Airport transportation decisions should be made before joining the arrival-hall crowd. Luggage volume, group size, final address, mobility needs, and arrival time can change which route is most practical. The fastest option for one traveler may be inconvenient or unnecessarily expensive for a family.
Official signs and service desks are more reliable than unsolicited offers. Travelers should reject anyone approaching inside a terminal to offer an unofficial taxi or private ride. For app-based services and booked drivers, follow the operator’s instructions to the designated pickup area rather than waiting at the official taxi rank.
Paris is served primarily by Charles de Gaulle Airport to the northeast and Orly Airport to the south. The €14 airport rail ticket covers eligible journeys on the airport connections and associated network under current fare rules. Official taxi prices are fixed between the airports and the city: CDG costs €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank, while Orly costs €45 to the Right Bank and €36 to the Left Bank.
Journey times vary significantly with road congestion, engineering work, terminal access, and train disruptions. Travelers arriving late at night should verify the last rail departure before leaving baggage claim. Those staying outside the municipal boundary may face different taxi pricing, so the hotel’s postal address matters.
RER B from Charles de Gaulle Airport
RER B trains connect Charles de Gaulle with Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, and southern connections. This is generally the most direct rail option for many central addresses. Check whether the next service is direct or makes additional stops, protect belongings in crowded carriages, and verify planned engineering work before travel.
Address: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV, 95700 Roissy-en-France / Visit Map
Metro Line 14 from Orly Airport
Metro Line 14 links Orly Airport with central stations including Gare de Lyon, Châtelet, and Saint-Lazare. The modern line provides a simple route for many visitors without the road uncertainty of a taxi. Allow time to walk between the terminal and station, purchase the correct airport fare, and check elevator status when traveling with heavy luggage.
Address: Aéroport d’Orly Metro Station, 94390 Orly / Visit Map
Official Taxi Rank at Charles de Gaulle
Official CDG taxis depart from marked terminal ranks managed through airport procedures. The fixed city fare offers certainty when several passengers share the vehicle or have substantial luggage. Ignore drivers soliciting customers inside the terminal. Depending on the final address, the official fare is €56 for the Right Bank or €65 for the Left Bank.
Address: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, 95700 Roissy-en-France / Visit Map
Official Taxi Rank at Orly
Official taxis from Orly use designated ranks outside the terminals. The fixed fare is €36 to a Left Bank address and €45 to a Right Bank address, making a taxi competitive for small groups. Extra services outside the regulated airport-to-city journey should be clarified before departure, particularly when the destination lies beyond the city boundary.
Address: Paris-Orly Airport, 94390 Orly / Visit Map
Prebooked Private Transfer from CDG
A prebooked transfer can reduce decision-making after a long flight and may provide a suitable vehicle for children, mobility equipment, or unusually large luggage. The booking should clearly state the meeting procedure, waiting-time policy, flight monitoring, cancellation terms, and total cost. Confirm whether the driver meets passengers inside arrivals or at a specified external pickup zone.
Address: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, 95700 Roissy-en-France / Visit Map
Prebooked Private Transfer from Orly
Private transfers from Orly are useful when a guaranteed vehicle type, child seat, multilingual assistance, or direct reception is more important than the lowest fare. Compare the final quoted price with the official taxi rate before booking. Provide the correct terminal and flight number, and keep the dispatcher’s contact details available in case the arrival gate changes.
Address: Paris-Orly Airport, 94390 Orly / Visit Map
App-Based Ride Pickup
Ride-hailing applications may offer advance price estimates and vehicle categories, but airport pickup locations can be less intuitive than taxi ranks. Follow the application’s live instructions and verify the license plate before entering. Surge pricing, terminal congestion, cancellation fees, and walking distance to the meeting area can reduce the apparent advantage over regulated taxis.
Address: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, 95700 Roissy-en-France / Visit Map