How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to your hotel
Compare prices and travel times for the best transfer options to Paris
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is France's main international gateway and one of the busiest airports in Europe. Located about 23 km (14 miles) northeast of Paris, getting to the city center can be a mixed experience depending on traffic and rail works. The RER B train is still the core and most predictable public-transport option, while lower-cost bus and express-bus links can work if they match your route. Official taxis offer fixed rates to Paris, which provides peace of mind against meters, though traffic can be unpredictable.
Want the easiest arrival from Charles de Gaulle Airport?
Pre-booking a private airport transfer works best when you arrive late, have lots of luggage, or just want a driver waiting at arrivals instead of comparing taxis and rideshare lines.
RER B Train
The RER B (Blue Line) is the fastest and most reliable rail link connecting CDG (Terminals 1, 2, 3) to central Paris stations like Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and take about 35-40 minutes to Gare du Nord. It's a commuter line, so it can get crowded during rush hour, and luggage space is limited. Be vigilant with pickpockets, as this line is notorious for petty theft tourists.
Pros
- Fastest way to the city center (avoiding traffic).
- Direct stops at major hubs (Gare du Nord, Châtelet).
- Reasonable price (approx. €11.80).
Cons
- Can be very crowded and uncomfortable with luggage.
- Notorious for pickpockets; stay alert.
- Strike actions can sometimes affect service.
Map of hotels near Charles de Gaulle Airport CDG
Compare nearby hotels if you want an easier airport base after a late arrival, before an early departure, or when transfer simplicity matters more than staying in the city.
Best airport hotel picks near CDG
Three stays worth checking when the smoothest terminal-to-bed plan matters as much as the room itself.
Bus 350 / 351 or Express 9517
CDG's current bus story has changed. The old RoissyBus has ended, and lower-cost public bus and express-bus options now matter more. RATP and Ile-de-France Mobilites currently point travelers toward bus 350, bus 351, and the newer express line 9517 depending on where in the Paris region they actually need to go. These options can work well for budget travelers or for specific connections like Saint-Denis Pleyel, but they are generally less straightforward than the RER B for most visitors heading straight into central Paris.
Pros
- Cheaper than taxis and often cheaper than premium airport buses used to be.
- Useful for specific connections like Saint-Denis Pleyel or outer Paris access.
- Good backup when rail plans do not fit your exact route.
Cons
- Usually slower and less intuitive than the RER B for most visitors.
- Less useful than the train if you simply want the quickest city-center move.
- Surface traffic and route complexity make it a weaker first choice for many travelers.
Official Taxis
Taxis at CDG offer flat-rate fares (Forfait) to central Paris, eliminating meter anxiety. As of 2024, the fixed rate is approximately €55 to the Right Bank (Rive Droite) and €62 to the Left Bank (Rive Gauche). Taxis are available at the official taxi queues outside arrivals (follow 'Taxi' signs). Avoid anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering a ride; these are unauthorized drivers. The journey takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Pros
- Fixed price (no meter surprises).
- Door-to-door service directly to your hotel.
- Comfortable and private after a long flight.
Cons
- More expensive than public transport.
- Travel time is highly dependent on Paris traffic (peripherique jams).
- Queues at the airport can be long.
Rideshare Apps & Private Transfers
Apps like Uber and Bolt are widely available at CDG and can be slightly cheaper than official taxis, though surge pricing applies. The pickup points are specific (check your app carefully, usually 'Departures' level). For a stress-free arrival, pre-booked private transfers (like Welcome Pickups) offer a 'meet and greet' service in the arrivals hall, which is ideal if you are new to Paris or don't want to navigate the terminal to find a driver.
Pros
- Often cheaper than official taxis (off-peak).
- Convenience of app payment and tracking.
- Private transfers offer 'meet and greet' service.
Cons
- Surge pricing can make them expensive during rush hour.
- Pickup points can be confusing to find in large terminals.
- Drivers cannot use bus lanes (slower than official taxis in traffic).
Have a layover at Charles de Gaulle?
See whether you should stay in your terminal flow, use lounges or an airport hotel, head into Paris by rail, or keep things simple inside CDG.