Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) sits roughly 25 km northeast of central Paris, and getting into the city is one of the first logistics decisions every visitor faces. There's no single "best" option — it depends on your budget, luggage, and how much you value predictability over cost.
Comparing Your Options
RER B Train
The cheapest option, running roughly every 10-15 minutes and taking about 35-50 minutes to central stations like Châtelet-Les Halles.
~€11-13 · 35-50 min
Official Taxi
Fixed flat rates apply for CDG-to-Paris taxi rides, split by which bank of the Seine your destination falls on.
€56 (Right Bank) / €65 (Left Bank) · ~45-60 min
Shared Shuttle
Door-to-door shuttle vans cost more than the train but less than a private taxi, with multiple stops along the way.
~€20-25 · 60-90 min
Uber / Rideshare
Pricing varies with demand but often lands close to or slightly under official taxi flat rates, with the convenience of door-to-door pickup.
~€45-70 (varies) · ~45-60 min
When the Train Makes Sense
The RER B is the clear choice if you're traveling light, comfortable navigating one transfer, and prioritizing cost over convenience. It's less ideal with heavy luggage, during very early or late hours when service is less frequent, or if your hotel isn't near an RER B or connecting metro station.
RER B Practical Tips
- Buy tickets from the machines inside the terminal before heading to the platform — lines can build during peak hours
- Watch your bags closely; pickpocketing is a known issue on this specific route given the tourist/luggage concentration
- Service can be disrupted by strikes or maintenance — check current status before relying on it as your only plan
- The train runs from roughly 5am to midnight; outside those hours, taxi or rideshare are your only options
"The train saves money. The taxi saves your patience after a long flight. Neither choice is wrong — just be honest about which one you'll actually be happy with at 6am."
Our Recommendation by Traveler Type
Solo travelers and budget-focused groups with manageable luggage: RER B. Families, late-night arrivals, or anyone prioritizing a predictable, stress-free start to the trip: official taxi or a pre-booked private transfer.
Zentrevo can pre-arrange a private CDG transfer as part of any Paris or broader France itinerary, which removes the guesswork entirely for a fixed, known price agreed before you land.
