Hello. Me and my 2 friends will be arriving in Paris CDG airport after 2 long days of travel. How do you recommend we get to our private unit, taxi or train? I was thinking a taxi would be more comfortable and easier although I know it will probably cost more. We have never being to Europe so we are not acquainted with how things work at that airport.
Is it better to book a taxi ahead of time or do we wait till we get there?
Thanks in advance
It is a 50 Euro flat fee for you to your apartment by cab so you can split that 3 ways and it's not too bad at all. No need to call a cab in advance - just go to a cab stand at CDG.
Do not accept rides from anyone who approaches you. Just follow the signs to the taxi stand and get on line (if there is one). Mass transit is 10 euros per person so for three, the 50-euro fare is not too bad.
I agree, first time in Paris -- take a cab. Good idea to have the address of your apartment written down to show the driver.
For three passengers, yes to the taxi. For the rest of the time, learn how to use the RATP website for subways, streetcars, buses and regional commuter trains. The company site includes an interactive function to plan your travel around the city:
http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_21879/visiting-paris/
Cheapest way to go is buying a "carnet" which is not a pass but rather an envelope with 10 tickets. Always keep your entry ticket until you exit your destination; there are spot checks inside the Metro. Paris is zoned so most destinations require one ticket but farther out will require buying a specific ticket. Metro and RER regional trains use the same ticket but there is no transfer to the bus and streetcar.
Depending upon which side of the river your address is located, the fixed rate from CDG will be either 50 to the Right Bank or 55 EU to the Left Bank for 4 passengers and their luggage.
Follow the overhead signs to the official taxi stand, hand the driver the complete address of your location, including the Postal Code.
If you are nervous about the fare, add this line after the address, filling in the correct amount for your address:
"Forfait aeroport _____EU"
Since they are in the Marais, guess that makes it €50
Another taxi vote but Southam--carnets of tickets haven't been sold in the little envelope/folders since the 1970s. They went out with the person punching holes in the ticket as you entered. Just saying so newbies reading this don't think something is wrong when they don't get an envelope. Anyway, glad someone else remembers the pre magnetic ticket days.
Can I pay the cab with my credit card?
Thanks to everyone for your helpful replies :)
Maybe, maybe not.
Ask before you get in the taxi, because many times the c/c machine will "not be working".
There are ATM's at CDG where you can get all the cash you need for the taxi and after that. Otherwise, you'll have to go out hunting for one in the city later.
I'm using Easy Bus to get downtown. It's two euro from CDG to the Palais Royale. They run about one an hour. From there I'll metro to my place in the Marais.
I only have a light carry on. If you have luggage, a taxi makes sense.
