -- I wouldn't worry.

I suggest that you have the address written down to show to the driver.

Map:

http://www.ratp.fr/itineraires/fr/ra...s%2C75%2CParis

I think it's a good idea to have a little map with you: this past week I got in a cab at Gare de Lyon and told him which street I wanted in the 7th (staying at an apt., not a hotel). The driver did not have a GPS, and I had to show him my map three times before he figured out where I wanted to go. I was thinking what it would be like to be a first-timer and have this happen. This advice is probably less important when staying at a hotel, but I was still pretty surprised that the driver had so much trouble knowing where the street was (ave. du Champ de Mars, right off ave. de la Bourdonnais--hardly some obscure destination).

"There are, but if you are worried about the traffic via taxi -- you'll have the same traffic via car service."

But with a car service the meter does not keep on ticking. There are taxi stands outside of most RER stations. I know for sure there is one at St Michel.

We've been pleased with Shuttle Inter, whick was recommended by GraceJOan, a frequent Paris travelr and Fodor's poster.

Print out the address and the map of where the hotel is on mappy or such. We have never had a taxi "take us for a ride". I have told our driver that the Muguet is on a one way street so he has to go around the block.
A taxi is a pretty nice gift to yourself on arrival in Paris. You get to look for the sights as you come into town.
The problem of findig a taxi stand from the bus is real--and the Gare de Lyon was a good solution.
Think about the taxi for arriving, and perhaps a shuttle for your departure.
The RER is fine for those experienced with it. I find it to be very daunting with luggage and being tired.

Thanks all. Good to know that there is little to fear from the taxis. I am sure there are horror stories, but nice to know it usually works fine. And yes - I will familiarize myself with the map and pronunciations. It makes sense that a driver wouldn't know the location of every single hotel in Paris. How much do you tip the driver?

I am a believer in taxis as well. I hand the driver the name and address on a piece of paper since my pronunciation is pathetic at best;)

On our last trip we tried Shuttle Inter and it was not a good experience. They were not there upon arrival and it took several calls before they came. More frustrating though was that we verbally confirmed our departure with the driver when we arrived at our apt, and then I emailed again during the week to reconfirm, yet we were left high and dry. No shuttle at all, not even late. Hoofed it to a taxi stand, and thankfully there was one there. But then they had the nerve to email me and say their driver was there and we were not. I replied with the facts and never heard back, not even an apology. So you probably have an idea of my opinion on their operation:D

Taxis have never let us down so far. We will be using them again this summer.

Nancy
Everytime Ive tipped a Parisian taxi driver, I receive a very surprised stare as if I expect something for the extra money. You dont have to tip, but be aware you will have a sizable fare as it is all the way from CDG.

I will use taxis in Paris, but I dont pay the 60-90 Euro fare to the airport. I take the RER

<i>There isn't any reason to ask the hotel how far it is, anyone could tell her if she gave the actual hotel location...</i>.

I have to disagree. The hotel you're staying at always knows the best and fastest way to get there. They deal with it daily. There are many, many hotels in my city. I couldn't tell you the fastest or best way to get to most of them.

"<i>I have to disagree. The hotel you're staying at always knows the best and fastest way to get there.</i>"

You'd be be surprised - very often the directions on hotel websites can be pretty weird. Just last week there was a thread about a (well known) hotel in London that had the most ridiculous transport advice.

This is all great information. I have one question about taxis. What are the odds they will carry 4 passengers and luggage? Our landlady suggested the RER which has a very close stop to our hotel. However, I know we'll be tired, etc. But will a taxi take all 4 of us? Thanks you knowledgeable people.

Yes, taxis can take four. When you get in the taxi line, they will make sure that a taxi is large enough for all of you.

yep - some taxis are sedans and some are minivans so the queue dispatcher will direct you to the right sized vehicle.

Nancy, take a cab just because you are worth it! :-)

I tip taxi drivers in Paris and I have never been stared at. I guess a tip is appreciated and not uncommon. Admit that I am not sure of this. In France a tip seems to be appreciated for a lot of services.