Book your train, bus and carpool tickets.

The RER B connects Gare du Nord to Roissy in 25 to 35 minutes, depending on whether you catch a direct or a stopping train. Both rail terminals serve the airport: CDG 1 for terminal 3 and part of terminal 1, CDG 2 for terminals 2.

As with Orly, the airport journey requires a specific ticket, more expensive than a standard ticket, unless you have an all-zone Navigo pass.

The weak point: frequent engineering works and disruptions on the line. If your flight matters, catch an earlier train — your future self will thank you.

The RoissyBus leaves from Place de l'Opéra and reaches all terminals in 60 to 75 minutes depending on traffic. Its advantage: no transfers, plenty of room for luggage, and a departure right in the centre of Paris.

At night, the Noctilien N140 and N143 take over from Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord. The N143 is the most direct, running roughly every 30 minutes. It's a long ride, but it's a lifesaver for early-morning flights without breaking the bank.

If you're arriving from another city, also check the direct buses to CDG: several companies serve the airport without going through central Paris.

A nice surprise of Paris regulations: taxis charge a fixed fare between Paris and Roissy, which varies slightly depending on whether you depart from the Right Bank or the Left Bank. No meter running wild in the A1 traffic jams — you know the price before you get in.

Private hire cars charge similar prices, sometimes lower during off-peak hours, sometimes higher when demand spikes. Comparing the two right before booking remains the best approach.

With several people and luggage, a taxi seriously rivals the RER: three passengers sharing the fare each pay barely more than an airport train ticket.