Shuttle vs. taxi for four from CDG to Le Regent on Dauphine
 

I know this has been discussed but I am wondering if you can get a taxi that will hold four. Do they have van taxis that will hold four people and luggage. I think the shuttle service wants about 90.00 US to pick us up and we have to call and possible wait on them. If there is not much difference in price it seems the taxi would be easier.

Hello Susan, <BR><BR>I'm not exactly sure about the taxi size, however it has been my husband's experience that most are on the small side - maybe three people with luggage would fit. But, some are Mercedes and those may be larger. There are van taxis, too.<BR><BR>It sounds as if you are going to Le Regent soon. We are staying there in July. Could you post your thoughts on this hotel when you return?<BR><BR>Thanks.

Yes, I am looking forward to our first trip. We are leaving on May 25th. I actually have email Mark at Paris shuttle and have not gotten a response. For almost 100.00 dollars I would think you should not have to wait for a shuttle or taxi or whatever. I just don't know if a taxi would hold us.

It is probably a good idea to try to find out about the taxis now. Maybe someone at the Le Regent can help you with that info. That way, if they say it is impossible, you can reserve the shuttle. <BR><BR>We had an awful experience once in Frankfurt, Germany. The taxis were small so we had to split up into two taxis - me with the two mothers and liggage and the other with my husband and son and luggage. We couldn't speak a word of German and the taxi driver claimed not to understand us. I just kept hoping that I would see my husband when we got to the train station. It is easier to stay together if possible.<BR><BR>Enjoy your first visit - very exciting! Let me know about the Le Regent, please.

For less than $100.00 you can take two taxis and do not think about calling a shuttle first, then wait for them, and if there are other poeple on that shuttle you will be driven arond Paris to watch other people getting off first. What we observed in CDG there are small taxi-vans that can easily accommodate four people. Forget about a shuttle.

Thanks for the input. It seems like such a simple task, a ride from airport to a hotel. I do not want to get split up however, like Mari mentions. How do you keep taxi drivers from driving you all over before going to the hotel, to up the rate? Is this a problem in Paris?

It is funny Susan, but the last time we were in Paris we stayed at Le Regent. When we were checking out, there was an older couple there waiting for a taxi. I have never seen so much luggage in my life for two people. They had been skiing in somewhere or other and they had sky equipment and tons of huge luggage. <BR>Anyway. The hotel had made arrangements for a large taxi, more like a station wagon type, to transfer them to the airport.<BR>They said they had to request a large taxi.<BR>So if I were you I would email Le Regent and ask. <BR>

No problem getting a cab for four at CDG. Go to the Taxi stand and pick a larger taxi(There are plenty) Make sure its marked PARISIAN cab.<BR>There will be a minimal charge for the fourth passenger along with charges per pieces of luggage.

Does anyone know what a taxi for four with four 26" suitcases should cost from CDG to Le Regent on Rue Dauphine?<BR>Even an educated guess.

Susan: The four of us have stayed at Le Regent about three times; our other hotels have been rather close to it.<BR><BR>Fares depend on traffic congestion a lot, so we've ranged from a low of $30 to a bad day of around $60. <BR><BR>We have not ever had a problem getting a taxi for four from CDG--haven't even had to get another taxi in the line--but we also have only one 22" roll-on per person.<BR><BR>As far as the question about preventing a taxi driver from driving you all over town, running up the fare...that's a bit hard. All I can say is that I've never felt cheated. There are two basic variations(perhaps I'd count one other, too) to get to the Left Bank from CDG (we go to Paris a lot)in a timely manner, but the last time we were there, the taxi driver was taking a true long route as far as I was concerned. I was in the front seat and looked at him, puzzled...he pointed to the radio, turned it up, and a Paris radio show was talking about two accidents on two routes. "Vous comprennez, madame?" he asked, and I nodded. He was very grateful for the tip at the end--I'm sure he still thought I felt he was cheating us.<BR>

Susan,<BR><BR>I also had a little difficult time getting a reply from Mark Hariss at Parishuttle. I had to send a "second request" before he answered. I believe that one time he said it was his day off. Otherwise, I'm not sure if he is just plain busy as he's the manager. But you can try again. He ususally answers in the end.

Sooner or later people are going to realize that taking a shuttle in Paris is a total waste of time and money unless you are a single traveler. Two people can take a taxi for the same price -- and not have to call and wait for it, or stop at various other destinations enroute to your hotel. If there are three or four of you, the taxi becomes even a bigger bargain. What is the possible attraction of that stupid shuttle?

Everyone has a their own preference. Stop trying to be so pushy. And what's your attraction to those stupid taxis?

Duh, let's make a choice"<BR><BR>OPTION #1) I can pre-arrange a shuttle. When I arrive at CDG I need to get a phone and call the shuttle service saying I'm there. Then I wait an average of half-hour, possibly more for them to pick me up. On the way to my hotel, we may go out of the way and drop other people at their hotels. The total cost for two people is probably about $60 US.<BR><BR>OPTION #2) I don't make any advance plans. As soon as I clear customs I go to the taxi line and get into a taxi. It takes me directly to my hotel, no waiting and no stopping. The total cost for two people is about $40 US.<BR><BR>Duh, guess I'm being pushy, but which do you think is a better option?????

Susan: Take only a taxi or van or stationwagon marked Taxi Parisien. In all likelihood, there will be a guy directing you toward a suitable taxi. The sedan-type taxis in Paris are only allowed to carry three passengers, but the vans and stationwagons can carry more, so that's what you should be directed to. Yes, it will be cheaper than taking the shuttle for 4 people. It should run $30-$40, depending on day, time of day, and traffic.

I agree with the infamous xxx above. Why in the world would anyone take a shuttle (assuming there are two or more of you) when a taxi is cheaper, easier, and quicker?<BR>I learned a long time ago, the same thing is true in New York. In London, I've found that a private car service is the best for me -- far cheaper than a taxi, and just as quick and just as inexpensive as two tickets on one of the express lines plus a taxi to my hotel. <BR>Different cities call for different measures, but I sure can't figure out what anyone sees in the Paris shuttles, unless they are only one person traveling alone.

If I travel alone, with just my 22" rollaboard, I take the RER into Paris. If I have extra luggage, then I take a taxi. For four people, definitely take the taxi.<BR><BR>I've only taken a shuttle here in the U.S. a couple of times, and I didn't like being driven all over the city to drop off others - just a weird personality quirk, I guess.<BR><BR>As Patrick points out, a hired car/driver isn't a bad choice, either. The driver meets you outside customs/immigration, helps you get your baggage to the car, is usually parked at the curb, and takes you right to the hotel - or you can arrange for a tour of the city before he drops you off. You can also ask for an English-speaker, so s/he can answer the "what's that?".

To xxx (aka "Duh"):<BR><BR>You assume a shuttle for 2 is $60.00. For your information, you can get a shuttle for as low as $13/pp.<BR><BR>And if a hired car is cheaper than that, I'd take it too. <BR>

Dear Susan<BR><BR>Sorry for the delay in replying tp your e mail but I ve just got back from

( ill start again )just got back from a week end in London.<BR>If you check your e mail you will find your confirmation.<BR>The price of 107 euros was for a private eight seater van.<BR>If you had reserved a regular shuttle service the cost of your transfer would have been approx. half the above fare.<BR><BR>best regards ,<BR><BR>Mark <BR>Parishuttle<BR><BR><BR>

Francine 2 taxis for a 100 $ ?<BR><BR>Dream on , have you ever been to Paris ?<BR>Those little taxi vans that can fit 4 people are very often illegal & are not insured to carry fare paying passengers.<BR><BR>Four people then either pay the price for two taxis ( more than 100 dollars believe me ), take the shuttle or take the train. <BR><BR><BR>

The post just above this one is very missleading. We took taxis 4 times since euro was introduced and the highest we paid was 46 euros when we left the airport at 5:30 pm and traffic was very slow. One time we paid 30 but it was 7 am to CDG and there weren't many cars on the road. <BR>Also someone gave you correct information that there are small taxi vans in the airport and they are legal. <BR>Susan do not feel obligated to take a shuttle. $107 for a shuttle, even for four peope, is a robbery. I can't belive this quote

Bobbi i paid about 50 euros to get to my hotel in a taxi in the 18th area of paris.We could not find a taxi that would take 4 of us & ended up taking two arriving 25 minutes apart even though we left at the same time.<BR>On another occasion back in the days of francs we paid close to 500 francs , 75 euros to get to our hotel in the 5th area.<BR>If you read the shuttle guys post then you see the price is not for a regular shuttle but a private van.<BR>Since my last experience with the taxi in January i have taken only shuttles , 2 different companies ,and they have both worked out very well.<BR>Just because the taxi looks official & legal it doesnt mean that you can trust the driver to take you their the quickest and cheapest way possible.

Yes, Bobbi, it's true. You can't get ONE taxi to take more than three people at the most. So if there are four in the party, what do you think you're told? You have to take two taxis. And the cost will be $100+. I cannot see how the cost of taking two taxis would be less than taking one shuttle.<BR>

Getting in a taxi at the airport was the easiest thing I did the entire trip. Unfortunately we arrived at rush hour and sat in the hot cab for over an hour. It cost $50 from CDG to St. Germain and I felt the need to over-tip because I didn't have correct change and becuase our driver did his best to play tour guide. The trip back on Sunday am took about 25 min and cost $44 plus tip. I saw a number of taxis that looked like small SUV's which I believe were available for groups of 4 or people with lots of luggage. <BR><BR>Unless you are on a very tight budget, I think taxis are the way to go. You are very tired and stressed when you get off the plane...simple is good.

Amen!

xxx is simply wrong wrong wrong. Until a few years ago, almost all taxis in Paris were sedans, and by law they were not allowed to take more than three passengers. That is NOT the case any more. There are stationwagons and vans - all legitimate Taxis Parisiens (the only kind you should ever set foot in) - that can and do take more than 3 passengers. If someone suggests you need two taxis for four people, he is trying to rip you off, and the Taxi Parisien people will not, in my considerable experience, ever do that. There is almost always a uniformed man standing at the front of the taxi line who will direct you and your party to an appropriate taxi.<BR>The original question was "Do they have van taxis that will hold four people and luggage," and the answer is a simple yes.

Once found a " larger taxi " at the airport yet the driver refused to take all 5 of us even though he had a seven seat car , renault i think.Anyway he called his friend , another taxi driver with a normal sized car & they both drove us in to paris.

Dear All<BR><BR>This post has opened Pandoras taxi box it would appear.<BR><BR>Firstly St Cirq is perfectly correct in stating that there are indeed taxis which can take more than 3 people .<BR>The advent in europe of the " people carrier"vehicle has lead to more & more of these vehicles being used as Taxis.They are however still very small in number compared to the ammount of " sedan " sized taxis.<BR>The larger taxis should not refuse customers purely because there are more than 3 people.<BR><BR>An earlier poster mentioned the "pirate " taxis that are in operation at the airport.There are so many of these in operation now the ADP ( aeroports de paris)has employed extra "traffic wardens " to try & stop them from illegally picking up clients.<BR>Words of wisdom stated repeatedly on Fodors ; if the vehicle is not a pre reserved shuttle service or does not have a lit plastic light saying taxi parisien on its roof then you should not climb aboard.<BR><BR>Finally , my original reason for posting in reply to Bobbie ;<BR><BR>the price quoted to the original poster was for a private VIP service not a regular shuttle service.<BR>The price is hence not the same as a normal shuttle transfer.<BR><BR>best regards <BR><BR>Mark<BR>Parishuttle<BR>