Best Ways to Get from CDG to Central Paris

You’ve landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), gone through passport control, and collected your luggage…except you’re not in Paris just yet, you’re about 25 kilometers (16 miles) northeast of Paris in Roissy-en-France. Fortunately, there are several convenient transportation options to get you from the airport to central Paris for any budget. Below you’ll find a comprehensive rundown of the best ways to get from CDG to central Paris:

RER B Train

The RER (Réseau Express Régional) train system is a rapid transport network consisting of five lettered lines (A, B, C, D, and E) that connects Paris to its suburbs, and is integrated to the Paris Métro system (i.e. at certain stations you can easily transfer from RER to Métro and vice versa). Essentially it’s a regional rail system that connects to the Paris subway (Métro) and runs through the city of Paris out to the suburbs in all directions. The RER B train is one of the easiest, most cost-effective, and popular ways to travel from CDG to central Paris. The journey takes around 35-50 minutes, depending on your final destination, and the RER B runs approximately every 10-15 minutes from 4:50 AM to 12:50 AM.

How to Use the RER B Train:

Find the RER Train Station:

The RER B station at CDG is in Terminal 2, but you can easily connect to this station from Terminals 1 and 3 by the CDGVAL, which is the free airport train shuttle. There will be plenty of signs after you pass through baggage claim to held you find your way. Look for signs directing you to ground transportation or “gare” (train station in French) with the RER logo like the one below:

Purchase a Ticket:

Once you get to the RER station in Terminal 2, you can buy tickets at the automated machines or ticket counters. The automated machines have an option for several different languages for ease of use. The fare to central Paris is approximately $12.44 (€11.40) as of June 2024, and your RER ticket can be used to transfer to the Paris Métro within 90 minutes of purchase. If you are planning to purchase an “all zones” Paris Visite travel pass, that is also valid on the RER from CDG and that can be purchased from the RER ticket machines. You can use most major credit cards to pay for RER tickets.

Board the Train:

You’ll feed your ticket through the RER turnstile entrance and it will pop out the top – grab it to open the gates. You’ll want to board a train heading towards Robinson, Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, or Massy-Palaiseau, as all of those will pass through central Paris. Commonly used stops on the RER B in central Paris include Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles on the right bank (north of the Seine), and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame and Luxembourg on the left bank (south of the Seine). From Gare du Nord and Châtelet-Les Halles, you can transfer to many other Métro lines if your lodging isn’t near an RER B stop. Google Maps is a very reliable way to determine your route on Paris public transportation and can help you figure out if transferring from the RER to the Metro makes sense for you depending on where you are going.

Pro Tips
  • Don’t worry if you know little to no French, all of the signs at CDG are also in English. You’ll also likely see a number of airport employees in red vests who all speak English and are there to help you navigate. Don’t hesitate to ask them for help if needed.
  • Unlike the Paris Métro, on the RER, you must scan your ticket when you enter AND when you leave the RER station to get through the turnstile, so be sure to hold onto it after you get on the train (and don’t put it right next to your phone in your bag and de-magnetize it like I did on my very first trip to Paris…).
  • If you are transferring to the Métro, be aware that Châtelet-Les Halles and Gare du Nord are large and very busy Métro stations. Just follow the signs to the train you need to get to and you’ll be fine, but be warned they can be a bit overwhelming if you’re jet lagged and hauling luggage!

Airport Shuttle

Airport shuttles are a fantastic option for several reasons: no need to navigate public transportation with heavy luggage, they often will take you straight to your destination, and they’ll be cheaper than a taxi. Here are a few popular airport shuttle companies:

1. SuperShuttle

SuperShuttle offers shared rides, private cars, and even luxury vehicle options. It’s perfect if you are looking for a door-to-door service, but don’t want to pay taxi rates. Tickets start at about €27 per person for a shared ride, which is a great value if you’re traveling alone or in a small group. You can book online here.

2. Parishuttle

Parishuttle is another reliable option, offering shared and private shuttles. They’re generally known for punctuality and friendly drivers. Prices for shared rides are between €16-25 per person depending on the size of your group. Book your ride here.

Finding the Shuttle at CDG

Okay, you’ve booked your airport shuttle service—now, where do you find it? CDG can be a bit of a labyrinth, so here’s a quick guide on how to find shuttle services:

  1. After Baggage Claim: Once you’ve collected your luggage, follow the signs for “Ground Transportation” or “Navettes.”
  2. Look for Shuttle Counters: Most shuttle services have counters in the arrivals hall. Look for the company logos.
  3. Confirm Your Booking: If you’ve pre-booked, confirm your ride at the counter or find the designated pick-up point. Staff members are usually very helpful if you need directions and nearly all will speak English.
  4. Wait at the Designated Area: There are specific waiting areas for shuttles. For SuperShuttle and Paris Shuttle, check your booking confirmation for the exact pick-up point.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is definitely one of the most convenient ways to travel from CDG to central Paris, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a group. The journey usually takes about 30-45 minutes, though obviously that will depend on traffic. Conveniently, Paris has fixed taxi rates depending on whether you are heading to the north or south side of the Seine river.

How to Use Taxi Services at CDG:

  1. Find the Taxi Stand: A taxi stand is located outside the arrivals area at each terminal and there are lots of signs to help you find it.
  2. Wait in Line: Join the queue at the taxi stand. An attendant will help direct you to the next available taxi once you get to the front of the line.
  3. Know the Fixed Fare: As of 2024, the fixed fare from CDG to central Paris is €56 for the right bank (north of the Seine) and €65 for the left bank (south of the Seine). All Parisian taxis are required to take credit/debit cards. Tipping is not required or expected, however if the driver is exceptionally helpful with luggage etc., a few Euro tip is always appreciated.
Pro Tip
  • As you head to the official taxi stand, it is a near certainty that you will be approached by unlicensed taxi drivers inside the terminal just in front of the taxi stand doors. Ignore them, regardless of what sort of “deal” they offer to get to town. Unlicensed taxis have no accountability so are dangerous from both a safety perspective and a cost perspective (bait and switch is a common tactic where they give you a bargain fare, but then demand much more once you reach your destination). Official taxis are marked with a “Taxi Parisien” sign on the roof.

Ride-Sharing Services

Ride-sharing services like Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are available at CDG 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.

How to Use Ride-Sharing Services:

  1. Download the App: Ensure you have the app installed on your smartphone and have an active account.
  2. Request a Ride: Enter your destination and choose your preferred vehicle type. The app will show you the estimated fare and waiting time.
  3. Meet Your Driver: The app will provide a pick-up location outside your terminal. Follow the airport signs for “Ride Sharing” or “App-Based Rides.”
Pro Tip
  • Pro Tip: It maybe obvious to some, but I’m terrible at doing this so maybe I’m just saying this here as a reminder to myself: compare prices across different ride-sharing apps to find the best deal for your journey.

Roissybus

The Roissybus is a shuttle service connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to the heart of Paris, stopping at Opéra on the corner of Rue Scribe and Rue Auber, on the right bank of the Seine just north of the Louvre. It’s a great option for travelers staying in that area. The bus operates from 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. every 15-20 minutes, so you’re never waiting long. The journey takes about 60-75 minutes, depending on traffic.

Where to Find the Roissybus from each terminal:

  • Terminal 1: Exit 32 (Arrivals level)
  • Terminal 2A-2C: Exit 9 in Terminal 2A
  • Terminal 2B-2D: Exit 11 in Terminal 2D
  • Terminal 2E-2F: Bus station (Exit 8a, Arrivals level)
  • Terminal 3: Roissypole bus station

Tickets cost €14.60 one way if you use the Bonjour RATP app to purchase and load the ticket to a Navigo Easy card, or €16.60 one way if you purchase a ticket from the ticket machine or through a contactless credit card (e.g. ApplePay) on the bus. A Paris Visite pass that includes travel zones 1-5 will also cover the Roissybus.

Once you arrive at Opéra, if needed, you can easily transfer to the metro, RER, or city buses to reach your final destination. The Roissybus is reliable, comfortable, and offers a direct route to a very central area of Paris without the hassle of multiple transfers.

Pro Tip
  • Pro Tip: If you have heavy or voluminous luggage and are headed to the Opéra area of Paris, the Roissybus’ direct connection will be more convenient than navigating the RER and/or metro, especially during peak hours.

Public Bus

For budget travelers, public buses offer a low-cost way to get from CDG to central Paris, though they will likely be slower than trains or shared shuttles. But, they are a great option for budget minded travelers without bulky luggage staying near a bus stop.

Bus 350/351: These local buses connect CDG to Gare de l’Est (Bus 350) and Nation (Bus 351). Tickets cost €6 and can be bought from ticket machines or the driver. The journey takes about 70-90 minutes.

How to find public buses: after baggage claim, follow the airport signs to “buses” or “navettes” and follow signage to bus lines 350 or 351.

Private Transfer

And finally, if you are looking for a truly hassle-free and personalized experience, private transfer services offer door-to-door transportation from CDG to your destination in Paris.

How to Use Private Transfer Services:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and efficient journey or a more relaxed and personalized experience, I hope this rundown of the best ways to get from CDG to central Paris has been helpful. From the cost-effective RER B train to the convenience of taxis and ride-sharing services, each method offers its own advantages. By considering your budget, luggage, and travel preferences, hopefully this post will help you choose the best option to start your Parisian adventure on the right foot!

And now that you have a plan to get into the city, don’t forget to check out my comprehensive Paris travel guide!

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