Paris airport transfer is one of a few basic things you need a good handle on for a smooth Paris trip. Put a little bit of energy into figuring it out or pre-arranging it, and your trip will be off to a good start.

There is no denying that navigating your way from Paris airports to the city can be a bit confusing, but that's the case with most major cities with airports located some distance from the center.

However, Paris offer the advantage of many cheap and convenient options available for you to choose from, whether you prefer public transportation, or a private or semi-private Paris airport transfer. Public transportation in Paris is efficient and affordable.

You can go to this page to familiarize yourself with all Paris transport options.

To get to Paris by way of public transportation, most people choose the RER (Reseau Express Regional). It is the regional rail network which is intertwined with the Paris Metro to serve Parisian commuters within the city as well as immediate or more remote suburbs.

From Charles de Gaulle Airport:
You will want to go to the RER station, line B. The first thing you want to do if you feel a little lost is ask the info desk where the RER is.

Depending on your arrival terminal, you may or may not be directed to catch the free airport shuttle outside the terminal, which will take you to the RER station.

Once inside the station, you have the option of using an automatic ticket dispenser with the name Billeterie Automatique, or if you feel unsure, purchase your ticket at the ticket window so that the attendant can help you with the correct fare for your Paris airport transfer journey.

The RER fare will depend upon your destination. Sample RER one-way Paris trips are €8.70, €9.10 (Discounts for children 4 to 10 years old or eligible reduced fare recipients are available).

The ride lasts about 45 minutes by RER between CDG Airport and Paris.

From Paris-Orly Airport:
The Orlyval automatic metro will take you to the Antony RER Line B connection for €8.30 (€4.15 for kids). The Orly to Paris ride costs €10.75 total (€5.35 for kids)

You can also take RER Line C from Paris-Orly if your destination is Invalides, St Michel-Notre Dame, Austerlitz, in which case you would first catch a bus (€2.50) at Paris-Orly South (entrance F), or Paris-Orly West (entrance G, Arrival level); Add the additional €3.90 for the RER fare.

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Airport Bus Lines:

The main issue with bus transfers is that luggage can be a real hassle to carry around; Secondly, you get dropped off at bus stops that may be a good walking distance from where you are actually going. So, in spite of the attractive fares, these hurdles can be a real deal breaker for most travelers.

If you don't mind either the hour-long (or longer) ride, or the luggage problems, then buses might be the Paris airport transfer for you.

Charles De Gaulle Airport: Roissybus

The airport is North of Paris and located in the small town of Roissy. Roissybus connects Charles De Gaulle Airport and the Paris Opera from approximately 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. A bus leaves every 15 to 20 minutes from Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The ride lasts 45 to 60 minutes and costs €10 one way.

Going to Charles De Gaulle Airport, drop-off will be at the arrivals hall.
For Terminal 2A-2C : Entrance A9
For Terminal 2D-2B : Entrance D11
Terminal 2G is linked to Terminal 2C (Entrance 4) by the N2 shuttle (free airport bus).

- Commuter buses:

Line 350 provides a link between Charles De Gaulle Airport and Gare de l'Est (big rail, RER and Metro hub).

Line 351 provides a link between Charles De Gaulle Airport and Paris, Nation (Metro and RER hub).

Going to Charles De Gaulle Airport, drop-off will be at Terminals 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E-2F (although not in that order). Terminal 2G is linked to Terminal 2C (Entrance 4) by the N2 shuttle (free airport bus).
The ride lasts 45 to 60 minutes (but you should be prepared for longer), and it requires 3 tickets one way (€1.90 each).

Orly Airport: Orlybus

The airport is South of Paris and located in the small town of Orly. Orlybus connects Orly Airport and Paris, Place Denfert-Rochereau from approximately 6:00 am to 11:30 pm. It leaves every 15 to 20 minutes, and the 30 minute trip costs €6.90.

Going to Orly Airport, drop off will be at Orly Sud and Orly Ouest terminals. The Orlyval shuttle train links the 2 terminals free of charge.

- Commuter buses:

Line 183 provides a link between Orly Airport and Paris, Porte de Choisy (by the Metro) from both Orly terminals. The trip lasts 50 minutes and costs €1.90.

Line 285 provides a link between Orly Airport and Villejuif (Louis Aragon Metro station) from both Orly terminals. The trip lasts 15 minutes and costs €1.90.

Remember that with commuter buses, luggage can be even more of a hassle, especially if you're bumping against Parisians rushing to work. Also, you may need a good grasp of the Metro to continue on to your destination once you get dropped off near the metro station. All and all, this is the ultimate economy deal if you're on a very tight budget (backpackers).

For a few dollars more, most people will prefer the comfort and convenience of Air France Les Cars coaches or the door-to-door airport shuttle transfers.