There are plenty of convenient transport options in France’s capital, and even getting from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris’s city centre is easy, with shuttles that will take you straight from the terminal to your hotel or destination. Once you’re settled in to the city proper you can take the metro, buses, or taxis to get to all the important sites. Of course, if you want to soak in the atmosphere of the streets you can walk to your heart’s content or perhaps take advantage of the city’s bike rental programs.
Once you’ve settled in after arriving from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris centre, there’s no need for any nerves when it comes to getting around. Here is a brief guide to using the shuttles when you arrive, then the buses or the convenient and popular metro system.
Getting from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris
You can, of course, take a taxi or public bus from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris’s city centre, but easily the best way to get to your accommodation is booking with one of the private shuttle companies. They will pick you up straight from the arrival terminal and take you to your hotel or any other desired destination. Some of them just have shuttle stops outside the terminal, but it’s far better to choose one where you can book ahead online; they will meet you in the terminal and you will be whisked to your hotel in no time.
Getting around by Metro
With over 300 stations throughout the city, the metro is one of the most popular, and easiest, ways to get around. It encompasses over 300 km of track, and with operating times running from 5am to 12:30am it also means that you’re likely to be able to use it whenever you need it – even after that evening performance or late night dinner. You can buy 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day passes, which might be worth it if you’re staying for a few days and hope to do a bit of sightseeing around the city. The metro is generally considered very safe, but of course normal precautions should always prevail.
Buses
Another great way to get around the city is by the public bus system. While they might not get you to your destination as quickly as the metro, they have the benefit of being above ground, which means that you get to see a fair bit of the city as you go. You can use the same ticket that you would use on the metro on the buses, making it a cinch to have the freedom of choice and plan your own spontaneous itinerary.
As well as the regular bus system, you can also see all the most popular sites on one journey by hopping on one of the L’OpenTour buses, which will take you past more than 50 destinations and along some of the city’s most beautiful streets.
