If you’re visiting Paris, chances are you’ve walked the long halls of Charles de Gaulle, the country’s largest airport. Though the Paris region is served by three airports, CDG is the most likely destination for international non-EU flights, and can be quite intimidating upon first visit. Once you’ve dealt with passport control and collected your checked luggage, all you want to do is sink into the couch of your Paris Perfect apartment, but there are so many transport options to get into the city, how is one to choose? We’ve broken down how to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris for you in this post, so you can arrive informed for a breezy transfer into the city.
How to Get From Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris
RER
The most direct way into the city is via the regional RER B train, which will take you straight from the airport into the city. It has two stops within the airport, Terminal 2 and Terminals 1 & 3, and once in Paris, stops at Gare du Nord, Chatelet, Les Halles, and Luxembourg, so you’re able to get off wherever is closest to your accommodation.
Keep an eye on the destination stations for each train- if the next train calls at every stop between the airport and the city, it’s worth waiting 10 more minutes to take the train that only calls at the airport stops and then goes directly to Gare du Nord.
Tickets can be purchased before the entrance to the RER at the RATP ticket machines and cost about 10€. If you have a lot of luggage or are not traveling with someone who can help with your luggage, the RER might not be the best option for you, as not every station is equipped with elevators or escalators.
Roissybus
This is the official airport-to-Paris bus, and it stops at every terminal, making it the easiest option if you’re looking to take public transport into the city but don’t want to take the RER. It drops you off next to the Paris opera house, the Palais Garnier, right in the center of the city, and runs every 15-20 minutes from 6am to 12:30am (you can find the timetables here). For those with a lot of luggage or mobility issues, this is the best public transport option. You can buy a ticket at any of the RATP ticket machines (just make sure you choose the Roissybus option), or most of the stops have a dedicated ticket machine.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful at CDG and can make getting into the city a breeze. Though there may be a wait, you definitely want to use the official taxi queue to ensure that the drivers are legitimate and will only charge you the 50€ flat rate to get to the right bank and a 55€ flat rate to get to the left bank. Though they are able to charge more for excess luggage.
Like any road transport from the airport to the city, you may want to check that there aren’t major traffic jams going into the city. However, as the rate to get into Paris is fixed, even if the ride takes a long time due to traffic, they can’t charge you extra.
Uber/Chauffeur Privé/G7
Uber is a very popular app in Paris and quite reliable. There is no flat rate for Uber drivers, but will cost at least 45€ between CDG and most destinations within Paris. Other similar apps, like Chauffeur Privé and G7, also allow you to arrange transport from your phone.
However, in order to avoid competition with the taxis, the drivers operating from these apps are often restricted to a specific pickup spot. The app will tell you where to go to find your driver; however, if you’re not comfortable navigating the airport to find the car, you will probably want to opt for a classic taxi instead.
Paris Perfect driver
Want to know the most reliable, easiest, and safest transport option that will take all the stress and planning off of you? Let us arrange a pickup for you! Contact us and Paris Perfect can organize a driver to collect you at the airport and take you directly to the door of your Paris Perfect apartment. What could be more convenient?
What is your favorite mode of transport for how to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris? Let us know in the comments!
We have used Paris Shuttle for years. Very convenient and very reasonable; you can book online and arrange both pickup and drop off before you leave home, and their website is in English if you don’t speak French! It’s so much easier than hauling your luggage onto the RER or a bus, and they deliver you directly to your hotel or apartment.
My favorite is Victor Taxi. Always prompt, completely honest, professional. One of his drivers is waiting for you as you exit security upon arrival to whisk you into the City.
He takes you directly to your apartment, or Paris Perfect Office if it is not quite time to check in. No stairs, minimal walking and lugging suitcases. He’s the best!
Victor Taxi is wonderful! We’re so happy you agree. 🙂
Thanks for that additional suggestion. It’s always good to have a Website that’s in English.
I was under the impression that the B train from Ch de Gaulle stopped at the Gard du Nord then St Michel NotreDame and points beyond. Am I wrong?
No, you’re right. “…stops at Gare du Nord, Chatelet, Les Halles, and Luxembourg, so you’re able to get off wherever is closest to your accommodation.” St-Michel – Notre-Dame is also a stop you can choose.
This excerpt from a December 11/19 article:
The strike is again demonstrating the vast social power of the working class. French train traffic and mass transit in Paris remain virtually shut down, and over 10 percent of public school staff are on strike. On Tuesday, large groups of high school and university students joined the protests throughout France.
I would not recommend the RER to anyone coming in from the airport except maybe fearless college students. Now that the taxi is a fixed rate of 50 euros, its an absolute bargain for a stress-free, safe, door-to-door experience after a long flight. Dealing with stairs, luggage, ticket machines, and remaining super alert while experiencing jet-lag is just too much to ask on the RER, in my humble opinion. I think taxis in Paris are totally worth the cost!
I took a taxi and it was expensive. I went 6 years ago, though. The rate freeze may have been Put it on after. Also it t was in July and was near 100 degrees and too hot to lug your own suitcase. And I had 3 large.
Taxi rates are set for destinations within the 75 zip code, depending on the side of the river you are going.
All good point. However, keep in mind that the taxi rate depends on what side of the river you are going. It’s not just a flat 50 euros as you mentioned.
Could you please explain your point in regard to quoting this article? And also, if quoted, the source would be appreciated.
Yes, currently (December 5, 2019 through an undetermined date) there is a transportation strike in France. It is temporary and does not change that the information in the article is accurate, when there is not a strike.