CDG operates 24/7. Red-eyes from North America (landing 5-7 AM), late flights from Asia, and delayed European flights mean arrivals at all hours. The midnight-to-5 AM window is the trickiest for transport. Here's what actually works.
What stops running
- RER B train: Last train from CDG is around midnight (varies by day — check RATP.fr). First morning train around 5 AM.
- Roissybus: Last departure approximately 12:30 AM from CDG. First morning around 5:15 AM.
- Le Bus Direct: Similar schedule, last bus around midnight.
What runs all night
Noctilien night buses (N140, N143)
Paris has a night bus network and two routes serve CDG:
- N140: CDG → Gare de l'Est (via Aulnay, Le Bourget). Takes about 80 minutes. Runs every 30-60 minutes.
- N143: CDG → Gare de l'Est (slightly different route). Every 30-60 minutes.
The night buses are functional but slow. They wind through suburbs, make many stops, and aren't the most comfortable with heavy luggage. They're safe but expect to share with late-night commuters and airport workers.
Taxis — 24/7 at the rank
Taxis operate around the clock. The fixed fares apply at all hours:
- Right Bank: €56
- Left Bank: €65
The bright side of arriving late by taxi: no traffic. The A1 motorway is empty. The ride to Paris takes just 30-40 minutes instead of the daytime 50-90.
Uber — available but variable
Uber works 24/7, but late-night pricing varies:
| Time | Typical UberX price | Wait | |---|---|---| | 10 PM - midnight | €50-70 (often surge) | 5-15 min | | Midnight - 2 AM | €45-60 (moderate) | 10-20 min | | 2 AM - 5 AM | €40-55 (often cheap) | 10-25 min | | 5 AM - 7 AM | €45-65 (morning surge starts) | 5-15 min |
The walk to the Uber pickup zone at 2 AM through a dimly lit parking structure isn't the most pleasant experience. But it works.
Pre-booked transfer — guaranteed
A transfer (€55-85 sedan) means your driver is in the arrivals hall at whatever hour you emerge. Flight delayed 3 hours? They adjust automatically. Landing at 4 AM? They're there. The price doesn't change for night arrivals.
For late-night CDG arrivals, this is arguably the highest-value use of a transfer service.
Late-night price comparison
| Transport | Night price to Paris | Availability | |---|---|---| | Noctilien bus (N140/N143) | €11.80 | All night (every 30-60 min) | | Taxi (fixed) | €56 / €65 | 24/7 (queue possible) | | UberX (2 AM) | €40-55 | Good but variable | | Pre-booked transfer | €55-85 | Guaranteed |
Safety at CDG at night
CDG is a secure airport with police and security around the clock. However:
- Inside the terminal: Safe. Security is present.
- Taxi queue area: Outdoors, can be cold and exposed. Safe but uncomfortable in winter.
- Uber pickup zone: Through parking structures that feel isolated at 3 AM. Safe but can feel eerie.
- Night bus stops: The bus stop areas are lit and monitored.
If you're arriving at 5-7 AM
Many transatlantic flights land between 5-7 AM. At this hour:
- RER B has just started running — trains every 15-20 minutes
- Taxi queue is building (business travelers heading in)
- Uber prices are rising
- The first Roissybus departs around 5:15 AM
Sleeping at CDG
If you don't want to travel to Paris at 2 AM:
- Yotel CDG (Terminal 2E): Pods bookable by the hour. From €30 for 4 hours.
- Hilton Paris CDG Airport: Connected to Terminal 2. Full hotel, from €120/night.
- Ibis CDG: Near the airport, shuttle available.
- Bench sleeping: CDG is not the worst airport for sleeping (Terminal 2E has some flat surfaces), but it's not comfortable.