CDG to Paris Opera Garnier area on RoissyBus

I just took this bus. I wonder who is giving those reviews that have you concerned? I've never experienced any of those issues - this time or many others throughout the years. I wonder if perhaps during the Olympics there were any changes that surprised reviewers?

My most recent experience - emerged from CDG and saw the RoissyBus sitting at the pick-up point, used Credit Card for Tap and Go (bus driver pointed out the correct terminal, obviously a question asked frequently), sat down with my suitcase, smooth ride to Opera Garnier.

I find the RoissyBus very convenient when I'm staying in the Opera Garnier area. Taxis are fine also, but if I'm not rushed, the cost savings as a solo traveler and relaxed drive are something I take advantage of.

https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/access/paris-charles-de-gaulle/public-transport/roissybus
https://www.ratp.fr/en/passenger-services/contactless-credit-card-payment-roissybus-and-orlybus

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.

Very good observation from Pam above!

This (deciding on the spot after researching various options) is the approach I generally take to airport arrivals. Somehow, knowing I can go with my feeling at the time of arrival takes some of the stress of air travel and the vexing question of "how to get into town" away.

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.