Arriving in the City of Light can feel overwhelming, especially with two major international hubs located on opposite sides of the capital. Whether you touch down at sprawling Charles de Gaulle (CDG) in the north or compact Orly (ORY) in the south, selecting the correct transit link saves significant travel time and luggage stress.
Planning your complete Parisian getaway? Pair this transit breakdown with our 4-Day Paris Slow Wanderer's Itinerary and browse our favorite Haussmannian Boutique Hotels in Paris.
Part 1: Arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Located 25 kilometers northeast of the capital, CDG is France's largest aviation hub. Navigating its terminals requires paying close attention to signage (Terminals 1, 2A–2G, and 3).
1. RER B Suburban Train (Fastest Rail Link)
The RER B express train links CDG directly to key central Paris transport hubs, including Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame.
- Terminal Stations: Aeroport Charles de Gaulle 1 (serves Terminals 1 & 3 via the free CDGVAL shuttle) and Aeroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV (serves Terminals 2A through 2F).
- Travel Duration: 30–35 minutes to Gare du Nord; 38 minutes to Châtelet.
- Frequency: Every 7 to 15 minutes daily.
- Ticket Fare: €11.80 for a single point-to-point ticket (covers onwards transfers to any central Paris metro line within 90 minutes).
2. The RoissyBus Shuttle (Direct to Opéra)
If your hotel is located around the 8th, 9th, or 2nd arrondissements near Palais Garnier, the RoissyBus offers a direct overland alternative without subterranean staircase transfers.
- Drop-off Point: Corner of Rue Scribe and Rue Auber right next to Opéra Garnier.
- Travel Duration: 60 to 75 minutes depending on Boulevard Périphérique rush-hour traffic.
- Ticket Fare: €16.60 per person.
3. Official Fixed-Rate CDG City Taxis
Paris enforces a strict flat-rate fare system for licensed taxis departing Charles de Gaulle, eliminating metered surge pricing:
- CDG to Right Bank (Rive Droite - North of the Seine): €56.00 flat fare.
- CDG to Left Bank (Rive Gauche - South of the Seine): €65.00 flat fare.
Warning: Always follow the official overhead signs marked Taxi to the outdoor curbside queue. Ignore aggressive unlicensed drivers soliciting passengers inside the baggage reclaim hall.
Part 2: Arriving at Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
Located 13 kilometers south of the city center, Orly offers significantly faster access to central neighborhoods.
1. Metro Line 14 Extension (The Modern Game-Changer)
Following its major expansion, Metro Line 14 connects Orly Airport directly to central Paris with ultra-modern, driverless trains.
- Key Central Stops: Gare de Lyon (23 mins), Châtelet (25 mins), and Madeleine (30 mins).
- Ticket Cost: Special Airport Metro Fare of €10.30 (can be loaded onto a Navigo Easy card or purchased via smartphone wallet apps).
- Frequency: Every 2 to 4 minutes during operating hours.
2. Official Fixed-Rate Orly City Taxis
Due to Orly's closer proximity, taxis into the historical quarters are swift outside of morning peak hours:
- Orly to Left Bank (Rive Gauche): €36.00 flat fare.
- Orly to Right Bank (Rive Droite): €44.00 flat fare.
3. Pre-Booked Private Transfers (Best for Heavy Luggage)
Haussmannian boutique hotels in Le Marais, Montmartre, or Saint-Germain often feature narrow cobblestone alleys and multi-story stone entrances where rolling multiple suitcases from RER train stations becomes tedious.
Pre-booking a private driver guarantees a meet-and-greet service inside the arrivals terminal with a personalized name card, luggage handling, and direct door-to-door delivery regardless of flight delays.
Check Paris Airport Private Transfers on Welcome Pickups →
Essential Arrival Advice for Paris
- Ditch Single Paper Tickets: Classic magnetic cardboard tickets (carnets) have been retired. Use the Navigo Easy contactless card (€2.00 at ticketing kiosks) or tap directly using Apple Wallet / Google Wallet on supported smartphones.
- Watch for RER B Pickpockets: The RER B route connects major transport hubs and stadium districts; keep wallets, phones, and passports inside zippered inner compartments while riding.
- Activate Your Data Connection: Avoid public terminal Wi-Fi networks by installing an eSIM profile ahead of departure for real-time Citymapper and Google Maps transit scheduling.
