Quick answer
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is 25 km northeast of Paris center. Getting into the city takes 40-90 minutes depending on transport and traffic. The RER B train costs €11.80 and takes about 35-50 minutes to central Paris. A taxi has a fixed fare of €56 to the Right Bank or €65 to the Left Bank. The Roissybus costs €16.60 to Opéra. Uber works but costs about the same as taxis. A pre-booked transfer runs €55-85 for a sedan. CDG is a massive, complicated airport — give yourself extra time for everything.
What actually happens after landing
CDG has three terminals (1, 2, and 3) spread across a vast area. Terminal 2 alone has sub-terminals (2A through 2G). The free CDGVAL shuttle train connects the terminals.
Terminal 1: Older, circular design. Air France long-haul, some Star Alliance airlines. Terminal 2: The main hub. Air France, major European and international airlines. Sub-terminals 2A-2G are connected but the walks are long. Terminal 3: Budget carriers (some Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling). Basic facilities, far from everything.
After immigration and baggage claim (which can take 15-45 minutes), you need to navigate to your transport. The RER B station is at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 area. Terminal 1 passengers take the CDGVAL to reach it. This adds 10-15 minutes.
Immigration warning: CDG immigration lines can be terrible, especially for non-EU citizens arriving between 2-6 PM when transatlantic and Asian flights cluster. Budget 30-60 minutes for worst case.
Transport options explained honestly
Roissybus: Direct bus from CDG to Opéra (central Paris). €16.60, takes 60-75 minutes depending on traffic. Comfortable, air-conditioned, luggage space underneath. Runs every 15-20 minutes. A good middle ground between train and taxi.
Le Bus Direct (formerly Cars Air France): Premium bus to several Paris locations (Étoile, Gare Montparnasse, Orly). About €16-18, comfortable coaches. Runs less frequently than Roissybus.
Taxi: Fixed fares set by law. €56 to Right Bank (1st-11th arrondissements + 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th partly), €65 to Left Bank (5th, 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 15th partly). These are firm — drivers cannot charge more. Journey takes 40-90 minutes depending on traffic. The A1/A3 autoroute into Paris can be brutally congested.
Uber: Works at CDG. Typical UberX price: €45-70 to central Paris. Surge pricing during peak hours can push it higher. Uber pickup is from designated areas (a 5-10 minute walk from arrivals in some terminals). Free Uber works through the app — Uber Green, Comfort available too.
Pre-booked transfer: Sedan €55-85, minivan €75-110, luxury €100-160. Driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign. Fixed price, no surge, no traffic stress (well, same traffic but you don't pay more). Good for families and business travelers.
CDG Express (when operational): A direct train to Gare de l'Est, planned to cost €24 and take 20 minutes. Check current status — this project has been delayed repeatedly.
Realistic pricing expectations
| Destination | Distance | Taxi (fixed) | Transfer estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Paris Right Bank (1st-4th arr.) | 25 km | €56 | €55-75 | | Paris Left Bank (5th-7th arr.) | 28 km | €65 | €60-85 | | Montmartre (18th arr.) | 22 km | €56 | €50-70 | | La Défense | 30 km | €56 | €55-75 | | Disneyland Paris | 40 km | Metered (~€70-90) | €65-95 | | Versailles | 50 km | Metered (~€80-110) | €80-120 | | Orly Airport | 70 km | Metered (~€80-100) | €75-110 | | Gare du Nord (by train) | — | €11.80 (RER) | — |
Key fact: The taxi fixed fares apply Monday-Sunday, including holidays, day and night. The only variables are Right Bank vs Left Bank. Luggage surcharges don't apply. A 4th passenger adds nothing. The price is the price.
Late night arrivals
CDG handles flights 24/7 including many red-eyes from the Americas and Asia landing at 5-7 AM, and late evening arrivals until midnight+.
The RER B stops running around midnight (last train varies, check RATP schedules). The first morning train is around 5 AM. Between midnight and 5 AM:
- Noctilien night buses (N140, N143): Run through the night to Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord. €11.80, takes about 80-100 minutes. Slow but cheap.
- Taxis: Available 24/7 at the rank. Same fixed fare. Can be a 15-30 minute wait at peak arrival times.
- Uber: Works but surge pricing likely between 11 PM-1 AM.
- Pre-booked transfer: Guaranteed, same price. The stress-free choice for middle-of-the-night arrivals.
Families and luggage
CDG is challenging with kids. The terminals are huge, the walks are long, and the RER B is not family-friendly when crowded (pickpockets love distracted parents). For families, a taxi or transfer is strongly recommended.
Child seats: French taxis are technically required to transport children but carry no child seats. For proper child restraints, pre-book a transfer and request them. The Roissybus and RER have no car seats (children sit on regular seats or parents' laps).
Luggage: The RER has minimal luggage space during rush hour. If you have more than one medium bag per person, avoid it. Taxis handle 3-4 bags. For 5+ bags, book a minivan transfer.
Where you meet the driver
Roissybus: Stops at each terminal. Follow "Bus" signs.
Taxi: Ranks outside each terminal. Follow "Taxi" signs. Use the official rank only — never accept solicitation from drivers inside the terminal.
Uber: Designated pickup areas outside each terminal. The app guides you. At Terminal 2, the walk can be 5-10 minutes from arrivals to the Uber zone.
Transfer: Driver waits in the arrivals hall of your terminal with a name sign. Best meeting point — you walk out and they're there.
Decision helper
- Solo traveler, light bag, budget: RER B train (€11.80, 40 min)
- Solo or couple, wants comfort: Roissybus to Opéra (€16.60, 60 min)
- Couple going to Right Bank: Taxi (€56 fixed) — quick and reliable
- Family with kids: Pre-booked transfer with child seats
- Group of 4-6: Minivan transfer (cheaper per person than taxis)
- Business traveler: Pre-booked sedan or taxi
- Going to Disneyland: Pre-booked transfer (fixed price, direct)
- Late night (midnight-5 AM): Pre-booked transfer or Noctilien bus
- Peak rush hour: RER B (avoids traffic entirely)
- Tons of luggage: Transfer with larger vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from CDG to Paris?
Fixed fare: €56 to the Right Bank, €65 to the Left Bank. These are set by law and include all passengers, luggage, and time of day. No surprises.
Is the RER B safe with luggage?
Mostly, but be vigilant about pickpockets, especially between Gare du Nord and CDG. Keep bags close, use zipped compartments, and don't put phones in easy-reach pockets. During rush hour, there's little room for large suitcases.
How long does it take from CDG to central Paris?
RER B train: 35-50 minutes. Taxi/Uber: 40-90 minutes (traffic dependent). Roissybus: 60-75 minutes. The train is the most consistent because it doesn't depend on traffic.
Which CDG terminal is my flight at?
Check your airline or boarding pass. Generally: Terminal 1 (Star Alliance long-haul), Terminal 2A-G (Air France, SkyTeam, many international), Terminal 3 (budget carriers). The CDGVAL train connects all terminals for free.
Can I take a taxi from CDG to Disneyland Paris?
Yes, but there's no fixed fare. Expect €70-90 on the meter (about 40 km). A pre-booked transfer is usually €65-95 with a fixed price. The Val d'Europe bus is the cheapest option at about €23.
Is Uber cheaper than a taxi from CDG?
Sometimes. UberX without surge can be €45-60, cheaper than the €56-65 taxi fixed fare. But with surge pricing (rush hour, bad weather), Uber can cost €70-90. The taxi fixed fare is more predictable.