Paris Webservices' private car service from CDG

There is a new code each year. That is why the 2014 book code is said to be good through the end of 2014. You can get a new book or browse through the new book in the bookstore to obtain this year's code.

I know that this is not travel related but the advice above got me wondering about whether or not it is appropriate to go to a bookstore and get the information that one needs that is available only from a book without paying for the book?

Without the code you could use Shuttle-Inter and cost is 55 euros.. comparable with a taxi.. and I have used them twice with no problem.. and they do not require you to prepay.

Or frankly.. take a taxi.. the taxis from the airport that one gets at the official taxi stands are perfectly fine.. metered and licenced. I have used them numerous times.

Wow.. just looked up Webservices.. 85 euros.. why would anyone pay that much.. the most a taxi would cost is 65 euros .. for two people.. travelling at peak time.. unless there is a freak traffic jam I suppose.. but really , taxis cost between 45-55 euros usually.. once it cost us 63 euros.. but 85.. that's too much.. and even with the discount that's still too much to me..

After a long flight, some jet lag, not being familiar with the area, there is nothing better than having your private driver meet you inside the terminal and whisk you to your hotel. No fending off the rouge cabs, waiting in the regular taxi line, or just having a "lost" feeling. It is not the cheapest way, but it is definitely the best. We don't waste money when traveling, but this (for us) is a splurge that is worth it. TC

TC fine.. but private drivers are supposed to wait outside the terminal.. and there are some private companies that are less of a rip off then others..

And its pretty easy to find the official taxi stand.. the rogue drivers will still approach anyone walking out the door.. so having a private driver waiting outside doesn't prevent that.. I have been approached many times over many many trips.. regardless of whether a private car is waiting or if I am walking to taxi stand.. they are really no bother though.. simply ignore them. they are not obnoxious usually ( because they basically are trying not to draw too much attention to themselves from airport staff.. they sort of whisper at you " taxi taxi" or " good price taxi" or something to that effect.. I don't even slow down for them.

And I am not anti private driver.. have used them in both Europe and Mexico.. but I also use taxis and public transport..depends on situation( travelling with young kids, how much luggage, how long flight.. etc)

As with any of the discounts "with guidebook," the driver can ask to see your book.

Pat's comment about private drivers waiting outside is news to us. We were just there in Oct. and there were 12 or 15 private drivers in addition to ours waiting well inside the terminal but still outside the "secure" area. Have things changed for security reasons or ??? since Oct.? I really do not want to mislead the OP. Can anyone offer clarification? TC

Thank you for all the weigh-in. I will be paying the full fee as I had no time to get a copy of the newest edition. I will report back as to the experience. Thank you again. Happy travels, Athena

So you booked and are paying 85 euros... why,, do you have to pay up front for the service???

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink I guess.

Gosh, 85 euro for a transfer into Paris. 25 or 30 euro more than a taxi would cost, enough for a heckuva good lunch. And will you tip the driver, too?

We will be arriving at CDG next month (our first time in Paris) and after an 8-hour flight from Chicago, have decided to bite the bullet & cab it to our hotel near the Sorbonne in the 5th. For Thursday, mid-morning, can I expect the cost being in the 55-60 Euro range? Yes or no to tips?

I have also been told that after clearing customs, do not take the bait for unlicensed cab operators, that past them there are 'official' cab stands. How is that designated? Thanks in advance!

We have never paid more than 60 for a cab -- it tends to run 40-45 from CDG to Montmartre or the 17th and closer to 55 further in on the left bank. It is a good idea to have the address written down including the postal code so it is very clear to the driver as there are some streets with similar names and with a non-local pronunciation you might confuse.

We tend to round up the fare and so tip a couple of Euros.

France pays people a decent wage and tipping is not part of the culture. In restaurants a Euro for dinner, or the leftover coins for coffee and a snack is plenty and many locals don't even do that. Certainly don't tip 10% or 20% or whatever.

I don't get the thrill of my name on a card and the taxi queue is closer than where the drivers park -- but if you do book a car, at least get a service that is not prepaid as the rule of thumb in the case of a miss is 'we were there and you weren't' as they pocket your money and don't return your emails.

Not to seem really cheap, but what about the train service from CDG to the 5th ARR via St Michel station? What does that cost and why is that not a good alternative?

RER is a good alternative.. but not for everyone. If travelling with small children, or lots of luggage. or mobility issues a taxi is a good investment. Also if on arriving in Paris on the RER and you have to transfer to a metro line with possibly a few transfers.. well that's a more complicated and after long flights many people really like door to door transport .

If you can walk to hotel or apartment from one of the RER stops it does make it super easy.

The RER to Paris costs about 10 euros. I use it myself.. but have used taxis and private transfers on occaision for various reasons( once I was with my young daughter , another time there was a transport strike and while the RER continues to do airport runs they are much less frequent and more crowded consequently, not fun after a 20 hour travel day)

It is very apparent where the official taxi stand is.. there are signs in the airport that will direct you .. and then of course its very obviously a taxi line with an attendant who assists /assigns you a taxi( some people need larger taxis , groups of 5 or more etc) .

I totally agree with janet that writing down the full address ( with postal code) is a wise idea.. as many streets have similar names and if you pronounce it a bit wrong you can end up in wrong place. Its much easier to hand over the address in writing .

The RER B is a great alternative, getting off at Saint Michel or Luxembourg stations for the 5th. It costs about 10 euro each person. You have to able to handle your own bags on escalators or and maybe some stairs.

Two people in a taxi from CDG to the Rue Cler area about 8am on a Saturday morning, about how long should that take, and would that be in the 50 euro range?

I would allow 50-55 euros.. Also.. in a taxi there is an off meter charge of one euro per suitcase, this is a legal fee not them padding the bill. There is also an extra 3 euro charge per third and fourth passenger.
Since I round up for a tip for a taxi I would allow 60 euros ( I pay cash myself for almost everything except hotel bills and train tickets and one or two splurge meals)

As for how long.. hmm I never stay in that area but I will guestimate 35-40 minutes. Traffic won't be horrible at that time of day( although remember if you land at 8 am you likely are not in a taxi till at least 9 am )

Thank you for all the comments on this post. I wanted to report that using webservices.com listed in Rick's book was a great experience. Traveling by myself after a long day of airplane rides, without sleep and never having been to CDG airport, I was relieved to have a comfortable and reliable ride. When I arrived the driver let me know the owner of the company had arranged for a complimentary upgrade of the car. I had unknowingly spoke with him via phone prior to my departure. Upon realizing it was my first trip to Paris he wanted to be sure I had a nice experience. Very very sweet. I intend to use the services in future.
I also used a company called wecab.com while in Paris. Having made a reservation online, there was no surcharge for the time a cab takes to arrive upon receiving a call. The ride back to the airport with this service was 33.50 euros. I had requested a shared ride, but no other party was in the car. They have an English speaking option if you choose to call rather than book online.
Happy travels,
Athena

Athena,
Thank you for your review and the cab information, just what I was searching to find!