Welcome Pickups / Paris / Gare du Nord to City Center

Getting from Gare du Nord to Paris City Center

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer

April 13, 2025

If you’re arriving in Paris by train at the Gare du Nord Station, you have several transport options to choose from to reach your accommodation: taxi, private transfer, train, metro, or bus.

The most convenient option is to pre-book a private transfer and enjoy a professional door-to-door service and peace of mind. Alternatively, you can take a metered taxi from the rank in front of the train station; in both cases, you should reach your destination in about 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

If you’re traveling on a budget, you can use public transportation; the ticket cost is the same for all means of transport. You can choose between the train and the metro, which will take between 8 and 15 minutes, including walking time between each platform.

Finally, you can use the bus (Line 39), which provides a direct connection from Gare du Nord to Palais Royal – Comédie Française downtown; the travel time by bus is 30 minutes, making it the slowest option.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Paris at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€15	20min	24/7
Train	€5	8min	05:20–00:45
Metro	€5	15min	05:30–01:44
Bus	€4	30min	06:30–01:20
Welcome Airport Transfer	€44	20min	24/7

How to get from Paris Gare du Nord to city center by taxi

Whether you’re headed to the Louvre Museum, your hotel, or another famous landmark, catching a taxi from Paris Gare du Nord to the city center is a quick and convenient way to reach your destination. The ride takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and your Pars taxi will charge by the meter.

What's the cost of a taxi from Gare du Nord to Paris?

Local taxis in Paris are metered, and the fare is calculated based on the time and distance traveled. Furthermore, different tariffs are applied to rides during the daytime, nighttime, weekends, and holidays, and there is a surcharge for five or more passengers.

Your ride from Gare du Nord to the city center by taxi should come to around €15 for up to four passengers, not including tolls. If you prefer to pay a fixed fare rate, you can pre-book and pay for your ride online with Welcome Pickups.

Photos (1)

Sign of an official taxi in Paris

Cost

€15

Trip Duration

20 Min.

The final fare may vary unless you pre-book your taxi and secure a fixed fare.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are usually available 24/7 in front of the Gare du Nord train station.

Where do I take a taxi from?

Taxis are usually available 24/7 from Gare du Nord. The taxi stand is located in front of the station’s main entrance on Place Napoléon-III.

Convenience

If you’re after comfort and convenience or just want to avoid crowded public transport, getting from Gare du Nord to your Paris hotel or destination is your best choice. Keep in mind, however, that during heavy traffic, other modes of transport can be much faster. Nevertheless, it’s an ideal option if you’re traveling with young children or carrying multiple pieces of luggage, where walking is a hassle.

The downside of a taxi is having to wait for an available cab, which can be avoided if you book a private transfer.

Editor’s Note

During peak hours, the ride may take longer, which in turn will increase the total fare if you haven’t booked in advance.

Useful Tips

Not all taxi drivers speak English so write down any important information and your destination in French.

Card payment isn't always possible, especially if you choose a taxi from the rank; make sure to carry a few euros in case you need to pay in cash.

Once you enter the taxi, check that the taximeter is turned on and set to the base fare of €3.

Your driver will choose the best route depending on traffic conditions. If you think they're taking an unnecessarily long route, you can check your location on your mobile.

How to get from Gare du Nord to the city center by train

If you’re looking for cheaper transport from Gare du Nord to your Paris hotel, you can continue your trip by train; the RER commuter rail B or D will take you directly to Châtelet les Halles Station in the 1st arrondissement in about 8 minutes. From there, you can make your way on foot or connect with the metro.

How much is the train from Gare du Nord to Paris?

A single ticket for the train from Gare du Nord to the city center costs €2.50. You can use the same ticket to continue your journey by metro or tram within a 2-hour timeframe.

Photos (1)

Paris RER

Cost

€2.50

Trip Duration

8 Min.

The trip duration takes into account the walking time from one platform to the next; the actual trip by train is shorter.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Trains depart Gare du Nord about every 10 minutes from 05:20 until 00:45 on train line B, and from 05:27 until 22:36 on train line D.

Where do I take the train from?

Gare du Nord is a busy transit station but it’s easy to navigate and you can easily find your way around by following the relevant signs. All lines are also colour-coded, so simply follow the blue circle for train line B or the green circle for train line D.

Convenience

Traveling from Gare du Nord to the city center by train is a convenient transportation option, and it’s good value for money if you’re on a budget. You’ll reach your destination in one of the central arrondissements quickly, without getting stuck in traffic. Keep in mind, however, that during peak times the train can get crowded, which isn’t ideal if you’re traveling with young children or bulky luggage. Also, train services aren’t available 24/7, so make sure to check the first and last departure from Gare du Nord.

Timetables

Journey planner

From Gare du Nord to Châtelet les Halles

Train line B & D

Map and timetable

Public transport tickets

Information and purchase

Editor’s Note

Continuing your trip from Gare du Nord to Paris by train is great for solo travelers and anyone traveling on a tight budget. It's also a better option for less experienced travelers who might find it hard to navigate the complicated Paris metro.

Useful Tips

The Ticket t+ gives you access to all train, metro, and tram lines in central Paris and allows you to travel by bus in the whole Île-de-France.

You can purchase your ticket at any train or metro station or online using your mobile.

Children up to 4 years old can use public transport free of charge.

All public transport in Paris is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to get from Gare du Nord to the city center by metro

Another option to get from Gare du Nord to the city center using public transport is to take Metro line 4 towards Bagneux – Lucie Aubrac. You can disembark at Châtelet Station in the 1st arrondissement and walk the rest of the way to The Louvre, or you can stay on board for one extra stop and disembark at Cité near the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The total trip should take between 10 and 15 minutes.

How much does it cost to get from Gare du Nord to Paris by metro?

A single adult ticket on the metro from Gare du Nord to any metro station downtown costs €2.50.

Photos (1)

Metro in Paris

Cost

€2.50

Trip Duration

15 Min.

The trip duration includes the 10-minute walk from the station.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Metro line 7 stops at Gare du Nord every 5 minutes from 05:30 until 01:44 on weekdays and Saturdays and until 00:44 on Sundays.

Where do I take the metro from?

Refer to the departure boards at Gare du Nord to find which platform Metro line 4 departs from and then follow the signs with the maroon circle.

Convenience

Paris is famous for its expansive metro network, which offers quick transportation to locals and tourists across the city. Similar to other public transport options, it’s good value for money, especially for solo travelers. However, if this is your first time using the metro, it can be quite overwhelming, especially during peak morning and afternoon hours.

For a more streamlined journey that will drop you straight to the curb of your hotel, we recommend booking a private transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.

Timetables

Journey planner

From Poissonnière to Pyramides

Public transport tickets

Information and purchase

Metro line 4

Timetable and map

Editor’s Note

If you don't mind navigating the train station, the metro will take you right into the heart of Paris. With a metro station at every corner, you can switch lines to get as close as possible to your final destination.

Useful Tips

You can purchase a ticket at every metro station or through the online application.

Beware of pickpockets during peak times when the train is usually full.

The metro is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

How to get from Gare du Nord to the city center by bus

The bus provides the cheapest transport option from Gare du Nord to your Paris hotel downtown. Bus line 39 directly connects the train station to the 1st arrondissement in about 30 minutes. You can take bus 39 from Gare du Nord toward Frères Voisin and disembark at Palais Royal – Comédie Française or whichever bus stop is closer to your accommodation.

What's the cost of the Gare du Nord to city center bus?

A single adult bus ticket for bus line 39 from Gare du Nord to Paris costs €2. Tickets should be purchased from ticket machines inside the train station before boarding, or you can buy them online.

Photos (1)

Bus line 39 from Gare du Nord to Paris

Cost

€2

Trip Duration

30 Min.

The total trip duration may vary depending on traffic conditions.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus line 39 departs from Gare du Nord every 20 minutes on average, from 06:30 until 01:20 daily.

Where do I take the bus from?

The 39 bus departs from directly outside Gare du Nord Station. There should be signs in the train station leading you to the right exit, but you can also use your mobile to locate the bus stop on the map.

Convenience

The bus is a good budget-friendly option for getting around Paris. It’s usually less busy than the trains, and since there are more stops along the way, you can be dropped closer to your destination. It is, however, the slowest of the public transport options and has the longest interval between each departure from Gare du Nord. If you’re in a hurry, a private transfer or the train will provide faster transportation.

Timetables

Journey planner

From Gare du Nord to Palais Royal - Comedie Francaise

Public transport tickets

Information and purchase

Editor’s Note

The bus may be less popular than the infamous Paris Metro, but it's still a good value-for-money option if you're not in a hurry. Unlike the train or metro, the bus can offer some great views along the way, which is an added bonus if you're traveling by day.

Useful Tips

If you plan on transferring to the train or metro, it's best to purchase a metro-train-RER ticket for €2.50 instead.

The bus timetable is subject to change so make sure to track the route you want in real-time.

You can carry your luggage on the bus at no extra cost.

Getting from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris city center by private transfer

For a reliable and personalized transportation option, a Paris Gare du Nord transfer is the perfect choice. Enjoy the convenience of a door-to-door journey with a local English-speaking driver, along with several exclusive benefits that are all part of Welcome Pickup’s service:

Guaranteed on-time pickups
Fixed fare pricing
Meet and greets
Highly rated 24/7 customer support team
English-speaking drivers
Incoming train monitoring
Flexible cancellation

On top of that, your driver will give you a mini tour of Paris on the way to your exciting destination, while sharing some local tips to help you enjoy your time in the city of love.

How much is a private transfer from Gare du Nord to city center?

Unlike a standard taxi, you can arrange and pay for your ride in advance, which means you won’t need to worry about extra tolls or surcharges.

For up to 4 passengers in a sedan, the cost is €44
For up to 8 passengers in a minivan, the cost is €78
For up to 12 passengers in a minibus, the cost is €150

Bookings can be made either online or through the Welcome Pickups app. Simply enter your contact details, train or arrival information, and your preferred destination.

Cost

€44

Trip Duration

20 Min.

When booked in advance a driver and vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

A private transfer service can be arranged from Gare du Nord at any time of day.

Where will my private transfer driver meet me?

If you plan on arriving at Gare du Nord by train, a driver will be waiting to greet you at the concourse in front of your arrival platform. To help you recognize them, they’ll be holding a sign with your name, and their details will be sent a few days before with a recent photo. After welcoming you to Paris, your driver will lend a hand with your luggage and show you to your preselected vehicle so that your transfer can begin.

Convenience

Although a private Gare du Nord transfer is more costly than other means of transport, the extra benefits can make it worthwhile. Having an English-speaking driver welcome you to the city can be priceless, as can the flexible pickup time, as we all know that delays beyond our control can happen at any moment. If you don’t want to stand around waiting and prefer the peace of mind that comes with being driven directly to your hotel in a temperature-controlled and comfortable vehicle, a private transfer is the most convenient choice.

Editor’s Note

A private transfer is by far the most flexible and customizable, which is useful for large groups or travelers who want a simple and convenient way to get to their destination.

Useful Tips

Baby car/booster seats and wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be requested at the time of booking.

Drivers in Paris don't expect a tip, so there is no need to feel obliged to leave one unless you'd like to show your appreciation for exceptional service.

A standard sedan can comfortably seat four passengers and a large suitcase each.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Paris. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€44.0

NIGHTTIME

€52.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

Can you get on the metro from Gare du Nord?

Yes, the Metro line 4 departs directly from Gare du Nord to the 1st arrondissement in Paris city center. The journey usually takes around 15 minutes, including transfers and walking.

How far is Paris Gare du Nord from Paris city center?

The distance from Gare du Nord to the city center is approximately 3.5 kilometers, and the ride there by car or taxi usually takes about 20 minutes, due to heavy traffic.

How do I get from Gare du Nord to Paris?

There are many options to get from Gare du Nord to Paris: a private transfer or taxi, the train, the metro, or the bus. A standard taxi from the rank costs on average €15 and the ride usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Public transport is a cheaper alternative with a single adult ticket costing as little as €2 and no more than €2.50 for all means of transport. You can use train lines B or D to reach Châtelet les Halles in the 1st arrondissement in 8 minutes or Metro line 4 to Cité, which takes 11 minutes.

Finally, you can take bus line 39, which connects Gare du Nord to the 1st arrondissement in roughly 30 minutes.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris?

All official taxis in Paris are metered and must adhere to set rates imposed by local authorities. The fare may vary depending on distance, trip duration, and traffic conditions, but for a ride from Gare du Nord to the city center, you can expect to pay around €15 for a standard cab with room for four passengers.

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