CDG or Orly to Central Paris with Luggage: Train Taxi or Transfer

Paris has two main airports on opposite sides of the city, and both now have a direct train into the centre — the choice is really about price versus door-to-door convenience. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) sits northeast of the city; Orly (ORY) sits south, slightly closer to the centre and generally the busier of the two for domestic and some European routes. This guide compares the RER, Orlyval, taxi and private transfer options for both airports on real 2026 fares and travel times.

Quick answer: CDG or Orly to central Paris

From CDG, the RER B train reaches central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Michel) in about 35 minutes for a flat €14 fare, running direct with no changes. An official taxi runs a flat €56 to the Right Bank or €65 to the Left Bank, taking 45–75 minutes depending on traffic. From Orly, Métro Line 14 is the fastest option — a direct 25-minute ride for €14 — while a taxi runs a flat €36–45 and takes 25–40 minutes. For either airport, a pre-booked private transfer costs more than the train but removes the platform-to-platform walk with luggage.

Getting from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to central Paris

Note that the Roissybus shuttle service was permanently discontinued in March 2026, so the RER B and taxi are now the two realistic options from CDG. The RER B is the more predictable choice at peak times since it isn’t affected by road traffic, though it does involve carrying luggage down to the platform and through at least one busy interchange if your hotel isn’t near one of the three direct stops.

Getting from Orly (ORY) to central Paris

Orly is both closer to the centre and better connected than CDG in almost every respect — Line 14’s direct run means no interchange at all if your hotel is near one of its stops. The tram-and-metro combination is worth considering only for genuinely tight budgets, since it adds a transfer for a saving of roughly €9.

Which option makes sense with heavy luggage

Both the RER B and Métro Line 14 have step-free access at their airport ends, but interchange stations in central Paris are hit-or-miss for lifts — worth checking your specific arrival station before committing to public transport with more than a carry-on each. A licensed taxi at either airport is a flat, published rate regardless of traffic, which makes it easier to budget than a rideshare app during peak arrival times. A pre-booked private transfer costs more than a taxi rank but guarantees a driver meeting you inside arrivals, which matters most for late flights or larger groups.

Booking checklist for airport transfers

• Check which of the three RER B stops (Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Michel) is closest to your hotel before booking the train.
• From Orly, confirm whether your hotel is nearer a Line 14 stop or better served by Orlyval and the RER B.
• If arriving after midnight, check the last train time for your airport — a taxi becomes the only option late at night.
• Official taxi fares are flat and posted at the rank; confirm the fare matches Right Bank or Left Bank before getting in.
• For groups of three or more with luggage, compare the taxi flat fare against buying separate train tickets — it’s often close to the same price.

Where to stay for easy airport access

A hotel near Gare du Nord, Châtelet or Saint-Michel keeps the CDG connection to one direct train with no interchange; for Orly, anywhere near a Line 14 stop offers the same simplicity. Compare current rates and availability across central Paris through TheStayGlobe’s Paris hotel search, which pulls live pricing and room conditions rather than static listings.

Frequently asked questions

Is the RER B safe with luggage at night?

It runs into the early morning and is generally reliable, but as with any city transit system late at night, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is the more predictable choice after midnight or with a large group.

Which airport is closer to central Paris?

Orly — Métro Line 14 reaches the centre in about 25 minutes with no changes, compared to roughly 35 minutes on the RER B from CDG.

Is the Roissybus still running from CDG?

No — it was permanently discontinued in March 2026. The RER B train and taxi are now the two main options from Charles de Gaulle.

Editorial note: This guide is independent and based on published transport fares and schedules current as of September 2026. Prices, frequencies and route availability change — confirm current fares on the relevant official transport site before travelling.