How to get from the airport to Paris: public transportation
Whether you’re flying into Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG), Orly or even Beauvais, there are plenty of options on how to get from the airport to Paris or wherever you are going from there. Everyone has their preference when it comes to getting from the airport. I’ve tried them all and I don’t think I have a preference. We like to take the taxi when we’ve got too much luggage coming back (because of what I like to bring back) or when we have guests because it’s less of a hassle. If it’s a simple trip, then we’ll take the RER back to the city. Remember, take whatever is most comfortable for you and makes you most at ease.
Here are your different options when it comes to getting from the airport to Paris. Each is broken down into sections based on the airport and then based on the type of transportation.
Table of Contents
Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport
Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, commonly known as Paris CDG, is the largest and busiest airport in France, located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris city center. CDG is a major hub for both domestic and international flights, with companies such as Air France, Delta, Lufthansa, KLM, Emirates and others operating out of here. There are 3 main terminals, with Terminal 2 being further divided into 7 sub-terminals.
- Terminal 1 serves primarily international flights.
- Terminal 2, the largest terminal at CDG, serves different airlines and destinations and is where most international and long-haul flights operate out of.
- Terminal 3 is mainly used for charter and low-cost carriers.
There is an automated shuttle service called CDGVAL, connecting all terminals and long-term parking areas for easy access within the airport. CDG is also well-connected to Paris city center and surrounding areas by various public transportation options, including RER trains, buses, and airport shuttles.
Roissy Bus
The Roissy Bus is an airport shuttle service that connects central Paris, departing from Opéra Garnier, with CDG.
The Roissy Bus operates along a direct route between central Paris and CDG Airport Terminal 2 (and then Terminals 1 and 3). The bus route starts from the Opéra Garnier (11 rue Scribe, 75009) area in central Paris and travels non-stop to CDG Airport, making it convenient for passengers traveling to and from the airport.
The service runs regularly throughout the day with buses departing approximately every 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day. This frequent schedule makes it a reliable transportation option for travelers. The Roissy Bus offers a direct journey from Opéra Garnier to CDG Airport, taking approximately 60 to 75 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The travel time may vary during peak hours due to traffic congestion.
Passengers can purchase tickets for the Roissy Bus service either online, at ticket counters, or directly from the bus driver (cash only). The tickets are valid for a single one-way journey between the city center and the airport. Prices are generally reasonable compared to other transportation options like taxis or private shuttles. Tickets start at 16,60€ or 14,50€ on the Navigo Easy, Navigo Liberté pass or on a smartphone. It is included if you have the Navigo Monthly pass.
The Roissy Bus service is considered a convenient and cost-effective way to travel between central Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport. It offers a direct connection without requiring transfers, which can be advantageous for travelers carrying luggage. The service is accessible to most travelers, including those with mobility needs. However, it’s recommended to check with the operator for specific accessibility features or requirements.
RER B
Using the RER B train is a convenient and relatively economical way to travel from CDG Airport to Paris, providing direct access to various parts of the city. RER stands for Réseau Express Régional, Reginal Express Network and is is a hybrid commuter train and rapid transit system serving Paris and the surrounding suburbs. Here’s a breakdown of how you can use the RER B option to travel from CDG Airport to Paris:
After you’ve landed at CDG Airport, follow the signs within the airport to locate the RER B train station. CDG Airport has two RER B stations, one serving Terminal 2 and another serving Terminal 3/Roissypole (for Terminal 1).
You can buy tickets either from the ticket counters or automated machines at the train station. Make sure to select a ticket that covers your journey from CDG to your destination in Paris. A one-way ticket will cost you 11,80€ to get into Paris.
The RER B train has several stops within Paris, including popular locations like Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Port-Royal, and Denfert-Rochereau. Once you have your ticket, proceed to the platform and wait for the RER B train. Ensure that the train you’re boarding is headed towards a station in Paris (direction Robinson, Antony, or Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse). Sit back and enjoy the journey.
Some things to know about taking the RER :
- Make sure to purchase a ticket that covers your entire journey to Paris. Consider buying a ticket for zones 1-5 to cover the trip from CDG Airport to central Paris.
- Make sure to keep your ticket with you at all times in case of a check from the agents as well as you will need it to get out of the train station at your final stop.
- Trains typically run quite frequently, especially during peak hours. However, it’s a good idea to check the schedule to avoid long waits.
- The RER B trains can be crowded at times, especially during rush hours. If you have a lot of luggage, try to find a less crowded carriage or be prepared for a bit of jostling.
Bus
Bus 350
Bus 350 starts its journey from Porte de la Chapelle, 76 boulevard de Strasbourg 75010, which is a transport hub in the north of Paris. It then travels towards Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, making several stops along the way. The bus route includes stops at various locations between Porte de la Chapelle and Charles de Gaulle Airport. Some key stops along the route may include Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Porte de la Villette, Porte de Pantin, and Aulnay-sous-Bois (RER). The final stop of Bus 350 is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). This makes it a convenient option for travelers looking to reach the airport directly from the city.
Bus 350 operates daily, typically starting early in the morning (from Paris 6:05 AM, from CDG 5:33 AM) and running until late at night (from Paris 10:30 PM, from CDG 9:30 PM). The frequency of buses may vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. The travel time between Porte de la Chapelle and Charles de Gaulle Airport depends on traffic conditions but generally takes around 60-90 minutes.
To use Bus 350, you can purchase a ticket (2,15€ one-way) from the driver upon boarding or any any ticket window or automatic distributor. It’s recommended to have the exact fare ready (or use a transportation card if you have one). Alternatively, some passengers may use contactless payment methods. It’s advisable to check the current schedule and any updates on the RATP or IDF Mobilitès website or app to confirm the latest information regarding Bus 350 timings and stops.
Bus 351
Bus 351 starts at Place de la Nation (2 avenue du Trône, 75012) in the 12th arrondissement of Paris and terminates at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Bus 351 operates regularly throughout the day. However, it’s recommended to check the current schedule as it may vary depending on the day of the week and time of day. Generally, the service starts early in the morning and runs until late at night.
The journey from Place de la Nation to CDG Airport typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. This can vary during peak hours. From Paris, direction CDG, the bus typically runs from 7 AM to 9:37 PM. From CDG to Paris, the hours are 5:35 AM to 8:20 PM. It’s always a good idea to verify the most up-to-date information about Bus 351, including schedules and any potential changes in routes or services, closer to your travel date. This can be done through official transportation websites or by asking at information centers in Paris.
The bus makes stops along the route, including at major locations and transport hubs. At CDG Airport, the bus serves several terminals, so make sure to check which terminal you need to go to. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver when boarding the bus for 2,15€ (one-way). It’s advisable to have cash on hand for purchasing tickets.
While Bus 351 is a convenient option, there are other transportation options available between Place de la Nation and CDG Airport, such as the RER B train line, which also provides direct access to the airport from various locations in Paris.
Orly Airport
Orly Bus
The Orly Bus operates between Orly Airport (both terminals, Orly Sud and Orly Ouest) and central Paris. The bus route terminates at Paris’s Denfert-Rochereau station in the 14th.
When you arrive at Orly Airport, you can find the Orly Bus stop outside either Orly Sud (South) or Orly Ouest (West) terminals. Look for signs indicating the direction towards the Orly Bus station. You can purchase tickets for the Orly Bus at dedicated ticket vending machines located at the Orly Bus stops. Alternatively, you can buy tickets online or at certain airport kiosks. Tickets are 11,50€ for a cardboard ticket (10,30€ on the Navigo Easy, Navigo Liberté).
The Orly Bus operates at regular intervals throughout the day. Buses typically run every 20 to 30 minutes, but it’s always good to check the schedule in advance for the most accurate timings. If you are leaving from Denfert-Rochereau in Paris, the first bus leaves at 6 AM and runs till 12:30 AM. If you are leaving from Orly airport, the first bus leave at 5:35 AM and runs till 12 AM. The journey from Orly Airport to Denfert-Rochereau station in Paris usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The Orly Bus terminates at Denfert-Rochereau station, which is located in the southern part of central Paris (14th arrondissement). From here, you can easily access other parts of Paris using the metro or buses. Denfert-Rochereau station is a transportation hub in Paris, offering connections to several metro lines (4 and 6) and RER B (a suburban train line). This makes it convenient to reach popular areas like Saint-Michel, Châtelet, Gare du Nord, and Charles de Gaulle Airport (via RER B).
Orlyval
The Orlyval begins its journey at Antony station, which is an interchange station on the RER B line. Antony station is located to the south of central Paris, and you can reach it by taking the RER B train from various locations within Paris or from Charles de Gaulle Airport if you’re arriving from there. The Orlyval operates on a separate track and platform within Antony station, clearly marked for Orly Airport.
Before boarding the Orlyval, you’ll need to purchase a specific ticket for the Orlyval service. You can buy tickets from vending machines at Antony station or at other designated ticket counters. The price of a ticket costs 11,30€.
The Orlyval journey from Antony station to Orly Airport is a quick and direct ride. The light rail system is automated and runs on a dedicated track, ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer. The Orlyval terminates at Orly Airport. The train stops at both Orly Sud (South) and Orly Ouest (West) terminals, allowing passengers to easily access either terminal depending on their airline.
The Orlyval operates at regular intervals throughout the day, with frequent departures to accommodate travelers. The journey time between Antony station and Orly Airport is typically around 8 minutes. The Orlyval is a convenient option for travelers needing to transfer between Antony station (connected to the RER B line) and Orly Airport. It offers a fast and reliable connection, especially for those arriving from or departing to locations served by the RER B line. Antony station itself is well-connected to other parts of Paris and its suburbs via the RER B line. From Antony, you can easily travel to central Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport, and other locations served by the RER B network.
Tamway T7
The Tramway T7 is a modern tram line that connects Villejuif-Louis Aragon (in the southern suburbs of Paris) to Athis-Mons (a commune near Orly Airport). To take Tramway T7 to Orly Airport, you’ll first need to identify the nearest tram stop along the T7 route that is convenient for your location. Tramway T7 runs through several suburbs south of Paris, so you might need to travel to a specific station or stop along the line. Depending on your starting point, you can reach Tramway T7 by using other modes of transportation such as metro, bus, or RER (suburban train). Tramway T7 intersects with various transportation hubs and metro stations, so check the map to find the nearest access point.
Once you’re at the tram stop, wait for Tramway T7 to arrive. Trams on this line are typically frequent, with departures every few minutes during peak times. Before boarding, ensure you have a valid ticket for Tramway T7. You can purchase tickets from ticket vending machines located at tram stops (one time use tickets are 2,15€) or use your contactless transportation card (like Navigo or Paris Visite pass) if you have one.
Tramway T7 follows a specific route from Villejuif-Louis Aragon through various suburbs including Thiais and Choisy-le-Roi before reaching Athis-Mons. Tramway T7 has a dedicated stop at Orly Airport. The tram stop at the airport is located near Orly Sud (South) terminal and provides convenient access to the airport’s terminals. The travel time on Tramway T7 from Villejuif-Louis Aragon to Orly Airport can vary depending on your starting point along the route. Typically, the journey takes around 35-45 minutes. At Orly Airport, you can transfer to the Orlyval light rail system (as mentioned earlier) for direct access to Antony station on the RER B line or travel directly to central Paris using the Orly Bus or other transportation options.
Paris - Beauvais Airport
Your best way to get to Beauvais airport is by taking the shuttle bus directly from Porte Maillot (22-24, boulevard Pershing 75017 ) in Paris to Beauvais city center. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Make sure to check the bus schedule and buy tickets in advance.
The shuttle buses are timed to coincide with flight departures and arrivals, typically it leaves 3 hours before your flight. At the airport, departures to Paris – Porte Maillot take place 20 to 25 minutes after the arrival of each flight. If a flight is delayed, the timetable of the departure of the shuttle will be adjusted. A one-way ticket is either 16,90€ if bought online and 18€ if bought at a ticket window. You can also purchase round tickets for either 22,90€ (online) or 35€ (in-person).
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