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How to get to Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Updated: August 11, 2023
 By Christina

This guide offers advice on how to get to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

CDG is the main airport in Paris and you can get there by public transportation using this guide.


TL;DR - If you have heavy luggage, and a little extra money, a taxi or Go Airport Shuttle will be the best way to get from Charles de Gaulle to Paris.

For a few very specific locations around the city, there are some bus options that will get you there fairly directly.

The least expensive and most flexible option is to take the train, called the RER B, which stops at major metro stations throughout Paris.

The Paris City Pass discount card offers a free one-way shuttle bus from CDG to Paris.

Read our guide to the Paris City Pass here to see if this is a good option for you.


How to get to CDG by Metro

In terms of cost, flexibility, and time, taking the train to/from Paris is probably the best option.

The Metro station Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 serves terminals 1 and 3, while Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 - TGV serves terminal 2.

In the terminals, look for signs that point you to the RER B, or “Paris By Train”.

The big green train ticket machines sell one-way RER tickets for €10.

CDG from Paris Map
Click for Full-Size Map

But, but keep in mind that they won’t accept American credit cards unless you have a chip and pin (which is true of many places in Paris), and it’s a good idea to have some cash.

RER trains departures are made every 10-15 minutes, from 5:00 am to 11:50 pm, and will get you to the heart of Paris in about 30 minutes.

The line stops at some of the major Paris Metro train stations like Gare du Nord, Châtelet les Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre Dame.

So, your accommodation usually is only a change away (your ticket does include this change so be sure to keep your ticket so you can use it to transfer to a Metro line. Read our guide about using the Paris Metro.

Keep in mind that there may be a bit of walking between trains, so this is not great for passengers who have big, heavy bags.


Bus

There are a few options when it comes to traveling by bus, which one you pick should depend on where in the city you are staying.

If you are staying in central Paris, the RoissyBus leaves from all terminals to Opéra, every 15-20 minutes, from 6:00 am -12:30 am.

The trip takes around an hour, and the fare is €12.50.

The RoissyBus stop is at the Palais Opera Garnier. The stop can be found at 11, Rue Scribe (at the corner of Rue Auber).

The closest metro stop is Opera or Havre-Caumartin.

You can purchase tickets on the bus (cash only) or at any of the Metro stations. The RATP desk at the Airport also sells the tickets.

If you're a planner you can also purchase them online here.

From Charles de Gaulle, follow the signs reading "grand transportation" and "Roissybus" in the arrivals area at terminals 1, 2 and 3. 


Taxi/Uber

This is both the easiest and the most expensive option.

There are taxi stands at each terminal, and they are well-marked.

Be sure to only grab a taxi from an official stand. Official taxis offer a flat rate from Paris-CDG Airport to the city center.

Another bonus is that a lot of taxi drivers speak some English, which can take the pressure off of you.

Make sure they take cards (almost all do) if you plan to pay by credit card.

The drive should take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour and cost between €50-70, depending on where in the city you go, and the time of day.

Expect to pay extra fees if you’re traveling late at night, or have big bags.

If you’d rather avoid public transportation, the GO Airport Shuttle offers reliable 24/7 airport shuttles and car service from Charles De Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais airports.

With upfront pricing, you’ll know exactly how much it will cost before you hop in!

TIP: If all else fails, you can also use a private transfer service. Private airport transfers are more expensive, but they are also more exclusive and often quicker than other options.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is CDG Express and when will it become operational?

CDG Express is a planned rail link connecting downtown Paris with Charles de Gaulle Airport.

It aims to provide a direct and efficient transportation option for travelers.

The project involves the construction of a dedicated railway line approximately 32 kilometers long.

CDG Express is set to become operational in the year 2027.


What is the most affordable transport from CDG to Paris?

The most affordable transport options from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Paris are the RER B train and bus services like Roissybus, Bus 350, and 351.

The RER B train is generally the cheapest option, offering direct connections to various stations in Paris.

Bus services also provide affordable alternatives, albeit with potentially longer travel times due to traffic conditions.


What is the fastest transport from CDG to Paris?

The fastest transport option from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to the Paris center is typically the RER B train.

The RER B provides a direct and rapid connection between CDG and several stations in Paris city center, including Gare du Nord, Châteles - Les Halles, Saint Michel-Notre Dame, Luxembourg, Port Royal, Denfert Rochereau, Cité Universitaire.

The journey time can range from approximately 25 to 35 minutes Compared to other transportation modes like buses or taxis, the RER B train offers the quickest travel time to reach your destination from CDG Airport.


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About The Author

Christina

Christina studied art history and French literature at the Sorbonne for a year in Paris as an undergrad. Now based in Washington, DC, she visits Paris as often as possible and loves introducing family and friends to her favorite places there. She has worked as a travel writer, museum professional, English tutor, and editor, and her favorite French cheese is Pont l'Eveque.
Updated: August 11th, 2023
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