It's looking like we (3 adults) may arriving into CDG from London at around 4:10p.m on a Monday. I'm guessing that after customs/immigration, picking up all our luggage, it will be around 5pm. Won't that put us directly in rush-hour?

I've only been to Paris once, and we used at taxi because I didn't want the hassle, but we arrived around 12pm, and we encountered barely any traffic.

So, I need some advice on these options:

1. We don't want to take the RER/Metro

2. How much will the cost be during rush hour from CDG to our apartment on Ile Saint Louis with a taxi - I would love to take this option, but I'm worried the cost will be really high.

3. I know London and Rome have airport car transfers - are there any companies in Paris that offer this?

4. Some have recommened shuttle service(which might be good for us if we will be stuck in traffic), but I believe travelnut once recommened Air France bus - is this a good option?

Price is a issue for us, so that's why I don't want to be stuck in traffic with the meter going in a taxi...but, I'm not sure if the price will be the same for 3 adults paying a set price for the shuttle - any thoughts?

Sure, there are several airport van shuttle companies operating in Paris. I haven't used them, but I can think of Bee and Paris Airport Shuttle for two. There are lots of threads on here.

I think when people talk about shuttle that is usually what they mean. There are two bus options -- the Air France bus and that is an option for you, as they have one route that goes to Gare de Lyon and that's not far from your apt. There is also a city-run airport bus (called Roissy Bus) that goes directly to the OPera Garnier (only stop). I'd probably take the AF bus to the Gare de Lyon and then maybe a taxi.

I don't know the price of those shuttles, I think they are around 15-20 euro per person, so it would be the cost of a taxi (unless it were delayed, of course), but you won't have to worry about the traffic and time that way. That AF bus is around 10 euro pp, and then the cab ride, so probably about the same. I just don't like those airport shuttle things myself, I like more control, but that's just my bias.

Theoretically you are going against the rush hour. I'd take a taxi.

I would recommend the shuttle option unless the Air France Bus/Taxi option might be cheaper (which I doubt) and the shuttle should take you directly to your accommodation.

The biggest downside to shuttles is the possibility that you will have to ride around while other folks on the shuttle are "delivered" first. But if money is a major issue then that's the alternative since you "don't want to take the RER."

If there are three of you, that would be 42 (14 x 3) euro OW for the Air France bus. RT Air France bus ticket it is 22 euro each or 66 for all 3 of you. Taxi fare from Gare de Lyon to your apartment would add about another 10 euro each way. Since you will be going "against traffic" any delay should be minor, and the taxi fare from CDG right to your door will likely be around 50 euro each way.
So, the max you would save by taking RT AF bus + taxi versus RT taxi would be about 14 euro RT - 4.65 euro apiece. If that is a needed savings on your budget, go for it. I personally would give up dessert at one meal to ride the taxi.

I think Bee Shuttle charges 17€ per person. For three, that's very close to what a taxi may cost. I don't see how the extra hassle is worth it.

-----Theoretically you are going against the rush hour. I'd take a taxi.-----

Unfortunately , the evening rush hour goes in both directions. I have a friend that works at CDG and it takes them from 1h to 1h30 minutes to get into the city. However at 5 pm traffic is not in full swing so you might make it in 45 minutes. I personally dont trust shuttle service and prefer to take a taxi. The RER is fine also but you've ruled that out.

So at 5pm rush hour won't be so bad yet? Has anyone taken a taxi from CDG to Paris around this time? I know everyone is saying the prices might be the same, but if we are stuck in traffic, won't that raise the prices verses a shuttle?

Also, with three people with suitcases, would we even be able to fit in one taxi?

I was actually asking about a "car service" that operates from CDG - does anyone know if these are avaliable?

We've never paid more than 47 euro for a taxi ride from CDG to central Paris (Ile St. Louis also as well as St. Germain). Luckily we haven't gotten stuck in any traffic though. This is always around 1 pm/2 pm, but I don't think the rates go up until evening time. Anyway, average fare is in the 40+ euro range.

On second thought...the cost of a taxi may very well be "high" but since you've ruled the RER and Metro out then the cost obviously is not your numero uno priority.

So, the answer: repeat this phrase 100 times: "We are WORTH it!" and take the taxi.

I can understand not wanting to transfer from RER to Métro. But how about taking the train to the closest station and a taxi from there? That's what you'd do if your ultimate destination were a different city - isn't it?

Anna1013,

You asked about car services a second time. To clarify a couple of the previous posts, Paris Shuttle and Bee Shuttle ARE private car services. And there are several others. If you google "Paris airport shuttle service," you should get a fairly complete list.

I've never taken a taxi at that exact time, either, so I'm not sure. I think it certainly could affect traffic all around the peripherique, and certainly within Paris, so I'm not sure that it would have no effect on traffic.

Those shuttle vans are a car service. It's a van that holds about 6 people, I guess. If you don't want to pay for a taxi, you really don't want to pay for a private car instead of those group vans, it will be much more, and I thought the reason you didn't want a taxi was to save money. If you do want one, Paris Airport Shuttle will do a private service rather than group -- it's 70 euro for two people, whereas the group van would be 50 euro for two. What's the point, you might as well take a taxi and not worry about the rigamarole with a van shuttle (which you must reserve in advance and wait to show up and hope they do). With a taxi, you just walk out and get in one.

There are always illegal car drivers trying to get clients at the airport by approaching people within the terminal and claiming they are taxis. They are taxis in their fantasies in the way anyone driving a car can say he is a taxi. Legitimate taxi drivers aren't allowed to approach people inside the airport, and they must wait in the official queue. If you are feeling bold, you can hire one of those illegal guys if you trust him (I wouldn't, but don't want to encourage them anyway). At least you know what to be willing to pay. But what will you do if they agree and then get to your hotel and claim for some reason it should be more and refuse to unload your bags from the trunk until you pay?

oh Bee has private car transfers for only 65 euro, so that would be cheaper than the other one

Sorry if I'm confusing everyone, but I had two more questions:

1. In regards to a car service, I was thinking more in the line of Ray Skinners car service, or Rome Limo service where you pay a set price, and they only pick up your party. They aren't a shuttle van and when I used their services, they were much cheaper than a taxi.

2. I asked it before, but I think this one got overlooked - with 3 adults, including our luggage, will we be able to fit into one taxi?

Anna..forget the shuttle..use a legal cab (at the cab stand) it will cost you around 50 euro. There should be no problem with 3 adults who pack appropriately. The only time I am really leary of traffic is Friday PM esp just before a school break. It once took me 1 1/2 hrs to get from Montparnasse station to near the Bastille metro. I could have walked it in half the time but I was "great with child" and only waddled at that point.

At 5 pm rush hour is not quite as bad as 6:30 pm but understand that at 6:40 pm it takes 1h30 mins to go 17 miles. So at 5 pm it will be less but its not going to be smooth sailing and if there is wreck or road work, all bets are off.

Yes a taxi can accomidate 3 people and luggage.

Taxis are metered so you will pay more if you sit in traffic.

I am not going to guess a taxi price for you because I have fortunately never had to take one from the airport in traffic.

I am not a fan of shuttles. They might not show up or be late and then you have to go through all of the phone calls to see if they will show up soon or if they never show you might have to attempt to get a refund.

I know of no private car services here.

If you land at 1610 I don't think it is very likely you will be settled into a taxi OR a shuttle by 1700. If you are checking bags, if you have to bus in to the terminal from the remote apron, or just about anything could put you in the cab/shuttle around 1730 or later . . . . .

janisj,

I'm not quite sure what you mean about having to bus in from another terminal, but you're saying that we probably won't leave until 5:30pm - won't that put us closer to rush hour traffic?

Rush hour starts about 4:00 pm and continues until 8:30. It peaks at 6:30 pm.