Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the busiest airport in France and a major gateway to the city. It is located around 25 km (16 miles) northeast of central Paris and is well connected by public transport, taxis, and ride-sharing services.
Whether you prefer a fast train, a budget-friendly bus, or the convenience of a taxi, here’s how to get from CDG Airport to the centre of Paris.
Table of Contents
- 🚆 RER B Train – The Fastest & Best Value Option
- 🚌 RoissyBus – Best for Comfort & No Transfers
- 🚖 Taxi – The Most Convenient Option
- 🚗 Uber & Ride-Sharing – A Cheaper Alternative to Taxis
- 🚍 Public Buses – Cheapest But Slowest Option
- 🚆 Train vs. Bus vs. Taxi – Which is Best?
- ✔️ Tips for Getting from CDG Airport to Paris
- 👍 Final Verdict: What’s the Best Way to Get to Paris from CDG?
🚆 RER B Train – The Fastest & Best Value Option
The RER B train is the most efficient way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the centre of Paris. It runs frequently and connects to key metro lines, making it easy to reach your final destination.
- 📍 Where to Find It: CDG Airport has two RER B train stations – Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 (for Terminals 1 & 3) and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 (for Terminal 2).
- ⏳ Journey Time: Around 35–40 minutes to Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame.
- 💰 Cost: €11.45 for a single adult ticket.
- 🕐 Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes from 5:00 AM – 11:50 PM.
- 🎫 Tickets: Available at ticket machines in the airport stations or via the Île-de-France Mobilités app.
✅ Best for: Budget travellers, those staying near an RER B stop, or anyone wanting a quick and direct transfer.
⚠️ Tip: RER B trains can be busy during peak hours. Keep an eye on your belongings as pickpockets are common on this route.
🚌 RoissyBus – Best for Comfort & No Transfers
The RoissyBus is a direct airport shuttle to Opéra Garnier, a central location in Paris with metro connections. It’s a good option for those who want a straightforward journey without changes.
- 📍 Where to Find It: Outside Terminals 1, 2, and 3 at CDG Airport.
- ⏳ Journey Time: 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- 💰 Cost: €16.20 per person.
- 🕐 Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes from 6:00 AM – 12:30 AM.
- 🎫 Tickets: Buy at airport kiosks, ticket machines, or online.
✅ Best for: Those with luggage, visitors staying near Opéra, and travellers who prefer a direct route with no metro changes.
⚠️ Tip: Traffic in Paris can be unpredictable. During peak hours, consider the RER B train instead to avoid delays.
🚖 Taxi – The Most Convenient Option
A taxi from CDG Airport to central Paris is the easiest but most expensive way to travel. Taxis in Paris operate on a flat fare system for airport transfers, so you know the price in advance.
- 📍 Where to Find It: Official taxi ranks outside each terminal (look for the “Taxi Parisien” signs).
- ⏳ Journey Time: 35–50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- 💰 Cost: €55 to the Right Bank / €62 to the Left Bank.
- 🕐 Availability: 24/7.
✅ Best for: Travellers with heavy luggage, families, or those arriving late at night.
⚠️ Tip: Avoid unofficial taxis or drivers approaching you inside the terminal – these are often scams. Only take taxis from the designated taxi ranks.
🚗 Uber & Ride-Sharing – A Cheaper Alternative to Taxis
Uber and Bolt are widely available at CDG Airport and are often cheaper than official taxis. However, prices can surge during busy times.
- 📍 Where to Find It: Pick-up areas vary by terminal – check the app for directions.
- ⏳ Journey Time: 35–50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- 💰 Cost: Around €40–€60, depending on demand.
- 🕐 Availability: 24/7, but wait times vary.
✅ Best for: Those who prefer app-based bookings and want a lower-cost alternative to a taxi.
⚠️ Tip: Standard Uber rides do not include toll fees, which may be added to your final fare.
🚍 Public Buses – Cheapest But Slowest Option
If you’re on a tight budget, local buses can get you to Paris for less, but they are slow and less convenient.
- 🚌 Bus 350: Goes to Gare de l’Est (€2.50, takes 70+ minutes).
- 🚌 Bus 351: Goes to Place de la Nation (€2.50, takes 80+ minutes).
- 🚌 Noctilien Night Buses (N140 & N143): Run overnight from CDG to Paris (€2.50, 60–90 minutes).
✅ Best for: Backpackers and those wanting the cheapest option.
⚠️ Tip: These buses are slow and not ideal for tourists with luggage.
🚆 Train vs. Bus vs. Taxi – Which is Best?
| Option | Best For | Cost | Journey Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 RER B Train | Speed & affordability | €11.45 | 35–40 mins | Fast, frequent, no traffic | Can be crowded, beware of pickpockets |
| 🚌 RoissyBus | Comfort, no transfers | €16.20 | 50–60 mins | Direct to Opéra, good for luggage | Affected by traffic |
| 🚖 Taxi | Convenience, no hassle | €55–€62 | 35–50 mins | Direct to hotel, no waiting | Expensive |
| 🚗 Uber/Bolt | Cheaper than taxis | €40–€60 | 35–50 mins | App booking, no cash needed | Surge pricing, may wait for a driver |
| 🚌 Public Bus | Budget travellers | €2.50 | 70+ mins | Cheapest option | Very slow, limited luggage space |
✔️ Tips for Getting from CDG Airport to Paris
✅ RER B train is the best balance of speed and cost – great for most travellers.
✅ Avoid taxis offering rides inside the terminal – use the official taxi rank.
✅ If using Uber, check pick-up locations in the app before heading outside.
✅ Public buses take over an hour – only use them if budget is your top priority.
✅ If arriving late at night, a taxi or Uber is the best choice.
👍 Final Verdict: What’s the Best Way to Get to Paris from CDG?
For most travellers, the RER B train is the best choice – it’s fast, affordable, and well connected to the metro. If you prefer comfort and have luggage, the RoissyBus is a great alternative. For door-to-door convenience, taxis or Uber are worth the extra cost, especially at night.
