CDG to Paris: every way to get into town
Landing at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, most travelers face the same question within minutes of clearing customs: what's the best way into central Paris? Here's an honest comparison of the four main options.
RER B train
The RER B connects CDG directly to central Paris (Châtelet–Les Halles, Gare du Nord and beyond) in roughly 45–50 minutes. It's the cheapest option, but it means navigating stairs and turnstiles with luggage, standing room only at peak times, and a station walk at the other end to reach your final address.
Shuttle bus
Several shuttle bus lines run from CDG to specific Paris drop-off points such as Opéra or Étoile. Fares sit between the RER and a taxi, but you're still limited to fixed stops — rarely your actual door — and journey time depends heavily on traffic.
Taxi rank
Paris taxis from CDG operate on a flat-rate zone system to the Right or Left Bank. It's a fair, regulated price, but you'll queue at the rank, and there's no guarantee of vehicle size, driver language, or a name board waiting for you.
Private transfer
A pre-booked private transfer removes the two biggest sources of arrival stress: not knowing your price, and not knowing if a ride will actually be there. Your driver tracks your flight, waits in arrivals with a name board, and takes you directly to your address — with the fare fixed before you fly.
For families, business travelers, or anyone landing outside daytime hours, the time and certainty a private transfer buys back is usually worth the difference in price versus the RER.
Our take
If you're traveling light, during the day, and comfortable navigating with luggage, the RER B is a genuinely good option. For everyone else — especially with checked bags, children, or an early or late flight — a private transfer is the most predictable way to start or end a trip.
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