I took a taxi the first time going to Paris from the airport but now feel more comfortable in being able to take another option with a lower cost. Merci for the very informative video and all details to consider 🙏🏼
ALAIN - I feel so stupid telling you this story of something that happened out of the Terminal 2E upon arriving from Miami on Air France. For some reason, when I came out from LONG line at Passport Control, my scheduled Viator driver was not there waiting for me - no one with a sign with my name. I was frustrated. I was dehydrated since I am diabetic. I had one piece of luggage, one carry-on and my travel bag. He did not contact me after I arrived, I tried to contact them. The flight had arrived LATE! No luck. I was sweating and there were few seats to sit on and think. Because I was tired and confused, I wonder if my mind had shut off, because I found that there were NO CLEAR AIRPORT SIGNS indicating how to exit from this tiny room full of drivers. But there were THREE directions to walk. Which way to go? Alain, there were no clear signs in this SMALL room, just signs with numbers and letters. I gave up and called my retired Parisian friend and asked him if he could help. It was a cold morning in early March. It was a nightmare that could have been avoided if there were clear signs out of that little room. Luckily, there was a small Marks and Spencer store there and I could have something to hydrate!
Thanks for sharing your story, Enrique. It's bizarre, because when you're out of the luggage delivery zone at Terminal 2E, the taxi stand is just a few meters away on the right... This said, it's always a little more complicated with pre-booked cars than it is with taxis...
@@paristoptips Thank you. But, Alain... mine was an international exit into a very small room with Marks and Spencer on the left. I believe you are mentioning another exit that is NOT through Passport Control?
No, in fact I'm mentionning this room with the Marks & Spencer. Just opposite the shop, you have an ATM, and 10 meters behind the ATM is the taxi stand. But you're right this place is small and can be filled with people waiting for relatives.
@@paristoptips Oh... OK! I think back now and I was experiencing a hypoglycemic attack at that time that clouded my thinking - because, now as I remember, I ran to the M&S for anything with sugar, then I sat down in the back and tried to recover my sugar levels and stop the perspiration that always accompanies this! After I cleared my head and relaxed is when I gave up and called my friend who lives in the eastern suburbs to pick me up! THANK YOU, ALAIN. I'll be clearer next year, I am sure, God willing! ♥
I ride the Roissybus. It’s up to @16€, but as I travel with a carryon and a camera bag, my stuff stays with me or very close. Drop off around the corner from Opéra Garnier near the corner of rue Scribe et rue Auber (same spot to return to CDG) and then walk or bus it to wherever I’m staying. And in all the times I’ve ridden it, it’s never been crowded. Such a deal!
@@paristoptipsOf course it can, but traffic is traffic. From CDG to the centre-ville it is the same whether you’re in a G7 taxi, a private car or the Roissybus., no? At least in the latter I have a somewhat higher, better view of the bottlenecks in which I am crawling along and skyline than if I were in a car. To each their own😄
RER B is a great option if you land at rush hour traffic, the RER will likely be full but no Paris traffic jams. Taxi's get to use special traffic lanes but that only helps slightly, but all other times its a great option, particularly cost effective with two or three as the cost is divided. G7 taxis also have vans for larger groups. I've never taken the bus, for the reasons Alain had so very well laid out in the video. Avoid Porte de la Chapelle at all cost! ➡Also watch the Paris Top Tips "Where NOT to stay in Paris!" ⬅
I travel light and always take the RER. On one trip I got off at Gare du Nord and got in the taxi queue for a short ride to Chateau d'Eau near the AirBnB I was staying at. I was 68 years old and was not interested in Google mapping it to the apartment so I took a cab. When the Vietnamese driver found out where I was going he let out a torrent of expletives since he was expecting a fare to the center of town. I'm fluent in French and in my entire experience traveling to France--20 times and counting--I've only met two SOBs, this one and a North African. In hindsight once the driver started his harangue I should have asked to be let out, taken a photo of his license and gotten back in line for another cab.
Bad experiences like this should never happen, but it's true they don't usually like very short journeys, especially after having queued in the taxi parking for maybe more than an hour.
Bonjour Alain, from Manila, Philippines 🇵🇭. Merci beaucoup for the tips you're giving to avoid getting scammed at Paris CDG when heading to Paris as I'll be arriving this December on Air France as they resume their flights between Manila and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Bonne Chance.
@@paristoptipsJust before I head to Paris I'll be watching more of your videos on Survival Tips of How Not to Get Scammed in Paris. My friend in Lyon said that always keep your wallet in the front pocket of your trousers or the inside pocket of your coat, don't carry to much cash better use credit or debit card and in case they get stolen immediately contact the bank to have them deactivated.
@@paristoptips Here's another tip on your bank's app or online where your credit or debit card is issued there's a feature that you can remotely deactivate your lost or stolen credit or debit cards to prevent unauthorized transactions whoever got it and the money in your bank account will not be siphoned off.
What a wonderful video full of useful information. Thank you & Merci for making such info available. Just a request, please make a detailed video on tickets & pricing after 02nd Jan, 2024 so that we do get the clear picture as to what comes in practice. Finally a question, are people at the ticket service desk in CDG comfortable speaking in English? Merci again.
Yes, they will. I'll make a definitive video in late December, but in the meantime, watch this: ruclips.net/video/OMd7KmIubws/видео.htmlsi=DP08SZa1g5SyXiUD
I landed in CDG went to the real taxi line and was directed to enter into the taxi when it was my turn. To.d the driver where I was going to the 1st arr and noticed while we were driving it said 65 eu when I knew my fare was the right bank fare I told the driver he made a mistake and that I was not going’ to the left bank he proceeded to tell me because his taxi was bigger and suitable for more passengers that the charge was more! I laughed and told him this was the taxi I was directed to get into as I had no control over the size he began his best to try and assure me he was correct to the point it became an argument. I told him I would only be paying the correct fare and if he had an issue we could talk with the police no problem. I’m from NYC and this fool thought he could pull a fast one?.! Didn’t speak another word and upon my arrival he changed the meter to the correct price. Do not get fooled!
I have a question, if those fake taxi drivers are easily to spot and they are known to scam and threaten people, why don't they get arrested or at least prevented from standing at the airport? they give a bad image to the country.
Thanks for the video! Your channel is very informative and has helped me plan my Paris visit greatly. I have a question : Are RER trains safe to take in winter evenings? I will be arriving at the airport at around 7-8 pm in December. And have to reach 15th arrondissement. Would RER be a safe option for me or should I go for taxi?
Another excellent, useful video, Alain! Merci! A couple questions, please: Since the Paris international airports are clearly "municipal facilities" (controlled by the government, obviously), why aren't there "undercover airport police" to impose fines on these unauthorized/unregulated "scam taxi drivers" operating INSIDE the terminal? Secondly, why doesn't the municipal authority governing the airports impose a significant fine (assuming it is already illegal) for this "taxi scam" - with an even higher fine for the second offense, and so forth? From a US perspective, this particular problem seems to be one that could be easily solved with more robust airport regulations and enforcement. Your thoughts??
You're right! And there is indeed a specific branch of the national police, called the "boers", which is dedicated to fighting against these people... But they are simply not enough. The main problem in France is not the police, they tend to do a great job, it's the weakness of our judiciary system, which has these people soon back in the streets after a very weak sentence. Same as for the Paris pickpockets...
@paristoptips Hi Alain: Thanks for the quick reply! Even though these "scamsters" are not terrorists, one would have assumed that the Paris airport law enforcement would be more alert about ALL types of "airport offenses" since France's terrorist attacks of recent years. That's certainly been the case here in the US, post-9/11, as you probably know. The experience of going to a US airport now is significantly different (far less carefree) than it was before the 9/11 attacks.
Roissy Bus or taxis for me. I did not feel the security was top in RER especially in the early or late hours. There are gang of thieves or pickpockets in the RER.
Because they are mainly commuter trains. In 2027, there will be the new CDG Express rail link direct to Gare de l'Est. But the price will be much higher...
What happened to us. My friend is in a manual wheelchair as he is 84 and visually impaired. We used uber. The car arrived but the man could not fit chair into his car. We got another uber.. but we noticed rhe first man still charged us for the uber. We got it dealt wirh when we come back from Paris. I was pushing my friend in chair around Paris. But I am going back on Monday myself to experience it again without the wheel chair. We were both in Paris about 20 years ago.. both fitter and younger :) i always wanted to go back ever since. Now I am planning to go every 6 months (once a year)..although I already have my flights booked to go back in March.
@@zombeat7376 Thanks for sharing what happened to you and your friend. Paris is clearly not the best place to visit for people with disabilities... I might do a video on this subject soon!
@paristoptips you are right there. Fortunately the first day I gone out myself and very quick realised that the metro albeit very good, it was no place for a wheelchair. I also wanted to go to Montmarte. We didn't go there. Which is probably a good thing as looking at videos on montmarte that's no place for a wheel chair either. I may take my fiend back with me in March when I go back.
The 17th is in the right bank, so the taxi fare would be 56€. If you preferred the RER you'd have to change in Paris, at Gare du Nord or Châtelet Les Halles, and then take one of the metro lines that would get you to the 17th.
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another excellent video and guide. thank you very much!
My pleasure! I'm happy you enjoyed it!
Very thorough and useful information.
Thanks 🙏
Thank you for another informative and important video mate. Keep up the wonderful work you do, to bring these to us.
Thanks...
Glad you like this one!
I took a taxi the first time going to Paris from the airport but now feel more comfortable in being able to take another option with a lower cost. Merci for the very informative video and all details to consider 🙏🏼
Well, RER and Roissybus, which tickets will have the same price next year, are definitely options to consider.
ALAIN - I feel so stupid telling you this story of something that happened out of the Terminal 2E upon arriving from Miami on Air France. For some reason, when I came out from LONG line at Passport Control, my scheduled Viator driver was not there waiting for me - no one with a sign with my name. I was frustrated. I was dehydrated since I am diabetic. I had one piece of luggage, one carry-on and my travel bag. He did not contact me after I arrived, I tried to contact them. The flight had arrived LATE! No luck. I was sweating and there were few seats to sit on and think.
Because I was tired and confused, I wonder if my mind had shut off, because I found that there were NO CLEAR AIRPORT SIGNS indicating how to exit from this tiny room full of drivers. But there were THREE directions to walk. Which way to go? Alain, there were no clear signs in this SMALL room, just signs with numbers and letters. I gave up and called my retired Parisian friend and asked him if he could help. It was a cold morning in early March. It was a nightmare that could have been avoided if there were clear signs out of that little room. Luckily, there was a small Marks and Spencer store there and I could have something to hydrate!
Thanks for sharing your story, Enrique.
It's bizarre, because when you're out of the luggage delivery zone at Terminal 2E, the taxi stand is just a few meters away on the right...
This said, it's always a little more complicated with pre-booked cars than it is with taxis...
@@paristoptips Thank you. But, Alain... mine was an international exit into a very small room with Marks and Spencer on the left. I believe you are mentioning another exit that is NOT through Passport Control?
No, in fact I'm mentionning this room with the Marks & Spencer. Just opposite the shop, you have an ATM, and 10 meters behind the ATM is the taxi stand. But you're right this place is small and can be filled with people waiting for relatives.
@@paristoptips Oh... OK! I think back now and I was experiencing a hypoglycemic attack at that time that clouded my thinking - because, now as I remember, I ran to the M&S for anything with sugar, then I sat down in the back and tried to recover my sugar levels and stop the perspiration that always accompanies this! After I cleared my head and relaxed is when I gave up and called my friend who lives in the eastern suburbs to pick me up! THANK YOU, ALAIN. I'll be clearer next year, I am sure, God willing! ♥
I really hope you get a better first experience next time you land here!
I ride the Roissybus. It’s up to @16€, but as I travel with a carryon and a camera bag, my stuff stays with me or very close. Drop off around the corner from Opéra Garnier near the corner of rue Scribe et rue Auber (same spot to return to CDG) and then walk or bus it to wherever I’m staying. And in all the times I’ve ridden it, it’s never been crowded. Such a deal!
Indeed, it can be considered a good deal, but it can also get stuck in traffic for a while.
@@paristoptipsOf course it can, but traffic is traffic. From CDG to the centre-ville it is the same whether you’re in a G7 taxi, a private car or the Roissybus., no? At least in the latter I have a somewhat higher, better view of the bottlenecks in which I am crawling along and skyline than if I were in a car. To each their own😄
When can we be sure that new navigo weekly will be valid for airports in 2025 unlike new navigo daily?
I think we'll know more about this in December. But I'm almost totally sure it will include airports.
Great info!!!! The first day of our travel to Paris is important, definitely I will take taxy to my hotel. Thank you.
Thanks!
Glad it could be helpful to you!
Excellent video. It would be great if you could make a similar one about Orly and Beauvais airports. Thank you.
Thanks 🙏
Excellent idea!
Thank you
You're welcome!
RER B is a great option if you land at rush hour traffic, the RER will likely be full but no Paris traffic jams.
Taxi's get to use special traffic lanes but that only helps slightly, but all other times its a great option, particularly cost effective with two or three as the cost is divided. G7 taxis also have vans for larger groups.
I've never taken the bus, for the reasons Alain had so very well laid out in the video. Avoid Porte de la Chapelle at all cost!
➡Also watch the Paris Top Tips "Where NOT to stay in Paris!" ⬅
Thanks Matthew!
Yes, when you are 3 people, then the taxi option becomes clearly the best.
I travel light and always take the RER. On one trip I got off at Gare du Nord and got in the taxi queue for a short ride to Chateau d'Eau near the AirBnB I was staying at. I was 68 years old and was not interested in Google mapping it to the apartment so I took a cab. When the Vietnamese driver found out where I was going he let out a torrent of expletives since he was expecting a fare to the center of town. I'm fluent in French and in my entire experience traveling to France--20 times and counting--I've only met two SOBs, this one and a North African.
In hindsight once the driver started his harangue I should have asked to be let out, taken a photo of his license and gotten back in line for another cab.
Bad experiences like this should never happen, but it's true they don't usually like very short journeys, especially after having queued in the taxi parking for maybe more than an hour.
Bonjour Alain, from Manila, Philippines 🇵🇭. Merci beaucoup for the tips you're giving to avoid getting scammed at Paris CDG when heading to Paris as I'll be arriving this December on Air France as they resume their flights between Manila and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Bonne Chance.
@@dennis12dec Thanks Dennis!
Hope you have a great trip in Paris.
@@paristoptipsJust before I head to Paris I'll be watching more of your videos on Survival Tips of How Not to Get Scammed in Paris. My friend in Lyon said that always keep your wallet in the front pocket of your trousers or the inside pocket of your coat, don't carry to much cash better use credit or debit card and in case they get stolen immediately contact the bank to have them deactivated.
All great advice!
@@paristoptips Here's another tip on your bank's app or online where your credit or debit card is issued there's a feature that you can remotely deactivate your lost or stolen credit or debit cards to prevent unauthorized transactions whoever got it and the money in your bank account will not be siphoned off.
What a wonderful video full of useful information. Thank you & Merci for making such info available.
Just a request, please make a detailed video on tickets & pricing after 02nd Jan, 2024 so that we do get the clear picture as to what comes in practice.
Finally a question, are people at the ticket service desk in CDG comfortable speaking in English?
Merci again.
Yes, they will.
I'll make a definitive video in late December, but in the meantime, watch this: ruclips.net/video/OMd7KmIubws/видео.htmlsi=DP08SZa1g5SyXiUD
I landed in CDG went to the real taxi line and was directed to enter into the taxi when it was my turn. To.d the driver where I was going to the 1st arr and noticed while we were driving it said 65 eu when I knew my fare was the right bank fare I told the driver he made a mistake and that I was not going’ to the left bank he proceeded to tell me because his taxi was bigger and suitable for more passengers that the charge was more! I laughed and told him this was the taxi I was directed to get into as I had no control over the size he began his best to try and assure me he was correct to the point it became an argument. I told him I would only be paying the correct fare and if he had an issue we could talk with the police no problem. I’m from NYC and this fool thought he could pull a fast one?.! Didn’t speak another word and upon my arrival he changed the meter to the correct price. Do not get fooled!
@@kellys3515 They can only charge 5,50€ more per passenger over 4 passengers in the car!
Thank you Alain - do airport taxis charge extra for luggage?
@@milamf1529 No! They have to price only the fixed fee.
I have a question, if those fake taxi drivers are easily to spot and they are known to scam and threaten people, why don't they get arrested or at least prevented from standing at the airport? they give a bad image to the country.
It's true,and, yes, they are easy to identify,but unfortunately the specialized police called the "boers" can't be there, in all Terminals everyday.
I take the bus from CDG to Opera Garnier.
I think I payed 12 euros.
That's the Roissybus.
Thanks for the video! Your channel is very informative and has helped me plan my Paris visit greatly. I have a question : Are RER trains safe to take in winter evenings? I will be arriving at the airport at around 7-8 pm in December. And have to reach 15th arrondissement. Would RER be a safe option for me or should I go for taxi?
@@dr.tejaswinikulkarniUntil midnight, you shouldn't have issues in the RER.
@@paristoptips Thank you so much for a quick response. Looking forward to more of your videos. :)
Another excellent, useful video, Alain! Merci! A couple questions, please: Since the Paris international airports are clearly "municipal facilities" (controlled by the government, obviously), why aren't there "undercover airport police" to impose fines on these unauthorized/unregulated "scam taxi drivers" operating INSIDE the terminal? Secondly, why doesn't the municipal authority governing the airports impose a significant fine (assuming it is already illegal) for this "taxi scam" - with an even higher fine for the second offense, and so forth? From a US perspective, this particular problem seems to be one that could be easily solved with more robust airport regulations and enforcement. Your thoughts??
You're right!
And there is indeed a specific branch of the national police, called the "boers", which is dedicated to fighting against these people...
But they are simply not enough.
The main problem in France is not the police, they tend to do a great job, it's the weakness of our judiciary system, which has these people soon back in the streets after a very weak sentence. Same as for the Paris pickpockets...
@paristoptips Hi Alain: Thanks for the quick reply! Even though these "scamsters" are not terrorists, one would have assumed that the Paris airport law enforcement would be more alert about ALL types of "airport offenses" since France's terrorist attacks of recent years. That's certainly been the case here in the US, post-9/11, as you probably know. The experience of going to a US airport now is significantly different (far less carefree) than it was before the 9/11 attacks.
Roissy Bus or taxis for me. I did not feel the security was top in RER especially in the early or late hours. There are gang of thieves or pickpockets in the RER.
Unfortunately there might be pickpockets in most metros in Paris...
I’m gonna get an Uber to Montmartre because I have three pieces of suitcase: Sorry ! I buy a lot of stuff.
In your case, no other choice than taxi or Uber/Bolt
How come the RER trains (which are otherwise so convenient) don't have luggage racks?
Because they are mainly commuter trains.
In 2027, there will be the new CDG Express rail link direct to Gare de l'Est. But the price will be much higher...
@@paristoptips Do you think CDG Express will be open in 2027 or get pushed back again? Last I heard it was set for 2024/2025.
@@Matthew.Pequegnat It should. Maybe not the beginning of 2027 as forecasted, but still in 2027 !
What happened to us. My friend is in a manual wheelchair as he is 84 and visually impaired. We used uber. The car arrived but the man could not fit chair into his car. We got another uber.. but we noticed rhe first man still charged us for the uber. We got it dealt wirh when we come back from Paris.
I was pushing my friend in chair around Paris. But I am going back on Monday myself to experience it again without the wheel chair. We were both in Paris about 20 years ago.. both fitter and younger :) i always wanted to go back ever since. Now I am planning to go every 6 months (once a year)..although I already have my flights booked to go back in March.
@@zombeat7376 Thanks for sharing what happened to you and your friend.
Paris is clearly not the best place to visit for people with disabilities... I might do a video on this subject soon!
@paristoptips you are right there. Fortunately the first day I gone out myself and very quick realised that the metro albeit very good, it was no place for a wheelchair. I also wanted to go to Montmarte. We didn't go there. Which is probably a good thing as looking at videos on montmarte that's no place for a wheel chair either.
I may take my fiend back with me in March when I go back.
Bonjour Alain, what do you mean with challenging suburbs? 🤔🧐
Suburbs where even I, as a 6'3 Parisian, would not go after dark.
@@paristoptips oh yeah, like Barbes and Goutte d’Or?
@@josephusanthonybumaat9690 No, worse!
The airport management should have sent the fake taxi men away firsthand! Don’t let them set foot on the airport.
@@josephusanthonybumaat9690 Only the police can do that...
They do it, from time to time
What about to arondossment 17?
The 17th is in the right bank, so the taxi fare would be 56€.
If you preferred the RER you'd have to change in Paris, at Gare du Nord or Châtelet Les Halles, and then take one of the metro lines that would get you to the 17th.
@@paristoptipsThank you ! I’m going to be there for my first time in May 2025 ! Love your channel 🤩
@@richardball8880 Thanks 🙏
CDG airport should ban fake taxis.
@@SamSitar The airport can't do much. It's the police, and then the justice to do so.