Posted on
September 1, 2026
The suitcase is there, the stroller is still somewhere in the oversized baggage, and one of the children has decided that the arrivals hall is a good place to sit. At this point, your transfer choice matters.
The guide includes information on travelling from CDG airport with children to Disneyland Paris, central Paris, eight major transport hubs, and the other two airports families usually connect through. It starts by outlining the most practical option, then explains the cheapest one that still suits families with children. Journey times will vary by terminal, traffic conditions, and transfer needs; treat them as estimates, not guarantees.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked family transfer | Yes, to your hotel | €€€ | Driver loads bags and stroller | 5/5 |
| TGV to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy | Yes, to the station | €€ | Carry bags onto train | 4/5 |
| Magical Shuttle | It does have covered stops | €€ | The bags are stored in the coach | 3.5 out of 5 |
| For RER B and RER A | There is no change at Châtelet–Les Halles | in euros | You can manage your bags at the change | 2.5 out of 5 |
The ratings suggest it is better to get both people and things to the hotel, since a direct train to the resort station isn't very useful if the hotel is farther away.
If your group includes a stroller, several suitcases, and a small child who might doze off, I would arrange a vehicle large enough for everyone that will take you to the hotel door. When booking, give the operator your flight number, the number of passengers, the number of pieces of luggage and the age of each child. Request the exact child restraints you need, and ask where the driver will meet you after you collect your baggage. A standard car may be too small once you add a folded stroller to your suitcases.
There are also two reliable options for shared transport when travelling from CDG to Disneyland Paris with children. A direct TGV from the rail station at Terminal 2 will take you to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy without changing in Paris; this is a good option if your departure time matches your arrival and you can take all your belongings from the platform. The paid Magical Shuttle operates to the resort and a specific list of hotels; make sure your hotel is on the current stop list.
The booking of a transfer from CDG to Disneyland with the family should be considered only when the last walk, the hotel shuttle or the second vehicle presents a difficulty. If the family is lightly packed and staying next to the resort station, I wouldn't automatically opt for a car.
If a family is choosing the rail separator option, they should travel from the airport to central Paris and then change onto the RER A in order to get to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy; the difficulty in this case is the change at Châtelet–Les Halles, since you'll have to keep the children with you while you locate the right platform and move the stroller and suitcases through the crowded interchange.
An RER station is located at Terminal 2, and there is one also at Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1, which serves the area near Terminals 1 and 3. Don't assume that the train is directly underneath you until you have looked at the signs in the terminal in which you have arrived. At the far end, the Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy line takes you to the resort's transport hub, even though your hotel may still require a short additional journey.
It is quite reasonable to take older children to Disneyland Paris for family travel since they can carry their own bags; but if you have a baby, a sleeping toddler, and six cases, the amount you save may not look that great once you're halfway through the process. So compare the current fare with the price of booking a TGV or shuttle service beforehand to see which option is cheapest.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A official taxi or pre-booked transfer | Yes, for your address | €€€ | Bags may be placed in the vehicle | 4.5 out of 5 |
| RER B | Yes, to several central stations | € | Carry bags from station to hotel | 4/5 |
| RER B and metro | No – change for your neighbourhood | € | Awkward with multiple cases | 3/5 |
The ratings are based on the hotel's address because if the RER B station is close to the entrance, the train becomes much more attractive.
Begin by looking up the hotel's address on a map because "Paris city centre" is too broad to pinpoint a particular train station. If your hotel is close to a direct RER B station and each guest can look after their own luggage, take the train, since it is generally easier than hiring a car and then spending time in city traffic.
If you are viewing an apartment on a narrow street or if you are travelling with cots, strollers and a lot of cases, it is advisable to use an official taxi or a pre-booked transfer of the correct size. Visit the authorised taxi rank as indicated by the signs at the airport, or follow the meeting instructions provided by your booked driver. Before confirming the booking, discuss with the driver that you have booked a vehicle with appropriate child restraints; you should not assume that the first car offered will have them.
The difference is clear: a drop-off will take you directly to your building, while a train arrival might require lifts, barriers, cobblestones, and one more walk. It is essential to check the actual street address before booking any transfer from CDG airport with children.
When planning your trip, choose the RER B, as it takes you from CDG into Paris without road traffic and is a straightforward option if your hotel is near one of its stations. Keep your airport ticket or digital ticket until after you pass the exit gates, since the airport rail service has its own ticket rules; also check the transport authority's latest fare rates and each child's eligibility before travelling.
A family of four travelling by train with backpacks and one suitcase might be satisfied. For a family of six, who have to pay several fares and also take an additional trip from the station, they should compare the cost and effort involved against the figures for using a larger vehicle. Although the cheapest single ticket may seem the most economical choice, it does not always lead to the cheapest overall journey.
If you need to change metros at the end of your journey, make sure the connection is carefully checked because even if there is a lift on one part of the route, that does not guarantee that there will be a step-free route to your final destination, and a folded stroller isn't very attractive when you are also carrying a tired child.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RER B | Yes | € | Carry bags into the station | 4.5/5 |
| Official taxi or pre-booked transfer | Yes | €€€ | Driver or family loads bags | 4/5 |
A direct rail link is the best option because it goes straight to the station, thus avoiding road traffic in Paris.
For the majority of families who are able to bring their own luggage, my suggestion would be to take the train from Charles de Gaulle to Gare du Nord. To do so, go to the appropriate RER B station at CDG and board a train to Gare du Nord. Keep the children close when getting off the train, as the station is busy with people rushing to different platforms and exits.
Before you transfer to the next train, check the platform area where the train leaves while you're still on the RER level. Don't try to get there just minutes before the train departs; instead, leave enough time to use the lifts, the toilets, and to get a snack. It is easier to go through the station than it is to go onto the street and then look for another entrance with your cases.
You can arrange a private car in advance if you need an infant seat or car seat, or if you can't use the lifts because you rely on transport and can't carry your bags comfortably. That being the case, for a simple trip from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare du Nord, I think that the average family does not need to hire a private car since the station is one of the most clearly signposted destinations on the RER B line.
Take the RER B line to Gare du Nord; there you won't have to change trains, which is themakesn why it's one of the easier airport rail trips if you are travelling with children. All you have to do is find out the correct station for the airport, buy the appropriate ticket, and keep the children close; carriages get crowded.
Before the train comes, secure the stroller. If the stroller folds easily, one adult should watch it while another takes care of the child and the cases. At Gare du Nord, stop away from the doors when deciding which platform you need next, since stopping in the middle of passengers makes the situation more difficult.
For a family with a major onward rail connection, the cheap fare will only be worthwhile if the transfer time is reasonable. If you are travelling with more luggage than the adults can carry in one trip, you should book a larger vehicle and find out at which place it can drop you off for your departure.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For a pre-arranged transfer or a licensed taxi | Yes | €€€ | The bags stay together in the vehicle | 4.5 out of 5 |
| For the RER B and RER A | There is no change at Châtelet–Les Halles | Euro | Bring your bags through the interchange | 3.5 out of 5 |
When a family is racing a train departure, the car is given a higher rating; the rail route still has a comfortable connection window.
If you are travelling by train and have a stroller or heavy luggage, I suggest arranging a car to Gare de Lyon. Tell the operator your train departure time, but include some extra time of your own because the time taken to arrive from the airport, pass through passport control, collect your luggage and then get driven to the station are all separate and uncertain factors. Ask for a vehicle that can carry the suitcases without stacking them around the child.
The station has several halls and platform sections. Once you've been dropped off, look at the departure board before eating your snacks. Even if a driver takes you to the station, they cannot guarantee the short connection from the airport to the train is safe.
If you have plenty of time, taking the rail is a sensible choice; to get to Gare de Lyon, you have to change from RER B at Châtelet–Les Halles to RER A. The spot where the change takes place is the one which I would most carefully consider if I were travelling with young children. It is better to have one adult watch the children and another watch the luggage than to ask everyone to watch a few items.
Take the RER B and change to the RER A at Châtelet–Les Halles. To check your travel time and platform, use the current journey planner, then buy the right airport rail ticket; you'll arrive at Gare de Lyon by train and avoid a road trip through Paris.
For children who are capable of staying with you while you are passing through a busy interchange and who have luggage that you can carry or roll without having to leave anything behind, it is useful to put the information about the next train's booking in a place where you can get at it while holding a suitcase; it would be a bad idea to go through a bag in a station corridor if you are making a connection.
If I want to leave without rushing too much afterwards, then I should choose the cheaper option. When arranging a tight connection after an international flight, neither a train nor a car can guarantee the connection will be successful; therefore, you need to allow more time or consider leaving later.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For a pre-arranged transfer or a standard taxi | Yes | €€€ | The family's luggage is transported | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Go from RER B to Gare du Nord and then walk | Not the case—this involves a short walk within the station area | € | Take the bags outside | 3.5 out of 5 |
| For RER B and the local transit service | Does not apply – there is no change in Paris | euro | There are more passengers carrying luggage | 2.5 on a scale of 5 |
Walking is cheap and fairly simple, but its rating drops quickly in heavy rain or when you have a number of small children.
If a family is travelling by train from Gare de l'Est, a pre-booked car or an official taxi will take you between stations at the concourse level. Ask your driver where to drop you off, and allow plenty of time to find your departure hall; this is especially true if you have a stroller, a child's backpack that tends to fall off, and suitcases no one else can pull.
If you have only some light luggage, it makes sense to take the RER B from its starting point to Gare du Nord and then walk to Gare de l'Est. Even though the two stations are close to one another, the meaning of 'close' changes when you're moving a pram through a crowd and have to cross the roads, so check the walking route before you leave the airport.
I would never pay for a private car merely because the last stop isn't on the RER B line, but only if either the outdoor walk or the total amount of luggage makes the railway journey genuinely difficult.
Take the RER B to Gare du Nord, then walk to Gare de l'Est; this transfer involves a transfer, which might matter more to a parent than saving a few minutes. Before you leave Gare du Nord, check the street route and make sure each child has either an adult or a prearranged place to stay with the group.
You start by leaving the crowded station area and proceeding on a typical Paris street before eventually reaching another busy rail station. Keep your travel documents and snacks in an easy-to-access pocket, because you won't need to open the large suitcase on the pavement.
If you have families whose bags roll smoothly and who can manage a short walk, this option works, but if it is raining, the children are tired, or the stroller is awkward, it is better to take a direct car journey. The cheapest option is only useful if you split the group.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For a pre-arranged transfer or a regular taxi | Yes | €€€ | Luggage does not allow a change of station | 4.5 out of 5 |
| RER B and metro | No – change in Paris | € | Carry bags through metro access | 3/5 |
RER B gets a rating because Gare Montparnasse is on the airport's direct rail line.
If a family is taking a train from Montparnasse, I would arrange a car with enough space for their luggage and fitted with checked child safety seats. When telling the driver where you want to go, you should name the station rather than simply saying 'Montparnasse', since the area around the station and the station entrance are not the same. It is advisable to have your departure details with you when you arrive, as it may take a long time to get to the correct platform.
Alternatively, you can take the RER B into Paris and then continue to the city by metro or another local transport link. This arrangement is possible for school-age children travelling with compact bags. Yet if you have a stroller and several cases, the transfer can turn what might have been an economical trip into a sequence of lifts, corridors, and narrow passages.
Don't plan your train connection based on your arrival time; if needed, allow extra time for immigration, your luggage, the journey through Paris, and finding the departure platform.
Start with the transport authority's journey planner for RER B to find the best connection to Montparnasse for your arrival time. Even when rail and metro are cheaper than a private family car, your route will depend on which services are running and which station you enter.
Bring the stroller along. One adult can look after the stroller while the other moves the suitcases without having to let go of the child's hand. However, if this doesn't fit your situation, choosing the cheaper option may place too much pressure on you.
The Gare Montparnasse tends to be very busy when long-distance trains are leaving. Once you are in the station, you must first obtain your platform information and then purchase your food. A family with one suitcase and older children can manage this trip quite comfortably; on the other hand, a family with four children and six suitcases has a much stronger reason to request door-to-door transport.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For a pre-arranged transfer or a licensed taxi | Yes | €€€ | The luggage stays in the same vehicle | 4.5 out of 5 |
| RER B and local rail or metro | No – change in Paris | € | Manage bags during change | 3/5 |
Austerlitz has no direct RER B stop, so the need to change drives the family ratings.
If the family is travelling by train and has already booked from Austerlitz, I think it is better to take a car—especially if they arrive at CDG after a long flight. You must give the booking company all the information about your group and your luggage; otherwise, the car will not be able to cope with the suitcases even if it is suitable for the passengers. After you drop off the passengers, check the departures board before letting the children go and have a break.
You can travel around Paris by train; use a journey planner with real-time information so you can choose a connection that matches your arrival time and any service changes that day. The main thing to note is that the RER B takes you into the city, and the rest of the journey gets you to the correct station.
The car isn't the best option for every family; if your next train is later and you have a lightweight stroller or older children, the rail link is a reasonable choice.
Take the RER B to Paris, then transfer to the appropriate rail or metro line to Gare d'Austerlitz. On arrival, buy a ticket that lets you leave CDG, and check whether any additional connections are included before you go through the airport gates. Because ticket options and connection conditions may change, use the official transport app for your whole journey.
For families with a little spare time, this is a low-cost solution. At the interchange, move slowly: get everyone onto the platform, check the number of bags, then proceed. If a child needs an urgent break to the toilet, it is easier to look after them before changing at the final station.
Find your departure point at Austerlitz; if you are choosing between a cheap train ticket and a direct vehicle, consider the time and physical effort of the last part of the journey, not just the ticket price.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A pre-booked transfer or a official taxi | Yes | €€€ | The bags remain together | 4.5 out of 5 |
| RER B and local connection | No – change in central Paris | € | Carry bags between services | 3/5 |
Changing trains makes the rail journey less comfortable than the direct route from CDG to Gare du Nord.
If Saint-Lazare is the first stop on a further journey and the children are still tired from flying, I'd prefer a direct vehicle. You must check your picons at CDG and, at Saint-Lazare, choose an appropriate drop-off point. Because the area outside this large station is busy, it is important that the group stays together while you decide which entrance to use for your train.
A public transport route starts with the RER B and involves an extra connection; the best transfer option will depend on the service pattern and the family's ability to manage stairs, lifts, and luggage. You should look up this information when you arrive rather than rely on a route saved weeks earlier.
There is a sensible compromise in this case: rail transport is appropriate for two adults with older children and only light luggage, while a family with a folded stroller and several large bags would rather take the direct arrival.
To get to central Paris, take the RER B and then follow the current journey planner to Saint-Lazare; it is cheaper than arranging a family vehicle for most groups, but it requires at least one change and some walking within the transport network.
When you are considering a purchase, compare the total cost for each paying traveller. If you can't carry your stroller, also check the lift details for that route. When planning your journey, leave yourself plenty of time before your connecting train, since airport delays, finding the correct interchange, and getting to the Saint-Lazare platform all take time.
The family budget option suits those who can bring their own essentials while keeping one hand free for younger children. If each adult is already carrying two suitcases, it's best to drop the optimistic packing estimates and choose a car that will actually fit your group.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For pre-arranged transfer or official taxi | It is available between the airports | Price: €€€ | The bags remain in the vehicle | 4.5 out of 5 |
| RER B and metro line 14 | No change in Paris | € | Move bags between platforms | 3.5/5 |
| RER B and Orlyval | No – change at Antony | €€ | Carry bags through change | 3/5 |
The ratings assume a connection at an airport; the time you have before the next flight matters more than a small fare difference.
When changing airports with children and having checked luggage, I would prefer to book a car that is the right size. This trip is between two different airports, not a transfer between terminals. You will need to collect your bags, leave CDG, travel around the region, and then go through check-in and security for your next carrier at Orly.
Inform the operator of your arrival flight, the time of your next departure, the ages of the passengers and the number of pieces of luggage. When you arrive at Orly, check which terminal your airline uses, then ask the driver to take you to the correct departures area; otherwise, you might end up at the curb with your family and luggage in the wrong building.
Rail is a reasonable option if you have a lot of time; take the RER B into Paris and then switch to metro line 14 to reach Orly. Although it is cheaper, changing trains and handling each bag makes it a lot of effort. I wouldn't plan either route around a tight connection with a separate ticket.
To compare taking the RER B and then Metro Line 14 with taking the RER B and then Orlyval from Antony, the official transport authority says the airport ticket covers rail trips between the airports, but you should check the current ticket conditions for your specific route and children before you leave.
When you are at CDG, go to the RER station that corresponds to your terminal, and keep your passports, boarding documents, and snacks outside the suitcases. At the transfer point, one adult should take charge of the children while the other checks the destination signs. You will still need to walk to your airline's check-in area when you arrive at Orly.
This route works when the connection is long enough to be comfortable, and each person can handle their own luggage. If a delayed inbound flight would force you to rush through the network, a direct transfer reduces what you need to coordinate, even though it cannot eliminate traffic or airline cut-off times.
| Transfer Option | Is Direct | Fare (€, €€, €€€) | Luggage Handling | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family transfer booked in advance | Yes | €€€ | The bags remain in the vehicle | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Take the rail to Paris and then transfer by airport coach | No, change modes in Paris | €€ | Bring your bags to where the coach picks up | 2.5 out of 5 |
| Rail via Paris and Beauvais, then local connection | No – multiple changes | €€ | Repeated luggage handling | 2/5 |
The ratings reflect the long journey across different regions and the fact that a low-cost route consists of several separate sections.
If you are flying out of Beauvais and have luggage with your family, book a direct transfer since Beauvais is a separate airport located outside the CDG terminal area and should be considered a long transfer. Tell the driver about both flights, the number of children, the type of child restraints needed, and any large items, including the stroller.
Once you land at CDG, you will still need to go through arrival procedures and pick up your bags. At Beauvais, you have to get to the right terminal and meet both the airline's check-in and security deadlines. Leave yourself a sufficient buffer for both airports and for the drive between them.
It would not be advisable to arrange a tight connection in this situation just in order to cut down on transportation costs. When flights are on separate bookings, factor in the cost of missing a departure when deciding whether the itinerary makes sense.
A cheaper public transport option is to go from CDG to Paris and then take a coach bound for Beauvais. The airport lists coach routes and departure stations; however, check the route operating on the day you plan to travel before making any purchase. This option involves a transfer in the city and then a coach to the airport, not a direct service from CDG.
You can also take trains to Beauvais with an additional local link to the airport, but for a family with several bags, I don't find those extra changes appealing unless the timetable is exceptionally good and you have plenty of time.
When you select the coach, make sure you have identified its pickup point in Paris before you leave CDG. Leave time in your timetable for the journey across Paris, coach boarding, and final airport procedures. Those children who can carry a small bag and wait at each stage will find this budget option easier to manage.
Ask the pre-booked transfer company about each child's age and the type of restraint needed, then confirm availability in writing. Don't assume an airport taxi or rideshare will arrive with the seats your family needs. You must check current French regulations separately, since the legal treatment of taxis and other vehicles can differ.
The RER B line has stations at Terminal 2 and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1; the latter serves the area around Terminals 1 and 3. Once you arrive at the terminal, follow the signs. Since the airport's internal transport links can take time, include that walk or shuttle journey when arranging your next train.
The journey will be excellent if the departure time coincides with your arrival and you are going to the resort station. Make sure you check the train schedule and the last connection offered by your hotel. If you have a late flight, a lot of luggage, or your hotel is farther from Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy, a car of an appropriate size might be the better choice.
For central Paris, RER B is usually the first option to consider, especially if your lodging is near a direct stop. Work out the cost of tickets for the whole family, and factor in any final journey by metro or taxi. A low fare per person doesn't show the full door-to-door cost.
The Magical Shuttle you pay for currently goes to Disneyland Paris and to a number of resort hotels and stops. Make sure it serves the exact accommodation you are staying at and that a suitable departure time comes after you arrive. You must still get to the pickup point with your children and your luggage.
Instead of just noting your destination name, save the full address. When booking a car, count the number of suitcases, carry-ons, and the folded stroller, and request child restraints appropriate to your child's age. For trains, check the route and ticket in the official app on the day of travel, since services and ticket rules may change. Before starting a station change, give the young children a snack and a stop at the toilet.
