How to Get from Paris to the CDG Airport

How to get to Paris from the Paris Airport CDG

To get from CDG airport to central Paris, there are several options for all budget types. There is a train station connected to the airport that will get you to the center of Paris using the RER B train. It is fairly easy to do and one of the cheapest ways to get to Paris. You will need to buy a ticket at the station from vending machines or a ticket office vendor. The ticket machines can be a challenge with international credit cards and it is easier to use euros. If you want to use a card, you can pay in person. Trains run pretty frequently from the airport to Gare du Nord train station. There is a monitor next to the train that will show you the stops so you can identify which train will take you to the city. You can always ask someone for help if you feel unsure.

1. Taxi

   There is a flat rate for the Paris taxis from CDG (Charles de Gaulle) airport to the city center. 50 euros Right Bank/55 euros Left Bank. Make sure to have cash. I didn’t have euros coming back from my hotel to the airport and the taxi driver followed me inside to an ATM to make sure she was paid.

2. RER B Train in Paris to CDG

   The RER B is easy to get to directly from CDG. The cost is 11.40 euros and it should take around 35 minutes. This is the fastest and cheapest option. Follow the signs to the train from your terminal after you grab your bags and have cleared customs. You will purchase your train ticket from a kiosk or you can stand in line to buy it in person. The lines can be long, I recommend buying from the machine. Make sure to alert your bank that you will be traveling and have cash just in case.

   I have had the machines turn down my card before just because it was a US card and I didn’t have cash. The train will take you to Gare du Nord and you can transfer to the metro with your same ticket. Make sure to keep it with you, as you will need it to exit and transfer. You can then transfer to your metro line to get closer to where you need to go.

   If you are looking for a quick way to beat the traffic into the city, this is it. You can easily jump in a taxi or uber once you get to your stop. Make sure to read my safety tips for riding the RER.

   The train makes 4 stops inside the city so depending on where your final destination is, plan accordingly. There is Denfert-Rochereau, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, Châtelet-Les-Halles, and Gare du Nord.

3. Bus

   Roissy Bus 17.90 euros. For the Roissy bus, the average ride time is around 60 minutes depending on traffic. You can buy this at a kiosk at CDG or directly on the bus. Make sure you have cash if the machine isn’t working. If you are staying close to Opèra take the Roissy Bus. The bus drops off right in front and they run pretty frequently. You can jump in an uber or taxi from here once you are in the center of the city. Montmartre is also not far so this is a great landing spot if you don’t want to take the train.

4. Uber in Paris

   I have been told there is a flat rate for Uber to and from the airport. You can also schedule a departure to CDG which is helpful for early morning trips. Just keep in mind traffic can be heavy during rush hour. On the way to my Paris Perfect Apartment close to the Eiffel Tower, it was 55 euros. It was so convenient as the car pickup point was right outside the American Airlines terminal. There was a quick request before my driver arrived and helped with my baggage. On the way back to CDG from a friend who lives close to Gare du Nord, it was 35 euros. My flight was very early in the morning so I called the car at 6 am. The ride was less than a 30-minute ride with no traffic. Just make sure to check the price before you confirm the ride. You can see more on transportation from CDG to Paris here.

   G7 is a taxi booking app in Paris where you can schedule a taxi for pickup to or from the airport. It works in a similar way to Uber.

5. Private Car from Paris to CDG

   Several people have recommended Victor Cabs which was originally a referral from Paris Perfect Rentals. I used them in October and it was easy once the driver located us from the pickup location at the airport. The cost is higher than other services at 75 euros for 1-2 people. Book ahead to secure your car.

   I recently tried out Welcome Pickups on my last trip to Paris in October and again in January. It was very easy to book and the pickup was seamless with communication via Whatsapp. They will greet you just after the luggage exit with a sign with your name. I booked my return at the same time and they were early to pick me up both times at my hotel to return me to the airport. As a female solo traveler, I felt this was safest for me.

Pro Tip for Traveling to CDG Airport

In all situations arriving at the airport at CDG, allow plenty of time to get through customs and security. With the increase in travel in the past year, the airport has had a lot of delays and it will take you more time than you expect. When traveling, I am an early-to-the-airport girl and prefer to spend a little extra time at the gate than panicking in the security line.

Do you have a favorite way to get to and from the airport and Paris? Comment below and share your tips!

P.S. Don’t miss my list of Where to Eat and Drink in Paris