Airport to City
Charles de Gaulle to Paris Centre: The Honest Comparison
CDG sits 15 miles northeast of Paris and offers a rail link that is fast but tired, a bus that is comfortable but slow, and a flat fare taxi system that removes most of the guesswork.
Route at a glance
- From
- Paris Charles de Gaulle
- To
- Central Paris
- Distance
- About 15 miles
- Typical time
- 35 to 75 minutes
Comparing your options
Typical characteristics rather than live prices or timetables. Always check the operator on the day you travel.
| Option | Typical journey | Cost character | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RER B train | 35 to 50 min | About 12 EUR | Speed on a budget |
| Roissybus | 60 to 75 min | About 17 EUR | Opera area, easy luggage |
| Taxi flat fare | 40 to 75 min | 56 to 65 EUR | Groups, evenings |
| Private transfer | 40 to 75 min | Fixed quote | Families and first visits |
The RER B in plain terms
The RER B connects both CDG stations with Gare du Nord, Chatelet Les Halles and Saint Michel. It is the fastest scheduled route into the city and costs far less than a taxi. It is also crowded, occasionally delayed, and not built for large suitcases.
Terminal 1 passengers reach the station by the free CDGVAL shuttle. Terminal 2 has a station within the complex. Terminal 3 is a short walk. Check which station your train serves, as some services skip one.
Fixed taxi fares remove the risk
Paris operates a regulated flat fare between CDG and the city, split between the Right Bank and the Left Bank. The price covers the whole car regardless of passenger count or luggage, which makes it genuinely good value for three or four travelers. Use only the official rank and refuse any offer made inside the terminal building.
When the bus wins
Roissybus runs from all terminals to the Opera district and is slower than rail but far easier with bags, with dedicated luggage space and no stairs. If your hotel is in the 1st, 2nd or 9th arrondissement, it can be the least stressful option of all.
Timing advice
- Avoid road transfers into Paris during the 08:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 19:30 windows.
- RER B service is reduced very early and very late, with replacement buses on some nights.
- Keep your rail ticket until you exit, as barriers require it at the destination.
- Pickpocketing is a genuine concern on crowded RER services, so keep bags in front of you.
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