Getting to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is easiest and cheap using suburban train RER Ligne B between downtown and the aéroport.
RER suburban train line B is often the best public transportation between downtown Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Getting to the airport from Paris by RER train is relatively cheap and fast as the train does not get stuck in traffic. RER Ligne B stops amongst others at Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Gare du Nord en route to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2-TGV Station. Buses offer an alternative to the airport with Le Bus Direct (previously Les Cars Air France) particularly convenient and comfortable. Pre-booked private airport shuttles are also a good option for groups or when traveling with luggage or at odd hours. Taxi2Airport and Suntransfers give online quotations for private airport transfers without first requiring personal details or flight numbers.
RER Train Ligne B to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
Suburban train RER line B connects Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport with downtown Paris every 10 to 15 minutes from around 5 am to midnight. The cost of a ticket is currently €11.40 – travel passes (Forfait Navigo) with zones 1-5 may be used.
Traveling times on RER line B trains from the airport to downtown Paris are as follows:
RER B Ligne Station (Traveling time in minutes to / from CDG-2)
- Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2-TGV
- Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 (2)
- (Numerous stops in residential areas of Paris)
- Gare du Nord (28) – connections with RER D & E trains
- Châtelet – Les Halles (31) – connections with RER A & D trains
- Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame (33) – connections with RER C trains
- Luxembourg (35)
- Port-Royal (37)
- Denfert-Rochereau (39) – Orlybus connection to ORY
- Antony (59 on B4 trains only) – Orlyval connection to ORY
Any RER B train may be taken from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to downtown Paris. However, travelers heading to Antony, which has a connection to Orly Airport, should use only B4 trains. An alternative to Orly Airport is via Denfer-Rochereau stop, which is served by all RER line B trains, or simpler, the direct Le Bus Direct (previously Les Cars Air France) line 3.
Note: Only RER B3 Trains Go to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport!
When traveling from downtown Paris to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, use only RER trains B3 with Aéroport Charles de Gaulle as final destination. (B3 trains furthermore have a four letter name starting with E displayed on the trains). Trains B5 follows a different route after Gare du Nord and goes to Mitry and not to the airport.
RER B Line Train Stations at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Charles de Gaulle Airport has two train stations with RER Line B trains stopping at both. Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV Station is used by both high-speed TGV trains and RER line B trains, while Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 Station is only used by RER trains.
RER train station Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 is next to airport terminal 3. Terminal 3 passengers can simply use the covered pedestrian walkway to the train. Passengers from terminal 1 should use the free CDGVAL shuttle train (navette) from the terminal to stop Terminal 3 – Roissypole.
Terminal 2 passengers should use Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2-TGV Station, which can be reached by walking or on moving walkways from most part of terminal 2. However, terminal 2G passengers should use the free shuttle bus navette N3 to Terminal 2C and walk from the airport to the station. It is a very long walk from Terminal 2A and 2B – alternatively, free shuttle bus N1 may be used from here to the station entrance.
If at the wrong station (or terminal building) use the free CDGVAL shuttle train (navette) that connect the airport terminals and parking areas in a transit loop. It is not possible to walk between most of the airport terminal buildings.
RER line B trains are a very convenient way to travel between downtown Paris and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. The train does not get stuck in traffic but as RER trains are primarily commuter trains, they do not have space for bulky luggage and can get very full during the rush hour.
Buses offer an alternative to the airport with Les Cars Air France particularly convenient and comfortable. For groups, pre-booked airport shuttle vans may be a good option, especially if traveling with luggage, at odd hours, or a final destination far from the station. Compare prices before making reservations. Taxi2Airport and Suntransfers give online quotations for private airport transfers without first requiring personal details or flight numbers.