Shuttle from DeGaulle
 

Help, My family & I arrive in Paris next week in the evening after approximately 15 hrs of travel. What is the easiest, fastest way to get to one's hotel (we are staying in the 5th). We will have a months worth of luggage and oh yeah, a 3 1/2yr old! I have read somewhere that shuttle service is available, similar to what we have here in the states. Has anyone used this and did you make advanced reservations. Our hotel is quite small and does not have transfers available. Merci.

Here's the website for the airport shuttle http://www.paris-anglo.com/clients/ashuttle.html <BR>We haven't tried this yet, but based on comments on the AOL travel boards, definitely will book on our next trip. You can e-mail your requirements at their website and they will confirm. The shuttle is probably your best bet if you have a lot of luggage. Be advised that this service is still relatively new in Paris. Some folks have complained that they are not always punctual to the minute (often delayed going TO the airport by other passengers who are not ready on time), but this seems to have improved and the recommendations far outnumber the odd complaint.

I used the shuttle last spring with my husband and two teens. We found it extremely convenient and reasonably priced. The only drawback is in the possibility that there will be several other stops on the way to your hotel -- but again, you might be the first stop (somebody has to be!). They do have a toll-free phone no. from U.S. -- it's 888 426 2705. The e-mail address is [email protected]. I would STRONGLY encourage you to book in advance, so you won't have a long wait. <BR>It would also be wise to tell them you'll have lots of luggage. Bonne chance -- and have a fabulous time!

I have taken the shuttle and also taken a cab. Even though the cab will be more expensive, after 15 hours on a plane, a months worth of luggage and a 3 1/2 year old, I would pay the extra for a cab.

I'd agree with Lori too (us Lori's have to stick together!). A cab is worth the expense after that long a trip, espiecally with a small child (who may or may not be a little cranky by that time .. plus you never know, the other passengers may or may not be a bit cranky by that time too, so the combination of all that could be a problem). Cabs do charge extra for additional luggage, but for absolute convenience you can't beat them. The Shuttle is really great too, we used them in April, booked via their 888 number and had no problems whatsoever. They were on time (a bit early actually on the return trip), the drivers were pleasant (and spoke English) and we were the first stop coming (some one has to be) from the airport. Returning to the a/p we made 2 stops, each lasted about 3 minutes so it was no big delay at all. <BR>Normally I'd recommend the Shuttle but with a small child it really might be worth the cab fare for everyone's comfort. If you do take the Shuttle advise them in advance you have a ton of luggage. Have fun.

Hi Jennifer: <BR> <BR>We decided to use the shuttle last May to go from our hotel to the airport. We were concerned about a possible Metro strike (although the museum workers went on strike instead), so we found the shuttle recommendation here and reserved a trip through e-mail. The Fodorite who suggested the service also suggested reconfirming the details once in Paris because they lost her reservation. Sure enough, when we called in Paris to reconfirm they had no record of our reservation, even though I had given them my credit card number and had print outs of the e-mails in hand! So thanks to that Fodorite's suggestion about reconfirming, our shuttle arrived promptly and we made it to the airport. Be prepared for a harrowing, high speed journey as well! All the drivers in Paris seemed to have pedal to the metal. <BR> <BR>

Hi Jennifer: <BR> <BR>We decided to use the shuttle last May to go from our hotel to the airport. We were concerned about a possible Metro strike (although the museum workers went on strike instead), so we found the shuttle recommendation here and reserved a trip through e-mail. The Fodorite who suggested the service also suggested reconfirming the details once in Paris because they lost her reservation. Sure enough, when we called in Paris to reconfirm they had no record of our reservation, even though I had given them my credit card number and had print outs of their e-mails in hand! So thanks to that Fodorite's suggestion about reconfirming, our shuttle arrived promptly and we made it to the airport. But be prepared for a harrowing, high speed journey as well! All the drivers in Paris seemed to have pedal to the metal. <BR> <BR>

Take a cab. I don't know why people recommend that shuttle so much, it may not even be cheaper in many cases -- it's about 90F per person which is 270F for three people. Last cab I took to the 14th arr. (further south than the 5th on the Left Bank) from CDG was only about 200F on a Saturday morning, including luggage fee. Cab fees are higher at night, though, (and on Sundays, I think maybe) and there's a slight charge per piece of luggage, but not much.

Thank you all for responding. I think I'm going with the cab. My son is very patient but driving around Paris dropping others off at their hotels after being on a plane forever might just push the envelope too far. <BR> <BR>Quick question though, do cabs in Paris take credit cards like they do here? Thx