CDG to Paris: RER B vs Taxi vs Private Van

You've landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) with luggage, maybe with kids, and now you need to get into the city. There are four realistic options: the RER B train, a shuttle bus, a taxi, or a private van with a driver. None is best for everyone — it depends on how many of you are traveling, how much luggage you have, and what time you arrive. Here is how to decide.

Four Ways to Get from CDG to Paris

CDG sits about 25 km / 16 miles northeast of central Paris. Depending on the option and the traffic, expect 30 to 60 minutes of travel, plus waiting and walking time at both ends.

RER B: Cheapest, Least Comfortable With Luggage

The RER B commuter train connects CDG's terminals to central Paris stations, including Gare du Nord and Châtelet–Les Halles. It is inexpensive and not affected by road traffic. The trade-offs: stairs, trains that can be crowded, little room for large suitcases, and a final leg to your hotel by metro, taxi or on foot. Engineering works and disruptions can also change the route, so check service status before you travel.

Shuttle Bus: Direct, But Fixed Stops

Shared airport buses (Roissybus, Flibco and similar services) skip the RER's changes and usually offer more luggage space. The limits are fixed stops and fixed schedules, and you still need a last leg to your accommodation. Fares are charged per person, which matters as soon as you travel as a group.

Taxi: Simple, But Limited Capacity

Paris taxis apply a regulated flat fare from CDG and take you to your hotel door. A standard car carries four passengers in most cases, so a family of five with suitcases needs two taxis. There is no flight tracking and no greeter at arrivals — you join the taxi line.

Private Van With Driver: Terminal to Hotel Door

• One vehicle: up to 9 people and their luggage, no need to split the group across two cars.
• Flight tracking: if your plane lands early or late, the driver adjusts the pickup time at no extra charge.
• Name-sign greeting: your driver waits at baggage claim with a sign carrying your name.
• Fixed price: the fare is confirmed when you book, starting from €140 for a van airport transfer.

Which Option Fits Your Situation

• 1–2 travelers with one bag and no schedule pressure: the RER B or a shuttle bus are the cheapest choices.
• Family with a stroller or young children: a private van avoids stairs, changes and the final leg alone with your luggage.
• Group of 4 to 9: per-person fares add up, while a van is one fixed price for the whole vehicle. From three or four travelers, compare the total using current fares.
• Late-night or very early arrival: public transport runs less often; a driver tracking your flight is there whatever the hour.
• First trip to Paris or a long-haul flight: a named greeting removes the "where do I go, what do I do" part entirely.

Going the Other Way: Paris to CDG

For departures the logic is the same, with one extra constraint: your flight time. Build in a comfortable margin, because traffic on the A1 and the northern ring road varies a lot by time of day, and a disrupted RER B leaves no backup plan. A transfer booked in advance, with a pickup time calculated for your flight, removes that uncertainty. For more on both Paris airports, see our Paris airport transfer guide.

In Short

For one light traveler, the RER B or a shuttle bus is enough. As soon as the group grows, the luggage gets heavier, children are traveling or your arrival time is uncertain, a private van becomes the simplest option — and often comparable in total cost. Wondering whether you need 7 or 9 seats? Read our 9-seater van with driver guide.