Landed In

Arrival guide

Landed in Paris.

Getting from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) into the city, what money to carry, the apps locals use, and how to get online.

CDG has three main terminals (1, 2, 3). Check which one you land in so you can find the right train or shuttle signs.
Skip unofficial drivers who approach you in arrivals offering a ride. Use the official taxi queue, a rideshare app, or the train.

From the airport to the city center

Cheapest

RER B to central Paris

€13 to €14 ($14 to $16)

35 to 55 min

  1. 1After baggage claim, follow the signs for 'Trains' (RER/SNCF). From Terminals 1 and 3 you may need the CDGVAL shuttle.
  2. 2Buy a single ticket at the machines or counter. Choose a ticket to Paris, which works for the city center.
  3. 3Validate the ticket at the gate and keep it until you exit.
  4. 4Board RER B toward Paris and get off at Châtelet-Les Halles, Gare du Nord, or Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame for the city center.
  5. 5Switch to the metro or walk to your stay in the center.
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Easiest

Official taxi to central Paris

€55 to €65 ($60 to $70)

35 to 70 min

  1. 1From baggage claim, follow the 'Taxis' signs to the official taxi rank outside arrivals.
  2. 2Join the queue and ignore anyone offering a ride before you reach it.
  3. 3Tell the driver your destination in the city center. Fares from CDG to the Right Bank are typically a flat rate, and to the Left Bank a different flat rate.
  4. 4Ask for the fixed fare before you set off, and pay by card or cash at the end.
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Fastest

Uber or Bolt

€45 to €70 ($50 to $75)

35 to 70 min

  1. 1Connect to airport Wi-Fi or your mobile data and open Uber or Bolt.
  2. 2Set your pickup to the terminal's rideshare point. The app will show the exact spot.
  3. 3Enter your central Paris stay as the destination and check the price range.
  4. 4Confirm the plate number and driver name before you get in.
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Easiest

Roissybus to Opéra

€14 to €16 ($15 to $18)

60 to 80 min

  1. 1Follow signs for 'Bus' outside arrivals at your terminal.
  2. 2Buy a ticket at the machine or from the driver.
  3. 3Board the Roissybus toward Opéra, a central stop near the metro.
  4. 4Get off at Opéra and take the metro or walk to your stay.

Runs roughly from early morning to around midnight. Check the RATP site for current times.

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Want a driver waiting for you?

Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.

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Money

Euro

EUR

$1 is about €0.92

Cards

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless and Apple or Google Pay. Small cafés and markets may prefer cards over cash anyway.

Tipping

Service is included in French bills. Rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated but not expected.

Cash

  • Carry a little cash, like €20 to €40, for small bakeries and public toilets.
  • Keep small coins for tipping and tickets.
  • Break large bills early, since some shops refuse €100 or €200 notes.

ATMs

  • Use bank ATMs (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole) rather than standalone machines.
  • Decline dynamic currency conversion and choose to be charged in euros.
  • Tell your bank you're traveling to avoid card blocks.

Apps to download

Citymapper

Must have

Transit directions for metro, RER, bus, and walking.

App StoreGoogle Play

Google Maps

Must have

Maps, walking routes, and restaurant hours.

App StoreGoogle Play

Uber

Rideshare, including from the airport.

App StoreGoogle Play

Bolt

Cheaper rideshare alternative.

App StoreGoogle Play

Bonjour RATP

Official transit app for tickets and live transit info.

App StoreGoogle Play

WhatsApp

Messaging with hosts, hotels, and restaurants.

App StoreGoogle Play

Stay connected

Mobile coverage in Paris is strong and 4G/5G is widely available. An eSIM before you land is the easiest way to get online.

  • Install an eSIM such as Airalo or Holafly before you fly and switch it on when you land.
  • Buy a prepaid SIM from Orange, SFR, or Free at the airport or a shop in town.
  • If your home plan has EU roaming or an international pass, check the daily cost first.

Get your eSIM before you fly

Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.

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Good to know

  • Greet shopkeepers and waiters with 'Bonjour' before asking anything. It changes how people treat you.
  • Watch for pickpockets on the metro, RER B, and near the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur. Keep bags zipped and in front of you.
  • The friendship bracelet and petition scams are common near tourist sites. Say no and keep walking.
  • Ignore anyone offering to 'help' at ticket machines. They may take your money or card.
  • Tap water is safe and free. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' at restaurants.
  • Many shops close on Sundays and some restaurants close Sunday or Monday.
  • Validate or keep your metro ticket until you exit, since inspectors do check.

Emergency numbers

  • General emergency (EU)112
  • Police17
  • Ambulance (SAMU)15
  • Fire and rescue18

Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.