Surprising fact: more than 100 million passengers pass through Paris area airports each year, so planning a smooth trip matters.
Paris is served by three major hubs: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA). Travelers often pick between private transfers, taxis, RER trains, and buses or shuttles depending on budget, schedule, and luggage.
Practical choices hinge on start point and terminal layout. CDG can feel like a small city, so walking times inside terminals affect total travel time as much as the ride out of the city.
Expect real-world constraints such as traffic jams, occasional strikes, and luggage handling needs. Paying a little more usually buys predictability with door-to-door service. Cheaper options often mean transfers and extra walking.
Key Takeaways
- Three airports serve Paris: CDG, ORY, and BVA; pick routes by which terminal they use.
- Private transfers and taxis give predictability; trains and buses save money.
- Account for terminal walking time at CDG when planning departure windows.
- Check for strikes or service changes before travel and allow extra time for luggage.
- Article will list typical minutes, approximate costs, and service frequency for quick comparison.
How to choose the right airport transfer in Paris
Choosing the right transfer starts with a quick checklist of luggage, schedule, and where you are staying in the city center.
Start small: note how many suitcases you have and whether stairs or métro transfers will be part of your route. Heavy bags or young children tilt the decision toward door-to-door options.
Decide based on budget, luggage, and where in the center you’re starting
If your hotel sits near a major rail line, trains and RER can save cash but add handling. If lodging is far from a station, a direct car may save minutes and stress.
Match your option to departure time, traffic risk, and terminal check-in needs
Early or late flights change train frequency. If you must check bags and meet a strict cutoff, build a buffer and pick the most predictable option. Traffic can vary; a taxi that’s fast at 10 a.m. may slow during peak.
“Factor hidden costs like extra short taxis, transfer time, and the comfort lost hauling luggage through crowded lines.”
- Practical rule: light bags + nearby station = cheaper journey.
- Heavy luggage or kids: choose simplicity and fewer transfers.
- Strict check-in: select the most reliable service and add extra minutes.
| Factor | Low budget | Minimal transfers |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage | Carry-on only | Large suitcases, strollers |
| Start point | Near RER or métro line | Far from station, outer center |
| Recommended | Train or bus | Private car or taxi |
Quick note: you’ll need to balance price against convenience, and you’ll need a small buffer of time when flights require checked bags. This guidance will help travelers pick the right option rather than defaulting to the first link they see.
The best way to get to the airport in paris for a stress-free trip: private car transfer
A private chauffeured transfer removes many unknowns and makes arrival or departure calm and direct.
What a private chauffeured service includes at Paris airports
A private service means a pre-booked driver meets the traveler at a defined terminal spot, helps with luggage, and drives straight to the hotel or final address without station transfers.
Typical inclusions: meet-and-greet at arrivals, luggage handling, flight monitoring, and flexible stops (quick restroom break for a child, for example).
When a private transfer makes the most sense
- Families or heavy luggage: fewer steps, less crowding, and controlled timing.
- Tight schedules: door-to-door rides lower the risk of missing check-in.
- Value over cost: higher price often buys predictable service and less stress on arrival.
| Feature | Included | Why it helps | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meet-and-greet | Yes | Easier pickup after long flights | Terminal/door |
| Luggage handling | Driver assists | Fewer transfers, less lifting | Allowance per booking |
| Communication | Text/WhatsApp updates | Handles delays | Driver contact method |
Taking a taxi to Charles de Gaulle, Orly, or Beauvais
For many travelers, a taxi offers direct, predictable travel between the city and each airport. A taxi avoids transfers and heavy walking, which helps with luggage or families.
Typical travel times from central Paris
Charles de Gaulle: expect about 30–45 minutes in light traffic. Orly: often under 30 minutes on a good day. Beauvais: plan for 1–1.5 hours because it sits far outside the center.
Fixed rates and typical fares
Charles Gaulle airport uses fixed fares: €55 to the Right Bank and €62 to the Left Bank. Orly fares are usually lower—around €35 to the Left Bank—reflecting shorter distance and faster trips.
Beauvais costs and ride-hail alternatives
Beauvais taxis are costly: daytime trips often start near €185 one-way. Ride-hail services such as Bolt or Uber may appear cheaper, but availability and surge pricing vary. Travelers should compare apps and allow buffer time.
Tip: choose a taxi when luggage, tight schedules, or travel with kids make transfers risky.
| Airport | Typical minutes | Common fare | When to pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles de Gaulle | 30–45 minutes | €55 (Right Bank) / €62 (Left Bank) | Predictable, direct ride |
| Orly | Under 30 minutes | ≈ €35 to Left Bank | Closer, cheaper than CDG |
| Beauvais | 60–90 minutes | ≈ €185 daytime | Avoid unless necessary |
Using the RER train from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Take the RER B from Charles de Gaulle airport for a fast, affordable link between the terminal and central Paris stations. The rer train runs on a regular schedule and suits travelers who can handle their own luggage.
Frequency and what to expect:
Frequency, key stops, and ride times
The RER B runs every 10–15 minutes on weekdays. Trains reach Gare Nord in about 25 minutes, Châtelet‑Les‑Halles in ~28 minutes, and Denfert‑Rochereau in ~35 minutes.
Ticket cost and station access
One-way fare: expect roughly €11.80 from CDG to central Paris. Look for signs to Terminal 2 Gare TGV‑RER for easy rail and TGV connections.
Luggage, transfers, and practical tips
The train saves cash but usually means more handling and possible métro connections for final stops. Travelers should allow extra time for elevators or escalators and keep bags close in crowded carriages.
- Quick need‑know: use the RER B when schedule and cost matter and when luggage is manageable.
- When tight on time or with heavy suitcases, a door‑to‑door option may be safer.
Buses and shuttles: budget-friendly ways to reach Paris airports
Public coaches provide simple, low-cost journeys from key city stations to airport terminals. They often run on set timetables and offer a clear price for travelers watching their budget.
Orlybus to Denfert‑Rochereau: direct service and crowding risks
The Orlybus links Orly with Denfert‑Rochereau in about 30 minutes in normal traffic. It is direct and handy for anyone staying near the Left Bank.
Note: peak times can make the bus crowded. Travelers with several suitcases may find boarding and storing bags difficult during rush hours.
Paris‑Beauvais shuttle from Porte Maillot
The Beauvais shuttle departs Porte Maillot and runs roughly 75 minutes non‑stop to Beauvais. It is the usual budget pick for BVA and is generally cheaper than a taxi.
When buses beat trains (and when they don’t)
- Choose buses when a direct ride avoids transfers between stations and saves money.
- Avoid buses if heavy luggage, tight check‑in windows, or unpredictable traffic make the journey risky.
Quick test: if the route is one direct run from a central station and luggage is light, a bus or shuttle often wins on cost and simplicity.
| Service | Typical minutes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Orlybus | ≈ 30 minutes | Left Bank stays, budget travelers |
| Beauvais shuttle | ≈ 75 minutes | Cheap transfer to BVA from Porte Maillot |
| City buses | Varies by route | When direct stations remove transfers |
Charles de Gaulle Airport: terminals, trains, and on-site services to plan around
Charles de Gaulle functions like a small city, and travelers should plan for internal transfers and long walks. Confirming your exact terminal before you leave can save unexpected minutes and stress.
Layout and moving between terminals
The campus has three large terminals linked by free shuttles and automated trains. Allow extra time when a connection or transfer is required between distant gates.
Rail hub: Terminal 2 Gare TGV‑RER
Terminal 2 Gare TGV‑RER is the main rail access for charles gaulle airport. Travelers using trains should watch for this name on signs and tickets to reach central Paris or long‑distance TGV services.
Hotels and in‑terminal stays
More than a dozen hotels sit within shuttle reach of the terminals. YotelAir inside Terminal 2E is ideal for short rests or very early departures.
Plan a buffer for a mini‑city airport
Practical tip: add an extra hour on your schedule for walking, security lines, and last‑minute services like shops or cafés. For charles gaulle, arriving early often means being on the airport campus sooner rather than just at the curb.
“Confirm your terminal and allow time for internal transfers; CDG can add minutes that matter.”
Paris-Orly Airport (ORY): the closest airport and what that changes for your ride
Orly sits closer to the heart of Paris, and that short distance reshapes travel choices for many visitors.
Why ORY can be faster on a good traffic day
On a clear day, Orly can be under 30 minutes from the city center. That makes door‑to‑door transfers feel quick and efficient.
RER + métro connections vs. Orlybus vs. taxi
The RER plus métro is a low‑cost train option but needs transfers and time for stairs or elevators. The Orlybus runs a direct route to Denfert‑Rochereau in about 30 minutes, though it can get crowded.
A taxi is simple and often cheaper than longer airport rides—roughly €35 to the Left Bank—so it can beat the hassle when luggage is heavy.
Which option fits which traveler
- Solo travelers with light bags: choose train and métro for lower fare and easy connections.
- Families or many suitcases: prefer a taxi for door‑to‑door comfort and fewer transfers.
- Staying near Denfert or center stations: Orlybus can save walking and extra connections.
Plan fully: map the hotel curb to terminal time, not just the main ride, when you schedule your trip.
| Option | Typical minutes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Orlybus | ≈ 30 minutes | Denfert stays, light luggage |
| RER + métro | 30–45 minutes | Budget travel, solo |
| Taxi | Under 30 minutes (good traffic) | Families, heavy bags |
Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA): how to plan a longer journey outside the city
Travelers bound for Beauvais should treat the trip as a short regional journey rather than a local transfer. BVA sits about 50 miles northwest of central Paris, so timing and connections matter more than at CDG or ORY.
Why Beauvais is different: distance and typical transfer time
The non-stop shuttle from Porte Maillot runs roughly 75 minutes and is usually the simplest, most cost-effective choice. Expect the ride to feel like an intercity hop rather than a quick taxi ride.
Shuttle vs. TER via Beauvais station
The TER train to Gare du Nord takes about 75 minutes on the rail leg. However, travelers must add the bus or taxi link between Beauvais station and the airport, which adds time and logistics.
- Shuttle: direct, scheduled departures from Porte Maillot, minimal transfers.
- TER + transfer: quicker on paper for some train riders but needs an extra local leg.
Cost expectations and why taxis are rarely chosen
Taxis from Paris run about €185 one‑way during daytime and often take 1–1.5 hours. That price and timing make private cars unattractive for most travelers heading to low‑cost carrier destinations.
Tip: build a buffer. Missing a shuttle or mis-timing the station link can cascade into a missed check‑in.
| Option | Typical time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Porte Maillot shuttle | ≈ 75 minutes | Budget, direct routing |
| TER + local transfer | ≈ 75 minutes (rail) + transfer | Rail travelers who prefer trains |
| Taxi | 1–1.5 hours | When time is urgent and cost is no concern |
Bottom line: plan Beauvais as a measured journey with clear schedules. Choose the shuttle for the simplest route, use the train if comfortable with transfers, and avoid taxis unless necessary.
Conclusion
Pick a primary transfer and a backup, then work backward from flight check‑in and security times. Travelers should match the option to luggage, schedule pressure, and comfort with transfers.
Quick rule: for heavy bags, children, or tight schedules choose a private car or taxi. For many departures at charles gaulle, note fixed taxi fares (€55 Right Bank / €62 Left Bank) and frequent RER B service to central stations.
Orly often runs under 30 minutes on good traffic days. Beauvais feels like a regional hop: expect a ≈75‑minute shuttle and steep taxi fares near €185. Confirm terminal, allow extra walking minutes at the campus, and keep one backup plan to protect the trip.
FAQ
Which transport options connect central Paris with Charles de Gaulle (CDG)?
Travelers can choose the RER B regional train, TGV at Gare TGV-RER (Terminal 2), intercity buses, shuttle coaches, taxis, ride-hail services, or private chauffeured transfers. RER B links key stops such as Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les-Halles, and Denfert-Rochereau. Taxis and private cars provide door-to-door service but face traffic variability.
How frequent is the RER B train to CDG and how long is the ride?
RER B runs about every 10–15 minutes for much of the day. Typical travel time from central stations like Gare du Nord or Châtelet-Les-Halles is roughly 30–35 minutes. Frequency and journey times can change during strikes or late-night hours, so check live schedules before travel.
What are typical ticket costs for the RER B from Paris center to CDG?
A single adult ticket from central Paris to CDG usually falls in a moderate range and covers the RER fare to the airport zone. Prices vary with fare changes and age discounts; a Navigo or Paris Visite pass can alter cost-effectiveness for multiple trips.
When should a traveler choose a private car transfer over public transport?
A private chauffeured service suits families, passengers with large or heavy luggage, and anyone with tight departure windows. It removes transfer logistics, guarantees pickup times, and often delivers directly to the correct terminal entrance, reducing stress for early flights or complex itineraries.
Are taxis to CDG charged at fixed rates from Paris Right Bank and Left Bank?
Yes. Paris taxis apply fixed fares for journeys between the city and CDG: a set rate exists for trips from the Right Bank and a different fixed rate for the Left Bank. Expect extra charges for luggage, nighttime hours, and additional passengers where local rules apply.
How does travel time by taxi compare for Orly (ORY) and Beauvais (BVA)?
ORY sits closer to the city, so taxi trips often take less time when traffic is light. Beauvais is much farther outside Paris; taxi rides usually take significantly longer and cost more. For Beauvais, shuttle coaches from Porte Maillot often offer better value and predictable schedules.
What bus or shuttle services serve Orly and Beauvais from Paris?
Orlybus links Orly with Denfert-Rochereau in the south of the city. Paris-Beauvais shuttle coaches run between Porte Maillot and Beauvais with timetables aligned to many flight departures and arrivals. These buses are budget-friendly but can become crowded and are subject to road traffic delays.
How should travelers handle luggage and transfers on the RER and métro networks?
Allow extra time for walking, stairs, and platform changes. Stations like Châtelet-Les-Halles are large and require extra transfer time. Train staff and station signage help with directions, but passengers with heavy bags may prefer surface transport or a private transfer for ease and speed.
What terminal layout and transfer considerations apply at CDG?
CDG has multiple terminals with inter-terminal shuttles and walkways; Terminal 2 contains the main rail hub (Gare TGV-RER). Passengers should confirm their terminal and allocate time for terminal transfers, long walks, and security checks—especially during peak hours.
Are there hotels and overnight options near CDG for early departures?
Yes. Several airport hotels sit beside or within CDG terminals and near the rail hub, offering short-stay rooms and shuttle links. These options reduce early-morning travel stress and are useful for tight connections or long layovers.
How do RER plus métro connections compare with Orlybus and taxis for reaching ORY?
RER plus métro can be economical and efficient from certain central locations but requires at least one transfer. Orlybus offers a direct ride to Denfert-Rochereau and can be simpler with luggage. Taxis provide door-to-door convenience and faster trips when traffic is light, though at higher cost.
What should travelers expect when planning a trip to Beauvais (BVA)?
Beauvais sits well outside Paris and typically requires a longer transfer time. Shuttle coaches from Porte Maillot are the common public option. TER train connections via Beauvais station exist but may involve additional local transfers. Taxis are expensive and less commonly used for that route.
How much buffer time is recommended for airport travel from central Paris?
For domestic flights, travelers should allow at least 90–120 minutes; for international departures, 2–3 hours is wise. Add extra time for Beauvais and for terminal transfers at larger airports like CDG, where walking distances and security queues can extend total journey time.
When do buses outperform trains for airport transfers?
Buses beat trains when a direct service stops closer to the traveler’s pick-up point, or when carrying oversized baggage that complicates stair or platform transfers. Trains win on speed and frequency during peak traffic. Choose based on luggage, mobility needs, and tolerance for road delays.