The long-awaited CDG Express rail service connecting central Paris to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is scheduled to open on March 28, 2027, offering a 20-minute non-stop journey between Paris Gare de l’Est and Terminal 2. Operated by Hello Paris — a joint venture between Keolis and RATP Dev — the service aims to deliver a fast, premium alternative to existing airport transfers.
During a press presentation at the SNCF maintenance facility in Bobigny, Hello Paris confirmed key pricing details. A one-way ticket will cost €25, while a round-trip fare is set at €28. Holders of the Île-de-France Navigo pass will benefit from a reduced fare of €16.50 per trip. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult will travel free of charge. Subscription packages for airport employees are also planned, though pricing has not yet been finalized. Tickets will be available via vending machines, online platforms, and a dedicated mobile app.
The new transport will be competitive compared to taxis. The typical cost for a taxi ride between central Paris and CDG is around €56–€65 on average. CDG Express is expected to seduce solo travelers or business passengers prioritizing speed and reliability.
The CDG Express will indeed operate every 15 minutes from 5:00 a.m. until midnight, providing high-frequency service tailored to air travelers. Each train will accommodate up to 420 passengers, with flexible carriage configurations adjusted throughout the day according to demand. A premium “lounge” area at the front of the train, featuring 12 seats, will offer an upgraded travel experience.
The operator is expected to carry between 6 and 8 million passengers annually, representing approximately 10–15% of non-connecting traffic at CDG Airport. According to Hello Paris president Soledad Valencia-Rissetto, this target is considered conservative but realistic given projected demand.
The €2.6 billion infrastructure project is led by Groupe ADP, Banque des Territoires, and SNCF Réseau, with €2.2 billion financed through state-backed borrowing.
Beyond passenger convenience, CDG Express is expected to ease congestion on the heavily used regional train RER B, which has long suffered from overcrowding, delays, and aging infrastructure. Road traffic on the A1 and A3 motorways is also expected to decline as travelers shift to rail.
According to Frank Delvau, president of the Paris Île-de-France branch of the Union of hospitality professions, the CDG Express will be a major boost for tourism and business travel, strengthening Paris’s attractiveness as a global destination.
