Paris airport ..help ! We need advise ..

Why don't you all meet in the lobby of the CDG Sheraton at Terminal 2 and directly above the TGV station?

My private advisor again... lol

Is the Sheraton close to the Air Canada terminal.. ?
Sounds like a good plan.. ! I will look into where the Sheraton is located to make sure everyone knows where to go.

Thanks again.. :)

Ilene

The Sheraton right in the center of Terminal 2. Air Canada is at 2A. Here is a map that shows everything. It is not a bad walk, but there is also the free inter-terminal shuttle bus, Navette gratuite.
https://www.parisaeroport.fr/docs/default-source/passager-fichiers/acces/plan_masse_cdg.jpeg?sfvrsn=9bd907bd_4

The designated meeting points at CDG are typically found at the baggage claim exits. Unfortunately, there is more than just one. Many people do meet at the Sheraton lobby as it is centrally located among the many fingers of terminal 2.

When meeting someone at CDG, I would have a backup plan in place specifying a time at which those present should proceed to the hotel. There are many unknowns when traveling and if someone is delayed for an unknown period of time, others really should not needlessly wait at the airport.

Also of possible interest is the fact that CDG has free wifi for those wanting to receive or to send messages via email.

Lastly, I would absolutely not use any shuttle service departing CDG. Shuttles have no close in pickup point and their overall reliability is not particularly good. Taxis have fixed fares 50€/55€ into Paris, have access to bus lanes for faster transfer times (that shuttles do not), and can accommodate as many people as needed up to a total of 7 passengers. There is a 3€ fee for each additional passenger from the 5th to the 7th. Never accept offers from clandestine drives soliciting from within the terminals. Taxi drivers are not tipped.

Since there are 12 of you and you come in at different times, I would suggest that the first 6 or 7 people to arrive take a cab directly to the hotel and that the last 5 or 6 to arrive meet in the Sheraton lobby and take a second cab when everyone is assembled. There is zero reason for 11 people to be hanging around at the airport for several hours waiting on the last arrivals. Cabs will hold up to 7 although with luggage and all, going in teams of 6 is probably better.

Also, the person coming from Brussels, there is no reason to go via Charles de Gaulle airport, that is a detour and a time waster. There are more trains from Brussels to Paris Gare du Nord than there are to CDG. They can simpler just go direct to the hotel (métro or taxi), and meet up there.

IleneG

Sheraton Hotel in Terminal 2 is a good place to meet for a group since it is centrally located. The idea that the previous poster suggested about splitting the group and taking 2 Taxis separately to your hotel is not really necessary. From Terminal 2, take RER B train line from CDG to Paris city center. You will either arrive at Gard Du Nord or other centrally located Metro lines. The fare is cheaper then a taxi and most importantly you all can take the train and stay together since it is your first time in Paris. RER B Train line is right in Terminal 2 not far from the hotel.

Bon Voyage Mon Ami

Actually, the TGV from Brussels Midi to CDG is quicker than going to Gare du Nord by a few minutes, costs less with advance tickets and about the same with any time tickets. There are 3 departures in the early morning between 7:07 and 8:17.

Consider that for 12 people, 2 taxis at 63 EUR each comes to 10.50 EUR per person and delivery right to your hotel. The RER costs 10.30 EUR per person, and you have to make transfers on the Metro with all your luggage, and still have some walking to your hotel. I think the taxis win.

The problem I see with complex plans like this is what if a plane is late or delayed? The person on the plane may not be able to contact the rest of you to let you know. How long will you agree to wait? What if there is a slowdown thru Immigration after you have been processed but you ~think~ your friends might be stuck behind you?

I agree that the person from Brussels should just go directly to the hotel. She'll come in at Gare du Nord, should go directly to the taxi line (ignoring any men who ask her if she wants a taxi), stand in line and take a cab to the hotel. She should have the hotel name typed on a piece of paper to give to the driver.

I think the suggestion for the rest of you to make your way to the hotel is sound as well. After an overnight flight, I put the cost of a taxi in my budget.

Paris does not do shuttles well. There are often people on Trip Advisor complaining that their booked (and paid for shuttle) didn't show or they got charged a rip off price. Just go to the taxi rank and take a taxi in. Plan to meet in the hotel lobby about 3 hours after the latest person is set to arrive.

Don't make this so hard for yourself. Just take taxis to Paris and have the person from Brussels meet you at your accommodations. By the way, tell the person from Brussels if she goes to Gare to Nord to also ignore any women who offers her a ride. Last time I was there I saw a woman running that scam. Also, your friend should know that the official taxi line is on the west side of the station on Rue de Maubeuge not out front on Rue de Dunkerque/Place Napoleon III.

JHK, I hadn't seen women doing the taxi scam, so thanks for that update.

If she has trouble with compass points, the taxi rank is off to the right when she gets off the train and walks to the head of the track.

Maybe the friend from Brussels is not a newby. Maybe she wants to hang with everyone for a while. There is always the Galaxy Bar at the Sheraton. Coffee or tea or something stronger. Tapas and bar snacks for a nosh. I am guessing the friend will make the decision. The only one that will not jet lagged.

Thank you all.... for your suggestions..

They were very helpful.. I read through them all and is very informative.

We love the idea of meeting at the Sheraton.. right in terminal 2..

Its the easiest plan.. and sounds right for all of us.

Ilene