CDG Check in times & transport

[jillrobinson]

I noticed on the VEA site that they recommend taking a shuttle 2 and a half hours before check in time. Just wondering if everyone sticks by this rule and how long do you then allow for check-in?
and for those of you who've used the private shuttles/taxis, how long do you allow to get to CDG and check in ?

Has anyone ever not been able to get onto a shuttle for the return journey, and I know it's been mentioned before but I can't find it does anyone know the collection route around the hotels ?

 

[Bexx]

The shuttle route on the way back to CDG is

Disneyland Hotel
Hotel New York
Cheyenne
Santa Fe
Sequoia Lodge
Newport Bay

I'm not very good about getting to the airport in good time!! This time we're going to be picked up by RS Transport at 7.45 am for a 10 am flight, which I think should be just about okay. Others may disagree!! Edited to add - my timings here are based on the fact we are using the very dinky Terminal 3. Possibly if I was using Terminal 2 and definitely if I was using Terminal 1, I would give myself at least another half an hour!!!

We've used the VEA shuttle to the airport about five times now, in the morning, late afternoon and evening, and we haven't had a problem getting a seat on it yet.

 

[Lisa1976]

We used the VEA Shuttle in October, our flight opened at 8pm and we were on the 6.20pm VEA shuttle I think, so yes around 2 hours before our flight is due to open.

I am a worrier when it comes to flying and would much rather be at the airport earlier rather than later.

 

[disneyangel]

We had RS transport pick us up at 1330 for a 1615 flight. It took about 45 minutes to get to CDG and we checked in in minutes using Air France e-check in and had loads of time to spare. I would leave the parks at least 30 minutes later next time .

 

[wideeyes]

We go at about 5.30pm for our 7.00pm check in when using the VEA. T2 is a big building and it can take a while to get to the check in desk so we like to have plenty of time. If I was using a private transfer I would probalby go just an hour before check in.

 

[jillrobinson]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I need to be in complete control of situations I would probably just breakdown completely if I missed a flight, circumstances last flying visit were so chaotic, we left the hotel around 10.00am for a 2.30 flight, suffice to say we were very, very bored.

I was thinking 12.00 noon for a 2.30 flight might be OK that's with BA so Terminal 2 I think.

Thanks Bexx for the info. on the route, we were thinking of going back to the Cheyenne, so it should be pretty easy to get on the VEA I would've thought.

 

[Bexx]

Thanks Bexx for the info. on the route, we were thinking of going back to the Cheyenne, so it should be pretty easy to get on the VEA I would've thought.

All our times catching the VEA were from either Sequoia Lodge or Newport Bay, so I'm sure you'll be in a safe location with the Cheyenne!

 

[brer rabbit 28]

Last year we did a day trip.We were waiting in plenty of time for the last shuttle at the bus station and it sailed right passed us!Luckily another bus driver drove us over to one of the hotels and overtook the shuttle on the way.Has made me a little nervous though as we are doing the same day trip next month with the same flight times,but if we go for the earlier bus we will miss fantillusion.

 

[Bexx]

Last year we did a day trip.We were waiting in plenty of time for the last shuttle at the bus station and it sailed right passed us!Luckily another bus driver drove us over to one of the hotels and overtook the shuttle on the way.Has made me a little nervous though as we are doing the same day trip next month with the same flight times,but if we go for the earlier bus we will miss fantillusion.

Probably best waiting for the shuttle at one of the hotels, than at the bus station - more chance of it stopping!!

 

[brer rabbit 28]

I checked on the return times and the bus arrives at newport bay 20 minutes after the bus station.So we will walk over there to catch it instead this time.

 

[Happy Tappy]

I've just returned from DLP and we decided to get the TGV back (to give us more time in the park!) Our flight opened at 2030 and for some reason we thought it'd be a good idea to get the 2052 TGV! This decision was particularly stupid because we have never used the TGV service before. Luckily the train came on time and we got to CDG at 2105. This left us with 35 minutes to get from T2 to T3. After climbing 3 flights of stairs with suitcases in tow, we found the airport shuttle bus. Here we panicked for 10 minutes before ligne 5 pulled into the station. We still had 20 minutes till check-in closed so I thought it'd be ok. Ten minutes later and we're still on the bloody bus! At this point images of ITV's airline are flashing through my mind (people getting knocked back for being minutes late). Finally the bus stopped at some bus station, NO TERMINAL 3 IN SIGHT!!!! After finding a signpost we qucikly run the 200 or so metres to T3 (Even dragging my suitcase I'd have given Linford Christie a run for his money)

Eventually we got to check-in with a few minutes to spare. Never in my life have I panicked so much! The only positive was that we didn't have to wait long in the departures lounge.

The moral of the story?!? Don't leave anything to the last minute, the extra money for a private shuttle is well worth it. Especially for the service that we enjoyed with RS on the outward transfer.

 

[bavaria]

I think too that it's a good reminder for those thinking to navigate the TGV with small children or lots of luggage. I am used to schlepping my roller suitcase, small duffle, large computer case, and handbag around the world for trips of 3-4 weeks or more, but there were a few TGV passengers giving me black looks as I boarded at CDG with my 'house' and disembarked only 10 minutes later. (I DID handle all my own luggage and just stood with it in the entry way of the carriage, which may not always be feasable)

IF you feel comfortable taking your luggage long distances, and sometimes up and down steps, and taking the terminal bus as it tootles around the scenic CDG area then the TGV is fine.

IF you have lots to carry or small fry, a shuttle may be much more convenient. I've gotten to that point in my life where I have learned that pinching pennies too much at the expense of comfort just isnt' worth it!

 

[Bexx]

and taking the terminal bus as it tootles around the scenic CDG area

It's such a delightful beginning and end to the holiday, isn't it?!!