The airport where one is likely to make the initial steps in a Paris adventure is the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the largest international airport in France. When you are at the airport whether you are coming here on business, leisure travel or on transit, one of the most important things you make is how to get to where you are going. To lots of travelling people, that is the Gare de Lyon, one of the major railway stations in Paris, which is well situated centrally and has well-linked railway connections.
The trip between CDG and Gare de Lyon is estimated at roughly 28 to 34 km (depending on the route) and can take more than four hours (or less) to get there depending on the mode of transport, time of the day, and the luggage carried. An example would be that a taxi will take approximately 30-40 minutes during ideal traffic conditions whereas a form of transport will possibly take approximately 45-60 minutes (or so) and involve transfers.
The next step will be to select the appropriate means of transport that will either help in a hassle free move into the location or make your first day at the new location a nightmare. Would you like the convenience of the door-to-door and your bags? Or have you a light travelling-bag and you are glad to ride? The three main options are taken through this blog (private transfer/taxi, train and bus), their actual cost information, booking tips, advantages, and disadvantages, and you can choose the best one to suit your arrival.
Option 1: Taxi or Private Transfer
Benefits of Private Transfers
In a private transfer or a taxi ride at CDG to Gare de Lyon has several benefits:
- Convenience Door to door: you get out of the plane, meet your driver in the reception area, leave him your baggage and get directly to the vehicle. None of the transfers, none of the trains, none of the waiting in lines.
- Easy Logistics: This is extremely convenient in case of heavy or numerous bags, kids, walking difficulties, or late evening shows.
- Premeditated Cost and Convenience: Transfers that are pre-booked may have a fixed price (and not metered taxi which may rise ups and downs because of the traffic), a recent air-conditioned car and an English-speaking chauffeur.
- Saving time and calming down: When a professional driver is with you on the move, you are less susceptible to postponements or misdirection and once you are in an automobile, you can reserve or continue with your next move.
Estimated Taxi & Private Car Costs
According to recent sources:
- The estimated price of a taxi between CDG and Gare de Lyon drills around E60-E75, and the trip will take an estimated period of 30-33 minutes in good conditions.
- The typical taxi prices in Paris also suggest taxi prices on this route in the same range, as it is specified on another source.
- It is worth mentioning that the price of private transfer services can be turned up a little bit higher in case of premium cars or charged depending solely on the price and not on tolls and bags.
To illustrate, you can take an example of the 1-3 passenger mid-size sedan the price may be approximately, in one way, around 65, 80. With a bigger vehicle (4-7 passenger) or surfboards/luggage, it can increase to an amount of €90 -100 or above. Impose night arrival charges or rush charges.
Booking Your Private Transfer
Ordering the private transfer with the help of such company like T2 Transfer:
- Give your arrival terminal and flight number.
In case of engaging in a personal transfer, you should always provide your arrival terminal and flight number to the company. This will enable the driver to know the status of your flight, usher delays and pick up schedule later to be in place, so that you may be picked well on your arrival without much unnecessary waiting and misunderstanding.
- Authentication of vehicle type and passenger.
Always ensure that the vehicle being reserved fits well with group size, comfort requirements and luggage demands. Giving precise information on the size of the group of people and the size of luggage will assist the company to have designated a proper vehicle to avoid problems at the last moment that might include empty space or sometimes a necessary upgrade.
- Ensure that the fare has all charges.
Indicate whether the quoted price includes airport pick-up fees, tolls, fuel cost and waiting time that might happen. Other firms charge the extra charges at the point of delivery and thus agreeing on all those beforehand makes it transparent and there are no surprises that may occur and therefore, one is likely to budget well on the transfer.
- Make sure that the meeting point is well defined.
Prior to your departure, it is always good to know where the driver will meet you, in the arrivals hall, among the stipulated meeting points or even outside at a specified exit. The meeting point should be well defined with a name-board so as to save time lost due to a long flight.
- Waiting and Check cancellation Policies.
The terms of cancellation, waiting-time allowances of the company should always be checked; particularly, when your flight is delayed. Knowing the waiting time of the driver, the additional charges, and returns in the event of unforeseen changes in the travel can save on money and lessen the stress in case of other unforeseen travel circumstances.
- Reserving ahead to make entry hassle free.
Booking your personal transfer in advance ensures that you do not run out of them more especially during the peak travel seasons when the cabs may be unavailable or even costly. Pre-booking can also help you to fix the price, escape the queues and have a relaxing arrival and transportation is arranged prior to landing.
Reservation Form – Book Taxi with T2 Transfer
Option 2: Train
Pros & Cons
Taking the train in CDG into Gare de Lyon is a good alternative when you are travelling light and comfortable and a little bit navigative. The major strengths and limitations are:
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Fares on trains are relatively much lower than door to door private transfers.
- Optimizes road traffic: This is particularly useful during the rush hour when roads leading to Paris might be crowded.
- High frequency: RER trains (or other local services) operate on a frequent basis out of the airport.
Cons:
- Transfers needed: It is impossible to get a direct train between CDG and Gare de Lyon–it will have to be changed at least once. (Trainline)
- Waiting and luggage: You may find it harder to switch trains and go through the stations in case you do carry heavy bags.
- Time schedule: The frequency of trains might be reduced in case of flight arrival very late at night or early in the morning.
- Walking in the station: It should be noted that upon arrival at the Station de Lyon, one might still have to walk or take a lift/escalator to get to their platform or exit the station.
Train Tickets & Booking
Recent data indicates:
- The prices of train fares between CDG and Gare de Lyon between cities are about 12 to 17 on advance ticket purchases.
- TheTrainline records journey times of approximately 43 and most frequently of approximately 50-60 plus transfer. (Trainline)
You would typically:
- Still at CDG Terminal 2, take the RER B line (or any other regional train) to Paris city centre.
- At Chatelet-Les Halles (or any other exchange station), change to RER D or any other that goes to Gare de Lyon.
- Move out of the station as per the signs towards the corresponding of Gare de Lyon.
Reservation may be done through SNCF Connect, TheTrainline or ticket machines at airport/RER station. Keep on your ticket until you get out- ticket inspection is not uncommon and there is a fine against invalid tickets.
Train Travel Time & Frequency
- Frequency: RER trains between CDG normally run at intervals of 10-20 minutes throughout the busy working day. (Rome2Rio)
- Time: The shortest trip (with the shortest waits during transfer) will take approximately 43 minutes, but the average is more than 45-60 minutes, in most cases.
When you come early in the morning or after a long day, then it is better to check times in advance since the frequency of service can differ. Also give themselves more time in walking between terminals, baggage handling and going through the station.
Option 3: Bus
Bus Routes & Stops
The third major option is to take the bus at CDG and travel to Gare de Lyon which is mostly used by low-end travellers or passengers who do not have heavy baggage. Although there is no direct express bus which is specifically named as CDG Gare de Lyon (there are lots of services between those points which is a stop in middle places), there are numbers of shuttle and coach buses which have stops at CDG and they take you to central points of Paris where you can walk or take a small ride by metro to Gare de Lyon.
As per Omio, CDG to Gare de Lyon (or other central destinations) buses could be ordered via such companies as FlixBus or BlaBlaCar.
Normal stops could encompass CDG terminal bus areas and Gare de Lyon stops in the city centres.
Bus Fares & Schedules
- Fares: There are a few bus tickets which cost as low as (66) when they are booked beforehand. (Omio)
- Time of Journey: Approximately an hour and a half, but that can be greatly spoiled when vehicles are in traffic jams. (Rome2Rio)
- Timetable: Alot of buses are going every 30-60 minutes during the day; in the evening or early morning such operations can be irregular.
Tips for Bus Travel
- Check out where the bus halts in reference to Gare de Lyon and whether one would be required to walk further or take the metro.
- Book in advance to get cheaper prices and the availability of luggage space.
- Take into account the traffic: the travel into Paris by the road can considerably slow the way down and particularly at the busiest periods.
- In the case of hard luggage or a large number of people, a bus can be not as comfortable as a train or private transfer.
Comparing All Transport Options: Comparison Table: Cost, Time, Convenience
| Transport Option | Approx. One-Way Cost | Typical Travel Time* | Convenience / Best For |
| Private Transfer / Taxi | ~€60–€75 for standard car (1-3 pax) | ~30–40 minutes (depending on traffic) | Best for arrivals with luggage, night arrivals, comfort seekers |
| Train | ~€12–€17 (standard fare) | ~45–60 minutes (including transfer) | Light travellers, solo/couples, value-conscious |
| Bus | From ~€14 | ~50–75 minutes (traffic-dependent) | Budget travellers, minimal luggage, daytime arrivals |
Travel times are approximate and assume smooth conditions; luggage handling, terminal walking or delays may add extra time.
One of the first decisions to make in Paris is how to get to Gare de Lyon when you leave Charles de Gaulle Airport and this choice can make the difference between arriving at Gare de Lyon and being a relaxant; or arriving stressed. When you value speed and convenience and especially when you are carrying luggage or other travelling partners, then a private transfer will be the most appropriate.
The train is very efficient and cheap in case you are travelling on a tight budget and also travelling with minimal baggage. And when price is of primary concern and time is not as important, the bus may be an excellent substitute.
To the traveller who requires high quality service, I would suggest that you should reserve your private transfer at T2 Transfer. Their business chauffeurs, fixed prices and airport meet service means that one can secure a hassle-free ride to and out of the airport to Gare de Lyon without having to make any much ado. Bon voyage – your entry into Paris may be as pleasant as to your next destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
The quickest total door to door is a private taxi/transfer to the taxi particularly when carrying luggage or showing up late. To low-end travellers, the train provides the swiftest method of public transportation (approximately 43-60 minutes).
Ordinary taxi prices are within the bracket of 60-75 on the way. The rates can be reduced in the case of bigger cars or after midnight or during rush hours.
No. Trains leave CDG and arrive at Gare de Lyon, however, in most cases you will have to switch at least once (at Châtelet-Les Halles) to fulfill the entire journey.
Private transfer/taxi: Just under 30-40 minutes (against traffic).
By train: About 45-60 miles with transfers.
By bus: An average time of 50-75 minutes with the stops andAssign of the traffic.
Editorial Staff at T2 Transfer is a team of experts who have vast knowledge on Paris transportation.