Navigating from Paris City Center to Charles de Gaulle Airport: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you're a local or a visitor, finding your way from the city center to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport is a piece of cake with the right information. This guide covers various options, including budget-friendly buses, comfortable taxis, airport transfers, and even car rentals. If you prefer a smooth and stylish departure, private airport transfers are also at your service. Let's ensure your journey from Paris to CDG Airport is truly remarkable! Charles de Gaulle airport is far from central Paris, about 16 miles away. It takes around 45–60 minutes to get to the city center with different vehicles. There are various options for how you can transfer from Roissy Airport to the heart of Paris.
Shuttle RoissyBus: Transfer from City Center to Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Cost: €16.60 | Trip Duration: 60 Min
The RoissyBus is a shuttle bus that goes straight from Paris-Opéra to Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport in just 60 minutes! The RoissyBus stops at different places in the airport: Terminal 1, Terminal 3, Terminal 2AC, Terminal 2D, and Terminal 2EF. It stops at Paris Opéra, at the corner of "rue Scribe" and "rue Auber" in Paris. This makes it an ideal choice for those staying in the 9th arrondissement or near the major department stores.
Key Info & Timing:
- Hours: It runs from 6:00 am to 12:30 am, leaving every 15–20 minutes throughout the day.
- Time: It takes about 60 minutes, though this can vary depending on Paris traffic conditions.
- Where: Catch the Roissybus in central Paris at Palais Opera Garnier, right outside the American Express office at 11, Rue Scribe (corner of Rue Auber). Use Opera or Havre-Caumartin metro stops and look for the "Roissybus" sign. This is where the bus leaves for Charles de Gaulle Airport.
- Cost: It costs €16.60. Pay with cash on the bus or at the airport's ticket places, kiosks, or RATP machines.
- Stops at CDG: T1, T3, T2AC, T2D, and T2EF. Please check your airline's terminal before getting off.
Budget-Friendly Bus Lines 350 and 351: Practical Guide
Discover an efficient and economical way to travel between central Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport with Bus 350 and Bus 351. These convenient bus services provide direct routes to and from key airport terminals, offering affordable prices, reasonable journey times, and frequent schedules. Explore the details below to make your airport transfer hassle-free and budget-friendly.
Bus 350: Paris Heart to CDG
- Stops: Serves Terminals 1, 2A, 2C, 2B, 2D, and 3 from Porte de la Chapelle station.
- Journey time: Usually between 60 to 80 minutes depending on the A1 motorway traffic.
- Prices: €2.10 (purchased at station) or €2.50 if paying directly to the driver on board.
- Timetable: From Porte de la Chapelle: Every day, 5:40 am to 10:30 pm, about every 15 to 35 minutes.
Bus 351: Economic Option from Nation
- Stops: Serves Terminals 1, 2A, 2C, 2B, 2D, and 3 from Place de la Nation. It also stops at the international bus station in Paris, Gallieni.
- Journey time: About 80 minutes as it has many intermediate stops in the suburbs.
- Prices: €2.10 (ticket t+) or €2.50 on board. Accepts Navigo and Paris Visite passes.
- Timetables: From Place de la Nation: Daily, approximately 5:40 am to 8:20 pm, every 7 to 39 minutes.
Noctilien Night Bus: For Late Departures and Early Arrivals
Bus N140: Gare de l'Est Route
Stops: Terminals 1 (Rue Gilbert Dreyfus), 2 (TGV station, Level 5), and 3 (Roissy Pôle - bus station - Quai D) from Gare de l'Est and back. Also serves Gare du Nord. Journey time: Around 100 minutes. Prices: 2 t+ tickets required, €4.20 (or €5 if paying on board). Timetables from Gare de l'Est: Every evening at 1 am, 1:30 am (Weekends/Holidays), 2 am, 3 am, and 3:40 am. Timetables from terminal 3 at CDG: Every evening at 1 am, 2 am, 3 am, and 4 am.
Bus N143: Express Night Option
Serves terminals: Terminals 1 (Gate 10), 2 (TGV station), and 3 (Roissy Pôle) from Gare de l'Est. Also stops at Gare du Nord. Journey time: About 60 minutes. Prices: 2 t+ tickets, €4.20 (€5 on board). Timetables from Gare de l'Est: Every evening at 12:55 am, 1:25 am, 1:55 am, 2:10 am (July/August), 2:25 am, 2:55 am, 3:25 am, 3:55 am, 4:10 am, 4:25 am, 4:45 am, and 5:08 am. From terminal 3 CDG: 12:02 am, 12:32 am, and 1 am.
Efficient and Affordable Travel by RER B Train
This is the most common public transport option for reaching or leaving CDG Airport. Transferring with the RER B Train is a quick way, and the price is cheap. The RER B serves two major stations at Paris - Charles de Gaulle airport:
Station 1
"Charles de Gaulle Airport 1" (Terminal 1 via CDGVal, Terminal 3, and Roissypôle for the bus station).
Station 2
"Charles de Gaulle Airport Gaulle 2 TGV" (Terminals 2A through 2G, and Terminal 2F via N2 shuttle).
Timetables & Connection Speeds
25/30 mins from Gare du Nord | 40 mins from Denfert-Rochereau.
Every 10/20 mins | 4:53 am to 12:15 am.
Every 10/20 mins | 5:26 am to 12:11 am.
Every 10/20 mins | 5:18 am to 0:03 am.
Every 10/20 mins | 4:50 am to 11:50 pm.
Tickets are available via kiosks at all RER stations. Keep your ticket for metro transfers in central Paris.
Additional Pro Tips for Train Passengers:
Purchase tickets from a kiosk, especially with a non-European credit card. Keep the ticket for exiting and transferring; it's valid for 90-minute metro changes within central Paris. If you have heavy luggage, consider other transportation options as some stations lack escalators. Be prepared for train delays or changes, especially during maintenance or strikes. Check the platform information displayed for the right train ("B" line can branch off). RER B operates daily, including public holidays, with an average journey time to Gare du Nord of 35 minutes. Remember: The CDGVal shuttle is free and automatic, connecting all terminals, the train station, and parking areas.
Paris City Center to Charles de Gaulle by Taxi
Cost: €62 | Trip Duration: 20-40 Min
Choosing a taxi for your journey from the heart of Paris to CDG ensures a comfortable and stress-free transfer. Taxis provide door-to-door services, guaranteeing that you arrive directly at your destination. Although not the most economical option, taxis become a valuable choice when dealing with heavy luggage or traveling with children, offering convenience and ease for your travel needs. The trip to the right bank of the river Seine (Rive Droite) costs €55, and the left bank (Rive Gauche) costs €62. If there are up to four people with luggage, you don't have to pay extra money. But if there are more than four people, you'll need to pay €4 for each additional person. Instant bookings have a €4 fee, and scheduled "rendez-vous" cost an extra €7. euro bills are best for cash payments.
Vigilance Tip: The taxi driver may not speak English. Having the written-down location helps you avoid misunderstandings. During rush hours, taking a taxi can be inconvenient as waiting times for an available car increase significantly. Journey time at most will be 20 to 40 minutes, but much longer during busy traffic hours (08:00-10:00 and 17:00-19:00).
Car Rental Adventure
Trip Duration: 35 Min
Another option is a rental car. If baggage and license are ready, it's the best freedom option. Steps: Navigate to A1 Highway (Autoroute du Nord), follow signs to "Aéroport Charles de Gaulle". Note that traffic in Paris can be crowded, especially at peak hours. Use GPS or navigation apps like Waze for real-time traffic updates. At the airport, follow direction signs pointing to your specific terminal.
Private Transfer Excellence
Trip Duration: 35 Min
To have a luxury journey from the Paris city center to CDG, a private airport transfer is the best choice: Book in advance for a safer and stress-free arrival. Enjoy Personalized Service including pick-up at your location and bag assistance. Once in the car, your driver will smoothly drive you through to CDG, giving you a wonderful goodbye view of the city center.
