Getting from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Central Paris

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

RER B Panel

  • 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.

 

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.

 

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.

Uber

 

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.

 

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    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