How to go from the airport to downtown Paris: every option (CDG, Orly, and Beauvais)

When looking into how to go from the airport to downtown Paris, we sometimes imagine one single gateway into the city, but central Paris is not one exact point on the map, but an archipelago of key areas: the Opera House, the Châtelet transport hub, the Gare du Nord, or the surroundings of the Eiffel Tower. Depending on where your accommodation is, the route can considerably change!

Neither is it the same thing to land at Charles de Gaulle airport, than at Orly airport or Beauvais airport. Each one of them has different connections, fares, and timings, and watch out, because some of them are much further away from the city’s heart than it seems on the map.

Your best choice depends on five factors: which airport you are arriving at, the time, the luggage, your budget, and of course your exact accommodation area. Choosing wisely will not only save you money, but it will also reward you something even more valuable during your first day in Paris: peace of mind!

Quick summary: your best choice depending on your case

Should you be looking for the best way to go from the airport to Paris, and if you wish to decide it in less than a minute, here you are a quick compass depending on where you land and how you move around. This is your essential mind map of transport from Paris’ airports:

• Should you land at Charles de Gaulle (CDG): from Charles de Gaulle airport, the most direct and balanced option is usually the RER B. It will drop you at key stations such as Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel, or Denfert-Rochereau, all of which are well connected by means of metro and buses. It is fast, frequencies are high, and it will spare you the traffic of Paris’ outskirts. 
• Should you land at Orly: the simplest option at Orly Airport is usually metro line 14, which links to the city centre with no need for complicated combinations. You can also opt for Orlyval + RER B if your destination is well connected to that line. Important to note: Orlybus is out of service ever since March 2025, so do not take it into account when planning your trip.
• Should you land at Beauvais (BVA): should you arrive at Beauvais airport, which is considerably further away from the city, it is almost always convenient to take the official shuttle A01 up to Porte Maillot. This is the most practical choice, and it is synced with flights. Once there, you will be able to move on by metro or RER, depending on your lodging.
• Should you arrive at night: during the small hours, your priority should be a taxi or a private hire vehicle in order to avoid limited transfers or long waiting times. Depending on the airport and the terminal, there might be night buses, but it is best to thoroughly check the exact timetables in advance before trusting them.
• Should you travel with heavy luggage, or with little children: in this case, we suggest that you choose comfort. A taxi, a private hire vehicle, or a direct bus are usually easier than moving up and down metro staircases, or changing lines during rush hour. Sometimes, paying a bit more means to buy peace of mind!

Before you choose: 5 key questions

Before you decide how to get to Paris from the airport, it is convenient for you to make a strategic, thirty-second-long pause. The best route is not universal, and it depends on several circumstances. These five questions will help you get your first guess right, and also choose the best means of transportation according to your area and situation:

• Which airport are you arriving at (CDG / ORY / BVA)? It is not the same to land at Charles de Gaulle Airport than at Orly Airport or Beauvais Airport. CDG and Orly are very well connected by public transport. Beauvais, on the other hand, is much further away, and it almost always requires a shuttle to reach Paris.
• Which exact area are you travelling to (Opera House, Le Marais, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre…)? “Downtown” can mean plenty of things. It is not the same to stay beside the Opera House than at Le Marais, close to the Eiffel Tower, or in Montmartre. Some districts are perfectly connected by means of RER, whereas others require additional metro or bus rides. Knowing your closest station is a game changer!
• Will you arrive during daytime, or at night? During daytime, public transport is fluid and frequent. At night, your options will be reduced, and your travel time can be stretched out. In some cases, a taxi or a private hire vehicle will be your wisest choice!
• Are you carrying large suitcases, or travelling with children? Paris is wonderful, but its stations are not always the most suitable for huge suitcases or tired children. Staircases, long corridors, and transfers can turn an inexpensive trip into an urban expedition!
• Will you prioritise affordability, rapidity, or door-to-door comfort? Public transport is usually more affordable, while RER or a quick metro trip will optimise your time, and a taxi or a private vehicle will offer you total comfort.

CDG (Charles de Gaulle) to Paris by public transport (main options)

RER B (the “standard” option to reach central areas quickly)

The RER B is the backbone of the trip from Charles de Gaulle to downtown Paris. It connects the airport directly with strategic stations without relying on traffic.

Useful, centrally located stations:

• Useful stations in central Paris: Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Denfert-Rochereau (for connections).
• Tickets: the right ticket is “Paris Region <-> Airports”, which is valid for railway trips between CDG and Paris. You can purchase it at the automatic machines in the airport, in box offices, or also load it on a Navigo Easy card. Additionally, it can be bought from the official Paris transport app, and then be validated digitally.
• Tips: during rush hour, and in bigger stations, keep an eye out on your belongings. Basic urban caution!

Bus (when you are looking for comfort without transfers)

Should you prefer to remain seated from minute one, and avoid underground corridors, the RoissyBus connects CDG with the Opera House area and the Grands Boulevards. It is especially useful if your hotel is close to the Opera House, since it leaves you just a few steps away from a wide array of lodging choices once on the surface.

• RoissyBus (CDG ↔ Opera House): useful if your hotel is next to the Opera House / Grands Boulevards.
  • Important to note (update): RoissyBus will cease to operate as of March 1st, 2026. From that moment on, RER B will be the most practical and direct alternative for this trip. 

• Taxi / Private hire vehicle (Uber/Bolt…)

Should you be looking for a door-to-door without worrying about maps, crowds, or long walks, a taxi is the most comfortable choice to get from CDG to Paris. Some private hire vehicles, such as Uber or Bolt, will also work, and you can book them from the app and then pay by card. 

• Pros: no transfers, ideal for large luggages, comfortable and affordable if you are travelling as a group, and more practical at night. 
• “How to avoid scams”: only use official taxis at the marked queues in the airport, do not accept any offers from “taxis” within the arrival hall and, should you use a private hire vehicle, request your car from the app and follow the indications to the official pick up point.

ORY (Orly) → Downtown Paris | Orly to Paris: the best, up to date options

Metro line 14 (fast and easy)

• It is the quickest and easiest one! The main player currently is Paris Metro Line 14. It connects Orly airport directly with Paris in 20 minutes (approximately, depending on your final station). It is automatic, frequent, and you will avoid unnecessary transfers.
• There is a specific ticket for trips from the airport to Paris, with a one-off fare. It can be purchased at the machines in the airport, or charged on a Navigo Easy. Since the fares can be updated, it is convenient to always check out the current price on the official RATP web or at Île-de-France Mobilités before your trip.

RER B + Orlyval (useful combination depending on your destination)

• The Orlyval is an automatic train linking the Orly terminals with Antony station, where it is joined by the RER B. This is an interesting combination if it suits you to enter Paris via stations such as Denfert-Rochereau, Châtelet–Les Halles, or Gare du Nord. 
• The Orlyval runs approximately from 06:00 until 23:35, with high frequencies, and it also allows you to move between terminals within the airport.

Important to note: Orlybus is out of service

• Orlybus is out of service as of March 3rd, 2025: if you had read old guides recommending it, rule it out. The official alternatives today are Metro line 14 or Orlyval + RER B. 

Taxi / Private hire vehicle

• Taxis are still a super comfortable option to travel from Orly to downtown Paris, especially if you land late at night, if you travel as a group, if you carry plenty of suitcases, or if you simply prefer to go door to door without a single worry. 

BVA (Beauvais) → Downtown Paris

Beauvais to Paris: what almost everyone needs to know

Should you land at Beauvais Airport, and then you have to make it to Paris, here is the harsh reality: it is much further away than CDG or Orly. The good news is that there is a direct shuttle!

Official shuttle (A01) to Porte Maillot

• The Navette A01 Beauvais–Porte Maillot shuttle is the most common way to go from Beauvais airport to downtown Paris. It will leave you at Porte Maillot, west of the city. This service is coordinated with flights, so it usually departs shortly after each arrival!
• The one-way ticket fare for an adult is approximately 17.90 € (buying a return ticket altogether is somewhat more affordable). The trip runs for one hour and a quarter to an hour and a half, depending on the traffic. 
• Tip: buy it online to secure your seat and save up time at the airport and, when you return from Paris to Beauvais, arrive with a sizable time margin, because the airport may be small, but it is very far away. 

Connections from Porte Maillot to your area

Once in Porte Maillot, you are already in Paris, and there comes the last part of your trip towards your accommodation. Here you are a mini urban compass to navigate the city: 

• Opera House → Metro line 1 up until Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, and then line 8 or similar combinations, depending on the station.
• Châtelet–Les Halles → Metro line 1 directly towards the city center.
• Gare du Nord → Line 1 up to Châtelet, and then line 4 or equivalent alternatives.
• Eiffel Tower → Line 1 up to Franklin D. Roosevelt, and a connection with line 9 or 6, depending on the exact location of your accommodation. 

Tickets and fares: the most confusing points (easily explained)

Talking about tickets from Paris airport may seem like entering an administrative nightmare novel but, in fact, there are just a few key points that sort everything out easily. Let us list them so that you know what to purchase and when to use each option!

“Paris Region <-> Airports ticket”: what it is and when it is convenient

The so-called Paris Region <-> Airports ticket is the specific fare to connect Paris with the Charles de Gaulle airport and the Orly airport. 

• It is valid for metro, RER, or regional train trips, including the Orlyval, and it allows connections during approximately 2 hours, as long as you do not leave the network. It is ideal if you are using RER B from CDG, or Metro line 14 / RER B + Orlyval from Orly!
• Keep an eye out on the prices: there have been fare changes between 2025 and 2026 and, from January 1st, 2026, the fare is 14 € for this kind of trip. Since the figure might be updated, it is best to verify the current prices right before your trip.
• This ticket does not include services such as RoissyBus, nor other, special airport buses. It is meant exclusively for the railway and metro network. 

Navigo (weekly / monthly) and when does it include your airport

• Some weekly or monthly passes include access to the airports if they cover for their corresponding areas, but others do not. It depends on the kind of pass, the hired areas, and the validity of the pass. If you already have Navigo, check the official RATP website or Île-de-France Mobilités to find out whether your fare includes CDG or Orly before buying an additional ticket!

Where to purchase it (stress-free)

There are three comfortable ways to purchase your airport Navigo Easy, or the corresponding ticket: 

• At the official app Bonjour RATP,.or at the Île-de-France Mobilités app. 

• At the automatic machines in the airport.
• At the customer service box offices. 

Safety and common scams (a brief chapter, but very important to remember)

Travelling from Paris’ airports to the city center is easy, but it is advisable to keep an eye out. Here are some key tips about taxi scams between Paris and the airport, and about safety in transport: 

• Do not take any offers within the terminal. Those who approach you offering a “fast” taxi are usually unofficial.
• Only use official taxi queues or trustworthy apps, such as Uber or Bolt. In that way, you will avoid surprises when you get your fare.
• On RER or metro, keep your backpack or purse in front of you, especially in very crowded stations such as Châtelet, Gare du Nord or Saint-Michel. This is the most effective trick against pickpockets!

Recommendations depending on your travelling profile

Every traveller is different, and choosing between a comfortable transfer to Paris or more affordable means of transport depends on your travelling style. Here you are a quick guide to adjust your choice in accordance with your circumstances: 

• Backpackers / low budget: your best option is RER or metro, since it is inexpensive and relatively quick, as well as perfect if you are only carrying hand luggage and you wish to save up.
• Families: the most comfortable choice is usually a taxi, a private hire vehicle, or a direct bus. It is ideal for those who prioritise peace of mind over affordability.
• Couples / romantic: to kick off your trip stress-free and comfortably, a door-to-door transfer will allow you to enjoy Paris from the very first minute with no logistic complications. 
• Groups: it is advisable to compare taxi or private hire vehicles vs. Individual tickets in public transport, since paying for a large taxi for all of you will sometimes be more affordable and easier. 

Premade itineraries 

So that you can plan your arrival to Paris without wasting any time, here we offer you some clear mini itineraries from the three airports to the most popular areas in the city. 

✈️CDG → Le Marais

1. Take the RER B from CDG towards Châtelet–Les Halles.
2. Alight at Châtelet–Les Halles and walk, or take Metro line 1 towards Saint-Paul / Hôtel de Ville.
3. You will reach the heart of Le Marais in ~50 min.

✈️CDG → Opera House

1. Take the RER B from CDG towards Châtelet–Les Halles.
2. Switch to Metro line 7 or 8 up until the Opera House.
3. Approximate overall time: 45–50 min.

✈️Orly → Latin Quarter

1. Use Metro line 14 up to Bibliothèque François Mitterrand.
2. Make a transfer to RER C towards Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame.
3. You will arrive at the Latin quarter in about 35–40 min. A Complete Guide to Visit the Latin Quarter in Paris!

✈️Orly → Eiffel Tower

1. Metro line 14 up to Saint-Lazare or an intermediate station.
2. Combine with Metro line 6 towards Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro, depending on your accommodation.
3. Approximate time: 40–45 min. Much more about the Eiffel Tower and its surroundings.

✈️Beauvais → Montmartre

1. Take the A01 shuttle towards Porte Maillot (~1h15–1h30).
2. From Porte Maillot, take Metro line 1 up to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile.
3. Transfer to Metro line 2 up to Anvers / Abbesses.
4. You will arrive at the vibrant quarter of Montmartre in a total time of ~2h.

✈️Beauvais → Châtelet

1. A01 shuttle towards Porte Maillot.
2. From Porte Maillot, take Metro line 1 straight to Châtelet.
3. Arrival in ~1h30–1h45. Check the guide on Châtelet and its surroundings here

FAQs

What is the most affordable way to go from the airport to downtown Paris?
The most inexpensive option is usually RER or metro, especially from CDG or Orly (Metro line 14 / RER B). From Beauvais, the A01 shuttle is almost mandatory, and the most affordable choice.

What is the quickest way to go from CDG?
The RER B is generally the fastest and most direct means of transport towards centrally located stations such as Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, or Saint-Michel. Approximate time: 35–45 minutes, depending on your destination.

Does Orlybus still work?
No, it does not. Orlybus has been out of service ever since March 2025. The official alternatives are Metro line 14 and the Orlyval + RER B combination.

How long does it take to ride metro line 14 from Orly?
The direct trip from the airport to downtown Paris by means of Metro line 14 runs for about 20 minutes, approximately.

Where can the “Paris Region <-> Airports” ticket be purchased?
It can be bought at the official RATP app or at Île-de-France Mobilités, at the machines in the airport, or at a customer service box office.

How can I go from Beauvais to Paris?
The official way is by means of the official A01 shuttle up to Porte Maillot, and then connecting via metro towards the location of your accommodation. Overall time: from 1h15mins to 1h45mins, depending on your destination and traffic.

What is the best choice if I carry plenty of suitcases?
For maximum comfort, a taxi or a private hire vehicle are the preferred option, especially if you are travelling as a group or with little children.

What am I to do if I arrive at night?
Public transport is more limited at night. The safest and quickest option is usually to take an official taxi or a private hire vehicle, although there are night buses in some airports. Make sure to always check the timetables!