Paris city transfers from CDG: RER B, taxi, Uber or private transfer compared

CDG sits about 25 km northeast of central Paris, and there's no single "best" way in — it depends on how much luggage you're carrying, what time you land, and how much you value predictability over price. Here's how the four main options actually stack up.

CDG to Paris at a glance

Prices were checked in October 2026 and can change, so confirm close to your trip. Not sure which side of the Seine your hotel is on? The Right Bank is north of the river (Marais, Montmartre, Champs-Élysées); the Left Bank is south (Saint-Germain, Latin Quarter, Eiffel Tower).

RER B train — cheapest, but not effortless

The RER B runs directly from the airport into central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Michel) in about 35–50 minutes. It's the cheapest option by a wide margin, but it comes with real trade-offs: stations involve stairs and escalators that aren't always working, trains can get crowded, and the platform-to-platform walk with luggage isn't fun after a long flight. It's a solid choice if you're traveling light and landing at a reasonable hour.

Taxi — simple flat fares, if you use the official rank

Official Paris taxis from CDG charge a fixed fare into the city: €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank, at any time of day, with luggage included. For three or four people, that can work out cheaper than everyone buying train tickets. The flat fare only applies to official taxis from the marked taxi rank, so ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal. You also can't choose your car or skip the queue, which can be long at peak arrival times.

Shared shuttle — cheaper than a taxi, slower than everything else

Shared shuttles split the cost across multiple passengers, so they land between the train and a private transfer on price. The catch is time: you're on the shuttle's route, not yours, so multiple hotel drop-offs before yours can turn a 45-minute trip into 90.

Private transfer — the option most people actually want, once they know it exists

A private transfer means one car, one straight route to your address, and a fixed price agreed before you land. The driver tracks your flight, so a delay doesn't cost you anything extra, and there's no queue to stand in at arrivals — just a name sign waiting for you. It costs more than the train, but for a first arrival in a new city, after a long flight, with luggage, it removes the one part of the trip most likely to go wrong.

Landing late at night

The RER B runs from early morning until around midnight, and there is a gap overnight when the trains stop, so a very late or very early arrival usually means a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. If your flight is delayed, check the last train before you count on it. A private transfer with flight tracking adjusts to a late landing without extra cost, which is one of the main reasons families and solo travelers book one.

What to watch for at CDG

• Use the official taxi rank. The flat fare only applies to licensed taxis from the marked rank, so ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal.
• Buy the right train ticket. The RER B from the airport costs more than a regular metro ticket, so buy an airport ticket at the station.
• Watch your bags on the RER B, since pickpockets target tired travelers on crowded trains.
• Check strike notices before you fly. Public transport strikes in France can affect the RER B.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way from CDG to central Paris?

The RER B train is the cheapest, at around €13 to €14 per person in recent guides, and it takes about 35 to 50 minutes to the center. For three or four people the flat-fare taxi can come out similar or cheaper per person.

How much is a taxi from CDG to Paris?

Official taxis charge a flat fare, about €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank, with luggage included. The fare applies to licensed taxis from the official rank, and it can change, so confirm close to your trip.

Is Uber cheaper than a taxi from CDG?

Not always. Uber and Bolt fares from CDG are often in the range of about €55 to €80, and they vary with demand, while the official taxi flat fare is fixed. Compare the price in the app before you book.

Is a private transfer worth it from CDG?

It can be, especially after a long flight, with luggage or children, or when landing late. You get a fixed price, a driver who tracks your flight and no queue at arrivals. It usually costs more than the train, and recent guides put it at roughly €60 to €90 per car.

How long does it take to get from CDG to Paris?

Usually 35 to 50 minutes by RER B and about 45 to 60 minutes by taxi, Uber or private transfer, though rush hour and traffic can add a lot of time. Shared shuttles can take 60 to 90 minutes because of other drop-offs.

Can I get from CDG to Paris late at night?

Yes, but not by train. The RER B stops running overnight, so a taxi, Uber or pre-booked transfer is the safest choice for a very late or early arrival. Check the last train time if your flight is delayed.

What are the Paris airport transfer options at CDG?

The main options are the RER B train, an official taxi, an Uber or Bolt, a shared shuttle and a pre-booked private transfer. Which is best depends on your luggage, group size, arrival time and budget.

So which should you actually pick?

If you're landing early in the day, traveling light, and comfortable navigating a train station on little sleep — the RER B will save you money and get you there fast. If you're landing at night, traveling with a group or heavy luggage, or just want one less thing to think about after a long flight, a pre-booked private transfer is worth the extra cost. The shared shuttle rarely wins outright — it's usually only worth it if you're traveling solo on a tight budget and the train genuinely doesn't work for your route.