I had heard rumors about a fixed price being set for taxis from either CDG airport or Orly into Paris. Did this actually happen? Still trying to figure out if it would be better (easier and/or cheaper) to take a taxi or brave the RER. It's our first time in Paris (we're a group of 4 college students). We're very familiar with Boston's subway system but obviously that won't be too helpful in Paris!
Thank you for any help anyone can offer!
Yes, the fixed taxi fare goes into effect in March 2016. It will be either €50 or €55 from CDG and €35 from Orly depending on the part of Paris you are going to. Most cabs will only carry a max of 3 people although there are taxi vans that can carry more.
It can be faster to take the RER to get to your hotel depending on traffic. And it costs €9.75 per person for the RER part from CDG. You will probably need to take a taxi or the subway from where the RER leaves you to your hotel.
The Paris subway is fairly easy to navigate and not overly expensive. I managed it with zero knowledge of French. The hardest part was buying the subway ticket with my non-chip credit card and having no coins to feed the ticket machine. The machines have been improved since my last visit and do also take Euro bills as well as coins and credit cards.
Other options are the many buses that can take you into the heart of paris. The fares vary, but are around €10 per person.
Suggested that you avoid the shuttles since they seem to be unreliable, especially if you pre pay.
Thank you so much @ Mark! Will that fixed rate also apply to the taxi minivans?
This all happens in March. It is now 10 Euro from CDG on the RER and has been for a couple of years. For four people a taxi makes total sense; when you are tired and carrying all your good stuff you are particularly vulnerable to pickpockets. Get to the hotel and stow your stuff in the safe and then set forth on the metro. Be sure to be always pick pocket proof -- no wallets in pockets even in front pockets. If your time there falls between a Monday and Sunday of one week then get Navigo Decouverte travel passes and charge them for the week. If you arrive early in the week, it would make sense to get them at the airport and take the RER into Paris and switch to the metro to your hotel; stow your valuables in a money belt or in a well controlled bag -- not a backpack and head into town. It is easy to do and you can get a free map of the system the first time you ride.
