CDG to Paris: every transport option compared

Charles de Gaulle sits about 30 km north-east of central Paris, and the way you cover that distance sets the tone for the rest of your trip.

RER B is the cheapest at around €11.80, and in clear conditions it reaches Gare du Nord in 35 minutes. The catch is the stairs — there are many, at both ends — and the train is a poor choice with large cases or small children.

Roissybus runs to Opéra for about €16.60 and takes 60–75 minutes depending on traffic. Comfortable enough, but it drops you at a single point that may be nowhere near your hotel.

Official taxis work on government-fixed flat fares: €56 to the Right Bank, €65 to the Left Bank. Reliable, though the rank queue after a long-haul arrival can run to 40 minutes.

A pre-booked private transfer costs a little more, but the price is fixed at booking, the driver tracks your flight and waits if you are late, and you go directly to your address. For two or more travellers with luggage, the gap between a taxi and a private car narrows to a few euros per head.