Arriving in Paris is exciting, but getting from the airport to your hotel can feel complicated, especially if you're visiting for the first time. The city has more than one airport, a large public transport system, busy roads, and thousands of hotels across the city.
It is therefore possible to make a significant difference to the start of your trip by selecting the right Paris hotel transfer. Although some travellers prefer the cheapest option, others favour a direct transfer to avoid carrying luggage through train stations or searching for their hotel after a long flight.
The good news is that there are several dependable ways to get from Paris airports to your hotel. By train, the journey is often cheap; taxis are readily available; buses are a good choice for some routes; and private transfers offer convenient, direct door-to-door service.
The guide looks at the different options so that you can choose the one that matches your budget, arrival time, amount of luggage and the size of your travel group.
At what Paris airport will you be arriving?
When you're selecting your transfer, make sure to see which airport is listed on your flight booking, as Paris is mainly served by three airports.
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, usually known as CDG, is the largest airport serving the French capital, and it handles many international and European flights.
CDG is about 25 to 35 km from central Paris, depending on your destination. Travel time can vary a lot because traffic around Paris is usually heavy.
You can reach the airport by train, taxi, bus, or private transfer.
Paris Orly Airport
Orly Airport is nearer to central Paris than Charles de Gaulle and has many domestic and European routes.
The road distance is generally between 13 and 20 km, depending on your hotel's location.
Because it is conveniently located, you can reach many parts of Paris fairly quickly when traffic is light.
Beauvais Airport
Paris Beauvais Airport is much farther from central Paris.
It is frequently used by low-cost airlines operating to destinations across Europe; even though flights can be cheaper, passengers should remember to factor in the extra journey from Beauvais to Paris when comparing ticket prices.
The airport is about 80 km from central Paris, so your onward trip usually requires more planning than if you were arriving at Orly.
What is the best means of getting from Paris Airport to your hotel?
There isn't a single mode of transport that's best for everyone.
Your ideal choice depends on factors such as:
- Which airport you arrive at
- Where your hotel is located
- Number of passengers
- Amount of luggage
- Arrival time
- Your budget
- Whether you are travelling with children
- Whether anyone in your group has limited mobility
- How comfortable you are using public transport
A single traveller who turns up during the day and has only one suitcase could quite easily use a train.
A family who have just arrived after a long flight, and who have children, several suitcases and a pushchair, might prefer to have a car waiting at the airport.
The primary choices are as follows.
1. A private airport transfer to your hotel in Paris
For a traveller who wishes to avoid having to change trains, carry their luggage through the stations or look for their hotel after arriving, a private transfer from Paris airport to the hotel is one of the simplest solutions.
You normally book your journey before travelling and provide information such as:
- Airport
- Flight number
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Hotel name or address
- Number of passengers
- Number of suitcases
- Child-seat requirements if applicable
The driver will then meet you at the airport or the meeting place you agreed on and take you straight to your hotel.
Why Travellers Choose Private Transfers
The main benefit is convenience.
Once you have collected your luggage, you don't need to study metro maps or figure out which station is nearest to your accommodation.
Private transfers are particularly useful for:
Families with children
Taking children, luggage and pushchairs through crowded stations is tiring, and a direct vehicle can make the journey much easier.
Groups
When four, five, or more people are travelling together, the cost of a private vehicle can sometimes be more reasonable when split among the passengers.
Travellers with several suitcases
The public transport system in Paris is excellent, but when carrying a lot of luggage, the stairs, platforms and crowded trains are not always pleasant.
Late-night or early-morning arrivals
Public transport is more limited outside normal operating hours, but a pre-arranged vehicle greatly reduces that uncertainty.
First-time visitors
Paris stations can be crowded and confusing, and a direct transfer to your hotel offers a calmer way to get acquainted with the city.
Things to Check Before Booking
Not all transfer companies provide the same service.
Before booking, check whether the price includes:
- Airport pickup
- Meet-and-greet service
- Waiting time
- Flight monitoring
- Luggage
- Child seats
- Taxes and fees
You should also check the cancellation policy and what happens if your flight is delayed.
A trustworthy transfer provider will usually request your flight number so they can monitor your arrival.
Book your private transfer Now.
2. The official airport taxi
Another simple way to get to your hotel is to take a taxi.
Official taxis wait at marked taxi stands at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.
You normally have no need to book an official taxi at the airport before you get there.
Advantages of Taking a Taxi
A taxi provides:
- Direct airport-to-hotel transport
- No train changes
- Space for normal luggage
- Easy access after leaving the terminal
- Convenient transport for travellers unfamiliar with Paris
It is especially practical for couples or small groups.
Possible Disadvantages
During peak times, there can be a queue of taxis.
Journey times are also influenced by traffic; a trip from the airport to the hotel which is fairly quick during less busy times can be much longer during the weekday rush hours.
Unlike a private transfer booked in advance, your vehicle is not normally arranged to match your flight before you arrive.
For many travellers, though, an official taxi is still one of the simplest last-minute choices.
3. The train and RER services
Paris has one of Europe's most extensive public transport systems, so rail travel is a popular option for passengers arriving at the airport.
For people who want to reduce their spending, taking the train can be a practical option.
From Charles de Gaulle
The RER B line links Charles de Gaulle with various important areas of Paris.
For some hotels, you will have to switch from the RER to the Paris Métro, or to a different train, a bus, or a taxi to complete your journey.
The train is particularly useful if your accommodation is near a well-connected station.
From Orly
Orly also has rail and metro links to Paris, giving passengers several public transport options depending on their destination.
Before you travel, check which route best suits your hotel rather than picking the nearest station.
When Trains Are a Good Choice
Public transport works particularly well if you are:
- Travelling alone
- Carrying light luggage
- Arriving during normal operating hours
- Staying near a station
- Comfortable navigating European metro systems
- Trying to reduce transportation costs
When Trains Can Be Less Convenient
The train may be less attractive if you have:
- Large suitcases
- Several children
- A pushchair
- Elderly passengers
- Mobility difficulties
- Several connections before reaching the hotel
The railway trip might be straightforward, but the hard part is usually the last bit of the journey from the station to where you are to stay.
There are also many hotels in Paris on smaller streets, and even then you may need to take the metro, a bus, or walk after leaving the main train station.
You can check official train schedules and connections on the SNCF timetable page
4. Bus and coach services at the airport
Airport buses and coaches offer a useful compromise between taking trains and using private road transport.
They are easier to manage than changing trains several times and remain fairly affordable.
Usually, buses take you to a specific stop instead of going directly to your hotel entrance.
After getting off, you may still need to:
- Walk
- Take the Métro
- Use a city bus
- Take a taxi
For this reason, always verify the actual terminal where the airport bus ends before selecting it.
A coach that seems convenient won't really cut down on the effort if your final destination is several kilometres from your hotel.
In the case of Beauvais, coach services are generally preferred since the airport is considerably further from central Paris than CDG or Orly.
5. Ride-Hailing Services
Around Paris, you can also use app-based transport services.
They are useful if you want a private car and don't need to book it far in advance.
Usually, you request the vehicle via an app either after you arrive at the airport or shortly before you are ready to leave.
Advantages
Ride-hailing apps can offer:
- Easy booking from your phone
- Estimated pricing before confirming
- Driver information
- Cashless payment
- Direct transport to your hotel
What to Consider
Airport pickup points may at times be less clear than the official taxi ranks.
You may need to walk to the appointed meeting place, and it can be confusing to find the right vehicle in a large terminal.
Prices can also vary depending on demand.
If you have already decided you want door-to-door transport, you can get more certainty by booking a private airport transfer before you travel.
Comparing Paris Airport to Hotel Transfer Options
A simple method for considering your options.
| Transport | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|
| Private transfer | Medium to high | Excellent | Families, groups, luggage, first visits |
| Official taxi | Medium to high | Excellent | Couples, small groups, last-minute travel |
| Train/RER/Metro | Low | Moderate | Solo travellers, light luggage |
| Airport bus/coach | Low to medium | Moderate | Budget travellers |
| Ride-hailing app | Variable | Good | Flexible last-minute travel |
You shouldn't base your decision solely on cost.
For instance, when four travellers each buy their own public transport tickets and then take a taxi from the station, the amount they save compared with using a single vehicle directly may be less than they expected.
It's better to compare the entire journey rather than just the first ticket price.
Best Transfer for Families Visiting Paris
Families usually have priorities that differ from those of solo travellers.
You could have a number of suitcases, some children's bags, a pram and exhausted children following on from a flight.
Hence, changing trains or metro lines can turn a fairly short airport transfer into a much more demanding journey.
A taxi or private transfer is usually the simplest solution.
When booking privately, it's better to find out in advance whether a child seat is available than to assume it will be.
Make sure the vehicle you choose has enough luggage space.
Even if a normal car fits your family, it may still be too small when you factor in large suitcases and a pushchair.
Best Option for Groups
When you are in Paris with friends or extended family, you should work out the transport costs for everyone.
It makes the comparison quite different.
What a single passenger pays for a train ticket may seem cheap, but the total cost rises quickly when six or seven separate tickets are bought.
A private minivan can take them all from the airport to the same hotel.
It also keeps the group together when changing trains or passing through busy stations.
When booking for larger groups, always give the transfer company the correct number of passengers and pieces of luggage.
What if your hotel is situated outside central Paris?
Not all visitors stay in central Paris.
Popular destinations include:
- Disneyland Paris
- Val d'Europe
- Versailles
- La Défense
- Hotels near Paris exhibition centres
- Airport hotels
- Accommodation in surrounding suburbs
Although public transport is still possible, the routes might require extra connections.
At this point, it's important to check the entire journey.
Instead of searching using the phrase "airport to Paris", enter the real address of your hotel in your journey planner.
A hotel described as 'near Paris' might be outside the city, so your transfer will be quite different from going to a hotel close to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or the Champs-Élysées.
How long does it take to make an airport transfer to Paris?
Travel time depends largely on the airport and hotel locations, as well as traffic.
Under normal traffic conditions, road trips from Charles de Gaulle to many parts of central Paris take about 30 to 45 minutes, but the journey can be longer during busy periods.
Under normal traffic conditions, it is usually possible to get from Orly to central Paris in about 25 to 35 minutes.
Beauvais is much farther away, and the journey to Paris usually takes about 1.5 hours or longer, depending on road conditions.
These should be treated as planning estimates, not guaranteed journey times.
Traffic in Paris can vary greatly from one time of day to another.
What about the hotels near the Eiffel Tower?
One of the most popular places for international visitors is the area around the Eiffel Tower.
If your hotel is in the 7th, 15th, or 16th arrondissement, public transport from the airport will usually involve at least one change.
This won't be a problem for people who have only light luggage.
For larger suitcases, taking the road directly can be more comfortable since you won't need to change from the RER to the Métro before walking to your accommodation.
The same applies to the hotels near Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe and other places not directly linked to the airport by a single rail service.
Arriving in Paris Late at Night
Late arrivals need a bit more planning.
Even if your flight is scheduled to land at 22:00, that doesn't imply that you'll be leaving the airport at 22:10.
You still need to:
- Leave the aircraft.
- Go through customs control if it is required.
- Collect luggage.
- Go through the terminal.
- Find your transport.
A late departure can push your actual departure time from the airport even later.
When using public transport, make sure to check the timetable for your arrival date.
People who arrive late might find it easier to hire a taxi or book a private transfer in advance, since they won't have to worry about missing the last convenient connection.
Travelling with Heavy Luggage
Paris is a great city to walk around in.
The transport system isn't designed for people carrying two 23 kg suitcases.
Some stations have lifts or escalators, but others require you to use the stairs and navigate long corridors.
A journey that takes only ten minutes from a railway station can still seem a lot longer when you are carrying heavy luggage over strange streets.
Public transport can still be very good if you are staying near a direct airport rail link.
It might be worth paying more for a direct vehicle if you need to change journeys to get to the hotel.
Tips for a Smooth Paris Airport Transfer
A bit of planning can help you avoid extra stress.
Keep Your Hotel Address Available Offline
Save your accommodation's full address on your phone.
Best of all, make sure both the hotel name and street address are available.
Hotels can sometimes have similar names.
Check the Terminal Before Travelling
CDG is a major airport with several terminal zones.
It is easier to arrange a pickup when you know where your flight will be arriving.
Provide Your Flight Number
If you book private transport, giving the operator your flight number lets them know when you are due to arrive and monitor schedule changes where flight tracking is available.
Allow for Passport Control and Luggage Collection
It would be a mistake to think that you will be outside the terminal right after landing.
People arriving from outside the Schengen Area may need extra time to clear immigration.
Check Your Vehicle Size
Let the company know if you are taking oversized luggage, pushchairs, or wheelchairs when you travel.
Avoid Unofficial Drivers
Use approved transport services, the official taxi ranks at the airport, or a driver who has been properly pre-booked and confirmed.
If a taxi is offered to you suddenly within the airport, do not assume the person operates an official airport taxi service.
Which of the Paris airport transfers should you select?
For the average traveller the choice boils down to three factors: price, convenience and luggage.
If you want to keep your costs low and are willing to navigate the stations, then you should choose public transport.
If an airport bus or coach service is available, select it since it provides a convenient link between the airport and an area near your accommodation.
If you would like to have direct transport, then you should choose an official taxi.
If you opt for a private airport transfer, then your journey will be arranged for you before you arrive, in particular when travelling with children, with a number of passengers or having a large amount of luggage.
You don't automatically need the most expensive option, and the cheapest ticket doesn't always mean the easiest journey.
Consider the whole of your journey from the airport terminal to the front door of the hotel.
Final Thoughts
Getting from Paris airport to your hotel doesn't need to be complicated.
Paris offers a wide variety of transport options for almost any kind of visitor, whether you're a budget traveller taking the train or a family who prefers to arrange an airport pickup directly.
The rail system can be a cheap and effective way to travel for a single traveller with only one bag staying in a central hotel. Couples and small groups can arrange convenient door-to-door travel by using an official taxi without having to plan in advance.
Families, larger groups, travellers with several suitcases, and those arriving late at night will find that a privately booked transfer offers the simplest way to begin their stay.
Whatever method you choose, make sure to check your airport, your hotel's location, and your arrival time before you travel. Spending a few minutes planning ahead of your flight will help you avoid confusion when you arrive in Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
How easy is it to get from Paris airport to a hotel?
The simplest option is usually a taxi or a private transfer arranged in advance, as it takes you straight from the airport to your accommodation without requiring any changes at a train or metro station.
Should it be better to book a Paris airport transfer in advance?
Advance booking is useful for families, groups, people arriving late, and those travelling with a large amount of luggage; it also lets you arrange the vehicle size and any requirements for child seats before you travel.
Is it possible for me to take the train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to my hotel?
Yes, there are rail links from CDG to Paris; the convenience of the train will depend on your hotel's location, since you may need to change to a different train, Métro line, bus, or walk for the last part of the journey.
What is the most suitable Paris airport transfer service for a family?
For families, private transfers and official taxis are usually the most convenient option since they eliminate the need for connections with public transport. It's a good idea to arrange child seats in advance if you need them.
How far is central Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport?
CDG is about 25 to 35 km from central Paris, according to where you are going. Travel time by road varies a lot because of traffic.
Is Orly Airport nearer to Paris than Charles de Gaulle Airport?
For many central Paris destinations, yes. Orly is generally around 13–20 km from central Paris, depending on where you are staying.
Is Beauvais Airport actually in Paris?
No. Beauvais Airport is located well outside central Paris, roughly 80 km away. Travellers should include the longer airport transfer when planning their journey.
Is public transport difficult with luggage in Paris?
It depends on your route. A direct train with one suitcase can be quite easy. Multiple train and Métro changes, stairs and a long walk to the hotel can be less comfortable with large or multiple bags.
Can a private driver meet me inside Paris airport?
Many pre-booked transfer companies provide an airport meeting service or a clearly specified meeting point. Check the exact procedure with your transfer provider before travelling.
What happens if my flight to Paris is delayed?
If you have booked a private transfer, provide your flight number and check whether the company offers flight monitoring and adjusted pickup times. Taxi passengers can normally use the official airport taxi rank after leaving the terminal.
Should I choose a taxi or private transfer?
Choose a taxi if you want a simple direct journey without booking in advance. Choose a private transfer if you prefer to organise your vehicle, passenger requirements and pickup arrangements before your flight.
You May Also Like These Transfer Options