Arriving in Paris as a family is one of the most exciting moments of a trip. It can also be one of the most stressful, particularly if the transfer from the airport has not been properly planned. Long queues, confusing terminals, bulky strollers and tired children make a bad combination. With the right preparation, the journey from landing to hotel can be smooth and even enjoyable.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
The first decision is the size of your vehicle. A standard saloon car comfortably carries two adults and two children with carry-on luggage. If you have a pushchair, car seats, a large stroller or multiple suitcases, you will need a larger vehicle, typically a minivan or estate car.
When booking, specify the exact number of passengers, the number and size of suitcases, and any special equipment such as pushchairs or car seats. A reputable transfer company will confirm the right vehicle before your journey begins.
Car Seats for Children
French law requires appropriate child restraints for all passengers under 10 years old. If you are travelling with young children, confirm at the time of booking whether car seats are available. Most reputable transfer services offer this as an add-on. Bringing your own car seat is also an option. Ensure the driver is aware in advance so they can confirm it will fit securely in the vehicle.
Timing and Flight Monitoring
When travelling with children, buffer time matters. Build in at least 30 minutes beyond your estimated journey time to account for slower progress through the airport, luggage collection delays and any unexpected traffic.
A professional transfer service will monitor your flight in real time and adjust pick-up timing accordingly. If your flight is delayed by an hour, your driver waits and you are not charged for the change. This is a significant advantage over taxis, which do not offer this flexibility.
Meeting Your Driver
At CDG, arrivals halls vary by terminal. Confirm in advance exactly where your driver will meet you. The standard arrangement is a driver with a name board waiting at the exit of the arrivals hall. This is far preferable to trying to find a taxi rank with a stroller, two children and four suitcases.
At Orly, the arrivals area is more compact. Your driver will typically wait in the designated meeting area just outside the terminal doors.
Keeping Children Comfortable During the Transfer
A good transfer vehicle is quiet, air-conditioned and spacious enough for children to sit comfortably. Before the journey, prepare a small bag with snacks, a drink and a tablet or device with downloaded content. Even a 45-minute journey can feel long to a young child who has just spent hours on a plane.
On arrival at your hotel, the driver will assist with all luggage. This leaves you free to manage children rather than wrestling with bags.
Early Mornings and Night Arrivals
Night flights and early morning arrivals are particularly common for long-haul travellers from North America, Asia and the Gulf. Arriving at 06:00 with tired children at CDG, when the public transport network is just starting up, is a situation best avoided by pre-booking a private transfer. Round-the-clock availability is one of the key advantages of private airport transfers. Your driver is confirmed, your vehicle is ready and there are no surprises regardless of what time you land.
Samantha Travels offers family-friendly airport transfers from CDG and Orly, with vehicle options to suit every group size. Book your family airport transfer for your next Paris trip.