Coming into Charles de Gaulle Airport feels like entering into a new world with its own city life. Filled with international travelers, for those who have never been to Paris, it can be a bit confusing. After you get your bags and pass through the terminal, there is usually one big question left: how to get into the city and on to your next stop.
Heading from Charles de Gaulle to Gare de Lyon may seem very straightforward, but in reality, options vary substantially in comfort, cost, and convenience.
In this post, we will go through each of the options one after the other, so you can decide what fits your plans best.
You’ll see how long each takes, what it costs, and which one makes the most sense given your style of travel and timing.
Option 1: Taxi or Private Transfer
After a long flight, all you want is a smooth ride into the city. That’s where taxis and private transfers come in. They’re the most convenient way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare de Lyon without juggling luggage through train stations or waiting for crowded buses.
Benefits of Private Transfers
Private transfers take the stress out of arrival. The driver meets you right in the arrivals hall, helps with your bags, and drives you straight to Gare de Lyon. No stops, no ticket queues, and especially no second-guessing directions.
Many services offer English-speaking drivers who track your flight, so even if there’s a delay, they’ll be waiting. It’s one of those small comforts that make a big difference. For hassle-free private transfers, you can book directly with Paris Airport Pickup. They specialize in airport runs and have built a solid reputation for reliability and friendly service.
Estimated Taxi & Private Car Costs
Paris taxis operate on a fixed rate system from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris, which keeps things transparent. For rides heading to the Right Bank (where Gare de Lyon sits), the flat rate is usually around €55.
If you’re going further into the Left Bank, it’s closer to €62. These prices include tolls but can rise slightly with luggage or late-night travel surcharges.
Private car services tend to cost a bit more, often between €60 and €100, depending on the vehicle type and service tier. For example, a standard sedan might sit at the lower end of that range, while a premium car or van for larger groups will cost more. The key difference is predictability. With private transfers, you pay a fixed price upfront and avoid surprises. Taxis, on the other hand, may fluctuate if traffic is heavy or if the driver takes a longer route.
The journey typically takes 40 to 60 minutes, though that depends on traffic. Rush hours around 7–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. can easily stretch that. So if your flight lands during those times, booking a private transfer in advance ensures your driver is ready and waiting, rather than joining the taxi queue with everyone else.
Booking Your Private Transfer
Booking online is simple. You select your pickup time, enter your flight number, and confirm your destination,which is Gare de Lyon. That’s it.
On arrival, your driver will be waiting at the terminal holding a sign with your name. They monitor flight schedules in real time, so you don’t have to worry if your plane lands early or late.
Pre-booking means no waiting in line, no fumbling for cash, and no guessing games with fares. Everything’s prepaid, and the price doesn’t change no matter what happens with traffic. Many travelers appreciate the peace of mind, especially when arriving with kids or at odd hours.
Most reputable services, like Paris Airport Pickup, also offer customer support in English and quick contact options via WhatsApp or email. That’s useful if you need to adjust your pickup time or add another passenger at the last minute.
Overall, taxis and private transfers are the easiest way to bridge the gap between Charles de Gaulle and Gare de Lyon. They cost more than public transport, but the comfort, predictability, and time saved often make it worth it—especially when Paris traffic is unpredictable and all you want is to get where you’re going without stress.
Book Taxi With Paris Airport Pickup
Option 2: Train
Taking the train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare de Lyon is one of the most practical ways to travel across Paris. It’s fast, affordable, and fairly easy once you know how it works.
However, there are a few things to note:
Pros & Cons
The train is usually the quickest way to get between the airport and the city, especially during rush hour when the roads slow down. You don’t have to worry about traffic or parking, and at around €11.40 per adult, it’s the cheapest option for most travelers.
The trains are frequent and connect directly to the city’s wider transport network, which makes them great for solo travelers or anyone comfortable with public transport.
That said, the RER system isn’t always the most comfortable with luggage. There are stairs, escalators, and sometimes long walks between platforms. During peak hours, it can get crowded, especially on the RER B line.
If you’re carrying a lot of bags or traveling with kids, it can feel a bit hectic. There’s some space for luggage, but it’s limited to overhead racks or by your seat. On the upside, trains are air-conditioned, and once you’re seated, it’s a smooth ride straight into Paris.
Train Tickets & Booking
From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you’ll take the RER B line toward Paris. The station is located right inside Terminals 2 and 3, and is well signposted with blue RER signs. You’ll ride the RER B to Gare du Nord, then switch to the RER D or Metro Line 5 to reach Gare de Lyon. The entire trip costs about €11.40 per adult, with discounts for children.
You can buy tickets from the automated machines or ticket counters at the airport train station. Machines accept cards and cash, though they sometimes reject foreign cards, so having a few euros handy is smart. You can also book through the SNCF or Île-de-France Mobilités apps if you prefer digital tickets.
Train Travel Time & Frequency
The total travel time is about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on how quickly you make your transfer at Gare du Nord. The RER B runs every 10–15 minutes from around 5 a.m. until after midnight, so there’s rarely a long wait. The connection to RER D or the Metro Line 5 adds another 10–15 minutes, including walking time between platforms.
During rush hours (roughly 7–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.), the trains get packed, especially with commuters heading into central Paris. If possible, try to travel outside those times. Keep your bags close, as pickpocketing can happen in busy stations, though security presence has improved over the years.
Option 3: Bus
The bus is the slowest but often the most affordable way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare de Lyon. It’s a good choice if you’re traveling on a budget, not in a hurry, or want to see a bit of the city on the way in.
Bus Routes & Stops
There used to be a direct airport bus called Le Bus Direct Line 4, which ran straight from Charles de Gaulle to Gare de Lyon and Montparnasse. That service was discontinued in 2020, but several solid alternatives exist.
The Roissybus connects CDG with Opéra in central Paris. From there, you can hop on Metro Line 8 or Line 14 to reach Gare de Lyon in about 10–15 minutes. It’s an easy route if you’re comfortable with a quick metro transfer and want to avoid dragging luggage through multiple train stations.
For travelers on a tighter budget, the RATP Bus 351 (CDG to Nation) and Bus 350 (CDG to Gare de l’Est) are the cheapest options. A one-way ticket costs about €6. These are regular city buses, so they make frequent stops and take longer—around 90 minutes or more, depending on traffic. Still, they’re a good way to save money and get a glimpse of Paris neighborhoods along the way.
You’ll find bus stops at all major CDG terminals. At Terminal 1, they’re located on the arrivals level, while Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 have clearly marked bus bays near the exits.
Digital screens show departure times and destinations. If your bus doesn’t go directly to Gare de Lyon, most routes connect to the metro within central Paris, making the final stretch simple.
Private companies and airport shuttle services also run buses between CDG and central Paris hotels. Some of these operate as modern replacements for Le Bus Direct, with air-conditioned coaches, onboard Wi-Fi, and luggage storage.
Bus Fares & Schedules
Fares vary by route. The Roissybus costs about €13.70 per adult, while RATP buses are around €6.40. Private shuttle buses or coaches usually range from €10 to €12, depending on the company and level of comfort.
Buses generally run every 15 to 30 minutes during the day, with reduced service after 10 p.m. and limited overnight schedules. Travel time averages 70 to 90 minutes, but traffic can easily extend that during rush hours or rainy days.
If your priority is saving money and you’re not pressed for time, the bus is a solid pick. It’s also the most relaxed way to take in your first views of Paris above ground.
Comparing All Transport Options
| Mode | Average Cost (€) | Duration | Convenience | Best For |
| Taxi/Private Transfer | €60–€100 | 40–60 min | ★★★★★ | Comfort, door-to-door |
| Train (RER B + D) | €11–€12 | 45–60 min | ★★★★☆ | Budget, speed |
| Bus | €6–€12 | 70–90 min | ★★★☆☆ | Budget, sightseeing |
Each option from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare de Lyon suits a different kind of traveler. If comfort ranks high on your list, a private transfer is unbeatable. You get picked up at arrivals, your driver handles the luggage, and you’re driven straight to your destination. After a long international flight, that kind of door-to-door service feels like a small luxury. It’s also ideal for families, business travelers, or anyone landing late at night when public transport schedules start thinning out.
The train is great for solo travelers or couples looking to save a bit without sacrificing much time. The RER B line connects directly from the airport to central Paris, and a quick switch to the RER D takes you to Gare de Lyon. It’s efficient and predictable, though managing luggage during transfers can be tricky during rush hour.
The bus fits travelers who aren’t in a rush or want to see more of Paris along the way. It’s slower, but it offers a relaxed and affordable ride with plenty of people-watching.
Overall, for stress-free travel, especially after a long flight, booking a private transfer with Paris Airport Pickup offers the best balance of comfort, reliability, and convenience. It lets you start or end your trip in Paris without worrying about train timetables or heavy luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taxis run on a flat rate from the airport, typically €55–€70, depending on traffic, the time of day, and vehicle type.
No direct train connects the two. Travelers take the RER B from the airport to Gare du Nord, then transfer to RER D or Metro Line 5 to reach Gare de Lyon.
Travel time ranges from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the transport method, traffic, and time of day. Taxis and private transfers are usually around 40–60 minutes, trains around 45–60 minutes, and buses can take 70–90 minutes depending on stops and traffic conditions.
Editorial Staff’s at Paris Airport Pickup are experts in Paris transportation.
