Hello! Arriving CDG Saturday morning at 7am from the states. How long can we expect before we can leave the airport? Also, what is the best way for a group of three to get to hotel in Opera district (non strike day)?
I would estimate from 1 to 2 hours. It depends upon passport control and luggage delivery.
Taxis from the official taxi queue have a set price for up to 4 people and luggage at 50€ to the Right Bank. Taxi drivers are not tipped. Do not accept offers from illegal drivers soliciting from within the terminal.
It also depends on if you have access to the priority lane. If you do, you can literally be on your way to the taxi within 30 minutes of landing. And, of course, how many lanes are open at passport control. Despite that, to be safe I would not plan anything in Paris that takes place before 11 AM.
Also, what is the best way for a group of three to get to hotel in
Opera district (non strike day)?
An alternative to a taxi is the Roissybus. It terminates near the Opera metro stop, and we took it on our last trip when we were staying walking distance from that stop. It worked well for us but with 3 travelers, a taxi won't cost you that much more.
http://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/access/paris-charles-de-gaulle/public-transport/roissybus
We just got back from France and we also stayed in the Opera district in Paris when we landed. Tocards response is spot on. You’ll be so tired when you land and navigating the transportation system can be daunting. Just spend the €50 and relax on the ride to your hotel.
When we landed (with my dog and his luggage) we got through passport control in about 15 minutes and my dog was brought out to me almost immediately. We were on our way (we had hired a private car for 65Euros) in a bout 45 minutes, it was very easy.