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Paris CDG Airport: Transfer Guide for First-Time Visitors (2026)
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is Paris’s main international airport. It handles the majority of long-haul arrivals — transatlantic flights, most Asian connections, and a large proportion of European routes. For many visitors, it is their first encounter with Paris, and navigating it confidently makes the difference between an easy arrival and a tired, expensive first hour.
By Mara Vale for Eurly
Last updated: 2026-04-25
CDG terminals: which one matters
CDG has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.
- Terminal 2 is the largest and most important. It contains the RER B station (the direct train into Paris) and handles Air France, most major carriers, and Star Alliance. Sub-terminals 2A through 2G are all connected internally or via walkway.
- Terminal 1 handles mainly Oneworld and SkyTeam carriers (British Airways, Iberia, Delta, etc.). You need the CDGVAL shuttle to reach the RER B.
- Terminal 3 is for budget carriers (Ryanair etc.) and charter flights. Also requires the CDGVAL to reach the RER B.
When you land: check your terminal before you arrive. If you’re in Terminal 2, follow signs for “RER B / Paris.” If you’re in Terminal 1 or 3, follow signs for “CDGVAL” — the free automatic shuttle links all terminals and takes 5 minutes.
The best way into Paris from CDG: RER B
The RER B is the standard transfer for almost all first-time visitors arriving at CDG. It is reliable, fast, and significantly cheaper than alternatives.
Route: CDG → Gare du Nord → Châtelet-Les Halles → Saint-Michel Notre-Dame → Luxembourg → …and 20+ further stations south toward Orly.
Cost: €11.80 single, as of 2026. Purchase at the RER B ticket machines inside the CDG Terminal 2 station (accept credit cards). Do not buy from anyone offering to sell you tickets on the platform.
Journey time:
- CDG to Gare du Nord: 25–30 minutes
- CDG to Châtelet-Les Halles: 35 minutes
- CDG to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame: 40 minutes
Frequency: every 10–15 minutes, approximately 5am–midnight.
What to watch for on the RER B: keep your luggage in front of you at all times. Do not put bags in overhead racks. The CDG to Gare du Nord stretch of the RER B has documented pickpocket activity. See the Paris safety guide for specifics.
The train direction matters: at Gare du Nord and Châtelet, the RER B continues in two directions. For central Paris from CDG, you want trains heading toward Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, and beyond — not toward the northern suburbs.
Taxis from CDG
Paris has fixed taxi fares from CDG to central Paris (within the Boulevard Périphérique):
- Right Bank (north of the Seine): €56 fixed
- Left Bank (south of the Seine): €65 fixed
- These fares apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
A Paris taxi holds 4 passengers and up to 3 normal suitcases. For a couple or family with luggage, the fixed fare taxi to the Right Bank at €56 (less than €15 per person for 4 travellers) is competitive with the RER B (€11.80 per person = €47.20 for 4 people, plus metro connection at the other end).
Only use official Paris taxis. Official taxis have a white illuminated roof light (with a “TAXI” sign) and the rate is always metered (the fixed CDG fare overrides the meter). The driver must give you a printed receipt. Do not use unofficial drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall — they charge unregulated rates and the fares are unpredictable.
Taxi rank location: follow the “Taxis” signs in the arrivals area. The rank is outside the terminal building.
Roissybus
An alternative to the RER B for visitors staying near the Opéra Garnier (Paris 9th arrondissement).
Route: CDG → Opéra-Garnier (direct)
Cost: €16.60
Journey time: 60–75 minutes (traffic dependent)
Less reliable than the RER B due to traffic. Better only if Opéra is genuinely your destination.
Practical CDG arrival checklist
- Before landing: know your terminal (T1, T2, or T3)
- At the airport: follow signs for RER B if in T2, or CDGVAL shuttle if in T1/T3
- Buy RER B ticket at the vending machines in the station (not from people on the platform)
- €11.80 per person, credit card accepted
- Keep your bag in front of you on the train, especially to Gare du Nord
- At your RER B destination station: exit through the barriers (tap or insert your ticket), then continue to the Paris metro if needed (your RER B ticket does not cover metro connections — buy a separate metro ticket)
Overnight arrivals
The RER B runs until approximately midnight. For arrivals after midnight, options are:
- Taxi (fixed fares apply 24 hours)
- Night bus N143 (CDG to Gare du Nord, then other night buses): much slower, takes 1–2 hours, costs only a metro ticket, but not practical with significant luggage
Recommendation for late arrivals: taxi. The fixed €56 fare to the Right Bank at 1am is reasonable for the simplicity it provides.
Related guides
- Paris airport to city guide — full comparison of all CDG and Orly transfer options
- CDG vs Orly — which airport is easier for your trip
- Paris safety guide — RER B pickpocket context and fake taxi warning
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