Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris in 30mn by the express train RER link
Getting from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris is a breeze with the express train RER link, which is the second most popular option after taxis. It’s not just convenient, but also speedy and budget-friendly.
Here’s what you need to know:
The RER link will whisk you from CDG airport to the heart of Paris in just 25-35 minutes.
For destinations on the Rive Droite (right bank of the Seine), your stops will include Gare du Nord (Paris TGV station) and Châtelet-les-Halles.
If you’re headed to the Rive Gauche (left bank), you’ll hop off at St-Michel-Notre-Dame, Luxembourg and Denfert-Rochereau. Denfert-Rochereau is also where you can catch buses or the RER to Orly airport.
And here’s the cherry on top: the price won’t break the bank. Plus, your RER ticket doubles as a Metro pass, so hold onto it for your onward journey. While it’s a cost-effective option, keep in mind that you’ll need to handle your luggage on the train. But for families or groups of four, it’s still a more economical choice compared to taxis. So, if you’re looking for a swift and wallet-friendly way to reach Paris from CDG airport, hop aboard the RER link and get ready 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 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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