Arriving in Paris should feel exciting, not confusing. In this guide to paris airport transfers, you’ll find clear comparisons of taxis, Uber and G7, shuttles, and the RER train—plus costs, travel times, booking tips, and specifics for Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). By the end, you’ll know exactly which option fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.
Best paris airport transfers at a glance
Taxi and ride-hailing (G7, Uber)
– What it is: Door-to-door service from the official taxi rank or via apps like G7 and Uber.
– Typical travel time:
– CDG → central Paris: 45–75 minutes (traffic dependent)
– ORY → central Paris: 25–50 minutes
– Price:
– Official Paris taxis have flat fares:
– CDG → Right Bank: about €55; Left Bank: about €62
– ORY → Left Bank: about €35; Right Bank: about €41
– Uber is dynamic: CDG €45–€75; ORY €30–€55 (surge may apply)
– Pros: Fastest door-to-door, no transfers, great with luggage or kids.
– Cons: Traffic risk at rush hour; surcharges on ride-hailing; limited bus lanes.
> Pro tip: Use the clearly signed official taxi queues at CDG/ORY. Ignore anyone offering rides in the terminal—they’re unlicensed.
RER trains and metro connections
– What it is: The `RER B` suburban train links CDG and central Paris; from ORY, take `Orlyval` shuttle to `RER B` at Antony.
– Typical travel time:
– CDG → Châtelet–Les Halles: 35–45 minutes
– ORY → Châtelet–Les Halles (via `Orlyval` + `RER B`): 30–40 minutes
– Price (one-way, adult):
– CDG → Paris: about €11–€12
– ORY (`Orlyval` + `RER B`): about €14–€15
– Pros: Predictable timing, frequent departures (every 6–10 minutes), avoids road traffic.
– Cons: Stairs/crowds at stations, transfers to reach your hotel, watch for pickpockets in busy areas.
For route planning in the city after the RER, see our complete guide to the Paris Metro.
Buses and shuttles (RoissyBus, OrlyBus, Le Bus Direct)
– RoissyBus (CDG ↔ Opéra): ~60 minutes, about €16–€17, direct and luggage-friendly.
– OrlyBus (ORY ↔ Denfert-Rochereau): ~30–40 minutes, about €11–€12.
– Public buses (cheapest): Slower and more stops; useful late at night for budget travelers.
– About Le Bus Direct: The former “Le Bus Direct” service was discontinued and has not resumed. Use RoissyBus/OrlyBus instead.
Private cars and shared shuttles
– Private transfer sedans/vans: Fixed quotes (usually CDG €60–€100; ORY €45–€75), meet-and-greet, child seats on request.
– Shared shuttles: Less common post-2020; savings vs. private, but multiple stops can double travel time.
CDG vs ORY: route specifics and travel times
From CDG (Terminals 1/2/3) to central Paris
– `RER B`:
– Stations: CDG T1/T3 and CDG T2 (connect between terminals via CDGVAL).
– Time: 35–45 minutes to central hubs like Gare du Nord or Châtelet–Les Halles.
– Frequency: Every 6–10 minutes daytime; less frequent late night.
– Taxi/G7/Uber:
– Time: 45–75 minutes to central Paris.
– Flat taxi fares: ~€55 Right Bank, ~€62 Left Bank.
– Best for: Door-to-door with bags, families, late-night arrivals.
– RoissyBus:
– Direct to Opéra (9th arrondissement), then metro/taxi to final address.
– Good compromise if your hotel is nearby.
Case study: Two adults, one suitcase each, staying near Le Marais
– `RER B` to Châtelet–Les Halles + 1 metro stop or 10–15 minute walk: ~40 minutes, ~€22–€24 total.
– Taxi: ~50–70 minutes, fixed ~€55–€62.
– Choice: Off-peak daytime, the RER wins on speed and cost. At 21:30 with luggage, taxi likely wins on comfort and similar time.
From Orly (Orly 1-2-3 and Orly 4) to central Paris
– `Orlyval` + `RER B`:
– Orlyval to Antony (8 minutes), then `RER B` to central Paris.
– Total: 30–40 minutes, ~€14–€15.
– OrlyBus:
– To Denfert-Rochereau (RER/Metro hub): 30–40 minutes, ~€11–€12.
– Taxi/G7/Uber:
– Time: 25–50 minutes.
– Flat taxi fares: ~€35 to Left Bank, ~€41 to Right Bank.
– When to choose what:
– Light luggage and near RER/metro: Orlyval + RER.
– Staying in southern arrondissements: OrlyBus can be ideal.
– Late night, heavy bags, or with kids: Taxi or private transfer.
Late-night and early-morning considerations
– Service hours:
– `RER B`: Runs roughly 05:00–00:30; night maintenance can cause partial closures.
– RoissyBus/OrlyBus: Reduced frequency late; check schedules on the day.
– If your flight arrives after midnight:
– Taxis and ride-hailing are the most reliable options.
– Factor night surcharges for some services and longer waits.
– Safety: Stations are generally safe but stay alert; keep valuables secure.
Disneyland and beyond
– From CDG:
– `TGV` high-speed trains from CDG T2 to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (Disneyland) in ~10 minutes.
– Magical Shuttle buses: ~60 minutes; around €23 per adult.
– From ORY:
– Magical Shuttle or taxi/ride-hail; allow 45–70 minutes.
– Other cities: CDG’s `TGV` station directly connects to Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Strasbourg—sometimes faster than flying.
RER vs taxi: cost, speed, and comfort compared
When the RER wins
– Peak traffic (07:30–10:00 and 16:30–19:30): The RER’s predictable timing beats road congestion.
– Solo travelers on a budget: CDG to Paris for ~€11–€12 is unbeatable value.
– Proximity to an RER/metro hub: If your hotel is near Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Luxembourg, or Denfert-Rochereau, transfers are easy.
When taxi or Uber wins
– Door-to-door comfort: No stairs, no transfers, ideal after a long-haul flight.
– Families or groups of 3–4: The per-person cost gap shrinks versus the RER.
– Late-night arrivals or early departures: Rail/bus frequencies drop; taxis stay dependable.
Cost breakdown examples
– Solo traveler, CDG → Latin Quarter:
– `RER B`: ~€12 + short metro ride (~€2.15) = ~€14 total, ~45 minutes.
– Taxi: ~€62 fixed, ~50–70 minutes.
– Family of four, ORY → Right Bank:
– `Orlyval` + `RER B`: ~€56–€60 total, ~40 minutes with transfers.
– Taxi: ~€41 fixed, ~30–45 minutes door-to-door.
– Couple with two large suitcases, CDG → Montmartre:
– `RER B` + metro with stairs: cheap but awkward.
– Taxi/Uber: More expensive, but easier and often similar time off-peak.
Mistakes to avoid
– On the RER:
– Boarding the wrong `RER B` branch—check the terminus on the platform screens.
– Not keeping your ticket—needed to exit gates in Paris.
– Riding with bags near doors—use luggage racks and stay alert for pickpockets.
– In taxis/ride-hailing:
– Accepting rides from touts—only use official ranks or apps.
– Not confirming the flat fare for CDG/ORY before departure—ask for a receipt.
– Underestimating rush-hour delays—add buffer time.
Booking tips and best practices for paris airport transfers
Apps and payment
– G7 and Uber: Book curbside or ahead. G7 offers English-speaking drivers and options for child seats; small booking fee may apply.
– Payment: Most taxis accept cards; confirm before you get in. Apps store receipts automatically.
– Transit tickets: Contactless cards or a `Navigo Easy` card work for buses/metro. Airport RER fares are point-to-point tickets you buy separately.
Luggage, kids, and accessibility
– Luggage: Taxis and RoissyBus/OrlyBus handle suitcases easily; the RER is fine but expect stairs at some stations.
– Children: Request child seats in G7/private transfers; the RER has space but keep strollers folded in crowds.
– Accessibility: CDG and ORY have elevators; in the city, some metro stations lack elevators—plan routes in advance.
Safety and avoiding scams
– Official taxis have a lighted roof sign and a meter inside; drivers must provide a receipt on request.
– Ignore anyone approaching you with ride offers inside terminals.
– On public transport, keep phones zipped away near doors and watch your bag in crowded cars.
Timing and buffer planning
– Allow:
– 1 hour from landing to curb (immigration + bags) at CDG; 30–45 minutes at ORY.
– 45–90 minutes to reach most central Paris addresses by road.
– 35–50 minutes via `RER B` (plus any metro/walk time).
– For departures, be at the airport:
– Short-haul: 2 hours before.
– Long-haul: 3 hours before.
– Build in buffer if traveling during rush hour, heavy rain, or strikes.
Real-world example: Choosing the right option
– Landing at CDG at 08:15 with a meeting at 10:30 near Opéra:
– `RER B` to Châtelet–Les Halles + 1 metro stop is most reliable.
– Landing at ORY at 22:15 with two kids and luggage, hotel in Saint-Germain:
– Taxi (flat ~€35) is the least stressful, door-to-door.
Conclusion
Paris offers multiple ways to get from CDG and ORY to the city center. The `RER B` is often the fastest and cheapest for solo travelers, while taxis, G7, and Uber excel for comfort, late nights, and families. Buses like RoissyBus and OrlyBus split the difference, and private transfers add convenience at a premium. Weigh time of day, luggage, group size, and budget to choose the best fit. Ready to plan your route beyond the airport? Start with our complete guide to the Paris Metro and prep smart with a carry-on packing list for Europe. For smooth, stress-free paris airport transfers, make your choice before you land and book accordingly.
Frequently asked questions about paris airport transfers
Q: Is Uber cheaper than a taxi from CDG or ORY?
A: Sometimes, but not always. Official taxis have flat fares (CDG ~€55/€62; ORY ~€35/€41). Uber varies by demand; during surge, taxis can be cheaper and more predictable.
Q: What happened to Le Bus Direct?
A: Le Bus Direct was discontinued and has not resumed. Use RoissyBus (CDG–Opéra) and OrlyBus (ORY–Denfert-Rochereau) for direct, luggage-friendly connections.
Q: How long does the RER B take from CDG to central Paris?
A: About 35–45 minutes to Châtelet–Les Halles, with trains every 6–10 minutes in the daytime. Add time for any metro transfer or walk to your final address.
Q: What’s the best option late at night?
A: Taxis (official rank), G7, or Uber. RER and buses run less frequently late; door-to-door cars are more reliable. For families or heavy luggage, cars are easiest for paris airport transfers.
