Getting a Taxi on My Own--No Help from a Hotel Clerk

Never rely on a taxi stand for a high stakes trip like this to the airport. There are occasions when taxis are not available last minute and with the fuel strikes, this is even more important. And in Paris taxi stands are not generally filled with taxis except at certain sites. One may come along, or may not especially if it turns out to be a busy or rainy morning. What you do is call the G7 taxi English line the night before and arrange for a pick up at the apartment. We have done this many times and they are very reliable and generally a few minutes early. (and I always have a plan B in mind with the RER just in case -- never had to use it but I am always prepared to run for the metro if the taxi doesn't show.)
(+33) 01 41 27 66 99. is the G7 English number. Double check that before you need it.
Be sure you give the address with the arrondissement (the 5 number postal code) so there is no confusion about where you are. You can also do this on line.

THANK YOU janettravels44! Really appreciate your help.

There is a flat rate now for taxis going to and from both airports. To CDG from your address, you'll pay 55 EU for 1 to 4 passengers, and there is no fee for luggage in the trunk. In addition to this flat rate, G7 charges 7 EU for either an advance reservation or a dispatch fee - all in all, it's worth paying for the convenience of knowing you'll make your flight. You don't have to tip the driver unless you want to, and he'll be happy with 1 or 2 EU.

Be aware that there is a serious shortage of petrol at the moment, and traffic may be heavier than normal going to the airport due to transportation strikes. Normally, I would allow 1 hour travel time at this hour, but you might want to leave a few minutes earlier.

Thanks chexbres.

Excellent advice. I couldn't agree more with janettravels44 that you must have a plan B (maybe even a plan C). Getting to the airport on time is not optional.
Nothing wrong with calling ahead, making reservations, allowing extra time, etc. But here's another thought. Is there a large hotel near you? If so, what does their taxi line look like in the morning at the time you'd like to be leaving? Hotel guests are also leaving early, like you, to catch flights, so there could be a line of cabs waiting for fares. This would only be true at largish hotels. We left a little later in the morning than you, but simply walked a short distance and got in a cab at that hotel.

Thanks Bob. I don't know whether or not a largish hotel is nearby but its a good idea. I'll keep my eyes open.

mike,

The two methods I normally use are....

• Have the hotel book a shared Shuttle (they've always been very efficient, despite the traffic). You could probably book one online.
• Take the RER "B" to the airport. Quick and easy, and no worries about traffic.

I'm with Janet. For a flight that early, I use G7. They're totally reliable. I stumble out of my apartment and they're waiting for me right there and they drop me off at the airport.

Hotels cannot always get last minute taxis for the airport in the morning either. Shared shuttles are a disaster waiting to happen. They are notorious for no shows and you never know where they will wander before they finally get you there. I had one get us there an hour later than expected when it got lost looking for the last pick up many years ago -- have taken cabs or the train sense.

yes this is great information to have on hand! thank you all!

Yes, just call the G7 taxi English-speaking line per Janet's advice!

I can't imagine that the refinery strikes will still be going on by the end of June, but I guess anything can happen.

"Shared shuttles are a disaster waiting to happen. "

Maybe I'm just lucky, but those have always worked well for me. I always get the hotel to arrange them, and I'm sure they call a reliable firm. The last one I took was a model of efficiency, zipping around to several hotels and then dropping each passenger at their respective terminal. I was quite impressed!

A shared shuttle probably works better at hotels than apartments. I have read many accounts of people not being picked up at apartments and being told 'we were there but you werent' as they keep the money after not providing the service. And they are also notorious for missing airport pickups. It is not a shuttle culture. If there driver doesn't show they may not have back up and last minute cancellations are common. The taxi company will just send a different cab; the shuttle company is likely to just cancel the run. I have had shuttles miss a pick up in the US twice. Once the company told me to get a cab and they would pay for it and they did. Once they send another van immediately. This is not the kind of customer service you would find in Paris.

Taxis G7 also has an App, like Uber, that you can set up before hand. Order and pay through the App, no need to worry about cash before you leave. Of course most taxis, but not all, have the ability to charge with your CC.