How to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris in 2026
Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by April Nicole
How to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris is one of the first problems most travelers face after landing, and it’s often the most stressful. CDG is big, busy, and confusing when you’re tired, carrying luggage, or traveling with family. I’ve done this arrival many times myself, using different options depending on the situation, and this guide is the clear, tested solution I wish I’d had the first time.
Below, I walk you through every realistic way to get from CDG into Paris, what each option actually costs in 2026, who it’s best for, and the one choice that consistently causes unnecessary frustration. No guesswork, no upselling, just what works.
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Quick Answer: How to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris?
If you just want the bottom line:
- Best overall for most travelers: RER B train (fast, predictable, €14)
- Easiest door-to-door option: Official taxi (flat fare)
- Best with kids or heavy luggage: Taxi or pre-booked transfer
- Best if staying near Opéra: Roissybus (limited, see update below)
- Option to avoid: Uber / Bolt rideshare pickups at CDG
Here’s how to choose quickly:
- Staying Right Bank → taxi costs €56
- Staying Left Bank → taxi costs €65
- Want the best value and speed → RER B
- Arriving late, tired, or overloaded → taxi
Quick Facts About Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the busiest airport in France. It’s located about 25 km (16 miles) northeast of central Paris, in an area called Roissy-en-France.
CDG has three terminals, and knowing which one you land in matters for transportation:
- Terminal 1
- Terminal 2 (2A–2F) — the largest terminal
- Terminal 3
How Your Terminal Affects Getting to Paris
- Terminal 2: The RER train station is inside the terminal
- Terminal 1: You’ll take the free CDGVAL shuttle train (~5 minutes)
- Terminal 3: You’ll walk outside for about 5 minutes to the station
All terminals are well signed — just follow directions for “Paris by train,” “RER,” or “Train.”
Option 1: Official Taxi from CDG to Paris (Easiest)
Taking a taxi is the simplest and least stressful option, especially after a long flight. It’s also the most expensive — but in many cases, it’s absolutely worth it.
Fixed Taxi Prices from CDG (2026)
Official Paris taxis use flat fares, so traffic does not affect the price:
- Right Bank: €56
- Left Bank: €65
If you’re not sure whether your hotel is on the Right Bank or Left Bank, my where to stay in Paris neighborhood guide breaks it down by arrondissement and traveler type.
There are no hidden fees for luggage or passengers.
Tip: Not sure which bank you’re staying on?
Arrondissements 1–4, 7–9, 11, 16–18 = Right Bank
Arrondissements 5–6, 10, 12–15 = Left Bank
When a Taxi Makes Sense
A taxi is usually the best choice if:
- You’re exhausted or jet-lagged
- You have large or multiple suitcases
- You’re traveling with kids
- You want door-to-door service
- You’re arriving late at night
If you prefer knowing the price ahead of time rather than deciding at the airport, Kiwitaxi is an option that works well — it functions like a pre-booked taxi with a fixed rate, which some travelers find reassuring.
How to Avoid Taxi Scams at CDG (Important)
Only use official taxis.
What to do:
- Exit baggage claim and go outside
- Follow signs for “Taxi Parisien”
- Join the official taxi queue
How to spot a real taxi:
- A lit taxi sign on the roof
- Assigned from the official line outside
❗ Never accept a ride offer inside the terminal.
If someone approaches you indoors offering a taxi, it’s almost always a scam and you could be massively overcharged.
Want a Driver to Meet You Inside?
If you’re arriving for the first time and like the idea of someone meeting you inside the terminal, I’ve found Welcome Pickups to be one of the most straightforward options — the driver waits with a name sign, and everything is arranged in advance so there’s no guesswork after a long flight.
Taxi recap
- Best for: comfort, families, luggage, late arrivals
- Tradeoff: higher cost
Option 2: RER B Train (Best Value + Fastest for Most Travelers)
The RER B is the suburban train line that connects CDG directly to Paris. It’s what most locals use — and for good reason.
RER B Basics (2026)
- Price: €14 (Paris Region ↔ Airport ticket)
- Travel time: ~30 minutes to central Paris
- Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes
- Hours: About 5:00 am to midnight
Once in Paris, you can transfer to the Metro using the same ticket, as long as your final destination is within the city.
Keep Your Ticket Until You Exit
Don’t throw your ticket away. Ticket checks are common, and fines are expensive if you can’t show a valid ticket.
How to Find the RER B from Your Terminal
After baggage claim, follow signs for “Paris by train” or “RER.”
- Terminal 2: RER station is inside the terminal
- Terminal 1: Take the free CDGVAL shuttle to the RER station
- Terminal 3: Walk outside to CDG1 station (clearly marked)
How to Buy RER B Tickets (Easiest First)
Option 1: Bonjour RATP App
This is the fastest option and avoids lines. You can buy and store tickets on your phone.
Option 2: Ticket Machines
If you use machines, look behind the escalators down to the station. Some machines are for long-distance trains — choose the ones clearly labeled for Paris/RER.
Getting on the Right Train
CDG is the end of the line, so this part is easy:
- Follow signs for “to Paris”
- Any RER B train going toward Paris is correct
Important Warning When Returning to CDG
On the way back, the RER B splits. Always check the destination board and make sure it says Aéroport Charles de Gaulle before boarding.
RER recap
- Best for: speed, price, avoiding traffic
- Tradeoff: stairs, platforms, luggage handling
Once you’re in Paris, you may need to switch to the Metro to reach your hotel — if it’s your first time, I walk you through everything step by step in my guide on how to use the Metro in Paris, including tickets, transfers, and common mistakes to avoid.
Option 3: Roissybus (Only if You’re Staying Near Opéra)
Roissybus is a direct airport bus between CDG and Opéra Garnier.
Roissybus Basics
- Price: €14
- Travel time: ~60 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
- Hours: Roughly 6:00 am to 12:30 am
Important 2026 Update
Roissybus is scheduled to stop operating on March 1, 2026, to be replaced by a new route that requires a Metro connection. If you’re traveling after that, this option may no longer be direct.
When Roissybus Makes Sense
- Your hotel is within a 5–10 minute walk of Opéra
- You want fewer stairs than the train
- You’re okay with a longer ride
If you’ll need another Metro ride after Roissybus, it usually ends up slower and more expensive than the RER.
Roissybus recap
- Best for: hotels near Opéra
- Tradeoff: slower, limited usefulness
Option 4: Regular City Buses (Cheapest, Slowest)
If your top priority is spending as little as possible, there are standard city buses:
- Bus 350: to Porte de la Chapelle
- Bus 351: to Place de la Nation
What to Expect
- Time: 70–90 minutes
- Cost: Standard bus ticket
- Downside: Multiple stops, traffic, extra tickets likely needed
This option only makes sense if budget matters more than time or comfort.
How to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris If You Have Accessibility or Mobility Needs
If you’re traveling with mobility limitations, a stroller, or other accessibility needs, the best option from CDG is usually the one with the fewest physical steps and transfers.
In general, I find:
- Official taxis or pre-booked transfers are the easiest choice if you want to avoid stairs, long corridors, and crowded platforms.
- Trains can work, but they often involve escalators, stairs, and longer walks between platforms — something to factor in if standing or lifting luggage is difficult.
- Buses may involve steps when boarding and can be slower, which isn’t always comfortable.
If accessibility is a priority, I recommend choosing predictability over price. A door-to-door option may cost more, but it often reduces fatigue and stress on arrival day.
If you use mobility aids or have specific needs, it can also help to:
- allow extra time at the airport
- pack so you can move independently when possible
- choose accommodation that minimizes stairs once you arrive
The Option to Avoid at CDG: Uber & Rideshare Apps
Uber and Bolt work well inside Paris, but at CDG they often cause problems.
Why:
- Pickup points are confusing
- Drivers and passengers struggle to find each other
- Waiting fees can add up quickly
- Stress levels spike when you’re jet-lagged
Even if the price looks cheaper at first, the experience usually isn’t. If you want a car, stick to official taxis or pre-booked transfers.
Some travelers like to compare multiple offers before committing — if that’s you, GetTransfer.com lets drivers submit prices so you can choose what fits your budget and comfort level.
Tips for a Smoother Arrival at CDG
After doing this arrival more times than I can count, these are the small things that make a big difference — especially on your first trip.
- Give yourself more time than you think you need. Even when everything goes smoothly, CDG involves long walks and waiting. I always plan my arrival day with flexibility rather than stacking plans back-to-back.
- Screenshot your hotel address and check-in details before landing. Cell service can be spotty at first, and having everything saved keeps stress low if your phone takes a while to connect.
- Pack so you can move independently. Whatever option you choose, being able to lift or roll your own luggage comfortably makes every step easier.
- Eat or hydrate before making big decisions. It sounds simple, but fatigue and hunger amplify confusion. A short pause can make the next step feel much clearer.
- Don’t panic if things feel chaotic at first. CDG can feel overwhelming, but signage is good and staff are used to helping travelers. Take it one step at a time.
- Remember: arrival day is about getting settled, not doing everything. Once you’re at your hotel and rested, Paris will feel much more manageable.
How to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris FAQs
Final Thoughts: The Best Way from CDG to Paris
Getting from CDG to Paris doesn’t have to be stressful.
- RER B is the best balance of speed and cost for most travelers
- Taxis are the easiest, especially with luggage or kids
- Roissybus works only in specific cases
- Skip rideshare pickups at the airport
Choose the option that fits your energy level, luggage, and hotel location — and then you can focus on the fun part: your first moments in Paris.
