Getting to the City from Paris Airports
Paris is served by two major international airports. Both are well connected to the city, but the routes, transport options, and overall logic differ noticeably. Depending on which airport you arrive at, the fastest, cheapest, or most convenient way into the city can vary significantly. This guide walks you through the available options for each airport, so you can choose what fits your arrival time, destination, and travel style best.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Charles de Gaulle Airport is Paris’s main international gateway and one of the largest airports in Europe. It is located northeast of the city and is directly connected to central Paris by rail and bus services. Depending on the time of day and your final destination, travel times and comfort levels can vary significantly.
The Fastest Connection: RER B
The RER B line is the fastest public transport option into the city. The trains run from 4:50 a.m. to 11:50 p.m and depart directly from stations inside the airport. Terminals 2A–2F are served by the station “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 – TGV.” Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are connected via the internal CDGVAL shuttle to “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1.”
- Price (one-way Paris Region <> Airports Ticket): €14,00, $15,00
- Most relevant stops in Paris: Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Denfert-Rochereau
- Travel time: 30 minutes to Gare du Nord, 35 minutes to Châtelet–Les Halles
- Frequency: Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes during the day
*Prices as of January 2026
The Cheapest Connection: City Bus Lines 350 and 351
These regular city buses are the cheapest way to reach Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport. They operate from 6:05 a.m. to 10:30 p.m, stop frequently and take considerably longer than the RER.
Bus 350
- Price (one-way ticket): €2.05, $2.20*
- Destination in Paris: Porte de la Chapelle
- Travel time: 60 to 80 minutes, depending on traffic
- Every 15 to 30 minutes during the day
Bus 351
- Price (one-way ticket): €2.05, $2.20*
- Destination in Paris: Nation
- Travel time: 70 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic
- Frequency: Every 20 to 40 minutes during the day
*Prices as of January 2026
The Night Connection: Night Bus Lines N140 and N143
When the RER and regular city buses stop running, night bus lines take over the service, roughly from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., depending slightly on the line and day.
N140
- Price (one-way ticket): €2.05, $2.20*
- Destination in Paris: Gare de l’Est (with stops near Gare du Nord)
- Travel time: 90 to 100 minutes
- Frequency: Every 30 to 60 minutes during the night
N143
- Price (one-way ticket): €2.05, $2.20*
- Destination in Paris: Gare du Nord
- Travel time: 90 to 100 minutes
- Frequency: Every 30 to 60 minutes during the night
*Prices as of January 2026
Important change from March 2026
The classic RoissyBus linking Opéra with Charles de Gaulle Airport will be discontinued from March 1, 2026. Instead of a direct city bus, airport access will rely on a transfer-based solution.
Travel by Metro Line 14 to Saint-Denis Pleyel, then change to the new Bus 9517, which runs directly to Charles de Gaulle Airport. This shorter route is designed to avoid heavy city traffic and improve reliability. From 2030, travellers will change from Metro Line 14 directly to the new Metro Line 17, replacing the bus connection.
From spring 2027, the CDG Express will offer a 20-minute-non-stop rail link from Gare de l’Est, aimed at travellers prioritising speed and comfort at a higher price.
Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
Paris Orly Airport is located south of the city and mainly serves European and domestic flights. Since the extension of the metro network, Orly now has a fast and direct rail connection into central Paris, making public transport the most practical option for many travellers.
The Fastest Connection: Metro Line 14
Metro Line 14 operates daily from around 5:30 a.m. until approximately 12:30 a.m. and is the fastest and most reliable public transport option into the city. It offers a direct, fully automated metro ride without transfers and is significantly quicker than bus-based options, especially during peak traffic hours.
- Price (one-way Paris Region <> Airports Ticket): €14.00, $15.00*
- Most relevant stops in Paris: Olympiades, Bercy, Châtelet, Pyramides, Madeleine, Saint-Lazare
- Travel time: 25 minutes to Châtelet, 30 minutes to Saint-Lazare
- Frequency: Trains run every 2 to 4 minutes during the day.
*Prices as of January 2026
The Cheapest Connection: Tram T7 + Metro Line 7
This is the most budget-friendly public transport option. The journey starts with the tram and requires a transfer to the metro, using separate tickets.
- Price (one-way): €2.05, $2.20* for Tram T7 and €2.55, $2.75* for Metro Line 7, Total: €4.30, $4.80*
- Most relevant stops in Paris: Villejuif–Louis Aragon (transfer point), Place d’Italie, Châtelet
- Travel time: 45 to 60 minutes into central Paris, depending on destination
- Frequency: Tram T7 runs every 6 to 10 minutes, Metro Line 7 runs every 4 to 8 minutes
- Operating hours: 5:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m.
*Prices as of January 2026
Orlyval – Alternative connection via RER B
Orlyval is an automated people mover linking Antony (RER B) with Paris-Orly Airport and serves as an alternative route with an additional transfer.
- Price (one-way ticket): €11.30, $12.30*
- Travel time: 8 minutes
- Operating hours: 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Frequency: every 5 to 7 minutes
Prices as of January 2026
Important note: For a complete overview of public transport in Paris, please refer to our guide Getting Around Paris – Public Transport and Tickets Made Simple.
Uber at Paris Airports
Uber is widely used and well established at both Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport, representing a real alternative to taxis, particularly if you prefer app-based booking, card payment, and upfront pricing. There are designated pickup zones at both airports, clearly signposted as Ride-hailing/VTC. Pickup works reliably, especially during daytime and evening hours. Prices are not fixed, but shown in the app before booking.
Taxis from Paris Airports
Official taxis are widely available at both Paris airports and are a reliable option if you arrive late, carry a lot of luggage, or prefer a door-to-door transfer without transfers or stairs. Travel times depend heavily on traffic. From Charles de Gaulle, journeys usually take 45 to 75 minutes. From Orly, expect 30 to 60 minutes under normal conditions. Taxis accept cash and card payments. Tips are not mandatory but rounding up is common.
Where to find official taxis
At both Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport, official taxis wait at clearly marked taxi ranks outside the terminals. You should always use these designated stands and avoid drivers approaching you inside the terminal.
Fixed fares to the city
Taxi fares from the airports to Paris are fixed, not metered, depending on the destination area.
Charles de Gaulle Airport → Paris
- Right Bank: €53, $58*
- Left Bank: €58, $64*
Orly Airport → Paris
- Right Bank: €32, $35*
- Left Bank: €37, $41*
*Prices as of January 2026
Private Transfers from Paris Airports
Private transfers are pre-booked, door-to-door services and represent the most comfortable way to reach your accommodation from the airport. A driver meets you at the terminal or at a clearly defined pickup point and takes you directly to your hotel or apartment. The price is agreed in advance and does not change due to traffic or time of day.
When a private transfer makes sense
- Late-night or very early arrivals
- Large amounts of luggage
- Families or groups
- Travellers who want maximum comfort and zero transfers
Summary
Paris offers a wide range of ways to reach the city from its two main airports. Public transport provides fast and affordable options, with direct rail and metro connections covering most travel needs. Airport buses and taxis add flexibility, while private transfers offer maximum comfort for late arrivals or travellers with luggage. The best choice depends on your airport, arrival time, destination, and how much convenience you want on your first journey into the city.
