we have rented an apt. in the Marais and are arriving in CDG in the early evening-I am keen on Paris Shuttle or a similar service as oppossed to the RER as I think we'll be tired and cranky and the hassle of finding ourselves might not be a worthwhile saving at the start of a trip. We had a losy try at shuttle service however if Fort Lauderdale and saw way more of the city than we needed. Can you give me some idea of how this works. We don't want to wait forever nor do we want to see all of Paris on our first night.

It works about the same as most airport shuttle services. One difference is that in Paris, I believe you do have to reserve ahead of time (unlike some cities were you can get one on site). When you arrive, you have to call them and wait for them to pick you up and then you get pot luck as to what order they deliver the riders. It probably depends on the hotels and the driver's idea of most efficient itinerary.

There is no guarantee that you will be the first delivered. If you want that, take a taxi. Actually, I don't know why you don't anyway, as a shuttle won't save you very much over a cab.

Hi Sell,

The shuttles are usually 8-passenger vans.

The route is determined by who is in the van. You might be first, you might be last.

OTOH, being driven through Paris in the evening is a pleasure.

It ain't Ft. Lauderdale.

you know Christine we are all a bit crazy as travellers--spend a fortune to go somewhere and then cheap out on something that's the same cost as a bottle of wine at home or a week of Starbuck's lattes (lol)--as much as I try I can never seem to give it up--an extra $20.00 for a beautiful view? no-I'll look at the bricks--you're right--keep in mind we're not 20 or even triple that and grab a cab

From what I understand ParisShuttle schedules only 3 drop-offs per van, so it's not like you'll be driving around for hours dropping others off. As for the shuttle vs. taxi controversy, what about the horror stories of getting stuck in traffic and watching the taxi meter keep on ticking? That's what convinced me to try the shuttle. For everyone that's had to wait at the airport, it seems there's another who got picked up right away. I'll find out next week!

From what I understand ParisShuttle schedules only 3 drop-offs per van, so it's not like you'll be driving around for hours dropping others off. As for the shuttle vs. taxi controversy, what about the horror stories of getting stuck in traffic and watching the taxi meter keep on ticking? That's what convinced me to try the shuttle. For everyone who's had to wait at the airport, it seems there's another who got picked up right away. I'll find out next week!

I have had really good luck with Paris Shuttle and have never had more than 2 other stops. You can reserve online:

http://www.paris-anglo.com/parishuttle/

selltile, take the taxi, is worth the 43 Euros...

I used Paris Shuttle last month, when I traveled alone to Paris. If you are two people, take a cab. The shuttle is 23E per person.

Just for comparison purposes, here's another service that gets good reviews: www.airport-connection.com.

There is also www.beeshuttle.com.

I would keep in mind that you are arriving around rush hour. Taxis have meters. Shuttles don't.

Have used PariShuttle for the past four trips and have been extremely pleased. We were seldom the first dropped off, but I never complain about a short tour of the city. Our driver actually took us a bit out of the way when we asked where something was - and he showed us. The drivers have always been pleasant and very helpful with luggage, even going into the terminal to get us a cart when one friend was taking home tons more than she brought with her. You can make reservations on-line; when you land, find a phone and call their toll free number; someone with excellent English will answer. I personally like the comfort of the van.

PariShuttle is good but it like every other shuttle. If there are a lot of people service is slowwwwwww. Last time I went I took the Air France bus to the center then caught the Metro. A lot faster but you have to cary your luggage up and down the steps on the Metro.

Richardab, I had the opposite experience the last time I used AirFrance bus to Montparnasse Gare...we got stuck in traffic, it was roasting and even the natives were complaining to the driver, LOUDLY! That did it for me for the bus.

Selltile, It sounds like you are more apt to be the "in a hurry" personality so I would spring for the taxi ,even though it is a few extra euros. I personally love driving around seeing the sights of Paris, so I prefer using Paris Shuttle. We've always had 2 other drops, and we've always ended up being the 3rd drop, but we like it that way.

How it works is you call tollfree number as soon as you land, but BEFORE you go to pick up luggage. After picking up luggage you go to the porte (exit#) they've given you and wait for their van. We've generally had to wait about 15 minutes. Only once did we have to wait longer, but that waas because our luggage was the first off the belt--what are the chances of that happening again?!

Based on advice here, I used Airport Connection last week from CDG to Paris & I would NOT recommend them. The driver was late arriving & then we drove to another terminal where, in spite of having located waiting passengers who had made reservations, he was then informed by his dispatcher that he needed to leave them behind & return to the original terminal to make another pickup. This involved several calls from the dispatcher & much waiting time - they were totally disorganized.
In spite of having emailed them all my info, and receiving a confirmation, the driver did not have our names nor any of our information. After our overnight flight, we were tired & hungry, & it took nearly an hour just to leave the airport. Most frustrating.
I'm happy to say that the rest of our time in Paris was fabulous.

That's a good reason why one should just get in line and take a taxi!

Virginia,

I have to absolutely agree with you about Airport Connection. I just got back from my first trip abroad (Paris was WONDERFUL) and had booked a round trip with them. The driver was there waiting for us so that was great but I'm, frankly, surprised that we arrived at our apartment alive. He was SPEEDING and weaving in & out of traffic barely missing the cars while he was talking on his cell phone.

I called the night before we left to confirm the ride back to CDG - and was told that I would be picked up at 0830 for my trip to CDG to meet my 1135 flight back to the States. At 0845 I figured I should call since noone had shown up. I was told that my driver would not be picking me up and they suggested that I go find a taxi. They didn't call me and it really bothers me that if I hadn't called, I wouldn't have known.

I realize that sometimes things just happen but...something about that phrase 'you only have once to make a first impression' comes to mind.

We used Paris Shuttle in February. We had to wait a bit to be picked up, but that was because we didn't call until AFTER we got our luggage. There were two other drops before we got to our hotel. We didn't mind the ride around Paris and got our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower from the van. Since we had never been to Paris, it was sort of fun not having a clue where we were and wondering if our hotel might be just around the next corner. For our return flight, we were picked up right on schedule and made it to the airport in good time. While we were going 80mph, so was most of the traffic and I was never nervous. (Believe me, if he had been a crazy driver, I would have been freaking out.) We will use them again.

Allison, we reserved Parishuttle, and like you did the wrong thing and called after picking up the luggage. We weren't as fortunate as you were because our driver took off saying that we weren't there. After calling the office and finding this out we were told that another driver would come by in at least a half an hour. We were too tired to wait and got into the taxi queue instead. I know that we saved alot of time doing that instead of waiting for the shuttle. It was our fault but I think the driver could have waited a bit longer.

took a cab and had no problems--not worth it to pay airfare and then worry about a cab ride--better to have a cheap dinner or no wine IMO