So, you arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG), fresh-faced after a transatlantic snooze, and you’re keen to get on the train and get this Parisian party started: to do this, you’ll need to take an airport transfer. Charles de Gaulle is a major airport serving Paris, so it only makes sense that this entry point for international travelers has instant connections to downtown Paris via the RER B train.
Here’s what you need to know about trains from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris city center.
Image Credit: Getty Images, ampueroleonardo. Image Location: Paris, France
The best way to get to Paris from CDG by train
Look to the Paris metro system to help you get from CDG airport to the major railway stations in Paris.
Gare du Nord
The best way to get to Paris Gare du Nord from CDG Airport is by train. The RER B train runs directly from the Charles de Gaulle airport to Gare du Nord. This is the Paris Eurostar station, which means it’s a convenient way to fly into Paris then continue onward to Brussels, Amsterdam, and more without having to platform hop through Paris proper.
Gare de Lyon
You’ll take the RER B train from Charles de Gaulle airport to Châtelet-Les Halles, which is where you’ll connect to the RER A train. The RER A train runs between Châtelet-Les Halles and Gare de Lyon.
🚆 Trainline tip: It may sound confusing, but Châtelet-Les Halles is actually a complex of both metro lines and rail lines. It is made up of five metro lines (1,4,7,11) and three RER lines (A,B,D), making it Paris’s busiest train station and one of the world’s largest underground stations.
Gare de l’Est
Gare de l’Est is around 600 paces from Gare du Nord. That’s less than a 10-minute walk, even if you are dragging a suitcase behind you. You can take the RER B train from Charles de Gaulle to Gare du Nord, then walk to Gare de l’Est. Alternatively, you can hop the M5 metro line (orange) at Gare du Nord and get off one stop later at Gare de l’Est.
Image Credit: Getty Images, daboost. Image Location: Gare d'Austerlitz, Paris, France
Gare d’Austerlitz
Not unlike Gare de l’Est, getting from CDG airport to Gare d’Austerlitz is an easy connection via Gare du Nord. Take the RER B train from the airport to Gare du Nord, then jump on the M5 Metro line (orange) and get off nine stops later at Gare d’Austerlitz.
Gare Saint-Lazare
For travel to Gare Saint-Lazare from CDG Airport, take the RER B train to the Châtelet-Les Halles stop. Jump on the M14 metro line (purple) and it’ll take you right to Gare Saint-Lazare.
Gare Montparnasse
The M4 metro line (magenta) connects you from CDG airport to Gare Montparnasse. Take the RER B train from the airport to Gare du Nord, then transfer to the M4 line and get off at the Gare Montparnasse stop.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Paris, France
How do I get from CDG to Paris city center?
Getting from CDG Airport to Paris city center is straightforward thanks to the RER B train. The RER B train line is a direct rail link connecting CDG to train stations in Paris city center, including Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, and Denfert-Rochereau.
How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Disneyland Paris?
Charles de Gaulle Airport is about twice the distance from Disneyland Paris as it is from downtown Paris — and just as easy to access by train. A direct TGV high speed train runs from CDG Airport to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy train station with a journey time of just over 10 minutes. Hop off the train and it takes two-minutes to walk to France’s magical theme park.
How far is CDG from Paris?
CDG airport is only about 14 miles (23km) from Paris. By train? Such a distance is a croissant length. By road? Let’s just say that one of Europe’s most congested cities will leave you more time to “sightsee” in the city of red lights from the back of a cab.
How fast is the journey time between CDG and Paris by train?
The journey time between CDG and Paris by train takes an average of 44 minutes but the fastest trains get you there in about 33 minutes. The time flies by thanks to free Wi-Fi on the train, allowing you to get destination inspiration with just enough time to an episode of Emily in Paris or Lupin, both filmed in Paris.
Image Credit: Getty Images, RossHelen. Image Location: Paris, France
When does the first and last train from CDG to Paris leave?
The first train from CDG to Paris leaves at 4:50 AM and the last RER B train leaves Charles de Gaulle Airport at 11:50 PM. Your return trip from Paris to CDG airport is similar: the first RER B train leaves at 12:02 AM and the last train leaves the city at 11:56 PM.
How much does it cost to get from CDG to Paris?
The cost to get from CDG to Paris on the RER B train is €11.80 (about $12.70), according to Monsieur Charles de Gaulle Airport. Not a cost to bulk at, even if you’re on a budget — and especially if you’re not keen to spend upwards of $50 on a cab.
How do I buy train tickets in France?
Buying train tickets in France is not difficult and you don’t need to speak a lécher of French to do it on the cheap. Download the Trainline app and you can search for train tickets throughout France, all listed in English and in U.S. Dollars.
You can purchase train tickets in France directly from the kiosks at the train station, but be warned: waiting until the last minute — both in person and on our app — might cost you much more. Prices increase as the departure date nears. Buying early = saving money.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Paris, France
