If you’re flying into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and want to get to the city center, there are lots of ways to travel. You can take a train, a bus, a taxi, or even a ride with Uber. Each way is different in price, time, and how easy it is.
RER B (Express Train)
TLDR: Fastest and cheapest way to reach central Paris from CDG. About €13 and 30–40 min to Gare du Nord. Runs frequently, but can be crowded and can have stairs.
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How it works
- Buying and validating your ticket
- At the ticket machine, pick “Billet Île-de-France” and tap the map at “Paris.”
- Take your paper ticket, and when you walk through the turnstile, push it into the slot—don’t lose it!
- If you’re staying the whole week (Monday to Sunday), ask about the Navigo Découverte weekly pass—it covers your airport ride and all public transport in Paris for €30.
- Finding your platform
- Follow the signs down to the platforms. They show “Direction Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse” or “Saint-Rémy” for trains that go through Paris.
- Check the screens for the next train—sometimes a “direct” train stops at fewer stations and gets you to the city faster.
- Onboard
- Trains come every 10–20 minutes during the day. But at rush hour (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM), cars can be jam-packed.
- You’ll see luggage racks near the doors, but they fill up quickly. You might have to stand with your bags.
- Keep your ticket safe—inspectors can hop on at any station and ask to see it.
- Arriving in Paris
- When you get to Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, or Denfert-Rochereau), follow the signs to exit or transfer to the metro.
Safety & Hassles
- Crowds: At busy times, you might feel packed in like a sardine.
- Pickpockets: Thieves look for tourists juggling suitcases. Keep your bag zipped and close to your body.
- Stairs & Escalators: Some RER/metro stations have no elevators. Be ready to heave your luggage up or down the stairs.
Ideal for: Families or kids traveling light, who don’t mind a short walk with their bags and want to save money.
👍 Pros:
- Cheapest direct ride into the city.
- Fast and regular: trains every 10–20 minutes.
- No traffic jams—you slide under the roads in a tunnel.
👎 Cons:
- Heavy bags are hard to carry on stairs or into crowded cars.
- A late-night flight plus a packed train can feel exhausting.
- Unexpected delays for maintenance work, medical stops, or staff strikes can leave you waiting on the platform.
Roissybus
TLDR: Direct airport coach to Opéra for €13. No stairs or transfers. Slower than the train (60–75 min), but more comfortable for luggage.
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How it works:
- Buying a ticket: At the airport stop, use the ticket machine or tap your contactless bank card on the reader.
- Frequency: every 15–20 min
- Boarding: Put your suitcase on the rack by the door.
Safety & hassles:
- Heavy rain, snow, or flooding can slow or even cancel service.
- Traffic jams, construction, or big events at the Stade de France (like football or concerts) add delays.
👍 Pros:
- Direct ride with no transfers or stops
- Same price as the RER B (€13)
- Lower pickpocket risk compared to trains
👎 Cons:
- Slower than the RER B
- Only goes to Opéra
- Unpredictable delays in bad weather or heavy traffic
RATP Lines 350/351 (Normal buses)
TLDR: Cheapest option at €2–2.50, but takes 75–90 min with many stops and possible transfers. Best for very tight budgets and local travel.
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How it works:
- Finding the stop: Follow small “350” or “351” signs just outside the terminal—look carefully, they’re not as obvious as the big airport coaches.
- Paying: You can’t use airport machines here. Buy a ticket in advance or at a nearby tobacco shop (tabac).
- On board: Lines fill up early, especially on weekends or late at night. If the bus is full, you might be left on the curb.
Extra headaches:
- Stops at the airport can be hard to spot, especially with pushy shuttle drivers around.
- Delays during strikes or driver shortages can strand you with no warning.
Ideal for: Travelers who are looking for the cheapest ride to the city.
👍 Pros:
- Cheap.
👎 Cons:
- Very slow
- Unpredictable in bad weather or heavy traffic.
Official Taxi
TLDR: Fixed fare to Paris (€56–65). Easy, reliable, and luggage-friendly. No apps needed. Expect longer ride during rush hour and possible lines.
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How it works
- Find the taxi stand
- Follow the “TAXI” signs to the official queue—never accept offers from drivers who approach you in the parking lot.
- Each taxi has a light on top: green means it’s free, orange means it’s occupied.
- Boarding and luggage
- The driver will open your trunk and help load heavy bags.
- Make sure everyone in the car fastens their seat belt before you pull away.
- Fixed fares by law
- CDG → Right Bank: €56
- CDG → Left Bank: €65
- Orly → Right Bank: €45
- Orly → Left Bank: €36
Watch out for…
- Fake drivers: Unofficial cabs sometimes circle the arrivals area looking for tourists. Always queue at the marked stand.
- Card machine excuses: Some claim their machine “isn’t working” so you pay cash—and often at a higher, secret rate. By law, taxis must accept cards.
Ideal for: Families with lots of luggage, travelers who want to sit back and relax after a long flight, or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with stairs, transfers, or apps.
👍 Pros:
- Door-to-door service—no dragging suitcases through stations or streets.
- No surprises: Fares are fixed by zone, so the meter can’t run wild.
- 24/7 availability: Even when trains or buses stop, taxis run on holidays and overnight.
👎 Cons:
- Slow in traffic: A 30-minute ride can easily become 60+ minutes in jams, accidents, or bad weather.
- Lines: You might wait 15–30 minutes in a long queue, especially late at night.
- Scammers: Unlicensed cabs hang around arrivals trying to pull you away from the official stand.
Uber & Other Ride-Sharing
TLDR: Convenient app-based ride. About €50 from CDG, ~45–60 min depending on traffic. Surge pricing can raise the fare sharply.
Price & Payment
- About €50 (can surge higher)
- The app shows you an estimated fare before you confirm. You pay through the app—no cash needed.
Time & Pickup
- Travel time: Typically 50-55 minutes.
- Finding your driver: At CDG, your driver may wait at a designated ride-share zone. Airport Wi-Fi or cell signal can be spotty—double-check the terminal name and meet-up point in the app.
Watch out for…
- Surge pricing: When demand is high (rainy days, strike alerts, peak hours), prices can double or triple.
- Pickup confusion: Some drivers park at other terminals or gate areas—texting back and forth.
- Fake profiles: Rarely, someone may impersonate a driver. Always confirm the license plate, car make/model, and driver photo before you get in.
Ideal for: Tech-savvy kids or families without cash who want door-to-door service and the comfort of tracking their ride.
👍 Pros:
- No waiting in a taxi line—your ride comes to you.
- You see driver info, so you know who’s picking you up.
- Cashless payment means no fumbling for coins or bills.
👎 Cons:
- Price spikes can turn a cheap ride into an expensive one unexpectedly.
- You rely on your phone and data connection.
Shared Shuttle Vans (e.g., SuperShuttle, Easy Go Shuttle)
TLDR: Pre-booked van picks you up at the airport and drops you at your hotel. Slower than a taxi but cheaper if you share.
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What it’s like
Before your trip, book a shared or private shuttle online. When you land, the driver meets you at arrivals or a pickup point. You load your bags and ride with others heading into Paris. The van stops at several hotels, so your ride time can vary.
Price:
- Shared shuttle: around €43 per person
- Private ride: from €70–€80 per vehicle
Time: 45–75 minutes, depending on traffic and how many people are in the van.
Good to know:
- Shared vans may wait a bit for other passengers to arrive.
- Delays possible in traffic, especially at rush hour.
- Private rides are faster, but cost more.
- Most services track your flight and adjust if you land early or late.
👍 Pros:
- Door-to-door service to your hotel
- Good value for small groups
- Easier than dragging suitcases on trains
👎 Cons:
- Slower than a taxi or Uber
- May wait for other passengers before leaving
- Can be delayed by traffic
Comparison Table: Getting from CDG to Paris Central
| Option | Price (per person) | Time to Central Paris | Best For |
| RER B (Express Train) | €13 | 30–40 min | Budget travelers, light luggage |
| Roissybus | €13 | 60–75 min | Travelers with luggage, want comfort |
| Bus 350/351 | €2–2.50 | 75–90 min | Tight budgets, local destinations |
| Official Taxi | €56–65 (fixed fare) | 45–60+ min | Families, lots of luggage, convenience |
| Uber/Ride-Sharing | ~€50+ (varies) | 45–60 min | Tech-savvy, cashless, convenience |
| Shared Shuttle Van | ~€43 (shared) | 45–75 min | Groups, hotel drop-off, less hassle |
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
