Paris Charles de Gaulle to the city: RER, bus, taxi or private transfer

Charles de Gaulle, which Parisians call Roissy, lies about 25 kilometres north-east of the city. The airport is large, with three terminals spread over several kilometres, and the journey into Paris depends as much on where you land as on how you travel. This guide covers the realistic options for a traveller with bags.

RER B

The suburban train runs from Terminal 2 and from Terminal 1 (via the CDGVAL shuttle) to Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles and the Left Bank. It is the cheapest fast option, around 35 minutes to Gare du Nord. The drawbacks are the stairs at many stations, crowded trains at peak times and the last leg from the station to your hotel.

Roissybus and coaches

Roissybus links all terminals with Opéra in the centre, taking roughly an hour depending on traffic. It suits travellers staying around the Grands Boulevards. Other coaches serve the main stations.

Taxi

Paris taxis apply fixed fares between CDG and the city, one price for the Right Bank and one for the Left Bank, which removes the meter anxiety. The queue at the official rank can be long at busy times, and the ride itself takes 45 minutes to over an hour on the A1 motorway, which is notoriously congested in the morning.

Private transfer

A booked driver meets you at the arrivals gate of your terminal with a name board and drives you to your address at a fixed price. The advantages over a taxi are the meeting inside the terminal, the vehicle chosen for your group and luggage, the child seats fitted in advance and a driver who already knows your flight. The free waiting time at CDG is 45 minutes from landing.

Know your terminal

• Terminal 1 is the round building, served by many international carriers.
• Terminal 2 is a string of halls, 2A to 2G, used by Air France and its partners among others; 2G is a separate satellite reached by bus.
• Terminal 3 handles low-cost and charter flights.

Your flight number tells us the terminal and the hall; the driver waits at the right exit.

Arriving late or early

The RER does not run all night and taxi queues at dawn can be surprising. For arrivals before 6 am or after 11 pm, a booked driver is the option that removes all uncertainty: the car is there whatever time the flight lands, and if the flight is delayed the pick-up moves with it.

Beyond Paris

CDG is a frequent starting point for Disneyland Paris, Versailles, Orly airport connections and transfers to the Champagne region. All are available as fixed-price private transfers with the same terms.

See the airport page for the vehicle classes and prices from Paris Charles de Gaulle, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up.