How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris City

When visiting Paris as an independent traveler, the first thing you need to think about is how to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris city.

There are various ways to get there, such as buses, trains, and taxies, but each has its own differences in cost and travel time, and it can be quite confusing to know which one to choose.

In this article, I would like to introduce such an annoying problem, comparing the characteristics of each means of transportation and which means should be used.

How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris City

To Paris City

There are several ways to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris city.

Roissy Bus
Le Bus Direct
RER B 　LINE B
taxi
Travel agency transportation

There are several other ways to do this, but if you are a regular traveler, you will have to choose one of these.

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so please choose the one that best suits your travel plans.

Roissy Bus

Practical information

Roissy Bus　

Operating Segment: CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) ⇔ Opera

Operating hours: 06:00~24:00

Running interval: 20 minutes before and after

Time required: 60 minutes

Fare: €13.7

It is the most popular means of transportation for independent travelers.

The bus stop is close to any terminal, so you can use it without getting lost.

It is also a safe mode of transportation as it arrives non-stop to the destination opera after leaving the airport.

Roissy Bus

Advantages

Close to terminal exits and boarding areas
Non-stop from the airport to the opera
Definitely a sit-down ride
Low fares

Disadvantages

You have to go around all the terminals.
You can get stuck in traffic jams
If you have a lot of luggage, it can be difficult to get it onto the bus
Difficult to get around afterwards unless you are staying in a hotel in the Opera area

Le Bus Direct

Practical information

Le Bus Direct

Ligne 2: CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) ⇔ Porte Maillot ⇔ Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees ⇔ Trocadéro ⇔ Eiffel Tower

Ligne 4: CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) ⇔ Gare de Lyon ⇔ Gare Montparnasse

Operating hours: 05:00~24:00

Interval: around 30 minutes

Time required: 60 to 80 minutes

Fare: €18 (€31 round trip)

Originally called Les Cars Air France and operated by Air France, it is now called Le Bus Direct and is the official bus service of the airport.

The arrival point is different from the Roissy bus, so please choose the one that best suits your hotel or other destination.

Le Bus Direct

Advantages

Can go to places where Roissy bus and RER do not stop directly
You can travel sitting down for sure.
Good seats
Free wifi and power plugs
You can store your luggage in a compartment (under the vehicle) so you don’t have to carry it inside
You can buy your ticket in advance

Disadvantages

If your destination is not the end of the line, you will have to get off the train.
I worry about my suitcase and other belongings while the bus is stopped.
The fare is rather expensive.
It may take a long time due to traffic jams, etc. because of the distance to travel within Paris.
There is a risk of sharing a seat when the train is crowded or on the way back.

RER LINE B

Practical information

RER Line B

Route: CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) ⇔ Gard Nord ⇔ Chatelet-Les Halles ⇔ Saint-Michel Notre-Dame ⇔ Luxembourg ⇔ Port-Royal ⇔ Denfert-Rochereau ⇔

Operating hours: 04:50~23:50 (issued by CDG)

Running interval: 15 minutes before and after

Time required: 30~40 minutes

Fee: 10.3 euros

The RER Line B is the fastest way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris City.

Although you have to walk a bit from the terminal exit, the total travel time is the shortest since there are many services.

If you take a train that stops at every station, you will pass through unsafe stations along the way, so be careful.

RER B

Advantages

Shortest travel time to Paris
The cheapest fare
Many trains in operation
Transfers to other RER lines possible

Disadvantages

Driving through unsafe areas
It is a long way from the terminal exit to the boarding area
At Terminal 1, you may need to travel further to get to the boarding area
Depending on the station you arrive at, it may take some time to get off the ground

Taxi

Practical information

Taxi

Operating section: None

Operating hours: 24 hours

Service interval: None

Time required: 30~40 minutes

Boarding location: Designated terminal location

Fare: Paris Right Bank 50 Euros Paris Left Bank 55 Euros (outside of Paris city limits is the usual metered rate)

Additional fees may apply depending on the situation.

Taxies are a quick and easy way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris with very little waiting time.

If you take a bus or train, it is difficult to get from the stop to your hotel, but a taxi will take you right to your hotel, no matter where it is.

Of course, the fare is higher, and depending on the number of people and the amount of luggage, you may not be able to get through.

In addition, fares are now fixed, so it is much easier to use taxies with peace of mind than before.

However, if you are staying outside of Paris, you will be charged the normal rate, so be sure to confirm the address of your accommodation beforehand.

Also, be aware that there are many illegal taxies that will call out to you as soon as you exit the customs checkpoint at the terminal.

Be sure to take a taxi from the designated taxi stand at the terminal.

taxi

Advantages

You can get a ride to the front of the hotel.
No waiting for departure or stopping along the way
You can travel in your own space.
No need to worry about security in the early morning or at night

Disadvantages

Takes longer if you get stuck in traffic
Fees are high
Choose the right type of car if you have a lot of luggage
Some drivers like to talk.

Summary

To choose by fare: RER > ROISSY BUS > Le Bus Direct > Taxi

To choose by time: Taxi > RER >ROISSY BUS = Le Bus Direct

For safety: Taxi > Le Bus Direct = ROISSY BUS > RER

The order may change slightly depending on where you stay, but I think the relationship will be something like this.

Every transportation method has its good and bad sides, so choose the one that best suits your travel plans.

Thank you again for reading to the end of this article.