Travelling from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris is straightforward once you know which option suits your arrival time, luggage and destination. The RER B is best for most travellers, while an official taxi offers easier door-to-door travel for families and passengers with heavy bags.
This guide compares every practical way to travel from Paris CDG to Paris city center in 2026 and explains the airport ticket, RoissyBus closure, summer RER B works and the currently scheduled opening date of the CDG Express.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Way from Paris CDG to Paris City Center?
Your best option depends on your budget, luggage and final destination. Use this quick comparison to choose the most practical route:
Most travellers: RER B — €14 | 25–50 minutes | Direct to major central stations
Families and heavy luggage: Official taxi — €56 Right Bank | €65 Left Bank | Door-to-door
Lowest-cost option: Bus 9517 + Metro 14 — €4.60 | 50–70 minutes | One transfer
Quick verdict: Take the RER B unless you need door-to-door convenience or are travelling with difficult-to-manage luggage.
Paris CDG to Paris Transportation at a Glance
| Transport option | Typical cost | Approximate journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| RER B | €14 | 25–50 minutes | Most travellers |
| Bus 9517 + Metro 14 | €4.60 with Navigo Easy tickets | 50–70 minutes | Lowest-cost practical route |
| Official taxi | €56 Right Bank / €65 Left Bank | 35–90+ minutes | Families, luggage and door-to-door travel |
| Uber, Bolt or Free Now | Variable, often €45–€90+ | 35–90+ minutes | App users who can manage designated pickup points |
| Private transfer | Usually €70–€130+ | 35–90+ minutes | Meet-and-greet service, groups and pre-arranged vehicles |
| Bus 350 | €2.05 with Navigo Easy | 60–80 minutes before onward travel | Porte de la Chapelle and strict budgets |
| Bus 351 | €2.05 with Navigo Easy | 70–90 minutes before onward travel | Nation and eastern Paris |
| Night bus | €2.05 with a Bus–Tram ticket | Often 60–100+ minutes | Arrivals after daytime services end |
Times are approximate and exclude terminal walks, ticket queues and most onward connections.
Important Summer 2026 RER B Update
Major engineering works will affect the RER B during summer 2026.
From July 25 through August 6, 2026, services will be suspended throughout the day between Gare du Nord and Bourg-la-Reine. From August 7 through August 16, the closure will continue between Gare du Nord and La Croix de Berny/Robinson.
Airport trains may still reach Gare du Nord during these closures, but passengers continuing toward Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Denfert-Rochereau or stations farther south will need an alternative Metro route or replacement service.
Further evening disruptions are scheduled from August 17, with some sections closing from approximately 10:45 p.m. Because work plans can change, check the official RER B works calendar shortly before travelling.
For a late arrival or full-day closure, keep the official taxi fare or bus 9517 plus Metro Line 14 as a backup.
What Does “Paris City Center” Mean for Your Transfer?
Paris does not have a single transport station called “city center.” The best arrival station depends on where your accommodation is located.
Gare du Nord is convenient for northern Paris, Châtelet–Les Halles for the Louvre and central Right Bank, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame for the Latin Quarter and Denfert-Rochereau for southern Paris.
Before choosing your airport transport, check your hotel’s nearest station and the final connection from there. The fastest route from CDG may not be the easiest if it requires multiple transfers or several staircases with luggage.
Once you know which central station is most convenient for your accommodation, you can compare the transfer options below.
Option 1: RER B — Best Overall Choice
The RER B is usually the most efficient way to travel from Paris CDG to Paris city center. It avoids motorway traffic and generally operates from approximately 4:50 a.m. until midnight, every 6–15 minutes under normal conditions.
Which RER Station Should You Use at CDG?
Charles de Gaulle Airport has two RER B stations:
- Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1: for Terminal 1 via the free CDGVAL shuttle and for Terminal 3/Roissypôle
- Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV: for Terminal 2, including the 2A–2G areas
Follow the signs marked Paris by Train, RER B or Paris par train after leaving baggage reclaim and customs.
From Terminal 1, take the free CDGVAL to the station area. From Terminal 2, follow the railway signs and allow 10–20 minutes from some arrival gates.
How to Take the RER B to Paris
- Follow signs for RER B or Paris by Train.
- Load the Paris Region–Airports ticket onto a compatible smartphone or Navigo Easy pass.
- Validate the ticket-bearing phone or pass at the gate.
- Keep it available until you exit the network.
- Leave at the most useful station or connect to the Metro.
All RER B trains leaving either CDG airport station travel toward Paris. Some trains make fewer suburban stops than others, but both stopping patterns eventually serve the central Paris stations.
Main RER B Stations in Central Paris
| RER B station | Approximate time from CDG | Useful for | Main connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gare du Nord | 25–35 minutes | Eurostar area, 9th, 10th and 18th arrondissements | RER D, Metro 4 and 5 |
| Châtelet–Les Halles | 30–40 minutes | Louvre area, Le Marais and central Right Bank | RER A, Metro 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14 |
| Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame | 35–45 minutes | Latin Quarter, Notre-Dame and Saint-Germain | RER C, Metro 4 nearby |
| Luxembourg | 40–45 minutes | Luxembourg Gardens and the 5th and 6th arrondissements | Local buses |
| Denfert-Rochereau | 45–50 minutes | Montparnasse and southern Paris | Metro 4 and 6 |
These estimates cover the train journey, not the walk from the terminal, ticket purchase or final Metro connection.
How Much Is the RER B from CDG to Paris in 2026?
The Paris Region–Airports ticket costs:
- €14 for an adult
- €7 for an eligible reduced-fare passenger
- €7 for children aged 4 to under 10
- Free for children under 4
The ticket covers permitted RER, train and Metro connections between CDG and your final station while you remain inside the network.
The standard €2.55 Metro–Train–RER ticket does not cover entry to or exit from the CDG airport RER stations. Buying the cheaper standard ticket can lead to a blocked exit gate or a penalty during inspection.
Important Digital Ticket Rule
The simplest options are a compatible smartphone or a reusable €2 Navigo Easy pass. Each traveller needs a separate ticket-bearing device or pass. Validate the same medium throughout the journey.
Can You Pay by Card or Phone?
You can use a bank card to purchase the €14 Paris Region–Airports ticket at a machine or through an official transport app. However, tapping an ordinary bank card at an RER gate is not the same as holding a valid airport ticket. Load the ticket onto a compatible phone or Navigo Easy pass, then validate that medium.
Some Paris buses allow passengers to purchase a boarding ticket directly with a contactless bank card, but this is limited to participating routes and may not include transfers. For an airport bus journey, load the correct Bus–Tram ticket in advance unless the onboard validator clearly indicates that contactless ticket purchase is supported.
For current ticket-media guidance, consult the official Île-de-France Mobilités transport support guide.
Is a Travel Pass Better Than a Single Airport Ticket?
It depends on your travel dates and itinerary.
| Pass or ticket | 2026 price | CDG via RER B included? | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Region–Airports ticket | €14 each way | Yes | Single airport journey |
| Navigo Day | €12.30 | No | Airport access is excluded |
| Navigo Week, all zones | €32.40 | Yes | Valid Monday through Sunday, not seven flexible days |
| Paris Visite | From €30.60 for one day | Yes, with all-zone coverage | Usually expensive unless its coverage suits your plans |
The all-zone Navigo Week pass can offer excellent value if you arrive early in the week and use public transport frequently. It is less useful for a weekend arrival because validity ends on Sunday night.
Choose the RER B when you can manage your luggage and have an easy final connection. Consider a taxi or private transfer for limited mobility, several large bags, young children or multiple onward transfers.
Option 2: Bus 9517 and Metro Line 14 — Best Budget Combination
Express bus 9517 connects Roissypôle at CDG with Saint-Denis–Pleyel in about 30 minutes. From there, Metro Line 14 serves Gare Saint-Lazare, Madeleine, Pyramides, Châtelet and Gare de Lyon. It is particularly useful for travellers staying near Line 14.
How to Take Bus 9517 from CDG
- Follow signs to Roissypôle or the Terminal 3 bus station, using CDGVAL if required.
- Board bus 9517 toward Saint-Denis–Pleyel.
- Transfer to Metro Line 14 with a separate Metro–Train–RER ticket.
- Leave at the most convenient Line 14 station.
The official line 9517 information states that buses run every day from approximately 5:20 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. Frequency varies by day and time.
Bus 9517 and Metro 14 Cost
Using tickets loaded on a Navigo Easy pass:
- Bus–Tram ticket for line 9517: €2.05
- Metro–Train–RER ticket for Line 14: €2.55
- Total: €4.60
An onboard bus ticket purchased by contactless bank card or SMS costs €2.55, bringing the combined journey to €5.10. That boarding ticket is for the bus and does not replace the separate Metro ticket.
The trade-off is an extra transfer. The RER B is simpler for many first-time visitors, but 9517 plus Line 14 is a strong low-cost option.
Option 3: Official Taxi — Best for Door-to-Door Convenience
An official taxi avoids station transfers. In 2026, the regulated fixed fares to an address within Paris are:
- €56 to the Right Bank
- €65 to the Left Bank
The Louvre, Opéra, Le Marais and Montmartre are on the Right Bank. The Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Eiffel Tower area are generally on the Left Bank.
The fixed fare applies to direct journeys within Paris. Suburban destinations are normally metered.
How Long Does a Taxi Take from CDG to Paris?
Allow 35–45 minutes in light traffic and 60–90 minutes or longer during rush hour, bad weather or roadworks. The direct airport fare remains fixed despite traffic.
Where to Find an Official Taxi at CDG
Follow the Taxi signs to the official arrivals rank. Ignore unsolicited offers inside the terminal. Confirm your destination and bank before leaving; there is no need to negotiate the fixed fare.
You can verify current fares and terminal pickup points on the official Paris Aéroport taxi page.
Clara’s Tip: If someone approaches you inside the terminal and offers a “special price” to Paris, decline and continue to the signed taxi rank. The fixed fare applies to official taxis taken through the authorised queue.
An official taxi is especially useful for families, small groups, several suitcases, limited mobility or major RER B disruption. For three or four travellers, its per-person premium over public transport becomes smaller.
Option 4: Uber, Bolt or Free Now
Uber, Bolt and Free Now operate around Paris, but their prices vary with demand. Compare the live quote with the €56 or €65 official taxi fare before booking.
Ride-Hailing Pickup at CDG
Ride-hailing drivers use designated areas rather than the official taxi rank. Follow the app and airport signs for pre-booked transport or Transport by Appointment; the meeting point may be on another level or in a parking area.
Request the car only after collecting luggage, clearing customs and locating the pickup area. If you want the simplest immediate departure, the official taxi queue is often easier.
Option 5: Private Airport Transfer
A private transfer is pre-booked and normally includes flight monitoring and an agreed meeting point. A typical transfer to central Paris often costs approximately €70–€130 or more. It is not the cheapest way from Paris CDG to Paris city center, but it can remove uncertainty after a long flight.
When Is a Private Transfer Worth It?
It is most useful for groups, large luggage loads, late arrivals or travellers who need a child seat requested in advance. Confirm the bag allowance, meeting point, delay policy, waiting time, cancellation terms and any child-seat charge.
Option 6: Buses 350 and 351 — Cheapest Direct Public Buses into Paris
Local buses 350 and 351 are the least expensive direct public bus links, but they make multiple stops.
Bus 350 to Porte de la Chapelle
Bus 350 reaches Porte de la Chapelle in about 60–80 minutes. Most visitors then need a Metro, tram, bus or taxi.
Bus 351 to Nation
Bus 351 reaches Nation in approximately 70–90 minutes. It suits eastern Paris and connects with Metro Lines 1, 2, 6 and 9 and RER A.
How Much Do Buses 350 and 351 Cost?
A Bus–Tram ticket loaded on Navigo Easy costs €2.05; an onboard bank-card or SMS ticket costs €2.55 where available. A subsequent Metro or RER journey requires a separate €2.55 ticket. Choose these buses when price matters more than speed.
Option 7: Night Buses from CDG to Paris
Noctilien lines N140 and N143 connect the CDG area with Gare de l’Est after daytime services end.
A standard Bus–Tram ticket costs €2.05 in 2026 and is valid on Noctilien services. Load the ticket onto a compatible smartphone or Navigo Easy pass before boarding.
Stops and frequencies vary, so check the official journey planner for your arrival date. Allow approximately 60–100 minutes or more before onward travel and compare the complete journey with the regulated official taxi fare.
What Happened to RoissyBus, and When Will CDG Express Open?
RoissyBus Is No Longer Operating
RoissyBus, formerly linking CDG with Opéra, closed permanently on March 1, 2026. Older guides may still recommend it.
The principal replacements are:
- RER B for the main direct rail connection
- Bus 9517 to Saint-Denis–Pleyel, followed by Metro Line 14
- Buses 350 and 351 for low-cost travel
- An official taxi or private transfer for door-to-door service
For Opéra, take RER B to Châtelet–Les Halles and Metro 14 to Madeleine, or use an official taxi with heavy luggage.
CDG Express Is Not Open Yet
The CDG Express will connect the airport with Gare de l’Est in about 20 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes.
The service is not available in 2026. According to the current SNCF Réseau schedule, it is due to carry its first passengers on March 28, 2027.
Until then, the RER B remains the principal direct rail connection between CDG and central Paris.
Best Routes from CDG to Popular Paris Areas
| Destination | Recommended public transport route | Practical alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Gare du Nord | Direct RER B | Official taxi |
| Châtelet–Les Halles | Direct RER B | Bus 9517 + Metro 14 to Châtelet |
| Louvre area | RER B to Châtelet–Les Halles, then walk or Metro 1 | Official taxi |
| Le Marais | RER B to Châtelet–Les Halles, then walk or Metro 1 to Saint-Paul | Official taxi |
| Latin Quarter | Direct RER B to Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame or Luxembourg | Official taxi |
| Saint-Germain-des-Prés | RER B to Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, then walk or connect | Official taxi |
| Opéra | RER B to Châtelet–Les Halles + Metro 14 to Madeleine | Official taxi |
| Eiffel Tower | RER B to Denfert-Rochereau + Metro 6 to Bir-Hakeim | Official taxi |
| Montparnasse | RER B to Denfert-Rochereau + Metro 4 or 6 | Official taxi |
| Gare de Lyon | Bus 9517 + Metro 14, or RER B + RER A via Châtelet | Official taxi |
| Nation | Bus 351 direct, or RER B + RER A via Châtelet | Official taxi |
| Montmartre | RER B to Gare du Nord, then Metro, bus or taxi | Official taxi direct |
One simple transfer is usually easier than several short connections, especially with luggage.
Travelling from CDG to Paris with Children
Children under 4 travel free; those aged 4 to under 10 can use the €7 reduced airport ticket. A family of four with two reduced-fare children pays €42 on the RER B, versus €56 or €65 for an official taxi, making door-to-door travel worth comparing.
Request and confirm any child seat when booking a private transfer. Organise each passenger’s ticket before approaching the gates.
Accessibility and Heavy Luggage
Accessibility varies across the RER and Metro networks, and lifts can be unavailable. Check both the arrival station and any interchange before travelling.
Bus 9517 has luggage storage but still requires a transfer. An official taxi or pre-booked accessible transfer is usually more practical for passengers who cannot manage stairs, long corridors or luggage independently. Arrange a wheelchair-accessible vehicle ahead whenever possible.
Common Mistakes When Travelling from CDG to Paris
Buying the Wrong RER Ticket
The ordinary €2.55 Metro–Train–RER ticket is not valid for airport entry or exit on the RER B. Buy the €14 Paris Region–Airports ticket or use a pass that explicitly includes CDG.
Going to the Wrong Airport Station
Terminal 2 uses Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 use Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1, with CDGVAL connecting Terminal 1 to the station area.
Following Old RoissyBus Advice
RoissyBus closed permanently on March 1, 2026. Older blogs, videos and saved maps may still show the service.
Accepting an Unofficial Taxi Offer
Ignore drivers soliciting passengers inside the terminal. Follow the official Taxi signs and use the regulated rank.
Assuming Ride-Hailing Pickup Is at the Curb
Uber, Bolt and Free Now use designated pickup locations. Confirm the exact point in the app before requesting your vehicle.
Forgetting to Check Strikes or Rail Disruptions
Planned engineering works, strikes and unexpected service disruptions can affect the RER B, Metro and airport bus routes.
Check the official journey planner shortly before leaving the airport, particularly during evenings, weekends, public holidays and major construction periods. Do not rely entirely on directions saved several days before your journey.
If the RER B is heavily disrupted, compare the available replacement services with the fixed-fare official taxi option. Passengers travelling with children, heavy luggage or limited mobility may find the taxi more practical during a major disruption.
Ignoring the Final Connection
An airport route does not end when you reach central Paris. Check the walk, Metro transfer and accessibility from your final station to the hotel before selecting the cheapest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Way to Get from Paris CDG to Paris City Center?
The RER B is the best option for most travellers because it costs €14, avoids road traffic and reaches several central Paris stations in approximately 25–50 minutes. Choose an official taxi when door-to-door convenience is more important.
What Is the Cheapest Way from CDG to Central Paris?
Bus 350 or 351 costs €2.05 with a Bus–Tram ticket loaded on Navigo Easy, before any onward connection. Bus 9517 plus Metro Line 14 costs €4.60 with preloaded Navigo Easy tickets and is usually a faster budget option.
What Is the Fastest Way from CDG to Paris?
The RER B is normally the fastest reliable option because it is not affected by motorway congestion. It reaches Gare du Nord in roughly 25–35 minutes. A taxi may be faster in very light traffic if your hotel is far from an RER station.
How Much Is the RER B from CDG to Paris in 2026?
The Paris Region–Airports ticket costs €14 for adults and €7 for eligible reduced-fare passengers, including children aged 4 to under 10. Children under 4 travel free.
How Much Is a Taxi from CDG to Paris in 2026?
The official fixed fare is €56 to an address on the Right Bank and €65 to an address on the Left Bank. These fares apply to direct journeys within Paris; destinations outside Paris are generally metered.
Does the RER B Run All Night?
No. The RER B normally operates from approximately 4:50 a.m. until midnight. After the railway closes, check the Noctilien night buses or take an official taxi or pre-booked transfer.
Is the RER B Safe with Luggage?
Many airport passengers use the RER B with luggage. Keep bags zipped and close to you, especially near doors, ticket gates and crowded central stations. Avoid placing phones, passports or wallets in easily accessible outer pockets.
Does the Navigo Day Pass Include CDG Airport?
No. The 2026 Navigo Day pass excludes airport access via the RER B. Use the €14 Paris Region–Airports ticket or a qualifying all-zone pass such as Navigo Week or Paris Visite.
Is Uber or Bolt Cheaper Than a Taxi from CDG?
Sometimes, but not consistently. Ride-hailing prices change with demand and vehicle availability. Compare the live app price with the regulated official taxi fare of €56 to the Right Bank or €65 to the Left Bank.
Can I Pay for the RER B with a Contactless Bank Card?
You can use a bank card to purchase the €14 airport ticket from a machine or official transport app. Do not assume the bank card itself functions as the RER ticket at the gate. Load the airport ticket onto a compatible smartphone or Navigo Easy pass and validate that device before entering.
Continue Planning Your Paris CDG Journey
Getting into Paris is only one part of a smooth airport experience. Continue planning with these related guides:
- Paris CDG Airport Guide — terminals, transport and airport facilities
- Paris CDG Arrival Guide — passport control, baggage reclaim and customs
- Paris CDG Transit Guide — connections, terminal changes and layovers
- Paris Airport Fast Track — when priority airport services may be worthwhile
Final Thoughts
For most visitors, the RER B offers the best balance of price, speed and convenience from Paris CDG to Paris city center. Bus 9517 plus Metro Line 14 is the strongest budget alternative, while an official taxi is better for families, heavy luggage and door-to-door travel.
The right choice depends on your arrival time, accommodation and luggage. Check your final connection, buy the correct ticket and keep a backup option in mind—especially during planned RER B disruptions.