The RER B train is the best all-round choice from CDG to central Paris — about 25–30 minutes to Gare du Nord on a single €14 flat fare (2026) that also covers your onward Metro. A taxi is the simplest door-to-door option at a fixed flat fare of €56 to the Right Bank or €65 to the Left Bank. The old Roissybus to Opéra was withdrawn on 1 March 2026, so the bus is no longer a direct option.
Your main options in 2026
CDG connects to central Paris by the RER B suburban rail line and by taxi. The dedicated CDG Express rail link to Gare de l'Est is still under construction and not yet operational (around 80% complete, with opening planned for 2027 — verify officially as dates can slip). Until then, RER B is the rail route into the city.
Comparison: CDG to central Paris
| Option | Journey time | Fare (one-way)* | Frequency | Goes to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RER B train | ~25–30 min to Gare du Nord; ~31 min to Châtelet | €14 flat fare (incl. onward Metro) | Every ~10–15 min, ~5am–midnight | Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Michel + Metro |
| Taxi (fixed flat fare) | ~40–60 min (traffic-dependent) | €56 Right Bank / €65 Left Bank | On demand | Any door-to-door address in Paris |
| Roissybus | — | — | Withdrawn 1 March 2026 | No longer running |
| CDG Express | ~20 min (planned) | Not set / not operational | Under construction (opening planned 2027) | Gare de l'Est (when open) |
*Fares and times are indicative and can change. The RER B regional flat fare (€14) and the taxi flat fares (€56 Right Bank / €65 Left Bank, fixed by prefectural decree, no luggage surcharge) reflect 2026 figures — verify officially before you travel. The taxi flat fare applies only between CDG and central Paris; trips to the suburbs revert to the meter.
The verdict
- Best overall — RER B: by far the cheapest and usually the fastest into the centre, at €14 for the train plus your onward Metro. The default choice for most travellers. Mind your belongings and avoid the largest suitcases at rush hour.
- Best door-to-door — taxi: the fixed €56 / €65 flat fare removes haggling and meter worries, and makes sense for heavy luggage, late arrivals or groups splitting the cost. Use the official taxi rank, not touts.
- Bus: the direct Roissybus to Opéra ended on 1 March 2026 and has no direct replacement; rail is now the public-transport route. Verify the current bus situation officially if you were counting on a coach.
- CDG Express: not an option yet — still being built, with opening planned for 2027.
Best for whom
- Solo or budget travellers heading to the centre: RER B.
- Heavy luggage, late arrival, or a group of three to four: taxi at the fixed flat fare (split, it can rival two or three train tickets).
- Reduced mobility or lots of bags: taxi door-to-door avoids RER B stairs and crowds.
Confirm live times and fares before you travel on the official sources: Paris Aéroport (official), RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités. See also our CDG Wi-Fi guide and CDG lounges guide. Last reviewed: June 2026.
