Arriving at the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris will be the adventurous start of your Parisian holiday trip and in case you are heading towards the most distinct landmark, the Eiffel Tower, you are only a minute ride in the center of Paris. The next thing after your wheels have landed on the runway is: How do you get down the airport to the tower comfortably, efficiently and smoothly? And what a tiring journey with transfers, delays or agitations can kill your entry feeling. After all, this is your vacation, not a commute.
Physical distance between CDG and Eiffel tower is approximately 30-40km (18-25 miles) in relation to your mode of route movement and jams. Depending on the kind of transport you use and the time of the day, the speed, the cost and the convenience you choose, travelling takes a very long time and cost. As an example, journeys by train can reportedly be as low as €12-14 one way with a one-hour commuting time either way with transfers. In the meantime, the cost of a taxi ride ranges between 50-100 Euro and requires approximately 35-65 minutes in average conditions.
This manual will take you through three key options:
- Option 1: Taxi /Private Transfer (recommended)
- Option 2: Train
- Option 3: Bus
Each of these will have detailed benefits, costs, booking tips and suitability. The next thing is a comparison table that lets you choose the best fit – and we finish off with such things as the FAQs to address some of your major questions. In conclusion, you will have a perfect idea of how to get in and out of CDG to the Eiffel Tower.
Option 1: Taxi or Private Transfer
Benefits of Private Transfers
Coming to CDG with dozens of suitcases, children or just after a long journey? There is the ultimate convenience provided by a private transfer. When you have booked privately, your driver will pick you up in the arrivals hall (totally holding a name board), meet and carry the bags, bypass the taxi queue and straight one to your hotel by Eiffel tower. There is no need to drag luggage up metro turns, to rail platforms or to pay per person like a train, or a bus, but the vehicle is there when you leave the door to the door.
You save time also: you do not have to wait until the next train or miss the connections. When there is a late arrival or early departure, then use of private service will eliminate doubts. Most services are fixed price, track my flight (to have the driver readjust in case of delays) and multilingual option -which is particularly relaxing when you may be in an unfamiliar city.
Estimated Taxi & Private Car Costs
According to current limited operator listings (as of November 2008):
- T2 Transfer claims that the fare between CDG and Eiffel tower is 80 one-way passing by 1 to 3 passengers and 85, 90, 95 one-way passing by 4 to 6 passengers respectively.
- According to other sources, the common prices of the taxi are roughly between 50-70 euros of a regular sedan, although more expensive levels (90-100) depending on the type of vehicle, time and traffic are observed.
Travel times should be 35-45 minutes during non-peak time, and more during rush hour. When it is booked in advance, the fare generally comprises tolls and airport surcharges. Private transfer services often offer added convenience through pre-arranged pickups, fixed pricing, and direct routes to central Paris hotels or landmarks.
These options are particularly suitable for families or travellers carrying heavy luggage, as they provide door-to-door service without the hassle of changing lines or navigating crowded public transport. Many operators also offer modern vehicles with air-conditioning, English-speaking drivers, and online payment options, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable journey compared to standard taxis or shared shuttles.
Booking Your Private Transfer
To book:
- Select a respectable transfer company such as T2 Transfer and submit your flight number, terminal of arrival, the amount of passengers and their luggage.
- Observe pick-up point (e.g. Terminal 2E, 2F) and drop point (hotel near Eiffel Tower).
- In case you are late, make sure that the provider has flight-tracking to be ready when you arrive.
- Choose size of vehicle (sedan 1-3 or minivan 4-7) and extras (career accident 1-3 child seat 4-7).
- Record payment and get fares check online- you will not be surprised by metered fares.
On coming out of the custom, your driver is there waiting outside, you hoist your luggage and you are away. No transfers. No luggage lifts. No metro stairs. It is the most relaxed means of beginning your stay.
Reservation Form – Book Taxi with T2 Transfer
Option 2: Train
Pros & Cons
The train is a good alternative to those willing to travel fast, cheaply and a touch of local flavor. The RER and Metro network that transverses CDG can be used to make stopovers at the stations that are around the Eiffel Tower. It is inexpensive and does not involve road traffic when compared to a taxi.
Pros:
- One-way fare can start around €12-€14.
- Turnovers are common in the daytime- you will probably be on a move within minutes.
- Makes you experience the Parisian transport, and the city is seen in between, as well.
Cons:
- A change of lines (as in RER B to RER C or metro) and time with luggage will usually be required. Moving with a lot of baggage or children may be a burden.
- The arrival time can be variable depending on waiting time by taking a train, depending on walking to the final point and going through station corridors.
- It can be less reliable in time because at the end of the day (night) or early morning (night) there may be shortened services offered.
- Are not accustomed to big luggage or large families as well as to direct ride.
Train Tickets & Booking
At CDG, you get into the RER B at Terminal 2 or 3 and make connection (s) to go to Champ-de-Mars / Tour Eiffel station (or any other stations) via RER C or Metro Line 6. Approximately a range of 10-15 based on the route and promotions.
Good practice: purchase the airport-ticket (Billet Aeroport) either on CDG machines or on the ticket counter, but not the ordinary Metro ticket. According to one source, it should be €10.30 at the time of early booking.
Things to allow time: airport-train station transfers (symbolically Airport to train station transfer, especially) train waiting, the train rail, Eiffel tower walk. Most travellers give an estimated time of around 1 hour (check-in to landmark).
Train Travel Time & Frequency
Direct share of ride between CDG and central station will be usually about 3050 min and this will be followed by a walk of between 5-10 to the central station. The distance between the doors increases to 45-60 minutes or even more. Strong Frequency: There are trains during the day with frequency of about every 10-20 minutes at CDG.
When it comes during rush hour, there are more people and can be delayed. However, the train is a quite possible alternative to budget-conscious travellers, whose luggage can be managed.
Option 3: Bus
Bus Routes & Stops
For passengers traveling by bus or airport shuttle from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport to the Eiffel Tower district, this can be an appealing and budget-friendly option. Most services depart from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2—or from main transport hubs such as Roissypole—and make stops across central Paris, including major areas like Opéra or Auber. Depending on the route, the journey from CDG to the Eiffel Tower typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and costs between €6 and €10.
Another source points to the shuttle services on the label Le Bus Direct operating the routes CDG-Eiffel Tower/Champs-Elysée with a rough duration of transportation time 45-60 minutes and prices around at the range of 20-30.
Bus Fares & Schedules
Estimates for fare:
- Public bus (budget): $6- 10 pointing out routes with transfers.
- Shuttle: Between 20-24 per head one way trips that are specifically operated to serve between the airport and the Eiffel Tower.
Timetables: Operator-dependent, buses can leave every half or hour throughout the day; there are fewer during the late night or at the early morning. Anticipated rest on the way, possible traffic jams and walk to the hotel by bus.
Suitability & Tips
A bus would be the most appropriate option to travellers that have light luggage, have flexible schedules of arrival and are not keen on time but on cost. It is not so convenient when one comes late or with a bag on their back. Consider:
- Check terminal; check bus stop and bus route.
- Make a reservation in case of a dedicated shuttle in order to have a seat.
- Include potential traffic or other stopover delays.
The end point may well still involve a brief stroll to your hotel adjacent to the Eiffel Tower.
Comparing All Transport Options: Comparison Table
| Transport Option | Approx. One-Way Cost | Typical Door-to-Door Time | Best For |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | €80 (standard car) to €100+ | 35-45 minutes (off-peak) | Families, late arrivals, comfort first |
| Train (RER / Metro combo) | €12-€15 per person | 45-60 minutes+ | Budget-aware, manageable luggage |
| Bus / Shuttle | €6-€10 (public) or ~€20-€24 | 60-90 minutes | Travellers with time, light luggage |
Note: Times and costs are approximate, based on current public-data sources. Traffic, terminal transfers, luggage and arrival time can affect actual door-to-door durations.
Traveling to the Eiffel tower by CDG does not necessarily begin with stress, therefore, with the correct decision it will be the beginning of your Parisian life experience. In making a choice: consider your arrival time, baggage, comfort values, budget and length of time you wish to be spent reaching your hotel and not sightseeing.
In case you care about comfort, speed and convenience, a private transfer (reserved) is strongly advised. The balance of cost and speed is good on the train when it is used by the traveller who is interested in saving money. And even when you are on time, you carry light luggage and time to spare buying a bus/shuttle may be the most cost-effective.
However you land, you have to experience ground transport in Paris, make the most out of it by selecting one of the options that will match your style of travelling. To record the flawless experience of the door to door, you should pre-book your personal transfer on T2 Transfer and get to your destination in Paris calm and prepared to have fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
The shortest distance by taxi/ private transfer is door to door (35-45 minutes depending on the traffic). The in-vehicle time may be shorter (as short as 10-12 minutes in certain situations) when the public train routes are used; however, it will be accompanied by transfers and walking.
The median cost of pre-booked transfers in a typical car is somewhere around 80, and then it can go to approximately 100 for minivans or nighttime services. There are a few metered taxis or less controlled services who can offer rates of 50-70 but exclude tolls/surcharges. (Sources indicate price to be between 80 and 120 per 1-3 passengers)
No, actual single train direct service. You normally ride an RER train at CDG and make a transcription (usually RER B onto RER C or Metro) to the station right next to the Eiffel tower. With transfers, the time taken is approximately 45 -60 minutes.
Mode condition dependent journey time:
Taxi/ private: Approximately 35- 45 minutes provided there is traffic.
Train: 45 and above plus 2 transfers: 60 and above
Bus /shuttle: 60-90minutes+ timing according to routes and destinations.
Editorial Staff at T2 Transfer is a team of experts who have vast knowledge on Paris transportation.