Transfer to Paris from CDG

Q: We will be traveling to Livigno in December and have a three-day stopover in Paris beforehand. What is the easiest /most cost effective way for us to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport into Paris? A private transfer works out at R 1 450 one way which seems a bit excessive. We will be a party of four adults. - Cathy Ablett

A: Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) is located 23km north-east of Paris. The most popular way to get into Paris is to use a combination of the regional rail system, knowns as RER, and the Metro. Trains run every 15 minutes and trips take 35-45 minutes. From the airport there is a free airport shuttle to the RER stations serving the airport. At the station you buy a ticket which allows you to transfer to the Metro. The cost from CDG to the city centre is 8.70 Euros (R83) per person. That brings the total cost for your group to 34.80 (R332). However, if you don't fancy lugging your luggage around, then there are easier options. The most convenient of all would be a taxi. You have to wait in line. While the overall charge for the trips to the city centre will range from 40-70 Euros (R381-R668), your driver may refuse to take more than three passengers. If he does agree, he is authorized to charge you an excess. Additional charges would be a one euro (R9.40) charge for each piece of luggage and an airport fee of one euro (R9.40). If you were forced to take two taxis, the cost could come close that of the airport transfers offered by your hotel. A hassle-free alternative is to take an airport shuttle, which will deliver you to your hotel. The cost for four people (in a van shared with other passengers) comes to 76 Euros (R725). The cost of hiring a private fan starts at 80 Euros (R763). Get further details on the http://www.parishuttle.com/ website. This appears to be the best choice for your group and is cheaper than the amount quoted to you for the hotel transfer. There is another budget form of transport, but it does not provide a door-to-door service. The Paris Airport Bus takes about 45 minutes from CDG to the city centre and costs 7.20 Euros (R69) per person. That would be quite a saving, but you would still have to find your way from the terminus in central Paris to your hotel, which means using the metro or a taxi. (17/7/11)