Paris is one of the most accessible cities in the world, with direct flights from major international hubs, an extensive high-speed rail network, and excellent motorway connections. Whether arriving by train, air or road, getting to Paris is fast and convenient from virtually anywhere in Europe and beyond.
Arriving in Paris
By Train
Paris can be reached by train in a matter of hours from elsewhere in France and all major European cities. All 7 stations bring you right into the heart of the city. Centrally located and each with specific destinations, they offer smooth connections with the public transport network (metro, RER, bus).
Paris can be reached by train in a matter of hours from elsewhere in France and all major European cities. All 7 stations take you right into the heart of the city. Centrally located and each with specific destinations, they offer smooth connections with the public transport network (metro, RER, bus).
- Gare du Nord receives trains from London, Brussels, and Amsterdam (Eurostar)
- Gare de l’Est serves Germany and Luxembourg (ICE, TGV)
- Gare de Lyon connects with Switzerland, Italy, and Spain (TGV Lyria, Frecciarossa).
- Gare Montparnasse is used for indirect routes from Spain and the southwest.
- Gare d’Austerlitz and Bercy handle occasional or night trains
- Gare Saint-Lazare is primarily domestic.
Each station corresponds to a specific axis of European travel, reflecting Paris’s role as a continental rail hub.
The Paris RER network comprises five main lines: A, B, C, D, and E, offering rapid transit across the metropolitan area. Compared to the Métro, the RER provides faster travel over longer distances due to fewer stops per route, enabling passengers to traverse Paris in approximately 15 minutes on some lines. The RER operates daily, including public holidays, generally from around 06:00 a.m. to 00:30 a.m.
More information: SNCF
By Plane
You will touch down at one of Paris’ major airports, Aéroport Paris - Charles de Gaulle or Aéroport Paris – Orly. Both airports are all within easy reach of the capital.
From Charles de Gaulle – to the city centre
- By train: RER B (approx. 45 minutes to Châtelet-Les-Halles)
- By Bus: Line 2 will take you directly to Porte Maillot or Etoiles/Champs Elysées (over 1H depending on traffic)
- By Taxi: available from all terminals, flat fee to Palais des Congrès Porte Maillot (Paris Rive Droite) is 56€.
From Paris Orly – to the city centre
- By train: take the Orlyval shuttle to Antony station. Connection with RER B (approx. 35 minutes to Châtelet-Les-Halles)
- By Bus: Line 1 will take you to Etoile/Champs Elysées
- By Taxi: available from all terminals, flat fee to Palais des Congrès Porte Maillot (Paris Rive Droite) is 45€.
To avoid potential confusion or overcharging, we recommend using official taxi stands (look for the illuminated "TAXI" sign) or reputable ride-hailing services.
By Bus
Most international buses arrive at Paris Bercy Seine Bus Station or Gare Routière Gallieni, both of which are directly linked to the city’s metro network (Lines 6 and 3 respectively), ensuring easy access to the city center and congress venues. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel periods. For greater comfort, overnight buses with reclining seats and onboard amenities are available on longer routes.
By Car
- Via the ‘ring road’ (Périphérique) : depending on where you come in from, you will join the ring road at one of the 30 gateways (“portes”) that punctuate the 35 km of expressway. Take the exit « Porte Maillot » to access the Palais des Congrès de Paris
- Motorway system and tolls: France has a considerable network of tolled motorways, which extends into the neighbouring countries. Toll costs vary according to the motorway you’re on, the distance travelled and the type of vehicle.
Tip: Use route planners (e.g., ViaMichelin or autoroutes.fr) to estimate toll costs in advance.
More information parking: One Park
Travelling around Paris
Metro
The metro operates every day including public holidays from around 06:00 a.m. to 00:30 a.m. Times of the first and last trains vary depending on the point along the line that you are departing from. Trains are less frequent on Sundays and public holidays.
There are 16 metro lines in Paris and over 300 metro stations throughout the city.
The congress centre is situated on Line 1: station Porte Maillot
More information: RATP
Trains: RER
There are 5 train lines in Paris: A, B, C, D and E. Using the RER is faster than the metro because stops are less frequent, you can cross Paris in 15 minutes. It operates every day, including public holidays, from around 06:00 a.m. to 00:30 a.m.
More information: RER
Bus
The bus is a great way to discover the city, along the Seine River banks or through the historical areas. Buses operate from Monday to Saturday from 07:00 a.m. to 08:30 p.m. or thereabouts. Some bus lines also operate in the evening from 08:30 p.m. until 00:30 a.m.
More information: RATP
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