Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris in 30mn by the express train RER link
Getting to Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport is a breeze thanks to the express train RER, the second most popular mode of transport after taxis. Not only is it convenient, but it’s also fast and economical.
Here’s what you need to know:
The RER takes you from CDG Airport to the heart of Paris in just 25 to 35 minutes.
For destinations on the Rive Droite – Right Bank of the Seine, your stops will be Gare du Nord (TGV station) and Châtelet-les-Halles.
If you’re heading to the Rive Gauche – Left Bank, you’ll get off at Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, Luxembourg and Denfert-Rochereau stations. It’s also at Denfert-Rochereau that you can catch buses or the RER to Orly Airport.
And the best part? It’s very affordable. Plus, your express train RER ticket doubles as a metro pass, so keep it for the rest of your journey. While it’s an economical option, keep in mind that you’ll have to manage your luggage on the train. For families or groups of four, however, it’s still more cost-effective than a taxi. So, if you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to get to Paris from CDG airport, hop on the RER and prepare for a hassle-free journey into the heart of the city.
Where to get the express train RER in CDG Terminal 1?
The free shuttle CDGVAL links the Terminal to CDG1 RER station in Roissypole at Terminal 3.
Once you’ve collected your luggage and exited the custom area on Arrival level, follow the sign ‘Trains’.
Go to lift A, where you’ll see the sign ‘CDGVAL – Airport shuttle’. Once in the lift, press ‘Level 2 CDGVAL Roissypole’.
Exit and walk through the automatic doors that lead to the platform for the shuttle station; get off at the 2nd stop, Roissypole.
Once there, take the escalator and follow the sign ‘Paris RER’.
You’ll find the ticket vending machines in the RER station hall; you can pay by debit or credit cards, Euros cash and banknotes.
Select your language, then ‘Paris Ile de France’ option and follow the instructions.
You can also buy your ticket at the counter if you prefer; same methods of payment are accepted.
The ticket barriers are next to the vending machines and you’ll see the sign ‘Paris ‘; inset your ticket in the barrier slot. Go to the train platform, get on, you’re on your way to Paris!
Where to get the express train RER in CDG Terminal 2?
CDG2 (T2) RER-TGV station is located within the terminal, 2 levels below.
You can access it directly on foot from Terminals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F.
Follow the signs marked ‘Trains pour Paris’ along the corridors and moving sidewalks, then use the escalators or lifts to descend.
Terminal 2G is served by a free shuttle bus N2 departing from gate 2.10 at 2F.
Terminal 3 is adjacent to Roissypole CDG1 RER station, accessible on foot.
Numerous ticket vending machines are available with the same payment methods as mentioned before.
Look for the sign ‘Vers Paris’; pass through the barrier and proceed down to the platform.
Frequency of express train RER trains for Paris?
Express RER trains leave every day, every 6-15mn from the RER-TGV station.
The first RER leaves CDG Terminal 2 at 4.50am and the last train at 11.50pm.
Returning to CDG: the first RER leaves Gare du Nord at 4.53am and the lats at 0.15am.
Which express train RER to take?
It’s advisable to opt for an express train when traveling between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris.
During rush hours, particularly after 5pm from CDG and before 7am to CDG, trains tend to be very crowded. Many of these trains stop at all stations between the airport and Paris to accommodate airport staff commuting, which means you might not find a seat.
Additionally, RER trains do not provide baggage racks, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your luggage.
Before boarding, check the TV screens on the platforms to verify the number of stops and the destination.
From CDG, the RER B terminus is Saint-lès-Chevreuse.
From Paris, select the RER B direction Charles de Gaulle Airport 2 – TGV (the first stop is CDG1 Roissypole).
It’s worth noting that the RER is operated by the RATP transport company, which covers Paris & Ile de France.
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