Hi everyone,
We are a party of very fit seniors arriving from the US at 9 am after our flight from the east coast. We're trying to decide whether to take a taxi or public transport to our apartment near the Eiffel Tower. Any suggestions (taking into account that we will be jet lagged)?
Thanks- Jo
Take a taxi. For a couple of reasons. First, that area isn't well-served by the métro, especially if traveling with luggage. You'll have to change, and with luggage, schlepping it up and down all the stairs in a métro station isn't fun. Also, you don't say how many are in your party, but a taxi is a flat rate of €65 to the Left Bank. No tip is required. A single ticket on the RER is €13, so if there are more than two of you, it's a no-brainer when you're that tired.
From baggage claim, follow the signs to the official taxi rank, ignoring anyone who asks if you want a ride along the way. They're rogue drivers who will really take you for a ride.
Taxi. Flat rate 65 or 56 Euro depending on exactly where the apartment is on right or left bank. How many in your party?
Public transport will involve transfer to Metro or bus or pick up a taxi at RER station if you take that in. No fun with luggage.
Roissey Bus isn't convenient - Metro or taxi from drop off at Opéra.
cross-post. We agree I'll leave my reply up.
Taxi is 65 to left bank and 56 to right so it depends on which side of the river your hotel is. go to the official taxi rank which is very well signed. In the terminals I arrive to there are signs on the floor leading you to the rank. Get in line and take the cab you are directed to when you get to the dispatcher. It is helpful to have your address clearly printed on a slip of paper you can give you cabbie whom you great with 'bon jour' as you hand it to him. Make sure the fixed price is on the meter when it pulls out and the meter is not running. There are no added charges for luggage or time of day or anything. The only added charge would be for more passengers than 4. Cabs can take up to 7 although with that many you may have luggage in your lap. Extra passengers are 5.50.
After an overnight flight you don't want to be lugging bags up and down steep metro steps.
Ignore anyone who tries to direct you to a taxi line or asks if you need a taxi -- crooks all. "THIS line is for the suburbs for Paris you need to go over here.' uh uhhh. Official queue. Well marked. Ignore 'do you speak English?' 'Do you need a taxi?' just walk right on by.
Hi Jo,
Just did this two weeks ago, we are in our 60s. Arrived at CDG early morning from O'Hare. Definitely take a taxi. We heard the Metro is difficult with luggage. Cab stand is really easy to find, it's all marked on the floor to guide you to the stand after you come out of passport control. Not far from baggage claim. It's "Official Taxi." The ORD post above reflects the flat rates. Ignore anyone else approaching you for rides. This was super easy and quick, right down to the Right Bank.
Happy travels!
Follow everyone's advice as suggested above. Follow the signs and footprints to the official taxi line for your fixed rate ride. The line moves quickly and you will be so happy you did this.
Love love love this forum! I was thinking the same. We're 5 and staying near the Eiffel Tower. Looked like lots of xfers so no way.
Thanks again!
so if you are on the left bank near the ET then it will cost 65 plus 5.50 for your 5th person so 70.50 and a tip is not necessary. The last 3 times we have arrived at CDG there was no wait at all for a taxi by the time we walked up the approach to the taxi line, we were next. We have never waited more than 15 minutes -- obviously that will depend on how many planes landed just before you - but it goes quickly.
