Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Mom going with 2 teenagers - Shuttle vs cab ?









Can anyone provide guidance to a mom traveling with 2 teenagers as to whether we should take a cab from CDG or use a shuttle? Given the fact that we will have 2 small suitcases per person it does not seem practical to take public transportation. Our hotel is near the Eiffel Tower.





I assume with the taxi that we would be charged per person per bag.





Is there a shuttle service that takes you directly to your hotel?





What is more cost effective? What is expected for tipping?





Many thanks for your input.




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I think, after 2 people, a shuttle loses the cost advantage over a taxi. A taxi will cost roughly around 55€; a shuttle for 3 will cost about the same, and be a bit more %26#39;work%26#39; to deal with. The surcharge for a suitcase is only around a euro each, so yeah, that might push it up a tad.





All the shuttle services will go to a Paris address.





I have used the %26#39;rounding%26#39; method for tipping a good taxi driver, ex. fare is 48, I give 50e. I think we also gave the shuttle driver a couple E, last time we used one (actually, I think it was francs!)





If the small suitcases can be %26#39;stacked%26#39; and pulled with one hand, it could be feasible to take the RER into Paris - you could get out at St Michel and take a taxi the rest of the way (10-15E, + 8.20E pp for the RER).





If you or your teens are going to be %26#39;dead-heads%26#39; on arrival, a taxi is a good choice.




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I believe a taxi is really the wisest choice for 3 people going near the Eiffel Tower. If traffic isn%26#39;t too bad, your fare may not even reach 50€ as the 7eme arrondissement (Eiffel Tower) is usually quickly reached from the périphérique. A taxi is often the quickest as they are available curbside from the customs exit, no need to wait for other shuttle passengers or try to find the RER terminal.




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Dear TravelNutty,



Thank you for such a speedy and helpful reply. I will certainly benefit from your advice, and am sure others will reap the benefits as well.




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I agree a taxi would be the best for three travelers. Also take the time to plan and arrange your return to the airport as well.



I have been spoiled by business travel, staying in larger 4-5* hotels on main boulevards where door men and taxis are abundent, my last trip we opted for a small 3* in the LQ and did not even think to order a taxi/car service since we were located across from a taxi rank. We had far too much luggage for the Metro and too late to call for other transportation, it was over 90 minutes before we even saw a taxi to flag down during rush hour!



T




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