How to get from the airport to the center of Paris: all the options

One of the first questions visitors ask Paris é how to get from the airport to the city center. In this practical guide, I explain all the options, from public transport to private transfers, for the two main airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) e Orly (ORY).

Whether you're traveling on a budget or looking for total comfort, here you'll find the ideal solution.

From Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) to the center of Paris

1. RER B train (the cheapest and most direct option)

• 💶 Price: around €11.45

• ⏱️ Time: 35-45 min to Gare du Nord / Châtelet-Les Halles

• 🚉 Frequency: every 10-15 minutes

• 🧳 Stations at Terminals 2 and 3

2. RoissyBus (direct bus to the Opera)

• 💶 Price: around 16,60€

• ⏱️ Time: 60-75 min

• 🚍 Leave Terminal 1 and 2, arrive at Opéra Garnier

Tip: Ideal if you're staying in the 8th or 9th arrondissement.

3. Shuttle or private transfer (total comfort)

• 💶 Price: from 25€ per person or 50-70€ per car

• ⏱️ Time: depends on traffic (~45 min)

• 🚘 Driver waiting at the terminal with a sign with your name on it

4. Official cab (fixed rate)

• 💶 Price: 56€ (direction rive droite) or 65€ (rive gauche)

• ⏱️ Time: 35-60 minutes

Tip: Always ask for cabs with a "Taxi Parisien" sign - official fare and no surprises.

From Orly airport (ORY) to the center of Paris

1. Orlyval + RER B (combined option)

• 💶 Price: around €12.10

• ⏱️ Time: ~40-50 minutes

• 🛤️ Orlyval to Antony + RER B to the center

Tip: Practical and widely used by locals.

2. OrlyBus bus (direct to Denfert-Rochereau)

• 💶 Price: 11,20€

• ⏱️ Time: 30-40 minutes

• 🚍 Leaving Terminal 4 and arriving in the south of Paris (14th)

3. Private transfer / official cab

• 💶 Price: 35€ (rive droite) or 41€ (rive gauche)

• 🚘 Ideal for trips with luggage, overnight arrivals or groups

🚗 Book a transfer from Orly airport to your hotel here 

Quick comparison by airport

Practical tips when arriving in Paris

• Always keep your tickets until you leave the stations

• Avoid using Uber when leaving the airport - it may take longer or be more expensive

• Watch out for "fake cabs" - always follow signs for "Taxi officiel".

• Exchange money before you travel or use a card - fees at the airport are high

Conclusion: Getting to Paris is simpler than it sounds

Know how to get from the airport to the center of Paris makes all the difference to getting your trip off on the right foot. Whatever your budget or arrival time, there's an option to suit you. And remember: Paris starts right at the station, on the road or at the sight of the shuttle.

Extra tip: prevention means arriving calmly

If you're planning how to get from the airport to the center of Paris, don't forget to also take care of the travel insurance- even if you're a European citizen. It may seem like an unnecessary extra, but it's a smart way to avoid headaches on arrival. The European Health Insurance Card only covers basic medical care and does not include unforeseen events such as repatriation, lost luggage or legal support. Comprehensive insurance gives you peace of mind from the startespecially when you land in a new city and are still getting your bearings.

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