Traveling to Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) doesn’t have to be a hassle. The express RER train offers a swift and budget-friendly way to reach the heart of the city, making it a popular alternative to taxis.
A Speedy Journey to the City of Lights
This efficient train will whisk you from the airport to the center of Paris in just 25 to 35 minutes, depending on your destination. You can hop off at various stations along the way, reaching both the Rive Droite (right bank of the Seine) and the Rive Gauche (left bank).
Heading towards the Rive Droite? Get off at Gare du Nord, the main TGV station in Paris, or Châtelet-les-Halles, a major transportation hub. Prefer the Rive Gauche? Disembark at St-Michel-Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, or Denfert-Rochereau. The latter station also provides connections to buses and the RER for Orly Airport.
The best part? Your RER ticket doubles as a Metro pass, allowing you to explore the city with ease after reaching your destination. It’s a cost-effective option for families and groups, especially when compared to taxis.
Finding Your Way to the RER: CDG Terminals 1 & 2
Getting to the RER from CDG Terminal 1 is a breeze. Take the free CDGVAL shuttle, which connects the terminal to the CDG1 RER station located in Roissypole at Terminal 3. Simply follow the “Trains” signs after collecting your luggage, take lift A, and press “Level 2 CDGVAL Roissypole.” Exit the lift, walk through the automatic doors, and take the shuttle to the 2nd stop, Roissypole. From there, you’ll find the escalator leading to the RER station.
For those arriving at CDG Terminal 2, the RER-TGV station is conveniently located within the terminal. You can access it directly on foot from Terminals 2A through 2F. Simply follow the “Trains pour Paris” signs and take the escalators or lifts down. Terminal 2G is served by a free shuttle bus (N2) departing from gate 2.10 at 2F. If you’re arriving at Terminal 3, the Roissypole CDG1 RER station is just a short walk away.
Purchasing Your Ticket & Boarding the Train
Numerous ticket vending machines are available in both RER stations. You can pay with debit or credit cards, Euros cash, and banknotes. Select your language and follow the prompts. Alternatively, you can purchase your ticket at the counter. The ticket barriers are conveniently located next to the vending machines. Insert your ticket in the barrier slot and proceed to the platform. It’s as simple as that!
Don’t forget to check the TV screens on the platform to confirm the number of stops and final destination before boarding. From CDG, the RER B terminus is Saint-lès-Chevreuse. When traveling from Paris, ensure you select the RER B direction “Charles de Gaulle Airport 2 – TGV.” The first stop is CDG1 Roissypole.
Important Considerations
The express RER train operates daily, with departures every 6 to 15 minutes. The first train leaves CDG Terminal 2 at 4:50 AM, and the last train departs at 11:50 PM. For those returning to CDG, the first RER leaves Gare du Nord at 4:53 AM, and the last train departs at 0:15 AM.
During peak hours, especially after 5 PM from CDG and before 7 AM to CDG, trains can get crowded. This is due to airport staff commuting. You might not find a seat on these trains. Additionally, the RER trains do not have baggage racks, so keep a close eye on your luggage.
Remember, the RER is operated by the RATP transport company, which covers Paris and the Ile de France region. With this information in hand, you can confidently navigate the RER and enjoy a seamless journey into the City of Lights!
