Traveling to Paris is always an exciting adventure, but figuring out how to get from the airport to the city center can be confusing, especially if it’s your first visit. With multiple airports and numerous transport options available, knowing which one suits your needs can save you time and hassle. Well, there isn’t any magic solution but In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular ways to get from Paris airports (Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais) to the city center.
What Are the Main Airports in Paris ?
Paris is served by three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA). CDG is the largest and most well-known, handling the majority of international flights. Orly is closer to the city and primarily caters to domestic and European routes, while Beauvais, located farther away, is mainly used by low-cost carriers. The map below shows their locations in relation to the city, giving you an idea of the distance and direction of each airport.
Using Transportation in Paris
Something VERY important, that we always want you to remember, is that you need to have your ticket used to get on the transportation. Paris is one of the cities with the largest amount of ticket-skippers, so you’ll see a lot of inspectors around. If you are requested to show your ticket and you don’t have it you’re facing a fine of 60 euros or more and there is no valid excuse for tourists.
The first thing you need to have is a full-charged cellphone. There you can go to:
In these options, you can enter your starting point and your destination. They will give you all the options and the time it will take to get there, including any possible delays! (We swear it almost never fails since these apps are fed with official information from the Paris transport office).
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris City Center
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the main international airport in Paris and has the most extensive range of transportation options to the city center.
RER Train (Line B) + Metro
One of the fastest and most affordable options to reach central Paris is by taking the RER B train. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using this service:
- Where to Catch It: Follow signs for the “Trains to Paris” at the airport. You’ll find the RER station located at both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
- Buying Tickets: You can buy tickets at the self-service machines or ticket counters in the station. A one-way ticket costs around €10.30. Consider using contactless payment cards or the Navigo pass for added convenience.
- The Journey: The RER B line stops at key city center stations like Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. From these stations, you can easily transfer to the Paris Metro to reach your final destination.
- Travel Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes to central Paris.
- Pros and Cons: This option is budget-friendly and quick, but it can be crowded, especially during rush hours. Traveling with large luggage can be challenging due to stairs and crowded carriages.
- Insider Tip: If you’re carrying heavy luggage, avoid peak hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM) to make your journey more comfortable.
RoissyBus
For a more straightforward route, the RoissyBus takes you directly to Opéra in the city center. It’s operated by the RATP and designed with travelers in mind.
- Where to Catch It: The buses depart from terminals 1, 2, and 3 at CDG. Follow the signs for the RoissyBus stops.
- Buying Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines, online, or directly from the driver. The cost is around €13.70.
- The Journey: The bus has special spaces for luggage, so you won’t need to worry about carrying your bags in cramped spaces.
- Travel Time: Approximately 60-75 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Pros and Cons: This option is more comfortable if you have large suitcases. However, travel time can vary due to road traffic, particularly during peak hours.
Taxi or Rideshare (Uber)
If convenience is your priority, taking a taxi is the best option. Taxis in Paris have fixed rates for trips from the airports:
- Cost: Approximately €55 from CDG to the Right Bank and €60 to the Left Bank.
- Where to Find Them: Official taxi ranks are located at the airport exits. Avoid unofficial taxis to prevent overcharging.
- Pros and Cons: A taxi provides door-to-door service and is the most convenient for those with a lot of luggage. However, it’s the most expensive option and can take longer during peak traffic hours.
- Insider Tip: Pre-book a taxi or rideshare to avoid long queues, especially during high travel seasons.
Orly (ORY) to Paris City Center
Orly is the second-largest airport in Paris and is closer to the city center than CDG, offering a few different options for transportation.
Orlyval + RER B
This combination provides a quick connection to the RER B line:
- Where to Catch It: Take the Orlyval shuttle from the airport to Antony station.
- Buying Tickets: Tickets can be bought at the Orlyval station or in advance online. The total cost for the Orlyval and RER journey to central Paris is around €12.10.
- The Journey: Once on the RER B, you’ll head towards the city center, stopping at key stations just like the CDG route.
- Travel Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes.
- Pros and Cons: It’s relatively fast, but changing trains and managing luggage can be tricky.
OrlyBus
- Where to Catch It: OrlyBus stops are located outside the airport terminals.
- Buying Tickets: Purchase tickets at machines, online, or from the driver. The cost is €9.50.
- The Journey: It takes you directly to Denfert-Rochereau in central Paris, where you can connect to the Metro.
- Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Pros and Cons: Comfortable for travelers with luggage, but travel time can fluctuate depending on traffic.
Beauvais (BVA) to Paris City Center
Beauvais is a smaller, more distant airport that mainly serves low-cost airlines. Accessing this airport is only possible via buses departing from various points in the city. Among them, the most well-known and commonly used is the Aérobus. The trip takes approximately 1:15 to 1:30 hours, costing between 15 and 17 euros. This price is almost double that of other tickets and quite high compared to the cost of flights from this airport, so keep this in mind before purchasing!
Getting to central Paris requires some planning:
Aérobus
- Where to Catch It: The shuttle bus departs from outside the airport terminal.
- Buying Tickets: Tickets can be bought at the airport, online, or from the bus driver. The cost is around €17 one way.
- The Journey: It takes you to Porte Maillot in Paris.
- Travel Time: Approximately 75-90 minutes.
- Pros and Cons: This is the only direct public transport option, but it’s more expensive and takes longer due to the airport’s distance.
Extra Tips for Getting Around Paris
Navigo Pass
If you plan to stay in Paris for a week or longer, consider getting a Navigo pass. It provides unlimited travel on public transportation, including buses, metros, and RER trains within the Île-de-France region.
If you want to know more about the Passe Navigo, here is a post with all the necessary information about this Paris transport pass.
Late-Night Flights
If your flight arrives late at night, be aware that public transportation options are limited after midnight. You may need to rely on a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle.
Traveling with Family or Groups
Taxis or private shuttles might be more cost-effective and convenient for groups or those traveling with children.
Finding the Best Option for You
Your choice of transport will depend on factors like budget, travel time, and luggage. Whether you prefer the speed of the RER, the convenience of a taxi, or the affordability of buses, Paris offers options to suit every traveler.
Take Extra Time, Plan Ahead!
Another thing to consider is your flight time. In Europe, both international and domestic flights require you to arrive 2 hours in advance. However, most means of transportation to the airports stop running around midnight and resume around 5 AM. Given that many low-cost airlines offer promotional flights departing at 6 AM, you should plan your transportation carefully if you want to avoid taking a taxi.
Beware of taxi scammers!
If you need to take a taxi, we recommend that you always agree on the price before getting in or have the person you are staying with arrange it. This way, you can avoid any surprises upon arrival at your destination.
