How do you get from Charles de Gaulle to Paris without spending too much?

You’ve arrived in Paris! The cafés, the Eiffel Tower, the chic Parisians — well, where are they?

Certainly not at the Charles de Gaulle airport. Consistently one of the most complained about airports in the world, there is now a small glimmer of hope for its future. A project is underway to create the CDG Express, a train that will whisk you away from the airport and to Paris’s Gare de l’Est (pretty central) in about 20 minutes.

The catch? We’ll be waiting until 2027 — if we’re lucky.

In the meantime, what’s the best way to get into Paris? Opinions are split. For those with extra cash to burn, it’s a private car service or taxi. For the rest of us, well, we have other options.

Below are the best affordable options for getting to and from central Paris from Charles de Gaulle. We’re writing this with a typical traveler in mind, someone who’s carrying a standard piece of check-in luggage and a small backpack or bag, and who has an average tolerance for discomfort. Ready to hit the town? Here are your options:

Related: How not to blow your budget on a taxi from the airport

Option 1: RER B to Gare du Nord

Financially, the RER B train to Gare du Nord is your most economical option. At €11.40, it’s relatively quick and efficient if there are no strikes.

But the train is, well, unsavory at best. While I’ve never had any problems per se, the last trip to the airport was animated by two lovely men smoking some seriously stinky blunts and blasting angry rap music on their iPhones. Pickpockets and scam artists, mixed with crowded peak hour commutes and hauling your luggage up and down, make it one of the least welcoming entrances into Paris.

I take it, but I hate it.

Verdict: Thumbs down.

Option 2: Roissybus to Opera

For a bit more money (€13.70) the Roissybus will take you every 15-30 minutes between CDG and the Opera Metro station. You’ll have to worry about traffic and potentially crowds, but at least you’ll be avoiding lugging your bags around the transportation system. However, it can be stressful if you’re stuck in traffic.

Verdict: Thumbs down.

Option 3: Public Night Bus

For those who take weirdly early flights because they’re cheap, getting to Charles de Gaulle can be a headache. The Metro only starts around 5:30 am, so there’s little hope of making a 7 am flight.

You can take the night bus, called the Noctilien, from the Gare de l’Est station, which runs while the Metro is closed. Buses 140 and 143 leave for CDG about every 30 minutes or so, but battling the night crowds can be, well, a nightmare.

Verdict: Thumbs down.

Option 4: SuperShuttle

Sometimes you’ll be tempted to take a taxi for about €50-70, but that’s far from the budget route. If you don’t mind getting to the airport a bit early and getting to know your fellow passengers, opt for the SuperShuttle. The door-to-terminal shared van service costs €20-40, depending on the time of day, but it’s probably the most affordable option for a semi-private airport service.

Verdict: Thumbs up.

How do you get into Paris?

Which of these options do you use to get into Paris? Do you have a favorite — or an addition to our list? Share your budget-friendly tips for getting in from Charles de Gaulle in the comments below!