Eurostar

Eurostar trains arrive at Gare du Nord, slightly north of the city centre. The station is served by three metro lines and three RER lines, and has a taxi rank outside, usually manned by assistants to help newly arrived visitors.

Gare du Nord Facilities

Gare du Nord is a large station with several places to eat and drink and shops selling books, newspapers and snacks. The metro station is reached from the concourse and is clearly signposted. There is also a tourist office by the Grandes Lignes exit.

CDG Airport

Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport is the arrival point for most international flights, 23 km (14 miles) northeast of the city centre. Its main terminals are some distance apart, so check which one you require when returning. A 24-hour English-language information service is available.

CDG information

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Connections from CDG Airport

CDG is connected to central Paris by Air France and Roissy bus services, and (the easiest option) the RER train line B3. This links with Gare du Nord, Les Halles and St Michel. Taxis take about 30 minutes to the city centre, sometimes more, and cost about €50.

Orly Airport

Orly is 14 km (8.5 miles) south of the city centre and is used by French domestic services and some international airlines. It has two terminals: Orly-Sud is mainly for international flights; Orly-Ouest is for domestic flights. English-language information is available 6am–11:30pm.

Orly information

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Connections from Orly Airport

Air France coaches run to and from Etoile, Invalides and Montparnasse metro and mainline stations. The high-speed Orlyval shuttle train serves both Orly terminals from Antony on RER line B4. Metro signs to Orly on RER C refer to Orly town – avoid. Taxis take about 30 minutes and cost about €30.

Beauvais Tillé Airport

Beauvais Tillé Airport is some 70 km (43 miles) north of Paris and is used by low-cost airlines Ryanair (Ireland and Scotland), and Wizzair (Eastern Europe). There is a connecting bus link with Porte Maillot metro station; allow at least an hour for the journey.

Arriving by Road

All motorways from whichever direction eventually link with Paris’s Boulevard Périphérique (Inner Ring Road). Access to central Paris is via different exits (portes), so drivers should always check their destination before setting off and know which exit they will need.

Parking

To park on the street you will need the nerves and ability of a local. Meters take the pre-paid carte only, which is available from tobacconists (tabac). Otherwise use one of the many underground car parks in the city, which are clean and safe. For prepaid parking visit www.parkingsdeparis.com.

Arriving by Bus

The main operator, Eurolines, has services from the UK, Ireland, Germany and several other European countries. Coaches arrive at Gare Routière International, east of the city centre but are linked to the metro from the Galliéni station on Line 3.