Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris: all your options

Charles de Gaulle Airport is located approximately 25 to 30 kilometres north-east of Paris and serves as the main gateway to the French capital for most international passengers. If you're travelling alone and seeking the quickest solution without much luggage, the RER B train is usually the best option, as it reaches the city centre in about 35 to 50 minutes. For couples, the train remains convenient, though many prefer a taxi or private transfer when their hotel isn't near a metro station or when carrying large suitcases.

Families with children and lots of luggage typically opt for a taxi or pre-booked shuttle, as the RER B can be crowded during peak hours and doesn't always offer ample space for baggage. For a late-night arrival, after midnight, options are primarily limited to taxis or pre-booked private transfers, as trains and most buses do not operate around the clock.

Below, we detail all the transfer options from Charles de Gaulle to the centre of Paris, including indicative costs, journey durations, and practical tips for every type of traveller.

Summary comparison of options

Mode	Duration	Cost	Frequency	Operating hours
RER B Train	35 to 50 minutes	approx. 11.8 euros	every 10 to 15 minutes	approx. 05:00 to 24:00
Roissybus	50 to 70 minutes	13 to 14 euros	every 15 to 20 minutes	approx. 06:00 to 22:30
Taxi	40 to 60 minutes	53 to 60 euros flat rate to city centre	immediately available	24/7
Private transfer or shuttle	40 to 60 minutes	50 to 100 euros	by reservation	24/7
Car hire	45 to 70 minutes	from 40 euros per day	immediately available	24/7

Prices are indicative, as valid in September 2026; please check before travelling.

Train or metro from the airport

The RER B station is located within the airport, accessible from the terminals via lifts and moving walkways. The line connects Charles de Gaulle with stations in central Paris, such as Gare du Nord, Chatelet Les Halles, and Saint Michel Notre Dame, from where you can easily continue by metro to your hotel. The journey takes approximately 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the destination station and intermediate stops. If you're travelling with large luggage, pay attention to the escalators, as some parts of the station might require you to climb stairs without a lift nearby. Many travellers also prefer to alight at an intermediate station and continue by metro to avoid overcrowding in the central part of the line during peak hours.

Tickets and prices

An RER B ticket from the airport to the city centre costs approximately 11.8 euros for adults, with reduced fares for children. You can purchase it from automatic machines at the station, from a ticket counter, or via a mobile app. It's important to keep your ticket until the end of the journey, as checks are performed both at the station and on board the trains. Prices are indicative, as valid in September 2026; please check before travelling.

Frequency and stops

During peak hours, RER B trains run every 10 to 15 minutes, while early morning or late evening the frequency decreases to every 20 to 30 minutes. The line stops operating around midnight, so those arriving later will need another transport solution.

Bus and express lines

The Roissybus connects the airport directly with the Opéra district in central Paris, with a journey lasting approximately 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. This is a good option if your accommodation is near the Opéra or if you prefer to avoid metro changes. A ticket costs approximately 13 to 14 euros and can be purchased from machines at the stop or via an app. There are also express bus lines to other parts of the city, useful if you're travelling to a specific district outside the city centre. Prices are indicative, as valid in September 2026; please check before travelling.

Taxi from the airport

Official taxis are stationed in designated areas outside the arrivals halls of each terminal. For journeys to the centre of Paris, a fixed fare applies, ranging from approximately 53 to 60 euros depending on which bank of the Seine you're heading to. The journey usually takes 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Most companies do not charge extra for one or two suitcases, but it's advisable to enquire before boarding if you have a lot of luggage. Ride-hailing apps operate normally in the area and can offer a predictable price, especially during peak hours when traffic on motorways around the airport is often heavy. Prices are indicative, as valid in September 2026; please check before travelling.

Private transfer and shuttle

If you're travelling with family, with lots of luggage, or want certainty about your arrival time, you can pre-book a private transfer with a driver who will meet you in arrivals with a sign. The cost ranges from 50 to 100 euros depending on the vehicle type, number of passengers, and specific destination address, but it saves you from waiting in a taxi queue. Shared shuttle vans are also available at a lower cost per person, although the journey takes longer due to intermediate stops at other hotels. Prices are indicative, as valid in September 2026; please check before travelling.

Car hire, when it's worthwhile

Hiring a car at Charles de Gaulle mainly makes sense if you're planning excursions outside Paris, for example, to the Loire Valley castles or Normandy. Within the city, a car is not advisable, as parking is expensive, roads are narrow, and several central areas have traffic restrictions for vehicles without a special environmental category permit. Car hire costs start from approximately 40 euros per day for an economy class vehicle, excluding tolls and fuel. If you want to combine the city with surrounding areas, it's best to hire the car towards the end of your stay. Prices are indicative, as valid in September 2026; please check before travelling.

Night-time arrival, children, luggage and accessibility

Charles de Gaulle has lifts and ramps in most terminals, but the long distances between terminals and the train station can be tiring for parents with a pram. In the early morning hours, the RER B fills up with commuters, so families with luggage often prefer a taxi or private transfer for more space and comfort. For arrivals after midnight, options are limited to taxis or pre-booked private vehicles, as trains and most buses do not operate. It's a good idea to have your transfer booked in advance if you're landing very late, to avoid delays and unnecessary stress at the start of your Paris holiday.

Total cost of transfer

For a solo traveller, the most economical option is the RER B train, costing approximately 11.8 euros and taking less than an hour. For a couple, the combined cost of two train tickets remains lower than a taxi, unless you prefer the convenience of direct transfer to your hotel. For a family of four with luggage, a fixed-fare taxi or private transfer often works out more cost-effective per person compared to four separate train tickets, especially if you factor in the time and hassle of luggage transport. In any case, it's wise to budget 12 to 100 euros depending on your choice. Prices are indicative, as valid in September 2026; please check before travelling.

Common mistakes made by travellers

• Not keeping the RER B ticket until the end of the journey and incurring a fine during checks.
• Confusing the fixed taxi fare with a metered price and arguing with the driver at the end of the journey.
• Underestimating the distance between terminals and losing time moving around the airport.
• Not checking if their hotel is better served by another station than Gare du Nord.
• Renting a car for their entire stay in Paris, without considering city centre parking costs.

Where to stay and what to read before your trip

If you're planning to combine Paris with other European cities, you can read our accommodation guide for Florence or the guide for Madrid, two popular destinations for a European city break. If you intend to continue to Germany, the guide for Cologne is useful, while those seeking an alternative destination in Switzerland can consult the guide for Geneva. For families travelling with children, the general guide to holidays with children is helpful, offering organisational ideas that also apply to urban trips outside Greece.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way from Charles de Gaulle to the centre of Paris?

The RER B train is usually the fastest option, reaching the centre in 35 to 50 minutes depending on the destination station. Taxis and buses are more affected by traffic on the motorways around the airport, especially during peak hours, so their duration can exceed an hour.

How much does a train ticket from the airport to the centre cost?

An RER B ticket costs approximately 11.8 euros for adults, with a reduced price for children. You can purchase it from automatic machines, ticket counters, or a mobile app. Prices are indicative, as valid in September 2026; please check before travelling.

Is there a fixed fare for taxis to central Paris?

Yes, official taxis from Charles de Gaulle to the city centre have a fixed fare of around 53 to 60 euros, depending on which bank of the Seine your destination is located on. This price applies regardless of traffic.

Is hiring a car worthwhile for a visit to Paris?

Within the city, a car is not advisable due to expensive parking and traffic restrictions. It's only worthwhile if you plan excursions outside the city, such as to the Loire Valley or Normandy, in which case it's better to hire it towards the end of your stay.

Does the RER B operate 24/7?

No, the RER B operates approximately from 05:00 to midnight. For arrivals after this time, the only realistic option is a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer, as the local night buses have limited frequency.

What is the best option for a family with young children?

For families with a pram and luggage, a private transfer or a fixed-fare taxi offers more comfort than the train during peak hours. If you're travelling outside peak hours, the RER B remains a functional and economical alternative.

Do taxis or shuttles charge extra for luggage?

Most taxi and private transfer companies do not have a separate charge for one or two suitcases, but it's advisable to confirm when booking if you're travelling with a lot of bulky luggage, so they can send an appropriate vehicle.

Conclusion

Transferring from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the centre of Paris offers several reliable options, from the economical RER B to a comfortable fixed-price taxi. The choice primarily depends on the amount of luggage, your arrival time, and your travel profile – solo, couple, or family.

If you plan your transfer in advance, especially for a night-time arrival, you will avoid delays and unnecessary stress at the beginning of your Paris holiday.