Charles de Gaulle is the airport most visitors land at, and the question of how to get into Paris is asked on the plane, in the queue at passport control and again at the baggage belt. The answer depends less on price than on three things: how much luggage you have, how many of you there are, and what time it is.
The verdict
Take the RER B if you are travelling light, alone or as a couple, during the day, and staying near one of its stops.
Take a taxi or a ride-hailing car if you have heavy luggage, you are three or more, you arrive late at night, or you are staying somewhere the train does not reach easily.
Book a private transfer only if someone else is paying, or if you are arriving with young children after a long flight and want the car waiting.
The RER B
The train runs from the airport directly to Gare du Nord, Châtelet and Saint-Michel, in central Paris. It is the cheapest option and, outside rush hour, often the fastest.
What the fare does not tell you: the RER B is a commuter line, not an airport shuttle. At rush hour it is crowded, there is little space for suitcases, and the large central stations — Gare du Nord and Châtelet — involve long corridors, stairs and crowds. With one bag each it is easy. With two large suitcases per person it is hard work.
Keep your bag in front of you in the busiest stretches. Like any busy transit line in a large city, it attracts pickpockets.
Taxis
Taxis from the airport to central Paris run at a flat fare set by the city, which differs between the Right Bank and the Left Bank. That makes the price predictable — no meter running in traffic.
Take them only from the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering a ride is not a licensed taxi.
Ride-hailing
An Uber or equivalent into central Paris runs roughly €35 to €50, depending on the hour and traffic. The shared-ride option brings that down to around €16 to €18, at the cost of a longer journey and one or two detours to drop off other passengers.
For two or three people with luggage, a single car split between you is often comparable to train tickets for everyone — and it takes you to the door.
Late at night
After the last trains, the choice narrows to taxis, ride-hailing, or night buses. Night buses exist but are slow and not built for luggage. If you land late, plan for a car.
Who this does not suit
If you land at Orly rather than Charles de Gaulle, the answer is different — metro line 14 now runs from Orly into central Paris without a change, which makes the train the obvious choice for most visitors.
If you are staying in the east of Paris — Oberkampf, République, Nation — the RER B still works, but you will add a metro connection with your luggage. A car becomes more attractive.
If you are staying near Gare du Nord or Châtelet, the train drops you almost at the door. There is little reason to take anything else during the day.
What we do not know yet
We do not publish train fares or the current taxi flat rates. Both are set officially and change periodically — check them before you travel.
Ride-hailing ranges quoted here reflect September 2026 and were confirmed by the market operator. They move with demand, sometimes by the minute.
What does not change is the decision: light luggage and daylight — the train. Heavy luggage, a group or a late arrival — a car.