Nobody else is in the same situation as you when they arrive at Gare de Lyon and want to know how they can get their family to the entrance of Disneyland Paris without spending half a day on the journey? It's one of the most frequently asked questions by tourists who have arrived in central Paris and have a reservation for the park.
The guide applies to people travelling from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris, including families with small children, groups coming by train from other cities in France, and those who have to change from a TGV to get to the resort. The distance is about 32 km and the journey takes between 35 minutes and more than an hour, depending on the option and the time of day.
If you're taking an early train in order to arrive in time for the park opening or if you are arriving late after a long journey, a private transfer from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris gets rid of the uncertainty since you will be collected at the station and taken straight to your hotel or to the park gate.
How Far Is It From Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris
Gare de Lyon is on the eastern edge of central Paris, and Disneyland Paris (at Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy) is about 32 km farther east, just off the A4 motorway.
By road, the journey is about 30 to 35 km and takes between 35 and 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions. The RER A rail line also runs along the same route and gets you to Chessy in about 35 to 40 minutes, without needing to change lines.
Traffic on the A4 becomes heavier during the morning and evening peak hours in Paris (approximately from 7:30 to 9:30 AM and from 5:00 to 7:30 PM), this causing road journeys to take 15 to 20 minutes longer. The RER A is not as affected by traffic congestion but does become crowded at the times when the parks open and close.
What Are the Transfer Options From Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris
Prices on this route vary more than the average traveler expects — while a train ticket costs only a small part of a taxi fare, a private car can take an entire family or group for a fixed price. The best option depends on the group size, the amount of luggage, and how much you value a fixed schedule versus flexibility.
Gare de Lyon has one key benefit: it is a direct stop on the RER A line, which goes straight to Disneyland Paris, so public transport doesn't require the multiple transfers that can be necessary when starting from other parts of the city.
RER A Train
The only public transport option that goes directly from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris is the RER A.
Here's how it works: Go on to the RER A at the RER/Metro platforms of Gare de Lyon (heading towards Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy) and take it all the way to its final station, which is Disneyland Paris.
The journey takes about 35 to 40 minutes, with a train departing every 10 to 15 minutes for most of the day.
Comfort is provided by standard commuter-rail seating, and the trains may operate on a standing-room-only basis during the hours of park opening and closing.
As for luggage, it can be managed using a carry-on or a few bags, but since there are stairs and no dedicated luggage racks, large suitcases or several bags become difficult to handle.
The ideal traveler is someone traveling alone, as a couple, or in a group who wants to keep costs down and doesn't have a lot of luggage.
The price is about €10 to €11 per adult for a one-way ticket (children generally pay a reduced fare).
Pros: Direct line. Frequent departures. Lowest cost per person.
Drawbacks include the possibility of it being crowded, the responsibility for handling your luggage, and the fact that you'll still have to walk or take a shuttle from the station to your particular hotel.
👉 If you are traveling with strollers, car seats, or have more than one suitcase per person, taking a private transfer from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris means you will avoid having to use the stairs and change platforms.
Private Transfer
A private transfer includes a car or van with a driver assigned exclusively to your group, picking you up at Gare de Lyon and taking you directly to your Disneyland Paris hotel or the park entrance.
Here's how it works: You need to book in advance, provide your train arrival information, and then your driver will meet you at a predetermined place inside or outside the station, displaying a name.
The journey will take 35 to 45 minutes by the A4, depending on traffic conditions.
Comfort: You will have a private car for your group, with air conditioning and no need to share the seat with strangers.
As for luggage, the vehicle chosen is based on both the number of people in your group and the number of suitcases you have, so for example a family of four with suitcases will be given a car or van large enough to hold all of them.
The ideal user is families, groups, travelers carrying a lot of luggage, and anyone who is arriving with a tight connection and cannot afford to miss their train.
The price is fixed on a per-vehicle basis (not on a per-passenger basis) and usually includes up to 3 to 4 passengers in a sedan or up to 7 to 8 in a minivan.
Pros: The price is agreed upon before you travel, there is no need to queue, the driver keeps an eye on your train and will wait if it is delayed, and a single fare applies to the entire group.
Cons: It costs more than the price of a single train ticket for each person if you're traveling by yourself.
👉 Book a private transfer from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris, and you'll have a driver who knows precisely where the drop-off point of your hotel is within the resort.
Taxi
You can find taxis directly outside Gare de Lyon at the taxi stand marked on the ground, with no need to book.
How it works: Go to the taxi rank, inform the driver of where you want to go, and pay according to the meter (or agree in advance on a fixed price for longer journeys).
In normal traffic, it takes 35 to 45 minutes, but longer during rush hour.
Comfort: It's similar to having a private transfer, with the exception that neither the vehicle nor the driver is assigned to you in advance.
As for luggage, there is standard trunk space, though larger groups might have to ask for a larger vehicle at the rank.
The ideal user is someone who wants to hire a car at the moment and not someone who has booked in advance.
The price is: based on a metered rate, amounting to about €75 to €95 for that distance under normal traffic conditions.
Advantages include not having to book and being available at almost any time from the station.
Cons: You won't know the fare until you negotiate it, the waiting times at the rank differ, and the drivers are not always given information about the drop-off points at the Disney hotels.
Ride-Hailing Apps
Uber and Bolt both operate in the Gare de Lyon area, and you can call their services from outside the station.
Here's how it works: You ask for a ride using the app, are matched with a driver who is nearby, and then pay via the app not in cash.
Travel time: 35 to 45 minutes, similar to a taxi.
The level of comfort will depend on the driver and the car class you choose.
Regarding luggage: it is suitable for one or two bags per passenger; if you need to carry more bags then choose a higher car class.
The ideal user is a solo traveler or a pair who are comfortable using an app to book their ride and keeping track of their driver in real time.
The price is based on dynamic pricing and is about €55 to €90, but it can rise suddenly near the time the park closes due to a surge in demand.
Advantages include a price estimate given at the start and the ease of keeping track of when the driver arrives.
Against the drawbacks, surge pricing during busy periods can cause the fare to exceed the rate for a private transfer, and late at night there may be limited availability near the resort.
Car Rental
Although car rental desks are located near Gare de Lyon, this option is better for a multi-day trip beyond Disneyland Paris than for a single journey from the station to the parking area.
Here's how it works: Take a rental car from the station and drive it east on the A4 towards Marne-la-Vallée.
The journey will take 35 to 45 minutes by car, plus the time needed to collect and return the vehicle.
Comfort includes having full control over both the time of departure and the stops made on the way.
The group has ample trunk space.
The ideal customer is someone visiting both Disneyland Paris and other locations in the area, or someone who needs a car for several days even if they are not making transfers.
The price is based on the daily rental rate together with fuel, tolls, and Disney parking (approximately €30 per day when parking at the resort).
Pros: It is flexible if you plan to travel after staying at the resort.
The downside is that parking costs add up each day, and if you are staying at a Disney hotel and don't have a car, returning the car becomes an extra trip.
Comparison of Transfer Options
| Option | Time | Comfort | Luggage | Direct | Cost |
|---|
| RER A Train | 35–40 min | Moderate, can be crowded | Limited, stairs involved | Yes | ~€10–11/adult |
| Private Transfer | 35–45 min | High, private vehicle | Ample, matched to group | Yes | ~€70–130/vehicle |
| Taxi | 35–45 min | Good | Standard trunk space | Yes | ~€75–95 |
| Ride-Hailing App | 35–45 min | Varies by driver | Limited to car size | Yes | ~€55–90, variable |
| Car Rental | 35–45 min + pickup/return | High, self-driven | Full trunk | Yes | Rental + fuel + parking |
Best Option for Different Travelers
For families who have children: if you ask in advance for a private transfer with a car seat, you will be able to avoid having to handle the strollers on the train stairs.
For couples, the RER A is the most inexpensive choice and performs well even if you are carrying a lot of luggage.
A minivan private transfer is usually cheaper per person than four individual train tickets, and everyone arrives together.
For budget travelers, the RER A train, which costs about €10 per adult, is the cheapest option on this route.
For business travelers, a private transfer enables them to take work calls or use their laptops during the journey without being disturbed by the noise of the train or having to stand among other passengers.
For people travelling with a lot of luggage: a private transfer or a taxi will allow you to avoid having to go up the stairs and the crowded platforms where there are several suitcases.
For those visiting Paris for the first time, a private transfer eliminates the necessity of dealing with the RER signage and ticket machines right after a long train journey.
For those who travel late at night, after the RER A service has ended for the night, the only ways of getting to the resort are by taxi, through ride-hailing apps, or by using a pre-booked private transfer.
For people who are short on time: if you have booked a private transfer in advance and the train schedule is available, the driver will make any necessary adjustments if your train is delayed, so you don't have to rush to catch the next one.
For older travellers: having the vehicle come to you door-to-door means avoiding the stairs at the RER platforms and the long walk between the station and the hotel entrance.
Why a Private Transfer Is the Most Convenient Option
For the majority of people who are traveling from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris, taking a private transfer eliminates the most common sources of annoyance, such as having to deal with the station while carrying luggage, standing on a crowded train, and then trying to find the entrance to your particular hotel when you arrive at the resort.
As professional drivers, those who drive this route are familiar with the various drop-off points at each Disney hotel and with the main park entrances, so when you get there you won't have to guess which exit to take.
Fixed pricing: The fare is determined before you travel and includes the entire vehicle, not each passenger — instead of buying four train tickets and a taxi for the bags, a family of four pays a single price.
You get a vehicle the right size for your group, with no strangers traveling with you, which is especially important after a long train journey with young children.
24 hour service: Since private transfers are booked in advance rather than relying on the train schedules, they include journeys for early morning arrivals and trips made late at night after the park has closed, by that time the RER A having already stopped running.
👉 Book your private transfer from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris and secure your price and pickup time before you even get on your train.
Travel Time by Time of Day
In the morning (before 9 AM): The traffic on the roads leaving Paris and heading towards Marne-la-Vallée is usually lighter than the traffic coming into the city, meaning that a private transfer or taxi generally takes about 35 to 40 minutes. The RER A trains are busiest during this time because they carry people traveling into Paris, not those going to Chessy, so trains running out of the city are usually fine.
At midday the road and rail services are nearly on schedule, since this is the period of least traffic.
Evening (when the park is closing, usually between 8 and 11 PM, depending on the season): The busiest period in the other direction is when the RER A trains running from Chessy back towards Paris get crowded quickly since the entire park empties all at once, and if A4 westbound traffic coincides with the evening rush before 7 PM it can add 15 to 20 minutes.
At night the RER A line stops running before midnight, meaning that after the final train the only ways to get along either route are by taking a taxi, using a ride-hailing service or relying on a privately booked transfer.
Cost Breakdown by Transfer Type
The prices are as follows: adult one-way tickets on the RER A cost about €10 to €11. Taxi fares and ride-hailing fares range from €55 to €95, depending on traffic and demand. Private transfers are charged per vehicle, usually between €70 and €130 depending on vehicle size, and often end up being cheaper per person than the train when traveling with a group of four or more.
There are some hidden expenses: when driving, you'll have to pay small toll fees on the A4 and parking at the resort costs about €30 per day. If you have a lot of luggage, the RER A often ends up requiring a taxi for the final leg to your hotel door.
For a single traveler, the RER A is cheaper. A family of five or a group sharing a minivan private transfer generally pays less per person than buying individual train tickets and hiring a taxi for luggage.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer Experience
If you want to book your transfer in advance during school holidays and peak season, taxi queues will get long and ride-hailing services will start surge pricing near the park.
Choose the right vehicle size based on the number of passengers and luggage—a sedan comfortable for three adults can feel too tight with four suitcases.
When driving or hiring a taxi, avoid leaving between 7:30 and 9:30 AM or between 5:00 and 7:30 PM if you want to avoid the worst traffic on the A4.
Make sure your driver has the hotel name and full address, as each Disney hotel has its own drop-off point.
If you are traveling with small children, ask for a child seat in advance, since most transfer operators require notice rather than supplying one when you arrive.
When you take the RER A, the train will be full and will have to accommodate standing passengers around the time the park closes, especially after the evening fireworks display.
Before you board, make sure that you have confirmed your method of paying by taxi or transfer: not all taxis in Paris accept card payments by default.
If you are using a pre-booked transfer, save the driver's contact number in case your train is delayed and you need to contact them directly.
FAQ
What is the quickest method of getting from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris?
Under normal conditions, both the RER A train and a private transfer or taxi take about 35 to 40 minutes. The RER A is fastest when trains run on schedule, while a private vehicle is more reliable if your train arrival time changes.
What is the price of a taxi journey from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris?
For this route of about 32 km in normal traffic, you can expect to pay between €75 and €95; the exact amount will vary with traffic conditions and the time of day, since evening and night fares are generally higher.
Is there a direct train running from Gare de Lyon to Disneyland Paris?
Yes, the RER A line runs directly from Gare de Lyon to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station at Disneyland Paris without a change of line, and the journey takes about 35 to 40 minutes.
At what stage before my visit should I book a private transfer to Disneyland Paris?
It is usually enough to book 24 to 48 hours in advance, but during French school holidays and peak summer, it helps to book a few days ahead to secure the vehicle you need.
Would a private transfer be better than the RER A for a family having young children?
For families with strollers, car seats, or several suitcases, a private transfer eliminates the need to use station stairs and crowded platforms. The RER A is suitable for families travelling lightly and who are prioritizing the lowest cost.
Can I pick up a hire car at Gare de Lyon and go to Disneyland Paris?
Rental desks are available near the station, but this option suits those combining a visit to Disneyland Paris with other destinations, since you will incur parking costs at the resort if you stay at a Disney hotel.
What is the departure time of the last RER A train that runs from Disneyland Paris to Gare de Lyon?
RER A service ends before midnight, with the exact last departure varying by day and season. Check the current RATP schedule before relying on a late train, or arrange a taxi or private transfer as a backup.
How much luggage can a private transfer vehicle carry?
This depends on the vehicle booked — a standard sedan comfortably fits 2–3 large suitcases alongside passengers, while a minivan handles a full family's luggage for a multi-day stay. Mention your bag count when booking so the right vehicle is assigned.