Paris-CDG Airport to the City Center: The Full Guide
Landing at Paris-CDG (Charles de Gaulle)? The trip to central Paris is about 25 km, and the right choice depends on budget, hotel and group size. First, book your flight to Paris with TopTravelCentre; then pick the cheapest or fastest transfer below.
CDG has three terminals (T1, T2 and T3) connected by a free CDG VAL automated train. Allow extra time if you land at T1 and need T2 for the RER. Here is how every option compares.
Quick comparison: CDG to Paris center
| Option | Price (indicative) | Time to center | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| RER B train | ~€11.80 | ~35 min to Châtelet | Best value + speed |
| Roissybus | ~€17 | ~60 min to Opéra | Hotels near Opéra |
| Direct coaches | ~€17–€19 | ~50–80 min | Étoile / Gare de Lyon |
| Taxi (flat fare) | €60–€65 | ~45–60 min | Groups, families |
Prices are indicative; verify current fares before you travel.
1. RER B — the fastest and best-value option
The RER B regional train is the top choice for most travelers. It leaves from CDG (T1/T3 and T2) and runs directly to Gare du Nord (about 25 minutes), then Châtelet–Les Halles (about 35 minutes), Saint-Michel and Denfert-Rochereau — all central hubs where you switch to the metro. A single ticket costs around €11.80 and trains run every 6–15 minutes from early morning until after midnight.
The RER B beats road transport for speed because it sidesteps Paris traffic, and it is hard to beat on price for a solo traveler.
2. Roissybus — straight to Opéra
The RATP Roissybus links CDG (T1, T2, T3) to the Opéra district, ideal if your hotel sits near Opéra, the Grands Boulevards or the department stores. A single ticket is about €17 and the trip takes 60–75 minutes depending on traffic, with departures every 15–30 minutes.
If Opéra is your base, Roissybus drops you a short walk from your door with no transfers.
3. Direct coaches to Étoile and Gare de Lyon
For other parts of Paris, direct coaches run from CDG to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées (Étoile) and to Gare de Lyon and Montparnasse, with single fares around €17–€19 and journey times of 50–80 minutes. These suit travelers whose hotel or onward train sits near those stations.
4. Taxi — the official flat fare
Taxis from CDG use an official flat fare to central Paris, posted at the rank so there are no meter surprises: about €60 to the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) and €65 to the Right Bank (Rive Droite). There is no extra charge for luggage or passengers up to four, which makes the flat fare excellent value for families and groups — four people split €60, less than the RER per head and door-to-door.
Ride-apps (Uber, Bolt) also serve CDG, with prices in a similar range depending on traffic. Expect 45–60 minutes to the center at off-peak times.
Tips to save at CDG
- Take the RER B for solo trips — it is the fastest and cheapest combination.
- Use the flat-fare taxi for 3–4 people — door-to-door for less per person than four RER tickets.
- Check your terminal. The RER station sits between T2 and T3 (with a stop for T1/T3); the free CDG VAL train connects all terminals.
- Avoid the RER very late at night — frequency drops sharply after midnight.
- Heading on from Paris? Pair your transfer with a cheap route: see cheap flights Madrid–Paris, New York–Paris or London–Paris, then search your Paris–Madrid flight in seconds.
Related reading
- How to find cheap flights: the complete guide — tactics that work alongside smart airport planning.
- Layovers and connections in Europe — useful if CDG is a stop on a longer trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way from CDG to Paris?
The RER B train, about €11.80 one-way, reaches central Châtelet in around 35 minutes and connects straight to the metro.
Is there a flat taxi fare from CDG?
Yes. The official flat fare is about €60 to the Left Bank and €65 to the Right Bank, with no luggage or passenger surcharge for up to four people.
How long does the RER B take to Châtelet?
About 35 minutes from CDG, with a stop at Gare du Nord roughly 10 minutes earlier.
How much is the Roissybus?
Around €17 one-way to Opéra, taking 60–75 minutes depending on traffic.
Does the metro go directly to CDG?
No. The Paris metro does not reach the airport — you take the RER B (a faster regional train) instead.
What is the best option for a family of four?
The flat-fare taxi (€60–€65 total) — door-to-door with no per-person or luggage charge, often cheaper per head than four RER tickets.
Ready to travel?
You now know the fastest and cheapest ways from CDG into Paris. The last step is the flight — compare every airline in one place:
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Prices and schedules verified against operator sources; treat all fares as indicative.