Ready to explore the City of Lights? Whether you’re arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) late at night or early in the morning, the RER B train is your reliable and affordable connection to the heart of Paris.
RER B Train: Your Gateway to Paris
Forget the hassle of taxis or expensive airport transfers. The RER B train offers a convenient and budget-friendly alternative. With departures starting as early as 4:50 am and running until approximately 11:50 pm, you can easily reach your destination in Paris.
Enjoy frequent service, with trains running every 10 to 20 minutes. During peak hours, you can expect even more frequent departures, making your commute a breeze. The journey itself is a quick and comfortable experience, with trains arriving at various central stations in Paris within 34 to 50 minutes. Need to get to Gare du Nord fast? Look for the express RER B train that travels directly from CDG Airport to Gare du Nord, skipping intermediate stops.
Navigating RER B Train Lines: Tips and Tricks
It’s important to be aware of the different branches of the RER B line. RER B3 operates between Paris and the airport, while RER B5 ends at Mitry-Claye, not stopping at Roissy Airport. Before boarding, always check the train panels or the station signs to ensure you’re on the correct train heading to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV.
Remember, just like in any major city, maintenance services are common and can cause changes in train schedules and routes. Always check the RATP official website for any updates or delays before heading to the station.
Aéroport Charles de Gaulle Airport Station Guide
CDG Airport offers two RER B train stations: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV.
Don’t get confused! Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 isn’t located at Terminal 1. It’s found at Roissypôle, a complex near Terminal 3, which includes hotels, offices, and the station itself. A 5-10 minute walk from Terminal 3 will take you to the station. Travelers from Terminal 1 will need to take the free CDGVAL airport shuttle train.
Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV, on the other hand, is conveniently situated between Terminals 2C/D and 2E/F. Passengers from Terminals 1 and 3 can use the CDGVAL train to reach this station. A 10-minute walk will get you from Terminal 2A to the station, or you can hop on the free N1 airport shuttle bus. Terminals 2C/D/E/F are within walking distance from the station. And don’t forget, the free N2 bus connects Terminal 2G to the station.
Need a quick and easy way to get around the airport terminals? The CDGVAL airport train runs every 4 minutes from 4:00 am to 1:00 am, connecting Terminals 1 to 2 in 8 minutes and Terminals 1 to 3 in 4 minutes.
Staying Safe: Protect Yourself from Pickpockets
While RER B is a safe and convenient way to travel, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings. Be vigilant about your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Keep your valuables close and secure to avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets.
RER B Train Tickets: Your Options and Costs
Ready to plan your journey? Here’s a breakdown of the ticket options for RER B trains from CDG Airport:
One-Way Ticket:
- Adults: 11.80€
- Children (4-9 years): 8.20€
- Children under 4: Free
Tickets are available from:
- Station ticket machines
- Ticket offices
- Online
Important Note: Only electronic tickets are available, which need to be loaded onto Navigo Cards or mobile phones.
At the SNCF Station, there are separate ticket desks for:
- Intercity Trains (TGV)
- RER Tickets (Billets Paris et Ile de France)
Don’t forget: Your airport ticket is valid for metro transfers within 90 minutes, as long as you don’t exit the railway station.
Travel Passes: Save Money on Your Paris Adventures
For those planning multiple trips on public transportation, consider these travel passes:
Paris Visite:
- Valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days.
- Offers unlimited travel on Metro, Bus, Tram, RER, SNCF, and Funiculaire de Montmartre.
- Available in zones 1-3 (central Paris and inner suburbs) or zones 1-5 (Paris and Ile-de-France).
- CDG Airport is in zone 5.
- Prices range from 29.25€ to 76.25€ depending on the duration.
- Children (4-10 years) receive a 50% discount.
- Available at airport RER stations or online through select tourist operators.
- Remember to write your name and the start/end dates on the pass.
- Validate your pass for each transfer.
- Enjoy special discounts at places like Galeries Lafayette.
Navigo Forfaits:
- Great option for frequent public transport users.
Navigo Easy:
- Anonymous rechargeable smartcard.
- Costs 2€.
- Can only be used by one person at a time.
- Can only be loaded with Navigo Day Passes.
- Offers 24 hours of unlimited travel, starting at 00:00 am on the day of purchase, valid for one of the next six days.
- Can be loaded with up to two day tickets.
- Allows you to choose your preferred transfer zones (minimum of two zones).
- Prices range from 8.65€ to 20.60€ for zones 1-5.
Navigo Découverte:
- Personal rechargeable smartcard.
- Costs 5€.
- Requires your name and photo.
- Can be loaded with day and week tickets.
Navigo Week Pass:
- Valid for one week (Monday at 00:00 am to Sunday at midnight).
- Offers unlimited travel on all public transport.
- Tickets for the current week are available until Thursday night and valid until next Sunday.
- Passes for the upcoming week are available from Friday morning.
- Costs 26.80€ for zones 1-5.
Important Tips:
- Purchase Navigo Forfaits from the airport train station ticket vendors.
- Always buy your ticket before boarding the train. Failure to do so may result in a hefty fine.
Ready to explore Paris? The RER B train is your reliable and affordable companion. With a little planning and these helpful tips, you can seamlessly navigate the city and create unforgettable memories.
