Traveling to the City of Lights? You’re probably wondering how to get from the airport to Paris. Don’t fret! It’s much easier than you think! Even though Paris is one of the largest cities in Europe, getting into the city from its three airports is relatively straightforward. However, with so many options available at each airport, it can be challenging to figure out which is best for you. Factors like your budget and your hotel’s location in Paris will influence your choice.
To help you navigate your way into the city with ease, we’ve put together our best insider tips and clear instructions for each airport. This way, you can focus on what really matters – enjoying your incredible trip to Paris!
Navigating Paris with Ease
Before we dive into the specifics of each airport, let’s talk about essential apps that will make your Paris trip smooth and enjoyable. Download Citymapper or Google Maps, which are available for both Android and iOS devices. These apps are your go-to tools for navigating the city and will guide you from the airport to your hotel.
Pro Tip: Before your flight, enter your hotel address into either app. This will help you choose the best transportation option from the airport to your destination. It’s best to plan ahead because you don’t want to be figuring out transportation while you’re jet-lagged and exhausted from your flight.
These apps will also come in handy for navigating the city using public transportation. We highly recommend using the metro, which is a fast and efficient way to get around. Consider downloading IDF Mobilités, the Paris transit company app, which allows you to purchase tickets virtually. (Virtual tickets are available for Android phones and will be available for iPhones in spring 2024.)
For added convenience, keep rideshare or taxi apps on your phone. Uber is available in Paris, but Freenow and Bolt are also excellent options.
Choosing the Right Transit Pass
Now, let’s tackle the question that many travelers ask: should I get a single transit ticket or an unlimited metro pass?
This is a tough one, and the answer depends on how much you plan to use public transportation, your hotel location, and your arrival day. However, we can offer some helpful advice.
Paris is a wonderful city for walking, so we encourage you to explore on foot as much as possible. If you do need the metro, you can purchase single tickets or a Navigo Easy Pass, which comes with ten tickets that you can top up. Remember, regular metro tickets are not valid for getting into the city from the airport, except for slower city buses (more on that below).
There are two types of multi-day unlimited passes, Navigo and Paris Visite, both of which need to cover the zones where the airports are located.
Here’s a breakdown:
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Navigo: This pass is designed for locals. A weekly pass costs €30.75*. The downside is that it always starts on Sunday nights at midnight, so it only makes sense if you arrive on a Monday or Tuesday.
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Paris Visite: This pass is geared towards tourists and can be activated on any day of the week. A 5-day pass costs €44.45*, which is almost €15 more than a Navigo Easy Pass.
Our recommendation: Unless you plan to use public transit from Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport and your hotel is in districts further from the city center (arrondissements 11-20), stick with a Navigo Easy Pass with single tickets for getting around the city and purchase separate tickets for your airport transfers.
Don’t forget: Tickets for children aged 4-10 are -50% less, and public transit is free for children under 4.
*Note: Prices may be subject to change.
From CDG Airport to Paris: Your Transportation Options
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving as the main hub for Air France. Here are the different transportation options available to get you into Paris:
Bus:
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RoissyBus: This is the most popular express bus option. The RoissyBus departs from clearly marked bus stops outside each terminal and travels to the Opéra district in central Paris. Tickets (€16.60) can be purchased from vending machines next to the bus stops, from the bus driver, or with a Navigo or Paris Visite Pass (zone 1-5). The bus runs every 15 to 20 minutes from 6 am to 12:30 am. The journey takes about an hour and ends at a dedicated bus stop behind the Opéra Garnier, at the corner of rue Scribe and rue Auber. From there, you can connect to metro lines 3, 7, 8, 9, and RER A. Important: Your RoissyBus ticket is not valid for a transfer onto the metro, so if you need to take the metro after your bus ride, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket (€2.15).
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City Buses: The cheapest way to get to Paris from CDG is by using one of the two regular city bus lines: bus nº 350 and bus nº 351.
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Bus nº 350: This bus travels to Porte de la Chapelle, where you can connect to metro line 12.
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Bus nº 351: This bus goes to Nation Square, where you can connect to metro lines 1, 2, 9, and RER A.
These buses are a good option if you’re not in a rush and your hotel is near one of these stops. The journey takes about 70 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The ticket costs €2.15 (from a vending machine) or €2.50 (from the driver). If you need to take the metro after the bus, you’ll need to purchase another ticket (€2.15), making the total cost €4.30.
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Taxi:
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Official Taxi Stands: There are official taxi stands located outside each terminal at CDG. The fixed taxi rates to the city center are:
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Right Bank Destinations: €56
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Left Bank Destinations: €65 (due to the greater distance)
Important: Only take official taxis from the official stands. Avoid accepting rides from individuals offering their services inside the terminals. These are fake drivers who will charge you much more than the official rates.
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Rideshare Apps: Drivers booked through rideshare apps like Uber can pick you up at the airport, but finding them can be confusing. For a stress-free experience, consider reserving a pre-booked ride through our reliable taxi partner. They use hand-picked, fully-trained drivers who will monitor your arrival and be waiting for you outside the baggage claim area.
Remember: Traffic conditions can be heavy in the mornings, from 8 am to 11 am, so factor that into your travel time.
Exploring Paris with Confidence
Once you’ve arrived in Paris, you’re ready to explore the city’s many wonders. Remember to download our free guide filled with essential tips, hidden gems, and insider secrets to make your Paris adventure even more memorable!
