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RER B Train (Best Overall)
Price: €11.50 one-way (buy at machine, not counter). Time: 30-40 mins to Châtelet-Les Halles (central).
Pros: Fastest, most reliable, runs 5am-1am. Direct to central stations. Cons: Can be crowded during rush hour; stations are large (follow signs for "RER B").
Best for: Families (stroller-friendly stations), budget travelers (cheapest), business travelers (on time).
Bus: RoissyBus / Noctilien (Night Bus)
Price: €12 one-way (RoissyBus), €6.50 for Noctilien (night bus). Time: 45-75 mins (traffic-dependent).
Pros: RoissyBus has free Wi-Fi; Noctilien runs 2am-5am. Cons: Slow, stops at multiple locations, no direct access to central stations.
Best for: Budget travelers (only if flying into CDG late/early), not ideal for families (long wait times).
Taxi
Price: €50-65 (meter starts at €8.50; add €10 for luggage). Time: 40-60 mins (traffic varies).
Pros: Door-to-door, no transfers, good for late-night arrivals. Cons: Expensive; can be slow in traffic (especially at rush hour).
Best for: Business travelers (with heavy luggage), late-night arrivals, groups of 3+.
Private Transfer (e.g., Welcome Pickups, Kiwi)
Price: €55-85 for 1-3 people (fixed rate, no meter). Time: 40-55 mins.
Pros: Professional driver, meets you at baggage claim, no stress. Cons: Overpriced for solo travelers, requires booking ahead.
Best for: Families (with kids/luggage), groups of 3+, travelers wanting no hassle.
Orlyval + RER B (Best Option)
Price: €10.50 (Orlyval €6.50 + RER B €4, or combined ticket €10.50). Time: 35-45 mins to central Paris.
Pros: Fastest, direct to central stations (Châtelet via RER B). Cons: Orlyval is a shuttle (not a train), requires a transfer.
Best for: All traveler types (reliable, affordable).
Orlybus Bus
Price: €10.50 one-way. Time: 30-45 mins (traffic-dependent).
Pros: Direct to Denfert-Rochereau (central station). Cons: Can be crowded; no Wi-Fi.
Best for: Budget travelers (cheaper than Orlyval+RER), solo travelers.
Taxi
Price: €35-45 (shorter distance than CDG). Time: 25-40 mins.
Pros: Quick, direct. Cons: Still pricey for a short ride; traffic in Paris is unpredictable.
Best for: Business travelers (if arriving late), small groups.
Don't waste money: Avoid airport touts offering "discounted taxis" – they’ll charge you double. Stick to official RER B, Orlyval, or pre-booked private transfers.
Best for families: RER B from CDG or Orlyval + RER B from ORY. Stations have elevators and are wide enough for strollers. Skip taxis (expensive) or buses (crowded).
Best for budget travelers: RER B (CDG) or Orlybus (ORY) at €10.50. Avoid taxis unless you’re in a group of 3+.
Best for business travelers: Taxi or private transfer for late flights (e.g., 1am arrival). For early flights, RER B (starts 5am) is faster than waiting for a taxi.
Realistic timing note: RER B is always faster than buses/taxis in peak hours (7-10am, 4-7pm). A taxi might take 60+ mins in traffic, while RER B is consistently 30-40 mins.
What NOT to do: Don’t take the "Metro" from CDG – it’s not a metro line. The RER B is a separate train. Don’t buy tickets at the counter (prices are higher); use the machines at the station.
Summary Table:
| Option | CDG → Center | ORY → Center | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| RER B | €11.50 (30-40 min) | €10.50 (35-45 min) | Families, budget, business |
| Orlybus | N/A | €10.50 (30-45 min) | Budget solo travelers | Plan Your Trip