Transport from CDG to Épinay-sur-Seine and Saint-Denis: the complete budget guide 2026

Arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport and looking to reach Épinay-sur-Seine or Saint-Denis quickly and cheaply? The Paris north suburbs offer accommodation up to 50% cheaper than central Paris, while staying 10 minutes from Gare du Nord by Transilien H. This guide details all the transport options from CDG to Épinay-sur-Seine and Saint-Denis, with real fares, travel times and practical tips for international travellers.

The most economical solution? The RER B + Transilien H combo for a total of 14€ and about 50 minutes of travel. But other alternatives exist depending on your budget, arrival times and luggage volume.

Option 1: RER B + Transilien H — The budget solution (14€, 50 min)

Step 1: From CDG to Gare du Nord on RER B

The RER B is the backbone of transport between Charles de Gaulle airport and Paris. It serves two stations at CDG:

• Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 (Terminals 1 and 3)
• Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 - TGV (Terminal 2 and TGV station)

Fare: 14€ single (Paris Région-Aéroports ticket) or Navigo zones 1-5 pass accepted.
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes to Gare du Nord depending on time and traffic.
Frequency: A train every 15 to 20 minutes.
Schedule: From 4.50am to 11.50pm from CDG 2 TGV.

The RER B drops you at Gare du Nord, the main connection hub to the north suburbs. Simply follow the 'Paris-RER B' signs from the baggage reclaim area, take the CDGVAL (free automatic shuttle between terminals) if necessary, then access the RER station.

Step 2: From Gare du Nord to Épinay-Villetaneuse on Transilien H

Once at Gare du Nord, head down to the Transilien line H platforms. Épinay-Villetaneuse station is served by the Transilien H, which links Paris to the north suburban towns.

Fare: Included in your 14€ RER B ticket if purchased for zone 4 (Épinay is in zone 4).
Duration: 9 to 11 minutes from Gare du Nord to Épinay-Villetaneuse.
Frequency: A train every 7 to 15 minutes at peak hours, every 15 to 30 minutes off-peak.
First train: Around 4.45am from Épinay (so from 5.30-6am heading towards Épinay from Paris).

The Nia Bnb apartments are 5-10 minutes' walk from Épinay-Villetaneuse station, making this option particularly practical. With accommodation from 65€/night, you save on lodging while staying ultra-connected to the Île-de-France network.

Option 2: Express Bus 9517 — Direct from CDG to Saint-Denis Pleyel (2.55€, 50-60 min)

The Express Bus 9517 directly links CDG to Saint-Denis Pleyel, the new multimodal station opened for the 2024 Games (now a major Grand Paris Express hub).

Fare: Only 2.55€ if you buy your ticket on board, or included in the monthly/annual Navigo pass.
Duration: About 50 to 60 minutes depending on road traffic.
Service: Terminals 1, 2 and 3 of CDG to Saint-Denis Pleyel.
Frequency: Variable by time, generally every 30 to 60 minutes.

From Saint-Denis Pleyel, you can take the T8 tram or local buses to reach Épinay-sur-Seine. This option is ideal if you have little luggage and want to minimise costs. Beware however: the bus can be affected by traffic jams, especially at peak hours.

Option 3: Private shuttles and long-distance bus services (5-70€, variable)

BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus

Companies such as BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus offer connections between CDG and various points in the Paris suburbs, including Saint-Denis. Based on web searches, fares start from 4.99€ for a journey of about 1h25. These services are budget-friendly but less frequent than the RER B and may require advance booking.

Taxis and ride-hail (50-70€)

For maximum comfort, particularly with heavy luggage or in a group, taxis and ride-hail services (Uber, Bolt, G7) are a direct option. Expect between 50€ and 70€ for a CDG → Épinay-sur-Seine or Saint-Denis trip, depending on time and traffic. For a group of 5 to 8 people staying in the Nia Bnb Grand Appartement (3 bedrooms, 8 people), this option can become competitive when sharing costs.

Option 4: Car rental at the airport (from 30€/day)

If you plan to explore Île-de-France independently, renting a car directly at CDG can make sense. All major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) are present in the terminals. Rates from 30€/day for a city car.

The Nia Bnb République and Grand Appartement apartments have private parking spaces, a rare advantage in the Paris region. Note however that traffic in Île-de-France can be heavy, and parking in central Paris remains expensive and complex.

Comparison of CDG → Épinay-sur-Seine / Saint-Denis transport options

Practical tips for international travellers arriving at CDG

Buying transport tickets

The Paris Région-Aéroports ticket (14€) is bought at the automatic kiosks in the RER stations at CDG, at Gare du Nord and in all network stations. They accept payment cards (with or without contactless) and cash. The machines are multilingual (French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese). If you're staying several days, consider the Navigo zones 1-5 pass (weekly or monthly) for unlimited use.

Accessibility and luggage

The RER B and Transilien H are accessible to people with reduced mobility, but be aware: not all lifts work perfectly at all times. If you're travelling with heavy luggage or a wheelchair, the Les Coteaux apartment in Villetaneuse is PRM (accessible) and has covered parking, ideal for a taxi or ride-hail from the airport.

Night schedules and alternatives

The RER B runs until 11.50pm from CDG. If your flight arrives after midnight, you'll need to opt for a taxi/ride-hail or the Noctilien N140 and N143 (night buses) which link CDG to Paris Gare de l'Est (with possible connections). Taxis are available 24/7 at the official stands of each terminal.

Safety and vigilance

As in all major cities, stay vigilant with your luggage and personal belongings, particularly on the RER B which can be packed at peak hours. Keep your ticket until you leave the station: controls are frequent.

Why choose Épinay-sur-Seine and Saint-Denis as a base to visit Paris

Staying in the Paris north suburbs means choosing smart savings without sacrificing accessibility. Épinay-sur-Seine and Saint-Denis offer accommodation at rates 40 to 50% lower than central Paris, while being perfectly connected to the heart of the capital.

From the Nia Bnb apartments, you reach:

• Paris Gare du Nord in 10 minutes via Transilien H
• Stade de France in 15 minutes via the T8 tram
• Le Bourget in 15 minutes via the T11 Express
• Central Paris (Invalides, Notre-Dame, Orly) via RER C with connections

For travellers arriving from abroad, this location lets you discover the real face of the Paris region, far from ultra-touristy areas, with local shops, authentic markets and neighbourhood atmosphere. See our guide Where to stay in Saint-Denis to visit Paris for more details on the area's advantages.

Transport from Orly to Épinay-sur-Seine: the southern alternative

If you arrive at Orly airport instead, the connection to Épinay-sur-Seine is via Orlyval + RER B then Transilien H, or via T7 tram + RER C then connections. Expect about 1h30 to 1h45 for a fare of 16-18€. Since Orly is further south, travellers seeking speed will benefit from choosing CDG as their arrival airport to reach the north suburbs.

Frequently asked questions

How much does transport cost from CDG to Épinay-sur-Seine on public transport?

The most budget-friendly route costs 14€ via RER B + Transilien H, for a total duration of about 50 minutes. The Express Bus 9517 to Saint-Denis Pleyel only costs 2.55€, but then requires a local connection to Épinay.

How long is the journey between Charles de Gaulle airport and Épinay-sur-Seine?

By public transport (RER B + Transilien H), expect 50 to 60 minutes depending on connections. By taxi or ride-hail, the direct journey takes 30 to 40 minutes outside of traffic, for a fare of 50 to 70€.

Does the Navigo pass work for getting from CDG to Épinay-sur-Seine?

Yes, the Navigo zones 1-5 pass (weekly, monthly or annual) covers the entire CDG → Épinay-sur-Seine journey, including the RER B from the airport and the Transilien H. It's the most cost-effective option if you're staying several days in Île-de-France.

Is there a direct bus between CDG and Saint-Denis?

Yes, the Express Bus 9517 directly links the CDG terminals to Saint-Denis Pleyel station for just 2.55€. The journey takes about 50 to 60 minutes. From Saint-Denis Pleyel, tram and bus connections let you reach Épinay-sur-Seine.

Can you take a taxi from CDG to Épinay-sur-Seine at night?

Yes, taxis are available 24/7 at the official stands of all CDG terminals. The fare to reach Épinay-sur-Seine is between 50€ and 70€ depending on time and traffic. It's the ideal solution for late arrivals after 11.50pm, when RER B service ends.

Conclusion: reaching Épinay-sur-Seine and Saint-Denis from CDG with peace of mind

Whether you prioritise savings (Express Bus 9517 at 2.55€), the best value for money (RER B + Transilien H at 14€ in 50 min) or comfort (taxi/ride-hail), the transport options from CDG to Épinay-sur-Seine and Saint-Denis are varied and suited to all traveller profiles. The Paris north suburbs combine exceptional accessibility and unbeatable accommodation rates, with direct connections in 10 minutes to Gare du Nord.

For your next stay in Île-de-France, discover the Nia Bnb apartments, perfectly located near Épinay-Villetaneuse station, with private parking and rates from 65€/night. Book now and enjoy an ideal base to explore Paris and its region without breaking the bank.