✈️ How to Get From CDG Airport to Paris: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
Landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also called CDG or Roissy, is exciting. However, the airport feels large, busy and sometimes confusing after a long flight. You may wonder whether you should take the RER B train, a taxi, Uber, a private transfer or a bus. The right choice depends on your arrival time, your hotel location, your luggage and your budget.
CDG Airport sits around 25 kilometres northeast of central Paris. In good traffic, a car can reach the city in about 40 to 60 minutes. The RER B train can be faster, especially during rush hour. Yet a direct taxi remains much more comfortable if you travel with children, several suitcases or a late-night arrival.
This guide explains every practical option from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris. It also shows you where to find each service, what to expect and how to avoid common arrival mistakes.
🚆 Take the RER B: the Best Budget Option
The RER B is usually the best low-cost way to travel from CDG Airport to Paris. It connects the airport with major central stations, including Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Luxembourg and Denfert-Rochereau. From these stations, you can easily change to the Métro or walk to many hotels.
The journey to Gare du Nord takes around 25 to 30 minutes. The train then continues into central Paris. You should allow extra time to walk through the airport, find the platform and make a connection at your final station. Therefore, plan around 50 to 70 minutes from landing terminal to hotel if you use public transport.
In 2026, the Paris Region <> Airports ticket costs €14 for one trip between CDG and Paris on the RER B. You can buy it through the Île-de-France Mobilités app, load it onto a Navigo Easy pass or purchase it at the airport station. Always check the official Paris Region <> Airports ticket page before your flight, because transport fares can change.
The RER B works very well if you travel light and stay near a station. It is also a good choice if you arrive during the day and want to keep your first-day budget low. However, it becomes less attractive when you have large suitcases, a stroller or a hotel far from a Métro stop.
Before you leave the airport, download Citymapper or Google Maps. Both apps help you choose the correct platform, train direction and Métro connection. You can also read our guide to the Paris Metro to feel more confident before your first journey.
📍 Where to Find the RER B at CDG Airport
Charles de Gaulle Airport has two RER B stations. The first station is called Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1. It serves Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. If you land at Terminal 1, follow the signs for “Paris by train” or “RER B.” You will take the free CDGVAL airport shuttle to reach the station.
The second station is Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 – TGV. It serves Terminal 2, including the different Terminal 2 halls. Follow the signs for “RER B,” “Trains to Paris” or “Paris by train.” This station also connects with long-distance TGV services, so pay attention to the signs and do not follow the platforms for another French city by mistake.
Choose a train that stops in Paris. Most RER B trains from CDG go toward Paris, but always look at the destination board before boarding. If you stay near Gare du Nord, Châtelet, the Latin Quarter or Montparnasse, the RER B can bring you close to your hotel without a car.
The official airport guide confirms that the RER B provides the simplest direct public-transport connection between CDG and central Paris. You can also check service notices and terminal information on the Paris Aéroport transport page.
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CDG Airport to Paris: transport comparison
| Option | Typical cost | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| RER B train | €14 per person | 25–40 min to a central station | Best budget option |
| Official Paris taxi | Fixed airport fare, depending on your destination | 40–60 min, depending on traffic | Simple door-to-door ride |
| Uber or Bolt | Variable price shown before booking | 40–70 min, depending on traffic | Compare prices in the app |
| Pre-booked private VTC | Price agreed in advance | 40–60 min | Late arrival, family or stress-free pickup |
🚖 Take an Official Taxi: the Easiest Door-to-Door Option
A taxi is the easiest option when you want to arrive directly at your hotel. It is particularly practical for families, first-time visitors, travellers with bulky luggage and anyone arriving after a long international flight. You will not need to carry bags through stations, stairs or crowded Métro corridors.
Paris taxis use fixed fares between CDG Airport and Paris. The price depends on whether your destination sits on the Right Bank or the Left Bank of the Seine. Your driver should tell you the current fixed price before leaving. The fare does not change because of traffic, which makes a taxi more predictable than some ride-hailing services.
Follow signs marked “Taxi” after baggage claim. Use only the official taxi line outside the terminal. Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you inside the arrivals hall and asks where you are going. Official Paris taxis wait at dedicated ranks and have a clear taxi sign on the vehicle roof.
Most taxis accept card payment, including contactless cards and mobile wallets. Still, confirm that the card machine works before the trip starts if you do not carry much cash. You can find more practical money advice in our article Do You Need Cash in Paris?.
A taxi journey can take 40 to 60 minutes, although rush-hour traffic may extend that time. If your hotel is in Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais or near the Eiffel Tower, a taxi saves you the final walk and one or two transport changes.
📱 Use Uber, Bolt or a Private Car Service
Uber and Bolt operate at CDG Airport. They can be useful when you want to see the estimated fare before confirming the ride. Open the app after you collect your luggage, select the airport pickup point and follow the instructions carefully. The app will usually direct you to a specific meeting zone outside the terminal.
Unlike official taxis, ride-hailing services do not use a fixed airport fare. Their prices can rise when flights arrive at the same time, during bad weather or late at night. Therefore, check the price before booking. In some cases, an official taxi may cost less and leave sooner.
A private transfer is another comfortable choice. You reserve the vehicle before your arrival, and the driver normally meets you in the arrivals area with your name on a sign. This option costs more than the train, but it can be worthwhile if you travel with young children, have mobility needs or want a calm start to your stay.
Always book private transfers through a reputable company. Check the cancellation policy, luggage allowance and pickup instructions. Do not send money to an unknown driver through a message app. A genuine booking service gives you confirmation details, a clear price and customer support.
🚌 Is There a Bus From CDG Airport to Paris?
Yes, but buses are no longer the most direct choice for central Paris. The old RoissyBus route between CDG and Opéra has ended. Today, the Express 9517 bus connects CDG Airport with Saint-Denis Pleyel, where you can continue on Métro lines 13 or 14 and other regional services.
The Express 9517 can be useful if your accommodation is near Saint-Denis, northern Paris or a convenient Metro connection from Saint-Denis Pleyel. However, most first-time visitors staying in central Paris will find the RER B or a taxi simpler.
Local buses also serve the airport. They cost less, but they take longer and make more stops. They are best for travellers who already know the Paris transport network or stay outside the central tourist areas. After an overnight flight, a long local bus ride may not feel like the ideal beginning to a Paris holiday.
Airport coach services may also run between CDG and destinations such as Disneyland Paris, other French cities or selected hotels. These services can be useful if Paris is not your final destination. Check your airline or hotel information before booking.
🏨 Which Option Is Best for Your Hotel Area?
Your hotel location should guide your choice. If you stay near Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Michel, Luxembourg or Denfert-Rochereau, the RER B is often the smartest option. These stations sit directly on the airport line, so you can avoid an expensive car ride.
If your hotel is near the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Montmartre, Le Marais, Bastille or a small street with no nearby station, a taxi or pre-booked transfer may feel much easier. You will arrive at the door instead of searching for the right Métro exit with bags.
Travellers staying in Disneyland Paris should not automatically go into central Paris first. Check direct shuttle services or train connections from CDG. The best route can be very different from the route to the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.
If you still need to choose accommodation, read our guide to where to stay in Paris. Choosing the right neighbourhood can save both time and transport costs during your trip.
🧳 What Is the Best Option With Luggage or Children?
With only a backpack or a small suitcase, the RER B is simple and affordable. You can move quickly through the airport and reach central Paris without traffic. Avoid peak commuting hours if possible, because trains become busy and luggage space is limited.
With two large suitcases, children, a stroller or tired grandparents, take an official taxi or book a private transfer. The higher price often feels justified after a long flight. You will avoid escalators, station tunnels and the possibility of choosing the wrong Metro line.
Paris stations do not always have lifts exactly where you need them. Some Metro exits have several flights of stairs. Therefore, do not only compare the ticket price. Consider the final 500 metres between the station and your hotel. That short distance can become difficult with heavy bags.
If you need an accessible journey, confirm your route before travelling. The airport RER stations offer accessibility features, but the Paris transport network varies from one station to another. A taxi can be the most straightforward option for travellers who need step-free door-to-door service.
⏰ What if Your Flight Arrives Late at Night?
Late arrivals require more planning. The RER B does not run all night. If your flight lands close to the end of service, baggage claim and passport control may take longer than expected. Check the latest departure time on the day you travel rather than relying on an old timetable.
If you land very late, an official taxi, Uber, Bolt or a private transfer becomes the safer choice. Book your hotel for the first night before departure and save its address offline. Your driver needs the full address, not only the hotel name.
Also, avoid trying to save a small amount of money by waiting alone outside for an uncertain bus connection. After a long flight, a clear and direct ride to your accommodation is usually worth it. Once you have rested, you can use the Métro and buses easily the next day.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid at CDG Airport
The first mistake is following an unofficial driver. Ignore anyone who asks whether you need a taxi inside the terminal. Go directly to the official taxi rank or book through a trusted ride-hailing app. This simple rule protects you from overcharging and confusion.
The second mistake is buying the wrong train ticket. A standard Paris Métro ticket does not cover the airport journey on the RER B. Buy the Paris Region <> Airports ticket or use a valid transport pass that includes airport zones.
The third mistake is not checking your terminal. CDG is spread across several terminals. Follow the signs for your exact terminal and train station. Give yourself extra time if you travel back to the airport, especially before an international flight.
Finally, do not worry if you do not speak French. Airport signs appear in English, staff can usually help, and transport apps make each step easier. A few polite words such as “Bonjour” and “Merci” still make every interaction warmer.
✅ Final Advice: RER B, Taxi or Transfer?
Take the RER B if you want the best value, travel light and stay near one of its central Paris stations. It is fast, direct and much cheaper than a car. Take an official taxi if you have heavy luggage, young children, a late arrival or a hotel far from a convenient station.
Choose Uber, Bolt or a private transfer if you prefer to organise everything through an app or want a driver waiting for you. Compare the displayed fare with the official taxi option before deciding. Do not forget that traffic can make car journeys longer during busy periods.
For most visitors, the simplest plan is this: use the RER B during the day if you travel light, and use an official taxi if comfort matters more than saving money. Either way, once you reach Paris, the city becomes easy to explore on foot, by Métro and by bus. Your adventure can begin as soon as you leave CDG Airport.