France – Eris Goes To

You’ve done it. You’ve booked a flight to Paris. The trip of a lifetime is finally coming true. Now you’re faced with that daunting task everyone hates, but has to do – research. Proper research before any trip is essential to avoid hassle, especially if you’re going with family or a group of friends, and have lots of luggage to carry. If you’re not part of a tour group, a big part of your travel will involve shuttling back and forth: from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the attractions, and vice versa.

Those on a budget can opt for cheaper choices like the train or bus, but these tend to take up more time and will be difficult to navigate if you have luggage + small kids in tow, or seniors. Personally, I’d pay a little extra for a taxi/shuttle, since I’ll be chauffeured to the doorstep of my destination in comfort, worry-free. I wouldn’t want to spend my first day on a holiday stressing out about the commute. Sometimes it might even be better to pick a taxi: bus ride for one can cost up to 12€, while 4pax by taxi averages about 60€.

OVERVIEW OF PARIS AIRPORT TRANSFERS

There are three airports in and around Paris, namely the Roissy-Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) that serves international flights, the Orly Airport in the south that serves domestic and European flights, as well as the northwest Beauvais Airport for mainly European flights, about 90 minutes drive from central Paris. There are numerous taxi and shuttle services available, so here I’ve narrowed them down to three choices, with comparisons, to help you make the best decision. 🙂

Piyo Cab

Piyo Cab is a private budget/low-cost taxi and shuttle provider that services all three airports to places such as Disneyland Paris and its hotels, railway stations, the major business district of La Defense, Park Asterix, and more. All cars are air-conditioned and non-smoking, with professional drivers who know the ins-and-outs of Paris, to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting with your name board, and they will also monitor flight schedules in case of delays, so a driver may be despatched at the right time. Drivers will wait up to 1 hour for free, but beyond the hour between 9PM to 6AM, a 15% surcharge of the booking amount is applicable.

As they are a private taxi/shuttle service, you’ll never have to worry about sharing the ride with others. Larger vehicles can seat up to eight passengers. For groups, you might even get discounts !

Bookings can be made online or via smartphone. If changes need to be made or you need to cancel the reservation, simply do so 24 hours before by emailing or calling them at the 24-hour hotline provided.

Traveling with the little ones? Request for a baby seat in the order form and they’ll happily accommodate! 🙂 Payment is by cash when you get to your destination.

Pros: air conditioned and non smoking private cabs/shuttles that cater up to 8 passengers, online booking available, 24 hour hotline and customer service, baby seat, free delayed arrival waiting for up to one hour.

Cons: Payment via cash only; some passengers might prefer using their cards/online payment. So get some cash ready if you’re booking their service.

Top Paris Transfer

One of the older taxi/shuttle services on this list, Top Paris Transfer has been in the industry for over 15 years and are accredited by the French Transport Ministry. Like Piyo Cab, they service all three airports and adopt a non-sharing policy. Bookings can be done up to 24 hours before your trip by filling up a reservation form online, or through the phone via 24-hour hotline.

Upon arrival at the airport, a chauffeur will be waiting with your name card and if the flight gets delayed, they have a one-hour waiting period free of charge, with an additional 15% surcharge for anything beyond the time limit.

The company goes the extra mile by not only chauffeuring you to the destination, but also offering packages for trips around Paris during your stay, be it to the Versailles or a Giverny Garden Tour. Another major plus? They offer services to areas beyond Paris: so you can go on that day trip to Normandy to enjoy the local cuisine, or walk in the gardens of the Loire Valley Chateaux.

Pros: air-conditioned and non-smoking vehicles up to 8 passengers, booking online or through phone, 24 hour hotline, baby seat, free delayed waiting for an hour, services available for travel beyond Paris, tour packages

Cons: Cash payment only (might be a hassle for those who prefer cashless methods or travelers cheques), extra charge for night services between 9PM – 6.30AM

T2 Transfer

I’ve spoken a bit about T2 Transfer in my previous post on attractions in Paris and the different transport options available, but here’s another breakdown.

The company provides private taxi and shuttle transfers to and from Paris and any of the three airports. They service attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland, the city centre and more. They have air conditioned vehicles that can fit up to eight people, as well as smaller taxis that fit three (additional charge for fourth rider). Taxi or shuttles have to be booked 48 hours before arrival either online or via phone call to their 24 hour hotline. This is a longer period than the earlier two services mentioned, but the plus point is that they allow payment online via credit cards so you don’t have to handle any cash! For those who want to, there is the option of paying the driver after you’ve arrived at the destination.

The follow real-time flight changes to adjust for delayed flights, and drivers will be waiting at arrivals with a namecard. One thing to mention is that they claim to have drivers who can communicate in English, so that might be something to consider for English-speaking travelers.

Pros: air conditioned rides, online booking and payment with option for cash on delivery, 24 hour hotline, English-speaking drivers, baby seat available on request

Cons: booking must be done 48 hours prior.

PRICES

All three have competitive prices and rates are pretty standard. Here are the rates:

Piyo Cab: RATES

Top Paris Transfer: RATES

T2 Transfer: RATES

I hope this guide has been useful in helping you to pick the best Paris airport transfers available, and Happy travels!

Ah, Paris. The City of Light and Love. It’s a must visit on (nearly) everyone’s bucket list, and no wonder: the city has been a global hub of finance, arts, science, fashion and commerce since the 17th century. Every year, millions of tourists flock to Paris for a taste of its amazingly rich history, culture, food and architecture.

Here are some of my top Paris attractions that visitors should not miss!

DISNEYLAND PARIS / EURODISNEY

As the only Disneyland in Europe, Disneyland Paris or EuroDisney is a major draw for tourists coming to Paris, and is one of the most visited theme parks in the region. There are two areas: one dedicated to ‘old school’ Disney with characters such as Aladdin, the classic Disney Princesses and Jungle Book, and the other to newer Disney films such as Toy Story and Finding Nemo, as well as thrilling rides like Space Mountain and the Tower of Terror. At set times, there are parades over at the central avenue featuring all the well-loved Disney friends, such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy and the gang.

THE LOURVE

The world’s largest art museum needs no introduction. Opened in the 18th century from a converted fortress and palace, The Lourve has been featured in countless stories, poems, songs, and in modern times, movies. Housing over 30,000 artifacts and art pieces, its most popular ‘resident’ is perhaps the lady with the mysterious smile, the Mona Lisa. The main building sports stunning old architecture, although in recent years, the glass pyramid, dubbed the Lourve Pyramid has stolen some of the limelight. Either way, the place is a must visit for photos, even if you’re not lining up for a date with Mona Lisa.

THE EIFFEL TOWER

This iconic metal structure is now a symbol of Paris, but did you know that when the Eiffel Tower was first built as the entrance to Paris’ 1889 World’s Fair, it was criticised as an ‘ugly abomination’ by France’s leading artists and intellectuals? Today, close to 7million people ascend it every year, and it has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city of Paris. Standing tall at 324 metres (about 81 storeys), the tower has three platforms, with the first and second levels housing restaurants and shops.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Another one of Paris’ iconic architectural pieces is the Arc de Triomphe, or the Triumphal Arch of the Stars. Built in 1806, it stands at the west end of the Champs Elysees and is the world’s biggest arch, constructed at a monumental sum (for that era) of 9.3million francs. The grand monument honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Names of French victories and generals are inscribed into the arch, with six reliefs of battles, decorated with characters from Roman mythology. Underneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Visitors who wish to know more about its history can visit the museum, located within the arch.

TOUR DOWN THE RIVER SEINE

Cutting through the city is the Seine, a 777km-long river that starts from northeastern France, flowing through Paris, before ending into the English Channel at Le Havre. Most of Paris’ 37 bridges span the river, including the Pont Alexandre III and Pont Neuf. The best way to get a quick glimpse of everything is via boat tours down the river, which will pass by such attractions such as Notre Dame and the Grand Palace.

HOW TO GET AROUND

If you’re a first timer to Paris, navigating a new city can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t speak the local language. Thankfully, Paris has an intricate transportation network and various options to fit every traveler’s needs.

Upon Arrival

There are two major airports in Paris, the largest being the Roissy-Charles De Gaulle (CDG) which serves international flights, and Orly, which serves domestic and European flights. A third airport, the Beauvais-Tille Airport, is located further away, in the Northwest of Paris, and receives travellers from European destinations. From the airports, travelers can choose to take the train, car, bus, taxi or shuttle to get around. Here are some tips on the best Paris airport transfers to and from the city:

TAXI/SHUTTLE

Photo Credit: Jean Pierre Gallot/Flickr

If you’re travelling in a family with small children or seniors, a taxi or a shuttle is the best option. It’s safe and convenient, and you don’t have to worry about missing the schedule, unlike with trains or buses. It’s also hassle-free, since you won’t have to lug heavy luggage up and down stairs at the various stations.

But what if I can’t speak French and the driver can’t understand me?

Well, there’s T2 Transfer,which provides private taxi and group shuttle airport transfers to and from Paris. Their drivers are able to communicate well in English, and the service covers all three airports (namely CDG, Orly and Beauvais) to destinations such as the Paris City Centre, Eiffel Tower, Gare de Lyon and Gare du Nord train stations, as well as all Euro Disneyland hotels. Taxis are able to fit three people (additional charges for extra passengers) while the van shuttles are able to fit a maximum of 8 people. Rates are competitive, especially if you are sharing the cab/van with other family members or fellow travellers.

For a seamless experience, book your taxi or shuttle online 48 hours before arrival, and either pay online through Visa and Mastercard, or by cash to the driver once you’ve arrived at your destination safely. The team follows real-time flight changes so be rest assured that your driver will be waiting (at arrivals holding a placard with your name, so you won’t miss it!), even if your flight is delayed.

BUS

Credit: Moovit App /flickr

Buses are no doubt one of the cheaper options available, suitable for those on a tight budget or young travellers, since it might involve having to carry heavy luggage on and off the buses and while waiting at bus stops. From CDG, there is the RoissyBus that runs daily from 5.45am-11pm, departing every 15-20 minutes, for €12 (one way). Meanwhile, Bus Direct offers regular bus services from Paris to Orly, as well as attractions like Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower every 15 minutes (between 5am – 11.40pm). However, due to the stops, it may take a longer time compared to a shuttle or a taxi.

For night travellers, there is a night bus service line called Noctilien (N31 & N120), which operates every 30 – 60 minutes : a little risky if you’re taking a dawn flight and you miss the bus. For peace of mind, I’d recommend just booking the taxi or shuttle from T2 Transfer since they literally pick you up from your doorstep and drop you off at the airport, and vice versa.

TRAIN

Picture credit: Moovit App/Flickr

Another wallet-friendly option is the train. In Paris, the local trains are called RER (Réseau Express Régional), providing connectivity from the airports to the city and attractions such as Disneyland. Again, it might be difficult for families travelling with young ones or seniors due to luggage. European travelers making connecting international flights from Orly airport to CDG may also use the train as it takes about 60 minutes at a cost of just €17.90.

Happy travels!

Category: France

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