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CDG to Paris – Last updated on 1st of October 2022 by Lena
You are flying to Paris, isn’t that exciting?! Now you wonder of course how you’re getting from Charles de Gaulle airport to downtown Paris, right? I’m certain that transportation in Paris can be a bit confusing, but don’t worry, I’ve got you! I will break down every option for you with precise directions, prices and pros, and cons.
Quick & Easy Airport Transfer:
If you are looking for the most convenient transfer option that is not breaking the bank,consider booking a private transfer from the airport to Paris.
- You can book your transfer from home
- barely more expensive than a regular taxi
- you arrive in Paris relaxed knowing everything is taken care of
1. CDG Airport Private Transfer | |
2. Orly Airport Private Transfer | |
3. Disneyland Private Transfer |
For your best experience in Paris, make sure you don’t miss these articles:
- Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons
- What NOT to do in Paris -23 (costly) Paris Mistakes you need to avoid!
- Pack for Paris: Essentials you need in 2022!
- 21 Simple Ways to Save Money in Paris
CHECKLIST for your Trip to Paris
- Find budget hotels and lovely Hotels with Eiffel Tower view here
- Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups for a stress-free arrival
- ConsiderTravel Insurance with COVID-19 coverage
- Know how to use the Metro in Paris
- Book attractions that sell out quickly in advance
- Know about Paris Mistakes and Paris Tourist Scams
- Don’t forget your Travel Adapter
Let’s start with some information on the airport Charles de Gaulle to help you find orientation!
About the airport Charles de Gaulle
The Charles de Gaulle airport lies 30 km outside of Paris, in the northeast. It’s the 2nd biggest airport in Europe, and it’s not surprising that the idea of navigating through this monster can be a bit confusing and scary. But don’t worry too much about it – everything is clearly indicated, and you shouldn’t struggle too much to find the train station, a taxi stand, or a bus stop.
Pro Tip: If you have to catch an early flight, stay the last night in a hotel around the airport.
Transportation in the morning can be very difficult. The train service is starting around 5 am, Metros a bit later. With luggage, it can be difficult to navigate the crowded station or find a place in a Metro during rush hour. Booking a hotel near the airport is saving you from loads of stress! Plus, there are really nice hotels around Charles de Gaulle! Have a look here!
For hotels in the center of Paris, discover the best 3 locations to stay in Paris here!!
The CDG airport has 3 terminals, 1, 2, and 3/Roissypol.
Terminal 2 is the biggest, with 7 sub-terminals. Both, terminal 2 and terminal 1 are having a train station with a connection to Paris. Between all 3 terminals runs the free airport shuttle train CDGVAL. Within terminal 2 runs also a bus (N1 or N2) that connects the different sub-terminals of terminal 2, but walking is an option as well.
Now that the localities are settled, let’s answer the main question: How to get from CDG to Paris?
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Option 1: Take a train from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris
Taking a train from CDG airport to the Paris center is maybe not the most comfortable, but the best if you are traveling on a budget to Paris because it’s the cheapest and fastest option.
The train from CDG airport to Paris is the RER B line. The RER is a suburb train that connects cities within the greater Paris area with Paris and is also connected to the inner Parisian Metro lines. It’s also the fastest way from CDG to Gare du Nord.
But first, you need to know where Charles de Gaulle Airport train station is!!
Arriving at Terminal 1
If you arrive at terminal 1, you need to board the free sky train CDGVAL first to get to the train station at terminal 3/Roissypole. After customs and baggage claim at Terminal 1, you’ll see blue signs pointing to “CDGVAL Airport Shuttle“. Board the shuttle and get out at terminal 3/Roissypole, one of the two Charles de Gaulle airport train stations.
Arriving at Terminal 2
After you passed through customs and claimed your baggage, watch out for blue signs pointing to “Gare SNCF/Railway Station” and “Paris par train/Paris by train“. That’s your direction.
Arriving at Terminal 3
If you arrive at CDG Terminal 3, it’s a 5-minute walk from the terminal to terminal 3/Roissypole train station. Just follow the blue signs pointing to “Paris par train/Paris by train”.
The CDGVAL Airport Shuttle
The Skytrain shuttle connects all 3 terminals of the Charles de Gaulle airport, parking places, and both train stations that are serving the airport.
Operation hours are daily from 4:00 am to 1:00 am, with a Skytrain running all 4 minutes. During the nighttime outside normal operating hours, a shuttle bus is circulating.
Taking the train from Charles de Gaulle to Paris
The RER B from Charles de Gaulle to central Paris takes approximately 35 minutes. It can vary, though, depending on where you get out of the train and whether you catch a direct train or a train that serves different stations before entering Paris. In any case, regardless of which RER B train you are on, every train stops at the following stations in Paris:
Gare du Nord – Châteles/Les Halles – Saint Michel/Notre Dame – Luxembourg – Port Royal – Denfert Rochereau – Cité Universitaire
Where to buy tickets for the train to Paris
Update October 2022: Paper tickets for public transportation should have been sold only until September 2022. From now on, you need to purchase a Navigo Easy Pass for 2€ at the service point that is available at every Metro and Train station.
Just before getting to the train platform, you’ll see vending machines where you can top up your Navigo Easy pass (or buy a paper ticket until September 2022).
The language at the vending machines can be changed, and you shouldn’t run into issues finding the right option to buy a ticket for a train to Paris.
However, it’s possible that your foreign credit card is not working on those machines, have some cash at hand! Alternatively, you can also go to the ticket counter close to the vending machines.
Editor’s note: you might also be interested in our transportation guides!
If you need to transfer from RER to Metro to reach your destination, you do not have to purchase a new ticket. The RER ticket is valid for 2h when connecting to the Metro. Two hours between first and last validation.
Taking the train from CDG to Paris – in a nutshell
Operation hours: daily from 4:53 a.m. to 23:50 p.m.
Travel duration to Paris: approx. 35min
Price: 11,40€ single-ride fare, 7.90€ for kids (4-9 years) (as by the time of writing)
Pro: cheap and fast, independent of rush hour, stops at most central stations within Paris
Con: stressful after a long flight and with much luggage. Not running at nighttime.
Option 2: Book a Private Transfer to Paris
Spoiler: it’s the best way from Charles de Gaulle to Paris, check here for prices
Are you unsure of taking public transportation or navigating through the maze of the CDG airport? Or are you certain you’ll be tired after a long flight and are not up for any hassle? Look into private transfers from Charles de Gaulle to Paris!! In my opinion, it’s the best way to get from Charles de Gaulle to Paris.
You can book your Charles de Gaulle Airport transfer already from home, which is definitely a big plus for your convenience.
You have several options regarding private Charles de Gaulle airport transfers.
Semi-private minivan transfer (currently only from Orly Airprot)
The cheapest option of all private transfers is to book a shared minivan transfer as transportation from Charles de Gaulle to Paris. It is especially interesting if you are traveling alone and/or are traveling with a lot of luggage.
The fare is not much higher than the bus or train, but you get dropped right at your hotel! The drawback is that you have to call upon arrival to get picked up. But it’s certainly a good option if you want to know how to get from CDG to Paris on a budget without taking the train.
Private Transfers
Booking a private transfer is certainly the most convenient and 100% hassle-free option if you are looking into getting a means of transport from Charles de Gaulle to Paris. Your driver will meet you at your gate, help with your luggage, and drop you off at your accommodation. Check out private transfer options and be surprised that this added service is not charged much more than a regular Taxi! I think it is actually the best way from CDG to Paris.
Pro: price not much higher than a regular taxi, comfortable, brings you to your accommodation, good if you have much luggage, you can reserve in advance and pay online, help with luggage
Con: duration depends on traffic
Option 3: Take a Paris shuttle bus from CDG to the city center
Another ground transportation to get from the airport to Paris is taking a bus from CDG to Paris. Until 2020 there were 2 bus companies circulating between the airport and different areas of Paris.
However, Le Bus Direct is no longer available. The Roissybus is still operating.
Roissybus
The Roissybus is heading to the center of Paris, to Opéra and a rather popular option for getting from Charles de Gaulle to Paris. It’s a direct bus without any stops in between. The Roissybus leaves at all 3 terminals of the Charles de Gaulle airport. Opéra lies very centrally and the Roissybus can be very convenient If you need to go from the airport to the city center.
Trip duration: between 60 and 75 min – times can vary depending on traffic
Schedule: every 15 to 20 min, from 06:00 a.m. to 00:30 a.m. (click here for exact times)
Price: 12.50€ one way
Where to buy tickets for the Roissybus?
You can purchase tickets directly on the bus, at the airport bus stop, and at all vending machines at RER and Metro stations.
Where is the Roissybus station?
Terminal 1 – Porte/Exit 32, arrival levels
Terminal 2A/2C – Porte/Exit 9 of Terminal 2A
Terminal 2D – Porte/Exit 11
Terminal 2E/2F – Porte/Exit 8, arrival levels
Terminal 3 – the bus stop is located 250m outside the terminal, follow signs
Pro: Tickets can be purchased in advance, many stations at the airport and in Paris. Brings you to the center of Paris.
Con:long transfer time, and depending on traffic. Unavailable during nighttime and you still need to self organize transfer to accommodation.
Option 4: Take a regular Taxi from Charles de Gaulle to Paris
Taking a taxi from Charles de Gaulle to Paris can be a good option. If your plane arrives (or leaves) very early or late, it might even be the only way of transportation from CDG to Paris or the other way around. (ok, that, or an Uber or convenient private transfers).
When deciding whether a taxi is a good choice or not, keep in mind that rush hour in Paris can be very busy. A trip in a taxi from CDG to Paris can take as little as 30 minutes on Sunday morning, but 2 hours (or longer) during peak times.
For a few years, taxi prices from CDG to Paris center are fixed: If your destinations lay rive droite (north of the Seine), the fare is 53€ and if it’s rive gauche (south banks) you pay 58€.
How to find a taxi, and how to take the good one!
When you are entering the arrival hall, you usually should already see a sign pointing you in the right direction of the taxi stand.
However, you will be approached by people asking if you need a taxi as soon as you are out of the security zone. Those are NOT the official taxis and I advise strongly against taking a ride with them. The official taxis are waiting at the stand and their drivers not proactively searching for customers. The official taxi companies are Alpha Taxi, Les Taxis Bleue, G7, Horizon G7. You can recognize them by the taxi light on the roof of their vehicle. Learn more about popular scams in Paris and the mistakes visitors are doing!
How to pay for taxis in Paris?
Do taxis in Paris take credit cards? Yes, they do. They are even bound by law to accept credit cards.
However, if this is your first payment attempt with your credit card in Paris, I do advise having some cash at hand. Just in case.
Where is the taxi stand at Charles de Gaulle airport?
Terminal 1: exit 24 on the arrivals level
Terminal 2A: exit 6
Terminal 2C: exit 14
Terminal 2D: exit 7
Terminal 2E: gate 10, arrivals level
Terminal 2F: gate 11, arrivals level
Terminal 2G: blue gate
Terminal 3: at the exit of the arrival hall
Pro: transfer directly to your accommodation, comfortable, good if you have much luggage, available day and night
Con: not cheap, trip duration depends on traffic
Option 5: Take an Uber from CDG to Paris
Note: there is no designated Uber pick-up zone at the airport in Paris
If you are an Uber user, you’ll be happy to know that your Uber app works perfectly fine in Paris. Depending on the time of the day, it can be cheaper to order an Uber than book a regular taxi, but I advise you to check first the rates before deciding. (click here to get a voucher for your first ride if you’re a new customer)
When taking an Uber from Charles de Gaulle to Paris, the journey time heavily depends on the time of the day. During rush hour it can easily add up to 2h, while a ride on Sunday morning will hardly be longer than 30 to 40 minutes.
Preparing your trip? Check out our 1 day in Paris guide or our 4 days in Paris guide… and if you are keen to explore more, you absolutely need to check our most popular post: 80+ unusual things to do in Paris
When you are leaving the security area, you won’t find a sign pointing you in the direction of the Uber pick-up zone or shared-ride pick-up zone. There is no designated pick-up zone for Uber at the moment, so you just add your location and wait, as you would normally do. You might also have to wait for pick-up instructions from your driver if your location isn’t reachable for him.
Good to know: Charles de Gaulle airport has free Wi-Fi, so you should not run into problems using the app.
Not an Uber user yet? You can sign up here and get a voucher for your first ride!
Pro: transparent pricing, comfortable, brings you to your accommodation, good if you have much luggage, available day and night, you can pay online without worrying about cash
Con: not cheap, travel time depends on traffic, you need to download the app, you must have an internet connection
How do I get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris?
The cheapest and fastest is the direct train from the airport to Paris. The most convenient is a taxi or private transfer.
How much does it cost to from CDG to central Paris?
Train – approx. €12
RoissyBus – approx. €12
Taxi – between 53€ and 58€ fix price (+ night charges)
Private Transfer – approx. 70€
Do you tip Paris taxi drivers?
Tipping is not necessary. However, you can give a little extra if the driver helped you with the luggage or provided good service. 5-10% is appropriate, but it is not rude when you give nothing or don’t have change.
How long is the taxi ride from CDG to Paris?
Depending on traffic, day, and location of your hotel, it can take between 30 and 90 minutes.
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FAQs
How do I get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris city Centre? ›
The RER B train runs from Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) every 10 to 20 minutes, and takes around 50 minutes to reach the city centre. Tickets only cost 10€ one-way, and can be purchased at ticket booths in the arrivals terminal.
How do I get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris by train? ›The RER B line is a direct rail link between Paris (Denfert-Rochereau, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, Châtelet-Les-Halles, Gare du Nord) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. A free CDGVAL shuttle connects the stations with the airport terminals. Approx. 35 minutes form Denfert-Rochereau.
How much does it cost to take the train from CDG to Paris? ›Tickets. The single journey fare CDG ↔ Paris costs €10,30. Tickets allow connections between Metro & RER trains in Central Paris*. Paris Visite travelcard (zones 1-5) or Navigo pass (zones 1-5) can be used.
How do I get from CDG to Eiffel Tower? ›You will need to locate the Roissypole Station near Terminal 2 and 3 of CDG Airport, then catch the RER B line train towards Gare de Massy Palaiseau, disembarking at Saint Michel-Notre Dame. From here, a RER C train will take you to the Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel station.
Do you tip Paris taxi drivers? ›Taxi Drivers
For normal rides in Paris, a €1¬-2 tip is appropriate. If it was a long ride (like from the airport), or you had heavy bags. If you weren't satisfied with the trip or had your suspicions that you were taken a long way round, feel free not to tip at all.
The cost of the taxi trip between CDG and Paris is between 50 Euros and 60 Euros, depending on the route taken and the destination in Paris.