EXPLORE Paris

Paris arrival: Charles de Gaulle is technically one airport

Welcome to Paris. Your first challenge is escaping this building, except Charles de Gaulle is several terminals, satellite halls, rail stations and bus stops pretending to be one address. Check the exact terminal before following any sign with heroic confidence. The free CDGVAL links the main terminal areas and remote transport facilities, while Terminal 2 contains the TGV and RER station. Allow substantial transfer time, especially when immigration, security or a terminal change is involved. Paris is waiting, but it has survived centuries without your immediate arrival and will tolerate another fifteen minutes while you verify whether Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 actually serves your terminal.

Paris transport: RER B is practical, taxis are luggage diplomacy

RER B serves Terminals 1 and 3 through Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 station and Terminals 2A through 2G at Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV. The official airport ticket costs 14 euros in 2026 and allows onward metro, train and RER connections within two hours without leaving the network. RoissyBus runs to Opéra, while official taxis are useful for heavy luggage, late arrivals or addresses awkwardly placed from rail. Ignore unsolicited drivers inside the terminal and use the signed taxi queue. Check live service notices before choosing RER B because maintenance and strikes can transform a direct train into a collaborative exercise involving replacement buses and regret.

Paris safety: pickpockets understand the RER better than you do

Paris is heavily visited and generally navigable, but thieves target luggage, phones and wallets on RER B, the Métro, mainline stations and around major attractions. United Kingdom guidance specifically notes serious assaults on RER B as well as distraction theft by organised groups. Keep passports and cards separated, close bags, avoid displaying a phone near train doors and never leave luggage unattended. Monitor official notices for demonstrations and transport disruption, and move away from crowds if tension develops. Emergency services can be reached through 112. The city is not an open-air crime documentary, but staring upward at architecture while an unzipped backpack announces itself is an avoidable casting decision.

Sources

• Île-de-France Mobilités official CDG access guidance
• Île-de-France Mobilités 2026 airport ticket information
• Paris Aéroport terminal transport information
• United Kingdom government France safety guidance

Last verified: September 8, 2026