Paris is set to significantly improve its airport connectivity with the launch of the CDG Express, a dedicated rail link between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Gare de l'Est in the 10th arrondissement. The service will begin on 28 March 2027, offering a journey time of just 20 minutes — a marked improvement over the current RER B commuter line, which takes 34 minutes to reach Gare du Nord.
The CDG Express will depart every 15 minutes from 5am to midnight, seven days a week. While the exact fare has not yet been announced, children under 16 travelling with their families will ride for free. Residents of the Île-de-France region holding a Navigo card will receive a discount of between 30% and 40%. For context, a single journey on the RER B from central Paris to Charles de Gaulle currently costs €11.80.
Broader Transport Upgrades in Paris
The CDG Express is part of a wider effort to modernise Parisian transport infrastructure. Île-de-France Mobilités, the regional transport authority, is also constructing a pedestrian tunnel linking Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est. These two stations, located just 500 metres apart, handle approximately 800,000 passengers daily. The tunnel is expected to be completed in spring 2027, coinciding with the CDG Express launch.
Additionally, Paris is developing a new metro line, Line 17, which will connect Saint-Denis to Mesnil-Amelot via Charles de Gaulle Airport. The first segment, between Saint-Denis and the airport, is slated for completion in mid-2027. The section from the airport to Parc des Expositions will follow in 2028, with the full line operational by 2030.
These projects reflect a broader trend across European capitals to improve airport rail links, reducing congestion and carbon emissions. For instance, Norway is testing hybrid planes to connect remote communities, while Paris focuses on ground transport efficiency.
The CDG Express is expected to benefit both tourists and business travellers, offering a reliable alternative to road transport. Paris Charles de Gaulle is one of Europe's busiest airports, handling over 76 million passengers in 2023. The new link will also ease pressure on the RER B, which has long been criticised for overcrowding and delays.
While the exact pricing structure remains under wraps, the discounts for Navigo cardholders and free travel for children are likely to make the service accessible to a broad range of users. The 20-minute journey time positions the CDG Express among the fastest airport rail links in Europe, comparable to services like the Heathrow Express in London and the Airport Express in Berlin.
As Paris prepares to host major international events in the coming years, including the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, these transport upgrades are timely. The CDG Express, in particular, will provide a seamless connection for visitors arriving from across the globe.
