Charles de Gaulle airport sits about 25 km northeast of central Paris, and there are four realistic ways to cover that distance. Each has a clear best-use case, here’s the honest comparison, with 2026 prices.

Official taxi: the flat-rate option

Since 2016, taxi rides between CDG and Paris are covered by fixed, regulated fares, no meter, no surprises, no night surcharge:

€56 to the Right Bank (north of the Seine).

€65 to the Left Bank (south of the Seine).

The rate is the same day or night, weekday or Sunday, and applies in both directions. Luggage is free. The ride takes 30–45 minutes without traffic, but can stretch to 60–75 minutes at rush hour (7–9:30am, 5–7:30pm).

One golden rule: real taxis never solicit inside the terminal. Anyone approaching you with “Taxi? Taxi?” in the arrivals hall is an unlicensed driver, politely ignore them and follow the « Taxis » signs to the official rank outside. Official Parisian taxis have an illuminated “TAXI PARISIEN” sign on the roof.

Best for: groups of 2–4 (it beats individual train tickets), heavy luggage, late-night arrivals, and anyone who just wants zero logistics after a long flight.

RER B: the budget option

The suburban train line RER B connects both CDG terminals to central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel) in about 35 minutes, running every 10–15 minutes from roughly 5am to midnight.

A one-way ticket costs about €12. From Châtelet or Gare du Nord you can connect to the entire metro network with the same ticket.

The honest downsides: trains can be crowded, stations involve stairs and long corridors (hard with big suitcases), and the line occasionally suffers delays or works, especially on weekends. Pickpockets are a known issue on this line, keep bags zipped and phones out of sight.

Best for: solo travelers, light packers, tight budgets, and rush-hour arrivals (the train ignores traffic jams entirely).

Roissybus: the middle ground

The dedicated airport bus runs direct from all CDG terminals to Opéra (9th arrondissement) in 60–75 minutes depending on traffic, every 15–20 minutes. Tickets cost about €16.

It’s cheaper than a taxi and involves no stairs or transfers, but it serves a single stop in Paris, so unless you’re staying near Opéra, you’ll need a metro or taxi connection afterwards.

Best for: travelers staying near Opéra/Grands Boulevards who want a no-stairs option cheaper than a taxi.

Private transfer (VTC): the comfort option

Pre-booked private drivers (through apps or transfer companies) typically charge €55–90 depending on vehicle and time. The differences with a taxi: you book in advance, the driver tracks your flight and waits with a name sign, and the price is locked when you book.

Two things to know: VTC drivers can’t use the bus/taxi lanes on the A1 motorway, so at rush hour they’re often slower than taxis. And on-demand apps (Uber and similar) apply surge pricing at peak times, a ride that costs €55 at 2pm can cost €90+ at 6pm, making the regulated taxi flat rate the better deal precisely when demand is highest.

Best for: families with children (car seats can be requested), business travelers, and anyone who values a pre-arranged pickup over flagging a taxi.

The quick decision guide

Alone, light luggage, daytime: RER B (€12).

Two or more people, or heavy bags: official taxi (€56/€65 flat, that’s €28–33 per person for two).

Staying near Opéra: Roissybus (€16).

Family with kids, or landing at rush hour with a meeting to make: pre-booked transfer with flight tracking.

Landing after midnight: taxi, the RER stops running, and the flat rate applies at night too.

Arriving in Paris and want your transfer sorted before you even board? We can book a driver, confirm the pickup point for your terminal, and stay reachable on WhatsApp if your flight is delayed.
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