dep0515
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Next time I'm hiding in your suitcase.
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Post by dep0515 on Jul 2, 2007 8:28:45 GMT -5
I debated whether or not to pose this question (especially after my "what to wear in Paris" thread ), but I remember all of you gracious experts saying "Ask anything you want!!!", so here goes.... Will it be simple to get a taxi at the airport (CDG) to travel to our hotel (Hotel Britannique)? My mom is 68, so I don't want to mess with our luggage on the metro, and I asked the hotel about transport and they said a private car is 85 or 112 euros, which seems very expensive to me. I was asking for a private car because I didn't want to have to wait for 10 other people to be dropped off at their hotel before we get to ours (patience is not my strong suit....especially when I will be so excited to be out and about in Paris!!!) If getting a taxi (and not getting ripped off with an astronomical fare) is as easy as it is at other airports I've been to, I will just do that. But having never been to Paris before, I'm just not sure what works best. Your advice (and your tolerance with my first timer questions!) is VERY much appreciated!
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Post by geordy on Jul 2, 2007 8:35:39 GMT -5
I haven't taken a taxi from the airport in awhile so I can't estimate a fare, plus time of day, traffic and all that...but when I did take them I never had to wait very long. There seems to be a pretty good system, unlike at my usual airport JFK!!
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dep0515
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Next time I'm hiding in your suitcase.
Posts: 205
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Post by dep0515 on Jul 2, 2007 8:41:52 GMT -5
Thanks, Geordy! Our flight gets in at 9:20 a.m. on a Tuesday. I'm hoping that by the time we get our luggage, etc., traffic might not be so bad.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jul 2, 2007 8:52:37 GMT -5
I agree with you that the train probably isn't the way to get around on this trip, if you have more than one small bag each. I haven't taken a taxi into Paris for awhile, and there may be others with more current information, but the last I recall hearing was that it would cost about 45E or perhaps a little more (obviously, depends partly on the route taken, which in turn may depend on the traffic).
It's anyone's guess how long the line will be, because lots of flights arrive between 8:00 and 10:30 a.m., but the taxi drivers know that so even if the lines are quite long they seem to move quickly (and at least in the summer you aren't as likely to be waiting in line in the rain!).
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dep0515
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Next time I'm hiding in your suitcase.
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Post by dep0515 on Jul 2, 2007 8:58:23 GMT -5
Thanks, Becky! I think this is probably what we will end up doing unless anyone chimes in that says it's a horrible idea!
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Post by Anne on Jul 2, 2007 9:02:13 GMT -5
Yes, taxi should be the best for you, especially as the commuters traffic will be over by the time you get out . Just wait in line for the official "Taxis Parisiens" . I seem to remember that the directions to the file is marked in the terminal . If not, you will find an Information Desk at the terminal and they will give you directions . I remember from my days on TA France that 45-55 euros should be the price . Taxis are metered anyway . You will pay additional for the luggage in the boot .
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Post by sistereurope on Jul 2, 2007 9:06:22 GMT -5
Hi Denise,
I've taken the Roissy bus and a shuttle, but I hear that a taxi is a good way to go. With your mom I would definitely agree with the taxi over the train - that way you won't have to lug your luggage onto and off of the train (and navigate the stairs). I thought about taking a taxi for my next trip in Dec, but our apartment rental agency was offering a special with a private driver so I went for it. Perhaps someone with personal taxi experience will give you some specific tips, but in general I think that a taxi is your best bet.
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Post by Happygoin on Jul 2, 2007 9:08:36 GMT -5
dep, Anne is exactly right. The cabs are just outside the door at the airport. I take one every time I go to Paris. It is the easiest way to get to the city when you are jet-lagged and have a few pieces of luggage. I just build the cost of a cab both ways in to the budget.
The only thing to make sure of is that they have the yellow "Taxi Parisien" sign on the top of the cab. The "rogues" may try to entice you into their cabs first. Just walk past them and go to the Taxi Parisien stand. Usually they are just beyond any rogues you might meet.
As Anne said, 45-55E tops. There is very little "ripping off". If it's more going one way than the other, it is likely for one of a couple of reasons. Either the day/time is a different tier than your last ride, or the driver may be going a different way if he knows a more expedient way, if there's a lot of traffic.
Oh, you're going to have fun!
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dep0515
Full Member
Next time I'm hiding in your suitcase.
Posts: 205
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Post by dep0515 on Jul 2, 2007 9:12:19 GMT -5
Oh, you are all wonderful! ;D This is exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you all so much!
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Post by arrowcapet on Jul 2, 2007 12:19:01 GMT -5
There are a few rare occasions where people have paid more for a taxi than 40-55€ (I believe it did happen once to our Truffaut), but those stories are maybe 20%. For the most part, you can count on that fare, and getting one relatively painlessly at the airport. The wait won't be too long. You might want to check with Elysees Cars. I've used them before and I'll use them again for several transfers for a group I'm taking to Paris this September. I've always found them reliable and efficient, and they'll meet you at baggage claim with a sign and they park right outside the door. My only complaint about them is that they're always so efficient, I never have time to smoke a cigarette. And after all those hours on a plane, I HAVE to smoke a cigarette. I have since quit, so hopefully that won't be an issue this time. I am a past user, and have an account with them, and it could be because I'm booking 6 different transfers with them within a week in Sept/Oct, but the rate they've quoted me for transfer from Paris to CDG (we're arriving by train) is 65€. It could be different going from the city to the airport...I don't know. But it might be worth your while to contact them. I found them because an apartment I rented once has an agreement with them to offer a standard reduced rate. Perhaps...and I don't want to open a can of worms here...as a landlord and travel forum guru with lots of potential leads, Truffaut could set something up with them, and then all users of this board could take advantage of the discounted rates. Hmmm...I'll email Truffaut about this. I have all their contact information so maybe we can work together to put a deal together. In the meantime, their website is www.elyseecars.com and I think it would be worthwhile to contact them and see what their rate would be. AC
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Post by sistereurope on Jul 2, 2007 12:38:16 GMT -5
AC...we used them for our family trip this past Dec. With 5 of us and all that luggage I did not want to try to find a taxi or deal with herding my kids on and off the train! Like you, we got the discounted rate through our apartment rental agency (was it Yetunde who you rented from previously? She was great!) Anyway, they were wonderful. Our flight arrived really early (can you believe it?) so we went to call them, but before we could find a phone there they were. And they were on time to get us back for our return flight. So I can give them a hearty recommendation. (PS - So you're still off the cigs?! That Paris fund must be growing, eh? )
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Post by Happygoin on Jul 2, 2007 12:42:24 GMT -5
I remember the Paris fund...all the saved cigarette money. Are you being good about putting it in to the fund? If so, you must have quite a sum saved. Good for you for staying off the smokes! God knows it's not easy some days...
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Post by Shoesy on Jul 2, 2007 12:43:43 GMT -5
Arrow - I'm so glad that you've quit smoking for good. That's such wonderful news.
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dep0515
Full Member
Next time I'm hiding in your suitcase.
Posts: 205
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Post by dep0515 on Jul 2, 2007 13:05:49 GMT -5
Arrow, Good for you quitting smoking! And thanks for the information on Elysee Cars (you too, SE)...it's always nice to have another option that has been tested and approved!
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Post by goldenmama on Jul 8, 2007 5:01:31 GMT -5
Hi dep!
I can really relate to this one. Our travel agent had a car service booked for us (prepaid) for pick-up at CDG. They never showed up, and when I called the number from the airport, I was told they couldn't help me, and I had to take a taxi.
The taxi was so fast and easy, and cost us 45 euros for 4 people and 7 pieces of luggage. We will take the taxi next time without a doubt.
We kept feeling so sorry for the people who were strugglling to get luggage up the steps and through the turnstiles at the train stations. That would definitely not be the way to go, unless you are traveling light and have no older people or young kids with you, IMHO.
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Post by Penny on Jul 8, 2007 18:46:06 GMT -5
I will make this suggestion. Unless you speak fluent French, put all the hotel information on a piece of paper (printed preferably). Show this to the taxi driver so there will be no mistake were you are going. Then keep the paper in your purse (or person). I keep this along with my emergency information with me at all times when I'm traveling, especially if I am far from home. Plus I leave this same information along with my itinerary with my sister/son, etc.
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Post by susanb on Jul 8, 2007 21:37:06 GMT -5
We took a taxi and it cost 47E. It was easy, we didn't wait long and we really had a very nice driver. After you have an overnight flight, even if it costs more, do the easiet thing. It will be worth it.
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dep0515
Full Member
Next time I'm hiding in your suitcase.
Posts: 205
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Post by dep0515 on Jul 9, 2007 8:39:36 GMT -5
Goldenmama, Penny and Susan - thanks for your suggestions! I am definitely planning to take a taxi based on all the feedback I've gotten...it seems to be the easiest for my situation.
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