Taxi vs Train at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Take Train — cheaper on typical fares.
Side by side
| Factor | Taxi | Train |
|---|---|---|
| Option | Official Taxi (flat fare) | RER B Train |
| Cost | €56 (Right Bank) / €65 (Left Bank) | €11.80 |
| Journey | 35–75 min | 35–50 min to Gare du Nord / Châtelet |
| Wait | 0–15 mins | Every 10–15 mins |
| Payment | Card & Cash | Card & Cash |
| Locals recommend |
- ✓ Fixed price by law
- ✓ Door-to-door
- ✓ Card accepted
- ! Traffic at rush hour
- ✓ Cheapest
- ✓ Beats traffic
- ! Crowded
- ! Pickpockets — guard bags
Scams to watch either way
- Unlicensed taxi touts
Men approaching you in arrivals offering 'taxi' at €150–€200. Unlicensed and unmetered.
Avoid: Use the official rank only. Licensed Paris taxis have a roof sign and meter.
- RER B pickpockets
Bag snatching and pickpocketing on crowded RER B trains, especially with luggage.
Avoid: Keep bags between your feet, valuables in front pockets, stay alert near doors.
- 'Found' gold ring
Someone 'finds' a gold ring near you and offers to sell it — outside the terminal.
Avoid: Walk away. The ring is brass.
Frequently asked
Q.Taxi or Train from CDG — which is better?
Train — cheaper on typical fares. RER B Train: €11.80, 35–50 min to Gare du Nord / Châtelet.
Q.How much is Taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport?
€56 (Right Bank) / €65 (Left Bank) typical. Journey 35–75 min, wait 0–15 mins. Payment: Card & Cash.
Q.How much is Train from Charles de Gaulle Airport?
€11.80 typical. Journey 35–50 min to Gare du Nord / Châtelet, wait Every 10–15 mins. Payment: Card & Cash.
Q.What should I watch for on arrival at CDG?
Unlicensed taxi touts: Men approaching you in arrivals offering 'taxi' at €150–€200. Unlicensed and unmetered. — Use the official rank only. Licensed Paris taxis have a roof sign and meter.
Fare tiers, first-30-minute checklist, all transport options ranked, and every reported scam.