Best Ways to Get From Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA) to Central Paris
Bonjour, adventurous traveler! So, you’ve landed at Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA) and you’re ready to embark on your Parisian adventure. But wait, BVA isn’t exactly a hop, skip, and a jump from the city center. No worries! I’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to navigate your way from BVA to the heart of Paris. Whether you’re here for the art, the history, or just those life-changing croissants, let’s dive into the how to make your way into the city, including some special updates for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Here is a guide detailing the best ways to get from Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA) to central Paris (spoiler alert: take the bus!).
Before we jump into the transportation options – a quick overview of Paris Beauvais Airport. Located approximately 85 kilometers (about 53 miles) north of Paris, BVA is a popular choice for budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. While it’s not as conveniently located as Charles de Gaulle or Orly, with a bit of planning, you can still make it to central Paris without breaking the bank or losing your sanity.
Table of Contents
Aérobus
One of the most popular, cost efficient, and straightforward ways to get from Beauvais to Paris is the Aéorobus. If you find yourself flying into BVA, you probably did so to save on airfare, and the Aérobus is the most cost efficient, time efficient, and easy option to get from Beauvais airport to central Paris.
The Basics
- Departure Point: Right outside the airport terminal
- Lines:
- A02 to Paris Saint-Denis University. This route runs approximately 80 times a day. From here you can transfer to métro line 13.
- A03 to La Défense. This route runs approximately 20 times per day. From here you can transfer to the RER A and E.
- Travel Time: 75 to 90 minutes
- Cost: if purchased in advance here: €16.90 one way for adults, €9.90 for children aged 4-11, free for children under 4. If you are going to Saint-Denis University, you can also purchase at BVA or on board the bus, but the prices will be higher: €18.00 one way for adults, €18.00 for children aged 4-11, free for children under 4. Tickets to La Défense must be purchased in advance online.
How to Catch the Shuttle
The buses are timed to coordinate with flight arrivals, so you won’t have to wait long. Just follow the signs in the airport to the bus stop, buy your ticket at the counter or online in advance (advance purchase is recommended as these buses can fill up quickly), confirm the bus is the line you want, and hop on! The buses are modern and comfortable, with plenty of room for your luggage.
Special Note for the 2024 Olympics
Other Airport Shuttle Services
Shared or private airport shuttle transfers can be booked in advance and offer door-to-door service. This is an excellent option if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage. Companies like SuperShuttle and Paris Shuttle Service provide reliable shared airport shuttle services that can take you directly to your destination if the Aérobus dropoff locations are not convenient.
Train from Beauvais to Paris
If you prefer a more scenic route, or perhaps you’re a fan of train travel like me, taking the regional TER train from Beauvais to Paris is another option, though it does involve a bit more commitment than simply hopping on the airport shuttle bus because the train station is not directly at the airport. Frankly, the cost is nearly the same as the Aérobus, so if you’re aiming for efficiency, the bus is the better option.
Getting to the Train Station
You’ll need to take a short shuttle, city bus, or taxi ride from the airport to Gare de Beauvais. The local buses are operated by Corolis and take about 15-20 minutes. Corolis bus line 6 (€1) goes from BVA to Brière SNCF, and Gare de Beauvais is a 2 minute walk away. In addition, the Corolis “Navette Express Hôtels” bus (€4) also runs from BVA to the Gare de Beauvais. You can find Corolis bus timetables and route maps here.
Train Basics
- Departure Point: Beauvais Train Station (Gare SNCF de Beauvais)
- Arrival Point: Paris Gare du Nord
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes on the train.
- Cost: Around €14-€17 one way and you can book via the SNCF app or buy tickets at the train station.
On the Train
Once you’re on the train, sit back and enjoy the French countryside rolling by. French trains are generally comfortable and punctual. Arriving at Gare du Nord puts you right in the heart of Paris, with easy access to the Métro and RER networks.
Pro Tip
Private Transfers, Taxis, and Taxymatch
For those who prefer a more direct route with a bit of extra comfort, private transfers and taxis are available, though these will likely be the most expensive options. Taxymatch is also an option at BVA that offers an option to share taxis for a discount, or to book a private transfer.
The Basics
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Cost: Usually between €120-€160 for a private transfer, around €170 for a standard taxi, and starting at around €40 for a shared taxi through Taxymatch.
Taking a Taxi
Taxis are available at a taxi rank outside Terminals 1 and 2, but they can be very expensive. If you choose this option, make sure the driver uses the meter, or agree on a fare before starting your journey. Only use official Paris taxis which have a “Taxi Parisien” sign on the roof.
For shared taxis, book in advance with Taxymatch here.
Using Private Transfer Services:
- Book in Advance: Popular providers include Blacklane, Sixt Ride, and MyDriver. If you are staying in a hotel, they will most likely be able to help you arrange for private car service as well.
- Meet Your Driver: Your driver will usually meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name. They will assist with your luggage and guide you to where they are parked, which is usually in very close proximity to baggage claim.
Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing services like Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are available at BVA and are a convenient way to reach central Paris, usually less costly than a taxi. These services will offer different vehicle options to suit your needs and luggage situation, from economy to premium.
The Basics
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Cost: Typically €130-150 but the cost will vary depending on traffic, demand, time of day etc.
How to Use Ride-Sharing Services:
- Download the App: Ensure you have the app installed on your smartphone and have an active account.
- Request a Ride: Enter your destination and choose your preferred vehicle type. The app will show you the estimated fare and waiting time.
- Meet Your Driver: The app will provide the pick-up location outside your terminal.
Pro Tip
Once you’ve nailed down how you’ll get from Beauvais to central Paris, don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Paris Travel Guide to help plan the rest of your trip!