RER B travel guide: Paris, CDG, Orly and the southern suburbs
Need to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport or the southern suburbs from Paris? The RER B offers useful rail links, but your journey may involve connections, engineering work or disruptions. This guide explains the branches, airport terminal access, private transfer options and 15 practical booking questions.
First Class Partner offers prebooked door-to-door transportation for business travelers, families and groups. Request a sedan or van suited to your passengers and luggage. We are available 24/7 by reservation; vehicle availability and road conditions must still be taken into account.
Understand the RER B branches
The northern branches serve Charles de Gaulle Airport and Mitry–Claye; the southern branches end at Robinson and Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse. Not every train serves every station. Check the destination and stopping pattern on the platform displays before boarding.
Central Paris and the shared southern section
Key stops are Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Port-Royal, Denfert-Rochereau, Cité Universitaire, Gentilly, Laplace, Arcueil–Cachan, Bagneux and Bourg-la-Reine.
Separate branches after Bourg-la-Reine
The Robinson branch serves Sceaux, Fontenay-aux-Roses and Robinson. The Saint-Rémy branch runs through Parc de Sceaux, La Croix de Berny, Antony, Fontaine Michalon, Les Baconnets, Massy–Verrières, Massy–Palaiseau, Palaiseau, Palaiseau–Villebon, Lozère, Le Guichet, Orsay-Ville, Bures-sur-Yvette, La Hacquinière, Gif-sur-Yvette, Courcelle-sur-Yvette and Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse. Robinson and Antony are therefore on different branches.
Northern branches and CDG
North of Paris, landmarks include La Plaine–Stade de France, La Courneuve–Aubervilliers, Le Bourget, Drancy, Le Blanc-Mesnil and Aulnay-sous-Bois. The CDG branch serves Sevran–Beaudottes, Villepinte and Parc des Expositions, then Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle 1 and Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle 2 TGV. The other branch serves Sevran–Livry, Vert-Galant, Villeparisis–Mitry-le-Neuf and Mitry–Claye.
Use the official Transilien RER B map and service information for schedules, stopping patterns and connections. One generic 30–50-minute estimate cannot describe every branch; calculate your journey between the exact stations.
Reaching CDG and Orly terminals
At CDG, Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle 1 station provides access to Terminal 1 by CDGVAL and Terminal 3 on foot. Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle 2 TGV serves Terminal 2: allow time to walk to the relevant hall. Terminal 2G requires a shuttle from the Terminal 2F area. The RER does not stop outside every departure hall.
For Orly, take a train serving Antony, then Orlyval to Orly 1-2-3 or Orly 4. The RER B does not directly reach Orly’s terminals. Metro line 14 is another option from Paris; Orlybus stopped running in March 2025. Check airport ticket conditions, engineering work and schedules for your date.
What if a train is canceled or you have an urgent appointment?
Check official disruption information and replacement routes first. A prebooked private chauffeur can provide an alternative between Paris, an RER B station and your destination, subject to confirmation. During strikes or major incidents, vehicle demand and road traffic may increase. Booking does not guarantee an immediate pickup or a traffic-free trip.
For CDG, specify Terminal 1, Terminal 3 or your exact Terminal 2 hall: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F or 2G. For Orly, specify Orly 1, 2, 3 or 4. Agree on the authorized meeting point after baggage collection. A road transfer avoids rail connections and can also serve Antony, Bourg-la-Reine, Bagneux, Sceaux, Robinson or Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse directly.
RER B or a private chauffeur: what to compare
| Criterion | RER B | First Class Partner private transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Seated or standing depending on crowding | Reserved vehicle category with confirmed capacity |
| Luggage | You carry and manage your bags | Luggage assistance as agreed |
| Connections | May be required, including Antony–Orlyval for Orly | Door-to-door itinerary without a rail connection |
| Reliability | Subject to rail incidents and engineering work | Subject to traffic, access rules and confirmed availability |
| Hours | Check your exact train and date | Available 24/7 by reservation |
| Families and groups | Consider crowds, walking and luggage | Request a suitable sedan or van and child seats |
Public transportation can be economical and avoids road congestion on the rail portion. A private transfer can simplify travel with children, bulky bags or a demanding schedule. Compare the complete journey, including waiting and walking, rather than assuming either option is always faster.
Practical tips for a smoother transfer
- Book ahead for major events, difficult weather or announced disruptions.
- Specify child seats, passenger numbers, luggage and preferred vehicle category.
- Be ready at the agreed time and keep a reachable phone available.
- Allow a buffer: the driver can adapt the route but cannot remove traffic delays.
- Use the journey to rest or work, while keeping the airport or appointment deadline realistic.
FAQ: 15 questions about the RER B and private transfers
1. Can you book a chauffeur for another RER B station?
Yes. Provide the station, final address and preferred time. Pickup must be confirmed according to availability and authorized access.
2. Which are the main stations?
Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Denfert-Rochereau, Antony and Massy–Palaiseau are important landmarks. Check the branch: Robinson and Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse are separate termini; northbound airport passengers need the CDG branch.
3. Does the RER B directly serve Orly?
No. Change at Antony for Orlyval. From Paris, also consider metro line 14 depending on your starting point.
4. What are the operating hours?
They vary by station, branch, day and engineering work. Check official tools for first and last trains and your service’s stopping pattern. A general operating window is not enough for planning an early flight.
5. What should you do during a strike or cancellation?
Check traffic information and replacement routes. A private chauffeur may be an alternative if confirmed; disruptions can increase both demand and road traffic.
6. Is the service suitable for families and groups?
Sedans and vans are offered subject to availability. Confirm passenger capacity, child seats, luggage and strollers before booking.
7. How much time should you allow between Paris and CDG?
Calculate the journey from your exact address or station. RER travel can take around 35–45 minutes from some central Paris locations, excluding waiting and terminal access. Road travel can be considerably longer during rush hour; a fixed 30–45-minute chauffeur journey cannot be guaranteed.
8. What are the advantages of a private chauffeur?
Door-to-door travel, luggage assistance and a reserved vehicle simplify planning. We are available 24/7 by reservation, and journey time remains subject to traffic.
9. How do you book?
Contact First Class Partner online or by phone. Provide addresses, times, flight or train numbers and special requirements, then wait for confirmation. Last-minute requests depend on availability.
10. Are tolls and extra charges included?
Your quote should specify inclusions such as tolls, parking and waiting. Ask about additional stops, route changes and overruns.
11. Can you arrange pickup at CDG or Orly?
Yes, by reservation. Provide the exact terminal and agree on an authorized meeting point after baggage collection. At CDG Terminal 2, specify hall 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F or 2G.
12. Can the driver adjust the route?
The driver can adapt to traffic and restrictions, but cannot guarantee there will be no congestion or bypass a mandatory closure.
13. Can you arrange several trips in one day?
Request Dedicated Chauffeur Service with your stops and preferred duration. Confirm included hours, waiting and any overtime charges.
14. What about bulky luggage?
Provide the number and size of suitcases, strollers or professional equipment. Confirm a suitable vehicle; passenger capacity does not guarantee cargo capacity.
15. Can you change or cancel?
Options, deadlines and charges depend on the accepted booking terms. Contact the provider as early as possible; a last-minute change is not automatically free or available.
Book a private chauffeur at Gare du Nord
Arrange transportation between Paris, railway stations, CDG, Orly and the surrounding region. We are available 24/7 by reservation, including holidays, subject to confirmation.
Phone: +33 1 89 86 40 14. Mobile, WhatsApp or SMS: +33 6 30 73 24 79. Contact First Class Partner or view our Gare du Nord private chauffeur service.
Related airport services
Plan your CDG airport transfer or Orly airport transfer, and compare our vehicle categories.
Stay informed with First Class Partner
Receive travel advice and service news. Sign up for our newsletter.
