The Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle–Étoile in the 8th arrondissement, about 50 metres high, at the top of the Champs-Élysées. It is a popular first stop for visitors landing at Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG), and the surrounding streets have many hotels. This guide compares a private transfer with the train and explains how to visit the monument.
Arc de Triomphe route at a glance
| Option | Typical time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer (Piyo Cab) | About 35–50 minutes by road, depending on traffic | €80 fixed for 1–3 passengers |
| RER B, then RER A | About 1 hour with a change | Check the operator for the current fare |
Fares, timetables, opening hours and ticket prices change. Check the operator or venue, or our fare calculator, before you travel.
Private transfer from CDG to the Arc de Triomphe
A private transfer takes you to the door of your hotel near the Étoile. This is useful because the roundabout around the monument has twelve avenues leading off it, and drop-offs are done on the side streets, not on the roundabout itself. The fare covers the whole vehicle.
| Passengers | Fixed fare for the whole vehicle | About per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | €80 | About €27–80 each |
| 4 | €85 | About €21 each |
| 5 | €90 | €18 each |
| 6 | €100 | About €16.70 each |
| 7 | €110 | About €15.70 each |
| 8 | €120 | €15 each |
What is included
- One fixed price agreed when you book. It covers tolls, taxes and fuel, with no meter and no surprises in traffic.
- Your flight is watched in real time if you share the flight number, so the pick-up follows your actual landing time.
- Baby seat and booster seat free on request (one of each), so tell us the ages when you book.
- Pay the driver in cash or by card at the start or end of the transfer. Booking is free, and changes or cancellation are free up to 24 hours ahead.
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Meeting your driver at Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (split into halls 2A to 2G) and Terminal 3. A free automatic shuttle, the CDGVAL, links the terminals and the train stations, so tell us your airline and terminal if you know them. After you collect your luggage and walk out of the arrivals hall, your driver will be waiting with a sign showing your name. If you cannot spot them for any reason, call or message us straight away on WhatsApp or +33 6 67 33 32 67 and we will guide you to the right door.
Because we track your flight number, a late landing does not mean a missed driver. If your plans change a lot, such as a cancelled flight or a different airport, let us know as early as you can.
By train: RER B and RER A
The RER B takes you from the airport to Châtelet–Les Halles, where you change to the RER A to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, the station beneath the monument. The Métro lines 1, 2 and 6 also stop there. The journey avoids road traffic but includes a change and several flights of stairs, which is harder with luggage. Check the operator for current timetables and fares.
About the monument
Napoleon ordered the arch in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, and the architect Jean Chalgrin drew up the design. Work was interrupted by political changes, and the arch was finished in 1836. It honours the soldiers of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, and carries the names of generals and battles. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War, marked by an eternal flame that is rekindled each evening in a short ceremony.
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe
- Getting there on foot: do not try to cross the traffic circle. Use the underpass from the Champs-Élysées side, which leads to the foot of the arch.
- The terrace: a climb up a spiral staircase takes you to a viewing platform with views along the avenues. Opening hours and ticket rules change, and the monument is run by the Centre des monuments nationaux, so check their site before you go and book ahead in summer.
- Museum and exhibition spaces: inside the arch, covering its history.
- Time of day: the view at dusk, with the lights coming on along the avenues, is especially popular.
Staying near the Étoile
The area has a wide choice of hotels and apartments and is well connected by Métro lines 1, 2 and 6 and the RER A. The streets close to the roundabout are lively by day and quieter at night. For a hotel example, see our guide to getting from CDG to the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, and for the avenue itself read the Champs-Élysées guide.
Tips for visitors
- Bring ID if you are booking a timed ticket, and check the bag rules at the entrance.
- Allow for security checks before you climb.
- The monument can be closed for ceremonies, so check the date if you are visiting on 11 November or 14 July.
Night arrivals and the return journey
- Night-time surcharge: a surcharge applies to transfers between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am. It is always stated and confirmed in your booking, so there is no surprise on the day.
- Going back to the airport: for a flight, we recommend being collected at least 3 hours before departure. For a train, allow 2 hours. If you tell us your flight time, we will work out the pick-up with you.
- Delays: we monitor your flight or train number, so a delay moves your pick-up and does not cancel it.
Why book a fixed fare
After a flight, a known price and a driver waiting with your name is worth a lot. Piyo Cab has been running transfers around Paris since 2008 and is approved by Transport in France. Use the fare calculator for your exact group size, or message us on WhatsApp with your flight number and we will confirm the fare.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Arc de Triomphe from CDG airport?
About 28 km, and the drive usually takes 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
How much is a taxi from CDG to the Arc de Triomphe?
Piyo Cab’s fixed Paris fare is €80 for one to three passengers, €85 for four, €90 for five, €100 for six, €110 for seven and €120 for eight. The price covers the whole vehicle.
Which RER goes to the Arc de Triomphe?
RER A stops at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile beneath the monument. From the airport you usually take RER B and change at Châtelet–Les Halles.
How high is the Arc de Triomphe?
About 50 metres. It was ordered by Napoleon in 1806 and completed in 1836.
Is there a night-time surcharge?
Yes. A night-time surcharge applies between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am. It is confirmed when you book.
