TRAVEL TIPS FOR FRANCE 2026
Every week, the Masterworks Newsletter will contain a brief “Tip” about Paris, the French language, words to practice, getting around, money, paying for food, tipping, etc. Many of these ideas are distilled from a series of
YouTube videos by Les Frenchies, a French/American couple. For more detailed information, these videos cover many topics of interest to American travelers in France, especially Paris. They are fun to watch and very informative.
4. Getting from Charles de Gaul airport to Paris:
Most
international travelers arrive at CDG airport and must then make their way to the city center, about 16 miles. Depending on how you travel and the time of day, it can take from 30 to 90 minutes. There are 4 easy ways to make the trip.
Some factors that may play into your choice of transportation method may include how tired you are, how much luggage you are carrying, cost, and how willing you are to throw
caution to the wind and try something
new.
The two most common methods are taxis and trains. Giving some thought to your choice before arriving will save you stress and probably money as you begin your Paris adventure. To take a taxi, exit the terminal and go directly to the taxi stand outside the airport. Do NOT under any
circumstances accept an offer of a taxi from someone in the airport
terminal. These are scams and not actual Paris taxis. The only actual registered taxis are outside the terminal. The cost will be from 55 to 65 euros, depending on where you are being dropped off in the city. This is a fixed rate set by the City.
You can pay with
your credit card. Before getting in the taxi, make sure the meter works and that they take credit cards. Have your drop off address written down in case the driver is not fluent in English. The second most common route is to take the RER B train to a major train station in Paris and then walk, take the metro, or taxi to the hotel. The cost is 13 euros for
the train. Just follow the signs in the airport terminal to
“trains” and buy a ticket at the train station, either at a kiosk or at a ticket booth.
Look at the map in the station to see where you want to exit the train. Be sure to validate the ticket before you get on the train.
A much cheaper route is to take the bus; only 2 euros, but it is slow, and there is not much room for
luggage. The most expensive, but easiest route is to hire a driver and a car. The driver will meet you in the arrival hall with a sign with your name.
Welcome Pickups is a recommended service. They will charge 15 to 20 euros more than a taxi, but it removes all the guesswork. You can schedule this service on the internet before you leave home. Future tips will discuss how to buy RER and metro tickets in more
detail.
