Last updated on March 31st, 2025
You’ve heard me say it before, but one of my philosophies of traveling well is that the thoughtful planning of small things can actually make a big difference in your trip.
That doesn’t mean obsessing for fixating on certain outcomes — flexibility is another important quality in a smart traveler, after all — but it does mean that things we might think of as inconsequential can have a larger impact on the quality of our experience than we might imagine.
One of my favorite places to look at this “small item, big difference” idea in action is in how you choose to get to and from the airport on your European trip. Most people don’t spend much time considering how to get from Heathrow to London or from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris, or they might assume that taking a taxi is the only way to go.
But there are often several transportation options available, and choosing the one that’s best for you and your travel companions is a relatively easy decision that can have wonderful returns.
So let’s look at 5 ways to get from CDG to Paris city center.
RER-B TRAIN
The RER-B train will get you from the airport to the city center stations, such as Gare du Nord or Châtalet-Les-Halles, in about 25-50 minutes, depending on which type of train you choose (see note below).
The train station is located right in the airport and you can buy your tickets from the kiosk or ticket desk inside the station.
Pros:
- Most economical option, (€13), especially if you have fewer than 5 travelers.
- Simple, direct access between the airport and the train station
- Luggage racks
Cons:
- Not private
- Subject to strikes
- Difficult with a lot of luggage
- May require a connection on the metro or taxi/uber to your hotel
Good to know: From CDG, trains run about every 15 minutes, and they alternate between slow and fast trains, so be sure to choose the one that works best for you to get from CDG to Paris.
Cassie’s Tip: If you don’t love the idea of trying to navigate an unfamiliar airport alone, especially if you don’t speak or read French, I highly recommend this airport concierge service. It’s a great way to move through the airport quickly with zero hassle!
ROISSYBUS
The RoissyBus is a direct bus route that runs CDG to Paris and back. It drops off at the Opera Station, which is a major bustling hub in the city center. Buses depart every 15 minutes from CDG to Paris, 5:15am – 8:00pm, then every 20 minutes from 8-10pm, and then every 30 minutes from 10pm – 12:30am.
Roissybus tickets can be purchased at departure points, RATP counters at Terminals 1, 2B, and 2D from 7:30am to 6:30pm. You can also purchase tickets right on the bus (see note below).
Pros:
- Free wifi
- Inexpensive (€13)
- No frills, but efficient at the right times
- Racks for luggage
- Better than the train for early morning departures
Cons:
- Subject to heavy traffic and longer driving times during peak hours
- Schedule can be less reliable during high-traffic times
- Drop-off point may not be near your hotel, requiring a journey via the Metro (many lines connect here at Opera station) or hire a taxi/Uber for the rest of the journey
Good to know: You can purchase your RoissyBus ticket on the Bonjour RATP app, buy a reloadable Navigo Easy pass and load the RoissyBus ticket to it at the airport, or purchase a ticket on the bus— contactless credit card only.
PRIVATE DRIVER
By far the easiest, comfiest way to get from CDG to Paris is by private driver or chauffeur. And if you’ve got a late or early flight, or you don’t want to deal with traffic hassles during peak times, or you just want the luxury of some quiet space to yourself after a long flight — it can be absolutely worth it to spring for a private car.
This is especially true if you have more than 4 people in your party, or you are traveling with young kids, elderly, or anyone with physical limitations.
With a private car, your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall, take your luggage, and you’re off.
Pros:
- Super easy
- Luxurious
- Pleasant, even in busy traffic
- You arrive directly at your destination — no walking or Metro transfers
Cons:
- More expensive (€50/pp and up, depending on type of service and number of passengers)
Good to know: While tipping isn’t as expected or as steep in Europe as it is in the US, it is customary to tip 5-10% for good service from a private driver.
TAXI (FLAT-RATE)
Taking a taxi from CDG to Paris is the most common choice for travelers. It’s faster (most of the time!) than the bus or the train, and there is a consistent flat rate charged, making it super easy to plan for.
Rides for up to four passengers from CDG to Paris’s Right Bank are €56, and €65 to the Left Bank. It’s a good idea to just confirm that with your driver before getting in by casually saying, €56?
To catch a taxi, simply follow the signs and get in line at your terminal. Busy times or recent landings mean longer lines, but it’s not usually that long a wait.
Pros:
- Easy
- Convenient
- Flat rate makes payment simple
- You arrive directly at your destination — no walking or Metro transfers
- Flat rate is the same for 1-4 passengers, making it a great value for small travel groups
Cons:
- Travel time affected by traffic (30-60 minutes or more to city center)
- Not ideal for larger travel groups (private shuttles are a better option)
- Most taxis do not accept credit cards, so you have to have cash on hand
Good to know: Again, large tips are not needed, but it is often customary to round up or to tip €1-2 per bag if your driver helps to load and unload your luggage. If you are traveling with a young child or someone who is disabled, you should not have to wait in line. Just let a taxi attendant at the airport know, and you should be ushered forward. There is no extra charge for wheelchairs on taxis.
UBER
While Uber is not as ubiquitous in Europe as it is in US cities, it’s still an option, and if you’re an Uber fan, it might be the most familiar and efficient way to go.
The travel times and conditions will be similar to a taxi, and though prices can vary based on traffic, distance, and time, the price range from CDG to Paris city center (or vice versa) runs somewhere between €34 – €47 on average.
Pros:
- You may already have the app ready to go! (It’s the same app and works the same way)
- You arrive directly at your destination — no walking or Metro transfers
Cons:
- Not quite as reliable — in Paris, Uber drivers have a reputation for not showing up/canceling rides
Which CDG to Paris option is right for you?
While deciding on airport transportation might not be the biggest or most thrilling decision you’ll make when it comes to your vacation to Paris, it does make a difference, because it sets the tone for arriving and departing.
When you hire me to craft your custom Paris itinerary, I can help you consider the factors that are most important to you: where you’re headed in Paris, the various travel needs of you and your companions (age, mobility, etc.), and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Some people love to take public transport in Paris; it makes them feel like a local to be immersed in the modes of travel that everyday Parisians use. But if you’re traveling with elderly people or small kids, it might not be the best option for you.
I always ask: What will allow you to arrive and depart the most rested? What will cause the least amount of stress? What feels like an adventure? What will increase the fun factor?
Then, make the decision that feels best, and I’ll help with the rest!
Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert
(Paris, London & Rome)
WHO AM I?
I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!
I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.
I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.
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