I have read a lot about transfers saying to use a taxi, all of those had no more than 4 people traveling.
There are 5 of us. We are arriving around 8 am (fromUS) it’s my husband and I, our 2 daughters (10 & 7) and my father. We will each have a backpack and roller-board bag. Looking for a good way to get from CDG to near the arch de triomph area. Looked up mydriver, but read horrible reviews on them in Paris. Hubs looked up a private service last night but it was gonna be around $200 (US) which is way more than we would like to spend. I would prefer not to take the metro as I have heard there is a transfer. Thanks for any and all advice!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Van-style taxis are available and if one is not waiting in the taxi rank at CDG, the line monitor can call one for you.
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1369 posts
Laura is correct. Just follow the Taxi signs at the airport & get in the official line. They will put you in a van. Do not go with anyone that approaches you while walking to the Taxi Stand. They are not official taxi's and will charge a lot more. There is a set price to and from the CDG & Paris, 50 or 55 Euros, depending on which side of the Seine you are on. I am not sure if there is an added cost for the 5th person. I am sure someone else on the site can chime in.
For coming home you can arrange a taxi to pick you up either by calling G7, they do have English speaking operators if need be, book it online or use their App. There is a small reservation fee. https://www.g7.fr/en/
Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
Kelowna, Canada
118 posts
Fully endorse getting van at CGG which should not cost much more than 55euros (which is set fee for taxi with 4 people)
Also we booked thru G7 last time and they were good
Posted by
Green Bay
20085 posts
According to this official sign, a 5th person is a 4 EUR adder. Not sure if it is only for metered trips, but it is a guide.
http://www.parisaeroport.fr/docs/default-source/passager-fichiers/acces/taxi/forfaits-taxis-cdg.pdf?sfvrsn=7c9317bd_2
Posted by
France
408 posts
Hubs?
Seriously? Whatever...
The least expensive way to get into central Paris would be the RER, a train system that operates in the Paris Metro area. If that intimidates you, then a van picked up at a taxi stand would be easier and with the added advantage of being much more expensive.
I took the RER the first time I came to France and while, yes, it took a bit of thinking and a willingness to live with uncertainty (since I was completely unfamiliar with it) it was fine.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3692 posts
The trip by RER will cost 47.70€ for your group of five. A taxi will cost 54€, including the supplement for the 5th passenger. So you will save around 6€ by taking the RER but you will have to change from the RER B to whatever other line goes near your accommodations and you will have to walk to make that change and then walk from the station to the hotel or apartment. All while keeping track of two children. Can it be done? Of course, it can, and I am all for that type of exploration but usually I prefer to do that when I am traveling solo or with one other adult. In your shoes, I'd take a taxi from the line at CDG. Don't accept any offers if people approach you in the terminal offering rides. Follow the signs for taxis and proceed to the taxi line and the line monitor will match you to the correct sized taxi. Unless you feel confident in your French, have the address written out along with the postal code on a piece of paper along with 54€ and hand that to your driver. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Chicago
8049 posts
The 50 or 55 flat fee from CDG covers 4 people and their luggage. Each additional person is 4 Euro. It would be nuts to take the RER with this many people. Why drag luggage up and down stairs, subject yourself to pickpockets and then have to climb out of the metro and find your lodging on foot; tired and with all your valuables you are particularly vulnerable to pickpockets. Take a cab door to door, stow your stuff and then set out on public transport to enjoy Paris.
The Arc du Triomphe is on the right bank so assuming your hotel is too, your cost of taking a cab from the official cab line would be 54 Euro; join the queue, don't go with anyone who says 'do you need a taxi'. The dispatcher will match you with a van; there are usually plenty at the airport. You don't need to tip the cabbie although if he is very helpful with luggage, a couple of Euro is fine. In Paris you don't tip the high % Americans are used to; France pays people wages and doesn't have a tipping culture.
For the RER, 4 of you would pay 10.30 each (age 10 is when adult ticket prices kick in on RER/metro and I am not sure if you can buy a single ticket for half price for the 7 year old. So if so, it would be about 47 for your party by train. So not worth it.
And 200 Euro is ludicrous -- I would expect to pay more for a private transfer other than a cab, but 200 is ridiculous. (and cabs are more reliable)
Posted by
Paris
9566 posts
What Janet said.
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
There's a lot to be said for door-to-door service via a Taxi.
There are mini-vans that will hold you and your luggage, no luggage fees apply.
If you are ready to leave Paris, do yourself a favor and book on the G7 website, in English:
/www.g7.fr/en/
Be outside on the sidewalk about 5 minutes before the scheduled time. There is a small fee for the convienience.