Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the main international gateway into Paris, and chances are good that if you’re flying into the French capital, this is where you’ll land. It’s a large, sprawling airport, and getting from the arrivals hall to your hotel in the heart of Paris might feel daunting at first. The good news? There are several solid options that are fast, affordable, and completely doable even if it’s your first time in France. Here’s everything you need to know, broken down in plain language.
A Quick Note About CDG’s Layout
CDG has three main terminal areas, Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (which is massive and split into sections A through G), and Terminal 3. All of them are connected by a free internal shuttle called CDGVAL, which runs every 4 minutes from 4:00am to 1:00am. So no matter where you land, you can get to the right departure point without paying anything extra.
Option 1: RER B Train
If you want to get into Paris quickly without spending a fortune, the RER B train is the gold standard. It runs on a dedicated rail line, meaning it’s completely unaffected by road traffic, and it drops you right in the heart of the city.
Key Stops on RER B:
- Gare du Nord: ~25–34 minutes from CDG
- Châtelet-Les Halles: ~35–37 minutes (central Paris hub)
- Saint-Michel Notre-Dame: ~40 minutes (right near Notre-Dame Cathedral)
- Luxembourg, Denfert-Rochereau: further south
From any of these stations, you can jump onto the Paris Metro to reach virtually anywhere in the city. Keep your RER ticket, it’s also valid for Metro transfers within central Paris for up to 90 minutes.
How to Get to the Station:
- Terminal 2 passengers: Walk to the RER station inside the terminal, it’s well signposted
- Terminal 1 and 3 passengers: Take the free CDGVAL shuttle to the Roissypôle station or Terminal 2
Key Details:
- Journey time: ~35 minutes to Châtelet-Les Halles
- Cost: Around €11.80–€13.60 one-way (adult); children ages 4–9 around €8.20–€8.80
- Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes
- Operating hours: 4:50am to 11:00pm (last arrival at CDG)
- Navigo pass: Valid on RER B (zones 1–5)
Buying Tickets:
Ticket machines are available at both airport train stations and accept coins and credit cards (though some foreign cards have been known to have issues, carrying some euros is always a good backup). Tickets are also available via the Île-de-France Mobilités or RATP apps on your phone.
Important: Always hold onto your ticket for the entire journey, you’ll need it to exit at your destination station.
Option 2: RoissyBus
The RoissyBus (now operating as line 9515/9517) is a direct express bus running from CDG terminals straight to Opéra Garnier in central Paris, one of the most central and well-connected spots in the city. It’s a comfortable ride with WiFi and luggage space, making it a popular choice for travelers with big bags.
Key Details:
- Journey time: ~45–60 minutes (traffic-dependent)
- Cost: €16.60 one-way
- Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes
- Operating hours: ~5:15am to 12:30am
- Where to board: Exit 32 of T1, Exit 9 of T2A, Exit 11 of T2D, near T2E/F bus station, and Roissypôle Bus Station near T3
The Navigo pass (all zones) and Paris Visite card are also valid on RoissyBus. Contactless payment is accepted on board.
The RoissyBus costs a bit more than the RER B and takes longer, but if your accommodation is near Opéra, Haussmann, or the 9th arrondissement, it’s genuinely the most convenient option since it drops you very close to where you need to be.
Option 3: Local Buses 350 and 351
If saving every euro matters, Bus Lines 350 and 351 are the cheapest way to get from CDG into Paris at just €2.50 per trip. The trade-off? They’re slower, make more stops, and don’t go to the most central locations.
- Bus 350: Goes to Porte de la Chapelle (north Paris), about 70 minutes
- Bus 351: Goes to Nation (east Paris), about 80 minutes
From either terminus, you can continue by Metro. Standard Navigo passes and t+ tickets are also valid. Bus stops are at Exit 32 of T1, Exit 9 of T2A, Exit 11 of T2D, and Roissypôle Bus Station.
These buses are a great backup option when there are disruptions on the RER B, and perfectly fine if you’re not in a rush.
Option 4: Night Buses (Noctilien)
Landing at 2am? The Noctilien night buses have you covered:
- N140: Runs 4 times from 1:00am to 4:00am, reaching Gare de l’Est in about 100 minutes
- N143: Runs every 30 minutes from midnight to 4:32am, reaching Gare de l’Est in about 60 minutes
Both buses stop at Roissypôle Bus Station and near Terminal 1. Tickets cost €4.30 (or 2 standard t+ tickets), and Navigo passes are valid.
Option 5: Taxis
Official Paris taxis operate on fixed flat rates from CDG to the city center, which is actually useful since you know exactly what you’ll pay before getting in.
- Right Bank (Rive Droite): €56
- Left Bank (Rive Gauche): €65
- Up to 4 passengers and luggage included at no extra charge
- A 5th passenger adds €5.50
Taxi stands are located outside every terminal. Only use official taxi ranks, never accept rides from individuals approaching you in the arrivals hall, as these are unofficial and almost always overpriced.
Journey time is typically 45–60 minutes in normal traffic, but can stretch longer during rush hour. Cash and card payments are both accepted, though carrying some euros is always wise.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Option | Time to Center | Cost (Adult, One-Way) | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RER B Train | ~35 min | €11.80–€13.60 | Every 10–15 min | Speed + value |
| RoissyBus | ~45–60 min | €16.60 | Every 15–30 min | Opéra/Right Bank area |
| Bus 350/351 | ~70–80 min | €2.50 | Every 15–35 min | Tightest budgets |
| Noctilien (night) | ~60–100 min | €4.30 | Varies | Night arrivals |
| Taxi | ~45–60 min | €56–€65 (flat) | On demand | Door-to-door comfort |
Pro Tips Before You Go
- Download the RATP app before you travel. It gives real-time alerts on delays and disruptions, handy if something goes wrong on the RER B.
- Check for strikes. Industrial action is a fact of life in France. If there’s a strike on the RER B, buses 350 or 351 make a solid backup.
- Carry some euros. Some ticket machines decline foreign cards. Having coins or small bills ensures you’re never stuck.
- Avoid rush hour on the RER B if possible, trains can get very crowded and pickpocketing does happen. Keep bags in front of you and stay alert.
- Hold your ticket until you’re through the exit barriers at your destination, you’ll need it to get out of the station.
- Traveling with lots of luggage? RoissyBus has more comfortable space for bags than the RER. Taxis are the easiest option if you’re really laden down.
- On a Navigo pass? It covers RER B (zones 1–5), RoissyBus, and local buses, making it great value if you’ll be using Paris transport throughout your stay.
People Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
The RER B train, which gets you to Gare du Nord in around 25–34 minutes and Châtelet-Les Halles in about 35–37 minutes. It’s fast, frequent, and traffic-proof.
Bus Lines 350 or 351 at €2.50 each. They take longer (70–80 minutes) and don’t go to the most central stops, but they’re valid with standard t+ tickets and Navigo passes.
It depends on where you’re staying. RoissyBus drops you at Opéra Garnier, which is very central on the Right Bank, ideal if your hotel is nearby. It’s slower and pricier than the RER B, but more comfortable with luggage and no stairs.
Yes, if your Navigo pass covers zones 1–5 (all zones). It’s valid on RER B, RoissyBus, and local buses. It’s not valid on private transfers or taxis.
Yes. Noctilien buses N140 and N143 run from around midnight to 4:30am between CDG and Gare de l’Est, with tickets at €4.30.
Yes, as long as you use the official taxi stands outside the terminal exits. Never go with an unofficial driver who approaches you inside the airport.
For most travelers, the RER B train is the sweet spot, fast, affordable, and direct to the center of Paris. If you’re on an ultra-tight budget and have time to spare, buses 350 or 351 do the job for just €2.50. And if comfort and door-to-door service matter more than cost, a flat-rate taxi is a stress-free way to start your trip. Whichever you choose, Paris is closer than it feels, and the city is absolutely worth the journey. Bonne arrivée!
