Managing Airport Transportation In Paris

Paris is a big city…hence you may see a few scams here and there. In this post, I will share all transportation information, whether it's taxis or public transport, to ensure you have a smooth arrival in Paris. I will explain everything you must know, including common scams you may encounter. 

By Taxi: 

One of the most important things I will note about taking taxis is the importance of taking a Parisian cab and trying to prevent overpaying for a taxi. 

 When you arrive in Paris (either at the Orly or Charles de Gaulle Airport), NEVER take an Uber OR take a taxi from someone offering at the arrival gate. 

Parisian Taxis have a fixed rate of 53 euros from CDG and 35-41 euros from Orly. If you take an Uber or the solicitor’s taxi, you will likely be overcharged since they won’t have a fixed rate. Prices for Ubers and these taxis will cost upwards of 70 euros. 

To ensure a Parisian taxi, always follow the signs for the taxi lines and people with yellow vests. You can also look at the sign on top of the car. If it’s lit up, you are taking a Parisian taxi.  Once in the cab, check the monitor up front for the fixed rate (mentioned above). These are the signs to follow if you decide to take a taxi and to prevent overpaying.    

By RER/METRO 

From CDG 

Using the RER/Metro system from CDG is actually quite simple. 

Once you arrive at the arrivals gate, you will follow all the signs for the RER B. You will head to an “aerogate” where you will see the sign to purchase your tickets for the RER. Once there, you will be in line to buy a ticket.

I recommend you purchase a one-time ticket to Paris for 11 euros and 45 cents, and it will take you anywhere in Paris. This ticket will take you to your final destination in Paris even when you transfer to the metro; purchasing another ticket once in the Paris stations is unnecessary. 

TIP: Ensure you keep your ticket even after scanning it to enter. Sometimes the police will enter the trains or be at the station and check your tickets (if you don’t have your ticket, you will be fined - fines go from 64 euros and up).

 Depending on your desired destination, you must exit the train to change into the METRO. RER B has six stops WITHIN Paris, going from Gare du North until Denfert Rochereau. The stops are: 

• Gare du Nord (metro lines 2, 4, and 5) is the north train station near Montmartre.  
• Châtelet Les Halles (metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14) is notoriously large and complicated. Keep an eye on your belongings and watch for the signs to find your metro line. 
• Saint Michel - Notre Dame is right by the Seine, near the Notre Dame Cathedral. 
• Luxembourg - Jardin de Louxembourg station. Located between the 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements of Paris. 
• Port Royal is located in the 5th arrondissement bordering the 14th arrondissement almost. 
• Finally, Denfert Rochereay (metro lines 4 and 6) - almost at the end of the left bank of Paris. 

Source: https://www.ratp.fr/en/plans-lignes/rer/b 

TIP: Download the CityMapper app, a comprehensive transportation app that will let you know the best stations to get off at and change for your destination.

From Orly: 

Orly has a more complicated system as it has various ways to transport you to Paris. My recommendation for Orly is to take a taxi if you are short on time. Most, if not all, public transportation from Orly WILL require you to change stations multiple times. 

The fastest way to get to Paris from Orly is to take the OrlyBus. The OrlyBus has TWO stops at the airport (one at terminal 4 and one at terminals 1-3). You must purchase a ticket between 11.20 euros OR 12.45 if bought online beforehand. You will find the ticket station at the bus stop, but you can also use the Paris Tourist Office website to purchase before your trip. 

Once on the bus, you will ride for 30 minutes (or 2-3 stops, depending on which terminal you took the bus from) until Denfer Rochereau, connecting you to the Metro (lines 4 and 6) or the RER B.  

CityMapper will help you decide which line to transfer to and also give you an estimated arrival time. ALWAYS make sure to keep your tickets. Remember that police may request your ticket, and you may be fined for not having one. 

Source: https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/access/paris-orly/public-transport/orlybus 

Now, there is another way to get into Paris, but it will require making at least three changes. This is using the OrlyVal, which will take you to Antony, and then you will need to transfer to the RER B. Once on the RER B, you must change to the metro line that will take you to your final destination. This is a more expensive option at 15 euros for the ticket. Try the first option; as for this option, you may need to purchase various tickets, which is a hassle.

Source: https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/access/paris-orly/public-transport/rer-b-orlyval 

You can purchase all the tickets from CDG or Orly online; however, it will be a euro or two more expensive. 

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