You’re finally going to Paris! The excitement is building as your flight gets closer, and now you’re probably wondering how to get from the airport to the city. Don’t worry, getting to Paris from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is actually quite easy, even though it’s one of Europe’s largest airports. There are plenty of options available, so let’s break them down and find the best fit for your budget and travel style!
Download Citymapper or Google Maps before your flight. These helpful apps are your new best friends in Paris, guiding you from the airport to your hotel and helping you navigate the city. Simply enter your hotel’s address, and the app will show you the various transportation options. This way, you can choose the perfect method for your trip before you even touch down! There’s free WiFi at CDG, but you definitely don’t want to be fumbling with that when you’re tired and jetlagged.
Paris is a city made for walking, so we encourage you to explore on foot as much as possible! If you need to use public transportation, you can buy single metro tickets or a Navigo Easy Pass. This card lets you top up your tickets as needed. Don’t forget, regular metro tickets are not valid for airport transfers, unless you take the slower city buses. We’ll talk more about those later!
CDG Airport Transportation Options
First, let’s explore the transportation options available at CDG. There are two types of express buses, both of which are great options if you’re looking for convenient and relatively affordable transport.
RoissyBus: The Popular Express Route
The RoissyBus is the most popular choice. It leaves from clearly marked bus stops outside each terminal and takes you to the centrally-located Opera district. You can purchase tickets for €16.60 at vending machines next to the bus stops, from the bus driver, or use your Navigo or Paris Visite Pass. The RoissyBus runs every 15-20 minutes from 6am to 12:30am, and the ride takes approximately one hour. It drops you off behind the Opera Garnier, and from there you can connect to metro lines 3, 7, 8, 9, and RER A.
Important Note: Your RoissyBus ticket does not cover the metro, so you’ll need to purchase another ticket (€2.15) if you want to use the metro after your bus ride.
City Buses: Budget-Friendly Travel
If you’re on a strict budget, the city bus lines are the most affordable way to reach Paris.
- Bus nº 350 goes to Porte de la Chapelle, where you can then connect to metro line 12.
- Bus nº 351 takes you to Nation Square, where you can transfer to metro lines 1, 2, 9, and RER A.
These buses are a good choice if you’re not in a rush and your destination is near one of these stops. The ride costs €2.15 from a vending machine or €2.50 from the driver and takes around 70-90 minutes, depending on traffic. If you’re going to continue your journey on the metro after the bus, you’ll need to buy another ticket (€2.15), bringing the total cost to €4.30.
CDG Airport: Taxis, Rideshares, and Pre-Booked Transfers
Taxis are a fast and convenient way to get to your destination in Paris. It takes about 30 to 90 minutes to drive from CDG to the city center, depending on traffic and your destination. Traffic can be heavy in the mornings from 8am to 11am. Luckily, taxis from CDG have fixed rates:
- Right Bank destinations: €56
- Left Bank destinations: €65
Important: Always use official taxis from the designated taxi stands outside each terminal. Do not accept rides from anyone inside the airport—these are often fake drivers who will charge you much more.
Rideshare apps like Uber are available in Paris, but it can be tricky finding your driver at the airport. Locals even struggle with this! It might be less stressful to reserve a pre-booked transfer with a reliable company. They provide hand-picked, fully-trained drivers who will be waiting for you in the terminal right outside of the baggage claim area. They’ll even track your arrival and ensure you get a smooth ride to your destination.
