If you’re a seasoned traveler, this detail likely hasn’t escaped you. Unlike many other European capitals such as London, Stockholm, or Vienna, Paris still does not, to this day, have an express rail link from its city center to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Yet, with more than 72 million passengers handled in 2025, the famous airport located in Val-d’Oise ranks among the world’s largest international hubs.
Since the termination of the direct Roissybus service on March 1, 2026, travelers can opt for the RER B, with journey times of about 35 to 40 minutes from Châtelet, or the 9517 bus that runs from Argenteuil to Roissy airport via Saint-Denis-Pleyel. In 2027, another transport option will link passengers to the capital from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (Terminal 2), and vice versa. Its name? The CDG Express.
While the initial feasibility studies were launched as early as 1998, the CDG Express project made a major leap forward in 2019, when work officially began on the stretch between Paris-Est and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
From now on, all eyes are turned to 2027. In a few months, the CDG Express will finally welcome its first travelers. Mark your calendars: the start of service is scheduled for the March 28, 2027. From that date, it will be possible to reach the famous Paris Île-de-France airport from the Gare de l'Est in just 20 minutes, and with no intermediate stops. Thus, the train will run without any stops and will connect directly to Paris from Roissy airport, and vice versa.
Additionally, the future CDG Express will connect with the RER B, D and E, the metro (lines 2, 4, 5 and 7), the Transilien network (lines H, K and P) and several bus routes.
As with other large-scale projects of this kind, agreeing on a route proved no easy task. After years of studies and decisions, the CDG Express will finally run over a total of 32 kilometers, including 8 kilometers of new tracks from Gare de l'Est. By using three-quarters of the existing rail network, this route avoids the need for building new tunnels. Longer than initially envisaged, the CDG Express route will thus connect Paris to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (Terminal 2) in about 20 minutes, thanks to a top speed of 150 km/h.
The CDG Express will thus traverse eight zones, including northern Paris and the towns of Saint-Denis, La Courneuve, Le Bourget, Le Blanc-Mesnil, Aulnay-sous-Bois, and Sevran.
With trains advertised every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, the CDG Express aims to position itself as the new go-to transport option for all travelers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. The CDG Express will therefore offer a continuous service, "even during off-peak hours, holidays, weekends and school holidays", according to the official site.
If its launch isn’t slated before March 28, 2027, the CDG Express has already unveiled the exact, fixed timetables for departures and arrivals at Gare de l’Est and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Thus, the first train departing from Gare de l’Est is scheduled at 5:08 a.m., with an arrival at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport at 5:28. Subsequent departures run every 15 minutes, at 5:23, 5:38, 5:53, 6:08, and so on. The last train to Roissy from Gare de l’Est is listed at 23:53, arriving at 0:13. Find the airport-bound timetable from Gare de l’Est here.
Note that the train will be at the platform 15 minutes before departure, "allowing passengers to settle into the carriage as soon as they reach the platform", according to CDG Express. Furthermore, departures from Gare de l'Est will be from tracks 2, 3 and 4.
In the opposite direction, from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare de l’Est, the first train will depart at 5:01 and arrive in the northern part of the city at 5:21. The next service is listed for 5:16. As for the last train to Gare de l’Est, it’s scheduled at 23:56 with an arrival at 0:16. Find here the schedules toward Paris – Gare de l’Est from the airport. To catch your express train, head to the CDG2 TGV station, on tracks 1X and 2X.
So how much will it cost to hop aboard the CDG Express? Several fare options, tailored to different types of travelers, will be offered.
For a one-way trip at the standard rate, expect 25 euros. Those with a valid Pass Navigo annual or monthly will enjoy a 35% discount, i.e. 16.50 euros per one-way trip. If you opt for a round trip (two journeys in opposite directions), then budget 42 euros for the full fare, and 28 euros for Navigo subscribers.
However, it will be free for children under 16 (accompanied by an adult). "The CDG Express fare schedule sits below the caps set by the Ministry of Transport. It will be complete and definitive by the end of 2026", the official site notes.
Additionally, note that tickets will be valid in both directions “without a fixed schedule.” You will be able to board the CDG Express from any departure point you choose. Moreover, once purchased, your ticket will remain valid for 24 months before use. “For a round-trip journey: the ticket is valid for 24 months before use, and the return must be taken within 90 days after the outbound trip is validated, for travel in the opposite direction,” it states. The ticket can also be bought without a reservation. Simply purchase your ticket and hop on the train of your choice.
If you’re loaded down and traveling with a lot of luggage, don’t panic. There won’t be any baggage limit aboard. Note that each CDG Express trainset will feature generous overhead and side storage for bags, “visible from the seats,” it specifies. In addition, lockers fitted with hooks will accommodate bulky equipment—such as bicycles, strollers, musical instruments, sports or filming gear, or even surfboards. On the downside, baggage labeling will be required on board.
To explore the upcoming CDG Express line, mark your calendars for March 28, 2027. It’s also worth noting that by 2030, you’ll be able to reach Roissy airport from Paris itself by taking the empruntant la future ligne 17 of the Grand Paris Express.
Official website
cdgexpress.com
