Best way from CDG to Opera district Hotel?

I was there in May, solo, and taking a cab suited me perfectly as I didn't want to deal with trains or the metro in an unfamiliar city. Taxis to and from the airport are capped at 55 euro to your area, for up to 4 people--there's a clearly marked queue for them, don't get into any others. Confirm with the driver that it's 55 euro, some may try to take advantage.

If you are comfortable dealing with your luggage and a child on public transport, be aware that there's a lot of walking and stairs within the stations. Now that I've been there and see how it all works, it's do-able but a taxi is easier--and when I left for the airport at 4 am it was the only option, anyway.

fares are not 'capped'; there are flat fees to Paris from CDG. It is 50 Euro from CDG to the right bank and Opera is on the right bank. You just get a cab by queuing in the official queue; absolutely do not go with anyone who approaches you about needing a taxi. This is the easiest and with luggage and being tired, the best way to go. Have your address including postal code written down and make sure the meter shows 50 Euro. There is no need to tip for anything in France. If the driver is super helpful then a couple of Euros is fine but not necessary. Same in restaurants, a Euro or two max or change from a small order; most French leave nothing.

The train as you noted is 27 and you would transfer to the metro to your stop. If you do this be sure you are pickpocket proof i.e. no wallet in pocket or backpack with valuables. With all the stair climbing with luggage and being new and tired and confused on arrival, it might not be the best choice although if it is convenient routing, it is fine. We have done it many times.

You aren't going to 'Opera District'; you are going to some specific place. It is crucial in asking directions to mention your metro stop. Your hotel website probably has route suggestions, certainly it will list the metro stop.

With three people I'd get a cab.

Note that Paris has at least two opera houses, the Palais Garnier, and the Bastille Opera. Usually, Opera means "Palais Garnier". That is the destination of the Roissybus. Because I often stay within walking distance of the Palais Garnier, in discount hotels, I like the bus. That said, it's not frequent enough for me, and the ticketing/boarding routine is cryptic at CDG.

But as noted, you really should give the name or address of your hotel if you want good transportation advice. No hackers will be able to "stalk" you with a vague time like "mid August!"

Do not make your first trip to Paris without going to the library and reading (any year's edition) of Rick Steves' "Paris" or "France".

We took the RoissyBus a few years back. It was standing room only with so many people and large bags that it was a very unpleasant and hot experience. I don't think it's worth the savings, especially if the taxi price is set with no extras.

Take a taxi, but make sure of the price to actually get you to your hotel, not just to l'Opéra. If your hotel is truly near there, the price should not be much more than the €55 already mentioned (http://www.thelocal.fr/20160229/flat-rate-for-paris-airport-taxis-comes-into-force).

The most convenient option would be to follow the overhead signs in CDG and go to the official taxi stand. The flat rates have been mentioned, and there are no fees for luggage in the trunk. You won't wait in line very long - make certain to hand the driver the complete printed address of where you want to go, including the Postal Code. That way, there won't be any confusion.

It doesn't make any sense to spend all that time and energy changing from trains, buses and taxis, with the possibility of having to walk several blocks on crowded sidewalks to find your destination. Taking a taxi will be the best money you'll spend in Paris - sit back and enjoy the ride into town.

I would take a taxi. My analysis when I am traveling with a child is different from when I am alone. Assuming that you are arriving from a transatlantic flight and will have jet lag, the taxi is easiest. With jet lag and a child to keep track of, I want to keep it simple and that means taxi. How much experience do you and your child have with mass transit? If it is not a lot, I'd take a taxi for sure. I like the Roissybus for solo adult travelers. You can get seats but it can be crowded and hot (as mentioned above) and hard to maintain your balance when standing but depending on where you are in the Opera Quartier, it could be convenient. I wouldn't even consider options 4 and 5. Shuttles that you do not share are just about the same price as taxis nowadays and shared shuttles can take forever to get you to your destination. Everyone I know who has ridden the Easybus has complained but at least you would be taking it into Paris and not running the risk of missing your flight. I've used the first three options and like the taxi option best. That being said, I have a friend who travels a lot for business and leisure, who likes the private shuttle with the driver holding a card with your name on it when you exit arrivals best.

Thank you all for your kind advice. We are staying at Opera Liege Hotel (9 Rue de Liège, 75009 Paris). I believe that would be considered in "Right bank". So I think the pre fix price should be Euro 50 via cab. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks for helping me make this decision. Looks like Cab might be a good option for us.

One of the websites had also suggested taking Easybus to center (Le Palais Royal/Lovure) and then take a cab from there to your hotel. The Easybus is only Euro 1.95 per person and the luggage is free. So in our case, the hotel is about 2.5 KM (or a 10 min drive) from there (Euro 13-15) . Any thoughts on that option? Would that be too much of a hassle as well? How easy is it to hail a cab at Louvre/Palias Royal? We don't mind going by the bus (single ride to Paris center) as we don't have too much luggage. But the Train ride/staircase/changing RER to Metro, etc. is clearly not an option for us. If you could share any thoughts on Easybus (reliability/accuracy, etc.) then that would be great. That would help us evaluation that option as well.

Ok I think I have my answer on Easybus:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/review-of-easybus-from-cdg-to-palais-royale

I should have done the search before asking this.

Taxi it is for us. Thanks again for all your help.

You've already reached this conclusion, but in case you are wavering, take a taxi. With 4 people, you don't pay that much extra for a taxi. You don't have to worry about pickpockets, lugging your stuff around stations, keeping an eye on your 10 year old. A taxi is much easier.

Hi canbonbon - We are traveling to Paris later this week and booked a private car from CDG to our flat in the Latin quarter. The cost is 55 euro, and includes a free booster seat if your child needs it. We are traveling with our 7.5 year old and this seemed like the best option for us. http://interserviceprestige.com/

Enjoy your trip!

canbonbon, I think that you have made the correct decision. By the way, you are staying in the 9th arrondissement (which is sometimes called the Opera district) but I would say that you are in the Europe neighborhood. I like this area -- good transit connections though not right in the heart of tourist central. I stay in that area about once a year when I have meetings near Gare St-Lazare.

Just to chime in about going 2.5 km in a taxi -
Many taxis would refuse to take you - this is illegal, but they can still refuse.
The minimum charge for going anywhere in a taxi is currently 7 EU, even if you're only going half a block.

Even if you're on a tight budget, you can economize elsewhere during your trip by drinking tap water instead of soda, for example. This adds up faster than you might expect.

Arrival is one of the most crucial aspects of travel. Don't confuse "false economy" with getting into town safely and in a good mood.

Thank you all once again for helping out. You guys are a great bunch.

Yes we will be doing taxi/private pickup (Thanks to Amy who posted about inter services) and I am not pursuing any other option. This is our first time doing this so I wanted to ask these questions because most websites have all sorts of information for coming from CDG. Therefore it is good to know what works best for us.

Also, good to know that they can refuse short distances. While we don't need that for getting from airport to the hotel but might need in general if we get tired walking around.

No the intent was not just to save money as much as to see if any of these options worked well. We did that in London. Took the tube from the airport to Piccadilly as our hotel was right there. Worked like a charm. But looks like that is not feasible here.

Thanks again.