Getting to Roissy and Orly: the options, straight up
The RER B and airport buses do the job well if you are travelling light, during the day, and without a tight schedule. As soon as you have suitcases, an early morning flight, children, a strike action or a departure from Normandy, the equation changes completely. Here is an honest comparison, followed by our solution for when public transport is no longer enough.
| Solution | Duration from central Paris | Price | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| RER B to Roissy CDG | 50 min to 1h 15 | Approx. 12 €/person | Stairs, crowds, frequent disruptions |
| Roissybus (Opéra → CDG) | 60 to 90 min | Approx. 17 €/person | Road traffic, only one departure point |
| Orlybus / T7 tram / Orlyval | 35 to 60 min | 11 to 15 €/person | Connections, bulky luggage |
| Private shuttle with driver | Door-to-door, no changes | Fixed price per vehicle | Booking in advance recommended |
RER B: what you need to know before taking it
Where to catch the RER B at Roissy?
Two stations serve the airport: “Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle 1” for terminals 1 and 3, and “Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle 2 – TGV” for terminals 2A to 2G. Follow the signs from the arrivals halls.
How to get from one terminal to another?
The automated CDGVAL shuttle connects terminals 1, 2 and 3 as well as the car parks. It runs 24/7, free of charge, and takes about 8 minutes between terminal 1 and terminal 2. Between 2E and 2F, a pedestrian walkway is sufficient.
Does the RER B run at night?
No. Services stop around midnight and resume around 4:45 am. For a departure before 7 am, the RER is rarely a realistic option: this is the main reason for the calls we receive.
From Normandy, the equation is different
From Rouen, Le Havre, Caen or Deauville, reaching Roissy by public transport requires a train to Paris Saint-Lazare, a crossing of Paris by metro or RER with your suitcases, then the RER B. Three changes, two and a half to three and a half hours, and a risk of delay at every step.
Our private shuttle connects your address directly to the terminal: Rouen → Roissy CDG, Le Havre → Roissy, Caen → Orly, Rouen → Beauvais. The driver tracks your flight, waits for you in the arrivals hall with a sign and helps with your luggage.
RATP strike, SNCF strike, RER interrupted: what to do?
On days of social unrest, the RER B runs a reduced service and airport buses become saturated. If you have a flight, do not gamble on the last train: book a vehicle the day before. We operate on these days at the usual price.
- Book as soon as the notice is announced: the 4 am – 8 am slots go first.
- Share the vehicle with other passengers: the price is for the car, not per passenger.
- Allow an extra 30 minutes: road traffic gets congested too.
See also our dedicated pages: SNCF strike in Rouen, SNCF strike in Caen, SNCF strike in Le Havre.
Frequently asked questions about airport access
How long before the flight should I leave?
Allow 2 hours before a Schengen flight and 3 hours for a long-haul flight, plus the travel time. We will calculate the departure time together when booking.
Does the driver wait if the flight is delayed?
Yes. We monitor the flight in real time and 45 minutes of waiting time are included after landing.
Can I bring a lot of luggage?
Four suitcases in a sedan, up to nine in a van or 9-seater minibus. Skis, golf clubs and musical instruments upon request.
Book your driver
Roissy, Orly, Beauvais, Deauville or Caen-Carpiquet, at any time, from Paris as well as from Normandy.
- Fixed price announced before departure
- Professional driver, recent vehicle
- Available 7/7, 24/7 by reservation
- Business invoice on request