How to Get from Paris Airports (CDG/Orly) to the City – Navigo Pass, Metro Tips & Hotel Areas
💳 What Do I Need to Buy the Navigo Weekly Pass?
If you are purchasing a physical Navigo card for the first time, please prepare the following:
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📷 Photo:
25×30 mm (passport size)
※ While photo booths are available in airports, many stations, and some supermarkets, they are occasionally out of service. It is strongly recommended to prepare your photo in advance before traveling. -
🛂 Identification:
Passport or equivalent ID (may be requested) -
💳 Card Issuance Fee:
€5.00 (one-time fee for the physical card)
- Simply hand your photo and fee to the staff at the ticket counter, and your card will usually be issued on the spot.
- The physical card is valid for 10 years and can be reused for future visits.
- If you choose the smartphone version of Navigo, you may be able to start using the pass without obtaining a physical card or submitting a printed photo.
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Important Note:
Navigo Semaine covers zones 1–6 only — there is no cheaper version limited to central Paris.
Even if you plan to stay within central Paris only, you must still purchase the all-zones pass. -
Good to Know:
While the smartphone version is very convenient, compatibility and reliability may vary depending on your device and operating system. For daily commuting or long stays, some residents still prefer using the physical card.
🛬 Where to Buy Navigo Pass at CDG Airport & Opening Hours
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📍 Sales Locations:
- Terminals 1 & 3: Roissypôle (connected via CDGVAL shuttle train)
- Terminal 2: SNCF ticket counter inside RER B station
※SNCF = French National Railway
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🕒 Opening Hours:
- CDG Terminal 1 & 3: 06:00–22:30
- CDG Terminal 2: 06:00–22:45 (subject to change)
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⚠️ Congestion Tips:
- Expect heavy crowds during early arrivals between 06:00 and 09:00
🛬 Where to Buy Navigo Pass at Orly Airport & Opening Hours
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📍 Sales Location:
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Bus Terminal (Bus Stop #5) – staffed counter available
📌 Located **outside the airport building**, directly across from Check-in Counters 46–47 on the arrivals level of Terminal 4.
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Bus Terminal (Bus Stop #5) – staffed counter available
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 07:00–18:00 (daily)
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📝 Notes:
- The Metro Line 14 Aéroport d'Orly station does not sell weekly passes (machines support recharge only)
- Orlyval (shuttle train between Antony station and Orly Airport) is not covered by the Navigo Pass; separate fare required
⏰ Common Tips for Timing & Transfers
- Navigo Weekly Pass is valid from Monday 00:00 to Sunday 23:59.
- If you purchase it by 23:59 on Thursday, it is only valid until that Sunday.
- The pass for the current week can be purchased from Friday of the previous week through Thursday of the current week.
- Buying on Friday or later means the pass will be for the following week only — check your travel schedule before purchase.
- To avoid stress, try to avoid airport transfers during weekday rush hours (especially 07:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00), especially if you're carrying large luggage or a suitcase.
- If you have large luggage, consider waiting until after 10:00 AM to begin your transfer from the airport.
🏨 Hotel Areas with Easy Access from CDG Airport (North to South)
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Gare du Nord
The first major station you reach from CDG Airport when entering central Paris. It’s one of the busiest stations, bustling with activity. The surrounding area offers a wide range of dining options and budget to mid-range hotels. Home to many Asian and African communities, and as a departure point for both TGV and Eurostar, it's a culturally diverse area. Excellent transport connections, and Gare de l'Est is within walking distance.
Estimated travel time from the airport: approx. 30 minutesTransfer options: Metro lines 4, 5, 7, RER B, D, SNCF (national rail)
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Châtelet – Les Halles
Located in the heart of Paris, directly connected to a massive shopping center and surrounded by numerous hotels and restaurants. Many major tourist spots are within walking distance. Estimated travel time from the airport: 35 minutes
Note: Transfers between RER lines are relatively easy with escalators, but switching to the Metro involves many stairs and long walks within the station. Carrying luggage here can be a challenge, especially during peak hours. In particular, it can take over 10 minutes to reach platforms for Metro lines 7 and 11.
Transfer options: Metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14, RER A, B, D
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Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, this is the first RER stop there and is close to Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter— both popular sightseeing and hotel areas. Estimated travel time from the airport: 38 minutes
Accessibility: Transfers to RER C are relatively easy using escalators, but metro connections require stairs and are not wheelchair-accessible.
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Luxembourg
Situated in the 6th arrondissement, on the east side of the Luxembourg Gardens. The station area is quiet with few shops, but walking west toward Saint-Sulpice Church reveals a lively stretch of cafés, bookstores, and boutiques. The neighborhood offers a calm, cultural atmosphere, with Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter within walking distance. Most hotels are classic and mid-to-high-end. Estimated travel time from the airport: 40 minutes
Metro access: About a 10-minute walk (approx. 650m) to Odéon station on Metro line 4.
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Port-Royal
A small station located near the southern gate of the Luxembourg Gardens (technically, Parc des Grands Explorateurs). While not a tourist hotspot, the surrounding residential neighborhood is calm, with local shops, cafés, and a few hospitals. Popular among students and locals, this area features mainly small- to mid-sized, clean, and reasonably priced accommodations. Great for walking toward Montparnasse or Saint-Michel. Estimated travel time from the airport: 42 minutes
Metro access: About a 10-minute walk (approx. 650m) to Vavin station (Metro line 4), or about an 8-minute walk (approx. 550m) to Raspail station (Metro lines 4 & 6).
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Denfert-Rochereau
A key transfer hub where RER B intersects with Metro lines 4 and 6.
The area is known for Rue Daguerre, a lively street loved by locals, featuring cafés, restaurants, and boutiques with a welcoming atmosphere. Estimated travel time from the airport: 45 minutes
Recommended for: Those who want a mix of sightseeing and local life. 💀 The entrance to the Paris Catacombs is located right in front of the station.
Metro access: Metro lines 4 & 6
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Cité Universitaire
In front of the station, there is literally only a university. No bakeries, cafés, or convenience stores in sight—just the university gates and its buildings. It truly feels like a station built solely for the university, and the quietness might catch you off guard. What makes this station useful is its connection to the tram system. Estimated travel time from the airport: 48 minutes
Tram T3a: Stops directly in front of the station in both directions, making boarding easy. The tram interiors are clean and comfortable. Simply tap your Navigo card on the designated reader inside the tram to ride. If you used a single airport-to-city ticket to get here, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for the tram. Tickets can be bought from machines at RER stations or tram stops. T3a and T3b trams follow the route of the former city walls of Paris, which is why many station names start with “Porte” (gate). Staying near one of the following “Porte” stations offers convenient access for sightseeing and exploring the city.
- Porte d’Orléans (Metro Line 4): A lively area with local pricing. Convenient for sightseeing via Metro Line 4.
- Porte de Vanves (Metro Line 13): A down-to-earth neighborhood known for its weekend flea market. There are only a few hotels and restaurants around the station.
- Porte de Versailles (Metro Line 12): A busy area with many hotels near the Parc des Expositions convention center.
- Porte de Choisy (Metro Line 7): Close to Chinatown, with many Asian supermarkets and Chinese restaurants. Offers some of the most affordable hotels in Paris.
Facing away from the station, turn right to reach the tram stop toward Porte d'Orléans and Porte de Versailles. On the opposite side, across the street to the left, is the stop for trams heading toward Porte de Choisy.
CDG Airport to Paris: Roissybus Access (Updated March 2026)
The Roissybus is a direct bus service connecting Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris. As of 2026, its final stop has changed to Saint-Denis–Pleyel station (Métro Line 14), instead of Opéra.
The bus serves all airport terminals and also departs from Roissypôle, with easy transfers via the free CDGVAL shuttle (free between airport terminals only).
From Saint-Denis–Pleyel, Métro Line 14 offers fast access to central Paris and continues directly to Orly Airport. Most stations are step-free with elevators, making it convenient for travelers with luggage.
Travel time is approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
For travel from the airport to central Paris, the Roissybus is the most affordable option. While it connects the airport and the city, it makes several stops along the way.
🚇 Hotel Areas Along Metro Line 14 with Easy Access from Orly Airport
By taking Metro Line 14 (M14) from Orly Airport, you can access central and northern Paris without transfers. In particular, the following station sections are fully barrier-free, making them ideal for travelers with luggage or wheelchair users:
- Maison Blanche ~ Bercy
- Pont Cardinet ~ Mairie de Saint-Ouen
Metro Line 14 is modern, clean, and comfortable. Digital displays inside the train show which side to exit and door positions, making it very user-friendly for travelers.
However, please note that stations on Line 14 are spaced farther apart than those on other lines. It’s not practical to walk from one station to the next, so choose your accommodation based on what’s around the station. Also, some central stations share facilities with older lines, where barrier-free upgrades may lag behind. While it's often easy to reach the ticket gates on the first basement level, many exits to the surface still require stair use.
🍽️ Stations with Shops and Restaurants Nearby
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Olympiades
The area around Olympiades Station features modern high-rise residential towers and commercial facilities built between 1969–1977, centered around a large pedestrian plaza (esplanade). To the south lies one of the largest Chinatowns in Paris, with a wide variety of Asian restaurants including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine. Travel time to central Paris is about 10 minutes via Metro Line 14, and 11–14 minutes to Saint-Lazare Station. The station is fully barrier-free, making it ideal for travelers and wheelchair users.
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Bibliothèque François Mitterrand
Located in a redeveloped area of the 13th arrondissement, this station sits right in front of the French National Library (BnF). Surrounded by high-rise apartments, universities, cafés, and startups, it’s a vibrant area. Only about 6 minutes to Châtelet and with direct access to Saint-Lazare, it's very convenient. The area is relatively new and well-maintained, often frequented by students and researchers. Hotels here tend to be mid-range to stylish business hotels.
Connecting Line: RER C
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Pont Cardinet
Located in the Batignolles area of the 17th arrondissement, the neighborhood is within walking distance of stations like Brochant and Porte de Clichy. It’s a convenient and comfortable area with many cafés, bakeries, and convenience stores.
Nearby Station: Transilien Line L (Pont Cardinet Station)
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Porte de Clichy
Located in the latest extension of Line 14, this modern transport hub features up-to-date facilities and design. Surrounded by greenery and redevelopment areas, it’s a very livable area whether you're visiting short-term or staying long-term. However, note that the connected Metro Line 13 station is not fully accessible, so travelers with wheelchairs or strollers should be cautious.
Connections: Metro Line 13, RER C, Tram T3b
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Mairie de Saint-Ouen
Located just north of Paris in Saint-Ouen, this station provides direct access via Metro Line 14 to central hubs like Châtelet, Gare de Lyon, and Bercy in about 15–20 minutes. The southeastern exit of the station and newly developed areas are relatively safe and suitable for longer stays or budget-friendly accommodations. However, the area toward Line 13 can feel a bit rough at night, so caution is advised. While not the trendiest neighborhood, it’s very practical for convenience-focused travelers.
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Other Metro Line 14 Stations
Outside of the central areas and the stations listed above, many Metro Line 14 stations are still under development and have very few surrounding buildings, giving a sparse and quiet atmosphere. Therefore, if you prioritize convenience and accessibility, it’s recommended to choose accommodation near one of the stations listed above. The terminal station, Saint-Denis – Pleyel, opened just before the Olympics and features a station building designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The contrast between the cutting-edge station and the surrounding area is striking. However, since the neighborhood is still developing, we currently do not recommend it as a place to stay.
🚉 Easy access from the airport – underrated but convenient areas to stay along the RER A line
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Vincennes
Adjacent to eastern Paris on the Right Bank, Vincennes is a charming and relaxed area lined with stylish shops and cafés. Just two stops from Châtelet on the RER A line, it offers excellent access. Attractions include the peaceful Bois de Vincennes park, the historic Château de Vincennes, and a popular zoo—making it a great option for families. The RER A line also connects directly to Disneyland Paris, making it an ideal base for both sightseeing and relaxation.
Metro access: About 5-min walk (approx. 400m) to Château de Vincennes on Métro 1.
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La Défense
A modern business district home to many startups and the French headquarters of global companies. The station provides direct access to hotels and shopping malls, including a wide selection of restaurants. The dome-shaped station is spacious and easy to navigate once you know the exit directions. The cityscape here is unlike traditional Paris—it’s more like a mini version of Tokyo’s Shinjuku. As the starting point of Metro Line 1, it offers great access to tourist spots: about 10 minutes to the Champs-Élysées, and 20 minutes to Châtelet or the Marais district.
Metro Connections: Metro Line 1 (La Défense), Tram T2 (La Défense)
There’s a bus terminal within the station that offers service to Paris–Beauvais Airport (BVA), mainly used by low-cost carriers (LCCs). However, due to limited departures, we recommend using the service from Metro Line 13’s Saint-Denis Université station instead. Note: the service was previously based near Porte de Maillot (Metro Line 1), but relocated ahead of the 2024 Olympics.
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