I'm planning to visit Paris in a few months and will be staying in the Opera Garnier area. The RoissyBus seems like a good option from CDG but some of the reviews I've read make me doubtful. Particularly, irregular scheduling, not accommodating for luggage (I will have 2 suitcases), and, most concerning to me, arbitrarily changing the drop off or pick up point in Paris (near the Opera Metro). I don't want to bring my luggage on the Metro or a local train. Should I just take a cab?
A cab is certainly easier, but I routinely take the RoissyBus between CDG and Opera Garnier. It is simple, cheap and allows you to see the city en route rather than smell the urine underground on the Metro. As far as luggage, you can take whatever you can carry—similar to any train or metro. No one will help you with it like with an airline or taxi, but if you have more than you can handle yourself, I suggest you are bringing too much. It has always picked me up right outside of arrivals, and left me across the street from the Opera. There were a couple of months when they changed the Opera stop to the next block down do to construction, but either way is way easier than going down stairs and escalators or changing line on the Metro—particularly with luggage.
I admit that I haven't been to Europe since before the Pandemic, but I've never had any trouble with the RoissyBus. I'd observe that a taxi or black car is certainly vulnerable to road accidents and construction delays, as well as fire or ambulance obstructions inside Paris. I'm not accusing you of denigrating all busses, but well-off people in NYC take busses and subways all the time. You are not in command of your own SUV when you use public transportation!
I'm no internet expert, but it's often observed that there are many more "1-Star Flames" than there are "5-Star Love Fests." That's the nature of aggrieved people everywhere. Because of the need to read at least ten review, and look for stilted composition (to detect relatives of the service provider), I don't find internet reviews to be an easy decision maker.
The good thing is that you don't have to make the decision until the last moment. You can see how you feel when you get off the plane. If you've had a long wait in the Immigration lines or if your flight was delayed in some way or if it is raining then you might prefer to be dropped at your door. If you are feeling energized by your arrival you might opt to take the RoissyBus.
I would have the name of your hotel and the full address written on a 3x5 card to hand to the taxi driver. There is a flat rate to the Right or Left Bank so I usually have the amount written out to the side of my hotel name so the driver knows I know what it is. I also have started holding up my phone as the driver is loading my suitcase into the trunk and ask "Apple Pay?".
https://easycdg.com/taxi-shuttle-paris-cdg-airport-charlesdegaulle/
https://easycdg.com/roissybus-paris-cdg-de-gaulle-airport/
I want to thank Pam, Tim, and PharmerPhil, and ORDTraveler for their replies. I feel more confident now and will likely give RoissyBus a try. Thank you all.
I visited Paris last week and took the RoissyBus because my hotel was in the Opera area (Astototel Astra Opera). I liked using the RoissyBus and would take it again. The commute time was about 1.25 hours each way, both from the airport on a Saturday night at 7:30 PM and to the airport on Wednesday afternoon at 1 PM. The drivers were friendly and helpful.
On board the bus, I did not see racks where passengers can stow their luggage. Instead it looked like everyone was keeping their bags, somewhat awkwardly, at/on their seats. There was plenty of room on the bus, so no one seemed to care that passengers put bags on the seats.
I have used the Roissy bus many times. It's always been a pleasant ride. It's the perfect way to get into Paris if you go near the opera. It's a 10 minutes walk from gare st Lazare if you are going to Giverny or Bayeux. All the buses I have used had a luggage rack in the center of the bus. The stop is at the corner of Auber and Scribe. RER A Auber station is around the corner and will take you to the Arc de triomphe at one end and gare de Lyon at the other. Bon voyage
Thank you NYC Librarian and Jeannette for the helpful information.