i_am_kane

When our family of six arrives in the Paris Nord Train Station, is it more cost effective to take two taxi cabs or one mini van with two youngsters in tow?

I did some research, and after the 4th passenger you are charged 2.85 euro per person, but the taxi is small and I don't understand how you fit more than four passengers plus their luggage.

If anyone has a recommendation for a private mini van company that has reasonable prices (whatever that means in Paris), please let me know.

avalon

1 mini van or you'll be paying double. The dispatcher looks at the size of your party and calls in a larger taxi

avalon

They doo have large taxis that can accomodate up to 8 people. You might have to wait a few minutes longer. No need to contact a private service

kerouac

And where are you going?

StCirq

There are plenty of van and station wagon taxis in Paris these days.You don't need two taxis or a private service.

i_am_kane

kerouac, To the St. Paul Hotel Rive Gauche on Rue Monsieur le Prince.

St. Cirq, the van and station wagon taxis are readily available at the Paris Nord train station?

avalon - thanks.

StCirq

Yes, when I have been there there has been a fairly constant stream of taxis of all sizes and, as avalon says, the dispatcher will steer your group toward a larger one.

Sarastro

TaxiG7 has over 500 taxis which can transport up to 5 people. These are called G space taxis, just ask for one when you call, there is a special number:
01 47 39 01 39

TaxiG7 also has an English speaking operator at:
01 41 27 66 99
www.taxig7.com

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Taxi Bleu has a similar program:
08 91 70 10 10 – calls may be automatically forwarded to an English speaking operator or you can call the number below English speaking operator
01 49 36 10 10
www.taxis-bleus.com

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Alpha taxi
01 45 85 85 85
http://www.alphataxis.fr/

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Taxi Paris advertises vans that hold up to 6
06 07 60 49 14

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When ordering a taxi:

1. have your pickup address ready for the dispatcher

2. explain how many are in your party including general amount of luggage

3. let the dispatcher know if you want to pay by credit card.

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Vehicles holding more than 6 are not strictly taxis as they are not equipped with meters and operate at special pricing.

StCirq

<<Vehicles holding more than 6 are not strictly taxis as they are not equipped with meters and operate at special pricing.>>

I have been in 7-passenger vans at CDG going into the city clearly marked as Taxi Parisien that had a meter identical to those in the typical taxis. There was no special pricing. In fact, the last time I arrived in Paris, I was put into a 7-passenger van all by myself and questioned whether it was going to cost more. The driver pointed to the meter and responded that it was the same as any other Taxi Parisien, and I ended up paying pretty much exactly what I would normally pay in a smaller vehicle.

i_am_kane

Unless we want to lose one person in our group, Taxi Bleu and Taxi are out of the equation.

It looks like Taxi Paris that advertises up to 6 people as well as Taxi Parisien would fit the bill.

Now, I wish Delta Airlines would lower their prices!!

cherrybomb

If you call to arrange a taxi you will be charged additional. As others have mentioned you can get a van at the taxi rank if you don't mind the possibilty of waiting a few minutes longer.

Ackislander

Cherrybomb, et al, yes, yes, yes.

The dispatcher at the front of the taxi line at Gare du Nord will find the right size taxi for you. This is his job.

Taxis will be in line, waiting to pick up passengers. He may need to wait a few minutes for a taxi of the right size to work its way forward in the line. HAVE THE ADDRESS WHERE YOU ARE GOING PRINTED CLEARLY ON A PIECE OF PAPER unless your French pronunciation is impeccable.

The information about calling a taxi in advance is fine when you are leaving, unless you are at a hotel and let them do it. Make this easy on yourself!

i_am_kane

Many thanks to all...even though this is our 10th European trip, there always seems to be a little quirk in accessing public transportation.

In trip planning, it's all in the details.