Best Ways to Get to Paris from CDG with Kids

Ah, Paris from CDG. Let’s talk about that magical (and let’s be real—chaotic) first moment when you land at Charles de Gaulle Airport with your kiddos in tow, bleary-eyed after a long flight or totally wiped after a multi-stop European adventure. You’ve made it to France—but now what?

I’ve landed in Paris from Charles de Gaulle three times now with kids, and let me tell you… each time came with its own version of travel-tired toddler drama, stroller gymnastics, and desperate snack hunts. 😅 So if you’re here wondering how to get to Paris from Charles de Gaulle without losing your sanity (or your children), you’re in the right place.

Let’s break it all down, mom to mom.

Why Choosing the Right CDG to Paris Transfer Matters for Moms

When you’re traveling solo or as a couple, figuring out transport options for getting to Paris from CDG might just be a question of price and speed.

But when you’re a mom?

It’s about:

• Avoiding meltdowns (yours and theirs!!!)
• Keeping all the luggage + the stroller + the baby from toppling over
• And arriving at your hotel still liking each other as a family

Our Real-Life Airport to Paris Experiences (Aka: the Good, the Bad, and the Sleepy)

✈️ The red-eye from Ottawa: We landed early in the morning. Both my kids were absolute zombies (and so were we). My youngest refused the stroller. My oldest laid down on the airport floor. Charming, right?

We saw the RER train… glanced at the escalator… and noped right out of there. We grabbed a taxi. It wasn’t cheap, and yes—we were stuck in Paris traffic—but the kids slept the entire ride. We took deep breaths, watched the Parisian landmarks pop into view, and just let it be. That quiet ride through the city was everything we needed.

🌍 From Porto and Rome: On two other trips, Paris was our final destination. And the kids? DONE. Like, emotionally, physically, existentially done. Again, we went with a taxi. No regrets. Sometimes, convenience is priceless.

Option 1: Why Taxis Are a Mom’s Best Friend for Getting from CDG to Paris

💶 Cost: Fixed rate – €53 to the Left Bank, €58 to the Right Bank (as of 2025) – there are family-friendly areas to stay in Paris on both sides!
⏱️ Travel time: Around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic

Best for:

• Families with strollers
• Lots of suitcases
• Jet-lagged little ones
• If you’re bringing a toddler to Paris
• Late-night or early-morning arrivals
• Parents who just want to exhale

Mom tip: Parisian taxis are required by law to offer child seats if you request in advance. You can also book services like G7 Taxis or Welcome Pickups for guaranteed car seats.

Bonus: If your little one doesn’t fall asleep during the taxi ride, you can take out some of their travel toys to keep them entertained!

Option 2: Why I Skip the RER Train with Kids (Even Though It’s Budget-Friendly)

💶 Cost: Around €11.80 per adult (kids under 4 are free; ages 4–9 get a discount) – you’ll need to buy tickets for RER B.
⏱️ Travel time: 35–45 minutes to central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles)

Best for:

• Families traveling super light
• Older kids who love trains
• Budget-conscious travelers with lots of energy (finding a budget-friendly hotel in Paris can also help you save tons of money!)

But here’s the deal: There are stairs. Crowds. Not enough elevators. With two suitcases and a stroller? I’ve skipped this every single time. It’s doable, but it’s rarely ideal when you’re arriving in Paris from CDG with kids and a stroller. If you do it, make sure to pick a foldable and lightweight stroller!

Option 3: Private Car Transfers – CDG to Paris with Zero Stress

💶 Cost: €70–€100 depending on car size and company
⏱️ Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Best for:

• Big families who need a van
• Parents who want to skip the taxi line
• Travelers who want guaranteed car seats

Why it works: You’ll be met by a driver at arrivals holding a sign with your name. You’ll feel like a VIP—even if you haven’t slept in 24 hours and your shirt has snack crumbs on it.

Look into: Welcome Pickups, Blacklane, or VRBO-recommended transfers.

Option 4: RoissyBus – Affordable but Involves a Second Step

💶 Cost: Around €16.50 per person
⏱️ Travel time: 60–75 minutes to Opéra – you’ll need tickets to board the bus shuttle.

Best for:

• Families staying near Opéra
• Parents who don’t mind transferring once
• Budget-conscious travelers avoiding the metro

Keep in mind: No luggage fees, and your stroller can go underneath. But once you arrive at Opéra, you still have to get to your hotel. After a long flight, that second step might feel like a mountain.

What I’d Choose Again (and Again)

Honestly? I’ll take a taxi or private transfer every single time when I arrive in Paris with my kids.

Yes, it costs more. But after flying from Canada or finishing a whirlwind trip across Europe, that quiet ride through the city while the kids sleep is worth every euro.

Because let’s face it—no one remembers what you paid for your ride. But they will remember if it started the trip in tears.

Final Travel-Saving Tips for CDG Arrivals with Kids

• Pack snacks in your carry-on: Hungry toddlers are tiny monsters.
• Bring a cozy layer: Airplanes are cold. So is the Paris breeze.
• Plan a slow first day: A gentle walk, a carousel ride, a pain au chocolat, a delicious parisian hot chocolate = enough.
• Soak it all in: That Eiffel Tower moment from the backseat? It’s magic.

Getting from CDG to Paris Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Whether you’re jetlagged, overpacked, or just ready to start the Parisian chapter of your family trip, the key is to pick the transportation option that works best for your family—not just the cheapest or fastest.

If that means spending a little more for a smooth, sleepy ride into the city? Do it, mama. You’ve earned it.

Bon voyage & bisous from one traveling mama to another 💕

P.S. Planning your Paris itinerary? Check out my 3-day Paris itinerary with kids and my guide to the best Paris playgrounds—because happy kids = happy parents!