Traveling to Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) just got easier! The RER B train, also known as the Blue Line, offers a convenient and budget-friendly way to reach the heart of the city. With trains departing every 10-20 minutes, you’ll always find a ride.
Getting Around: RER B Train Schedules and Routes
RER B trains provide a seamless connection between CDG Airport and the Parisian cityscape. They operate from 4:50 am until approximately 11:50 pm, making them an excellent option for late-night arrivals. The journey to Paris typically takes about 50 minutes, with faster travel times for specific destinations like Gare du Nord (34 minutes), Paris Châtelet-les-Halles (37 minutes), and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (40 minutes).
For speed demons, take note! An express RER B train runs directly from the airport to Gare du Nord, skipping intermediate stops. This is a great way to shave off some travel time.
But remember: RER B trains can split. Look for the “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV” as the train’s final destination on the station’s signage or the train’s display panel to ensure you’re on the right track.
Tip: Keep an eye on the RATP official website for any potential changes or delays, as maintenance work can occur.
Navigating CDG Airport: Finding the RER B Stations
CDG Airport houses two RER B stations: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV.
Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 isn’t located at Terminal 1, as you might think. Instead, it’s situated at Roissypôle, a complex near Terminal 3. Walk from Terminal 3 (5-10 minutes) to reach the station. Travelers from Terminal 1 will need to catch the free CDGVAL airport shuttle train.
Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV is nestled between Terminals 2C/D and 2E/F. Take the CDGVAL train from Terminals 1 and 3. From Terminal 2A, a 10-minute walk awaits or hop on the free N1 airport shuttle bus. Terminals 2C/D/E/F are within walking distance, and the complimentary Bus N2 shuttles passengers between Terminal 2G and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV.
Tip: The CDGVAL airport train operates every 4 minutes from 4:00 am to 1:00 am, connecting Terminals 1 and 2 in 8 minutes and Terminals 1 and 3 in 4 minutes.
Heads up: Pickpockets are known to operate on RER trains, so stay vigilant and protect your belongings.
Ticket Options: How to Pay for Your Ride
A one-way ticket for RER B costs €11.80/$11.80 for adults and €8.20/$8.20 for children between 4 and 9 years old. Kids under 4 ride for free. Tickets can be purchased from automatic machines, ticket offices, or online, and must be loaded onto Navigo cards or mobile phones. Electronic tickets are the only option available.
Explore Paris with Ease: Paris Visite and Navigo Passes
Don’t just travel; explore! Paris Visite and Navigo passes offer unlimited travel on Paris’s public transportation network, including the Metro, bus, tram, RER, SNCF, and the Funiculaire de Montmartre.
Paris Visite is a multi-day pass available for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days, granting you free access to public transport. Choose a zone 1-3 pass for central Paris and the inner suburbs or a zone 1-5 pass for Paris and the wider Île-de-France region. Since CDG Airport is in zone 5, opt for the zone 1-5 pass. Prices range from €29.25/$29.25 to €76.25/$76.25, depending on the duration. Children between 4 and 10 years old enjoy a 50% discount. Purchase your pass at the airport RER stations or online from selected tourist operators. Write your name and the dates of use on the pass, as the clock starts ticking upon validation. Validate your pass for each journey. Plus, enjoy special discounts with the Paris Visite pass, such as at Galeries Lafayette.
Navigo Forfaits provides a flexible option for frequent travelers. You’ll need a rechargeable Navigo smartcard. Choose from:
- Navigo Easy: An anonymous card costing €2/$2. It can only be used by one person at a time and can be loaded with Navigo Day passes. Enjoy 24-hour free travel starting at 00:00 am on the day of purchase. You can also use it on one of the following six days. Load a maximum of two day tickets and choose the zones you need (at least two).
- Navigo Découverte: A personal card costing €5/$5. Fill in your name and attach a photo. Load this card with day or week tickets.
Navigo Week passes are valid for a week (Monday at 00:00 am to Sunday at midnight) and allow unlimited travel. Tickets for the current week are available until Thursday night and are valid until the following Sunday. Purchase passes for the upcoming week starting Friday morning. The cost for zones 1-5 is €26.80/$26.80.
Tip: Navigo Forfaits are available at ticket vendors in the airport RER stations.
Remember: Buy your ticket before boarding the train to avoid hefty fines.
With RER B, navigating the city from CDG Airport is a breeze. Choose the ticket option that best suits your needs and embark on your Parisian adventure!
