From the airport into Paris: every option and what it costs

By Camille Laurent, France host 14 October 2026 5 min read

Passengers wait on the platform at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen train station with a regional train in the background. — Photo by Leonard Richards on Pexels

Touchdown at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). The air outside is crisp, a proper mid-October chill hovering around 12°C, with that familiar Seine fog clinging to the tarmac. You’ve just landed in one of the world’s most expensive cities, and your first decision—how to cross the twenty kilometers into the city center—sets the tone for your entire trip. As someone who navigates these routes daily, I’m going to walk you through every option, from the budget-conscious commuter to the luxury traveler, using real figures as they stand right now.

The RER Express Trains: Speed Meets Value

For most visitors, the RER B train from CDG is the pragmatic heart of Parisian transit. It zips underground, emerging directly into the city center, stopping at major hubs like Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. The journey takes roughly 35 minutes if traffic on the rails is smooth—a condition that requires checking the RATP app, especially given recent track renewal works.

The cost is unbeatable: a single ticket across any zone runs about €11.80. This includes the mandatory airport supplement. If you are staying longer, consider the Navigo Découverte pass, but for a quick drop-off, this is your best bet. However, be warned: it gets crowded. During rush hour, or when strikes disrupt other lines, it can feel like sardines. But if you have light luggage and want to avoid road rage, this is the way.

From Orly, take the RER C via the Orlyval shuttle to Antony, then transfer. It’s slightly more complex but still efficient. A single ticket here is also around €11.40.

Buses: The Scenic, Budget-Friendly Alternative

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, the buses are surprisingly pleasant in October. The RoissyBus connects CDG to Opéra Garnier, while the Orlybus runs to Denfert-Rochereau near the Latin Quarter. These are comfortable coaches with luggage racks.

The fare is slightly cheaper than the RER: roughly €11.50 for RoissyBus and €10.50 for Orlybus. The journey time? About an hour, depending on traffic. This is ideal if you are heading toward the 9th arrondissement or Saint-Germain-des-Prés. You get a view of the sprawling suburbs giving way to Haussmannian facades, a nice gradual immersion into the capital.

Taxis and VTCs: Door-to-Door Comfort

Sometimes, after a long haul, you just want to sit in the back and not worry about transfers. Paris taxis are regulated, meaning fixed rates apply for journeys to and from the airports.

From CDG to Left Bank (Rive Gauche): Fixed rate of approximately 56 EUR.
From CDG to Right Bank (Rive Droite): Fixed rate of approximately 62 EUR.
From Orly to City Center: Approximately 37 EUR to the Left Bank, 43 EUR to the Right Bank.

These prices are per vehicle, not per person, so they make sense for groups of three or four. Private transfer services (VTCs like Uber or local firms) vary by demand. Expect to pay between 50 and 80 EUR depending on surge pricing. While convenient, remember that Paris traffic in late afternoon can turn a 40-minute ride into two hours. Use this option if you have heavy bags or are arriving late at night.

Private Transfers: The Seamless Choice

For those prioritizing comfort above all else, pre-booked private drivers offer a meet-and-greet service. You’ll find a driver holding your name sign at arrivals. Costs start around 70 EUR and can climb higher for luxury vehicles. This is worth considering if you are traveling with children or elderly relatives, or if you simply want to skip the queue at the taxi rank.

Navigating Current Disruptions

A note of caution for travelers arriving this week: public transport is experiencing significant turbulence. Metro Line 6 is fully shut down for modernization, and Line 2 has interruptions between Barbès–Rochechouart and Père Lachaise. Strikes in the national education sector may also lead to sporadic protests and blocked streets. Always check the Île-de-France Mobilités app before booking a transfer. If the trains are down, your taxi might be stuck in gridlock.

Getting Around Once You’re In

Once you’ve settled into your hotel in Le Marais or Montmartre, you’ll need to move around. The single metro ticket (€2.50) is valid for one journey. If you plan to use the network more than twice a day, the Navigo Jour pass (€12) offers unlimited travel for 24 hours. For a full month, the Navigo Mois is roughly 90.80 EUR, though you’ll need to buy the card physically at a station.

Remember, Paris is a city best explored on foot. The distance between the Louvre and Saint-Germain-des-Prés is walkable, and the autumn light filtering through the plane trees makes it a joy. Just keep your bag secure; pickpocketing remains the primary risk, especially on crowded lines like Line 1 near the Tuileries.

Whether you choose the speed of the RER, the calm of a bus, or the privacy of a car, Paris welcomes you with open arms. Bon voyage.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a taxi from CDG to central Paris cost?

Fixed rates apply: approximately €56 to the Left Bank and €62 to the Right Bank. Prices are per vehicle.

What is the cheapest way to get from Charles de Gaulle to Paris?

The RER B train is the most economical option at around €11.80 per person, taking roughly 35 minutes to city centers like Châtelet.

Are there current transport disruptions in Paris?

Yes. Metro Line 6 is closed for works, and Line 2 has partial interruptions. Check Île-de-France Mobilités for real-time updates due to ongoing strikes.

How much is a monthly public transport pass in Paris?

The Navigo Mois all-zone pass costs approximately €90.80 as of 2026.

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