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After an overnight transatlantic flight, the last thing you want is to drag suitcases through a crowded train or argue about a fare. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is about 15 to 20 miles (25 to 35 km) from the city center, and you have four main ways to get there. This guide compares a private car service, official taxis, rideshare apps and the RER B train, so you can choose the right one for your arrival.
This guide is part of our Paris Airport Transfers Guide.
Key Takeaways
- CDG to central Paris: about 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 by car, depending on traffic.
- Least stress: a private driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign and tracks your flight.
- Families and groups: one Mercedes V-Class carries up to 7 passengers and 7 suitcases.
- Fixed price: agreed before you fly, with no meter running in traffic jams.
Arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle: What to Expect
CDG has three terminals spread over a large area, and transatlantic flights usually arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 (2A to 2G). After passport control and baggage claim, expect 30 to 60 minutes before you are ready to leave the airport. Lines at taxi ranks and train ticket machines can be long when several wide-body flights land at the same time.
Beware of unofficial drivers who approach travelers inside the terminal and offer a ride: they are not licensed and often overcharge. Use an official taxi rank or a pre-booked licensed chauffeur.
CDG to Paris: Transfer Options Compared
| Option | Where you meet | Time to central Paris | Luggage and comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private car service (FR Transfer) | Arrivals hall, name sign | 45 min to 1 h 15, door to door | Excellent, chauffeur handles bags | Families, groups, business travelers, first visit |
| Official Paris taxi | Taxi rank outside arrivals | 45 min to 1 h 15 | Good for 1 to 4 people, limited trunk space | Couples with light luggage |
| Rideshare app (Uber, Bolt) | Dedicated pickup zone | 45 min to 1 h 15 | Varies by car, surge pricing at peak times | App users traveling light |
| RER B train | Station inside the airport | About 35 to 50 min to Gare du Nord or Châtelet, plus transfers | Crowded, stairs, no help with bags | Solo budget travelers |
1. Private Car Service: The Stress-Free Option
- Meet and greet: your chauffeur waits in the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name.
- Flight tracking: if your flight is early or late, pickup time adjusts automatically.
- Luggage assistance: no lifting suitcases into a trunk or up metro stairs.
- Child seats on request for families traveling with young kids.
- Choice of vehicle: Mercedes V-Class, S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach GLS or Cadillac Escalade.
See our Paris and CDG airport transfer page for details.
Book your CDG to Paris private driver
Send us your flight number and hotel address. Your chauffeur tracks the flight and waits for you in the arrivals hall.
2. Official Paris Taxis
Official taxis wait at the rank outside each terminal and apply a flat fare between CDG and Paris, with one rate for the Right Bank and another for the Left Bank. They are a solid option for two people with carry-on bags. For larger families, most standard taxis cannot take more than four passengers and four large suitcases, and there is no one waiting for you inside the terminal.
3. Uber and Other Rideshare Apps
Rideshare apps work at CDG, with pickups in dedicated zones that can take a while to find after a long flight. Prices vary with demand and can rise sharply when many flights land together. The vehicle type and driver are assigned at random, so a spacious van is not guaranteed.
4. The RER B Train
The RER B is the cheapest way into Paris, reaching Gare du Nord and Châtelet in about 35 to 50 minutes. It is a commuter train: expect crowds at rush hour, stairs and escalators in the stations, and often a metro or taxi ride to reach your hotel. It works for solo travelers with a backpack, much less for families with suitcases.
Which Car for Your Airport Transfer?
| Vehicle | Passengers | Suitcases | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes V-Class (luxury van) | Up to 7 | Up to 7 | Families and groups with luggage, the favorite for CDG transfers |
| Mercedes S-Class (luxury sedan) | Up to 3 | Up to 2 | Couples and business travelers |
| Mercedes-Maybach GLS (ultra-luxury SUV) | Up to 4 | Up to 4 | VIP guests and special occasions |
| Cadillac Escalade (full-size SUV) | Up to 6 | Up to 5 | Travelers who want a full-size SUV after a long flight |
Tips for a Smooth Arrival at CDG
- Share your flight number when booking, not just your landing time, so your chauffeur can track it.
- Allow 30 to 60 minutes for immigration and baggage claim after a transatlantic flight.
- Keep your phone on roaming or Wi-Fi to receive your chauffeur’s WhatsApp message.
- Traveling with kids? Mention ages when booking so the right child seats are installed.
- Flying home? Book your return transfer at the same time and plan to leave Paris about 3 hours before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from CDG to central Paris?
About 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes by car depending on traffic, and around 35 to 50 minutes by RER B train to Gare du Nord or Châtelet, plus your connection to the hotel.
Where will my driver meet me at CDG?
In the arrivals hall of your terminal, after baggage claim, holding a sign with your name. Your chauffeur confirms the exact meeting point before you land.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Your chauffeur tracks your flight and adjusts the pickup time, so you do not need to contact us if you land late.
Can you take a family of 6 with luggage from CDG?
Yes. A Mercedes V-Class takes up to 7 passengers and 7 suitcases, and a Cadillac Escalade up to 6 passengers and 5 suitcases.
Do you also drive from Paris to CDG for my flight home?
Yes, we pick you up at your hotel or apartment and drop you at your terminal. We recommend leaving Paris about 3 hours before an international departure.
Landing at CDG soon?
Meet and greet, flight tracking, English-speaking chauffeur and a fixed price confirmed before you fly.