Heading out on a magical journey to Disneyland Paris and trying to figure out the best way to get there?
You’re in the right place!
Whether you’re landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport with your eyes wide or waving goodbye to the Eiffel Tower from the center of Paris, the labyrinth of train tickets, RER lines, and finding the right platform can feel like you’re trying to navigate a maze without a map.
That’s where this guide comes in.
Imagine me as your friendly neighborhood GPS, minus the annoying rerouting voice. Forget about being lost in translation at ticket offices or wondering if your own car will turn into a pumpkin.
I’m here to lay out all the travel options to Disneyland Paris – from the direct train that zooms you faster than Aladdin’s magic carpet, to navigating the metro stations like a pro.
First time or not, whether you’re clutching debit cards or waving your credit cards, I’ll guide you through the purchase of that golden ticket (or billet Ile-de-France) to getting to Disney’s wonderland.
Understanding Your Starting Point in Paris
First, you’ll need to pinpoint your starting location. Are you staying near the Eiffel Tower, hitting the shops in central Paris, or catching a train from Gare du Nord?
It’s essential to know your point A so you can efficiently find your way to point D – Disneyland!
Suppose you’re landing in one of the airports, like Charles de Gaulle or Orly. In that case, you’ll want to hop on the train or shuttle to the Paris city center, whichever is more convenient for you.
If you’re starting from the city center already – good news, the journey will be much easier for you!
⚡ Related read: What is the main airport in Paris? (CDG or ORY: Which to choose)
Public Transportation Options
Navigating public transportation can feel like a maze sometimes, especially when you’re in a foreign country. Fear not! I’ve got your back.
I’ll help you find your way from Paris to Disneyland Paris using different options.
1. Taking the RER Train (RER A)
Let me introduce you to your new best friend in Paris: the RER train. Think of it as the superhero that swoops in to save you from getting lost in the City of Love.
To reach Disneyland Paris, you’ll need to hop on the RER A train line towards Marne-la-Vallée station.
This red train line will take you directly to Disneyland Paris from the center of Paris (approx 1 hr).
You can get to the RER A line from multiple stations, but the two most common are Châtelet-Les Halles and Charles de Gaulle – Étoile.
- From Châtelet-Les Halles (5 minutes from Gare du Nord)
- From Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (10 minutes from the Eiffel Tower)
Here’s your action plan for getting to Disneyland Paris via the RER train:
- Find the nearest RER station ticket window or billet Île-de-France ticket machines
- Purchase a ticket to Marne-la-Vallée station
- Follow the Mickey head signs to reach the Marne-la-Vallee-Chessy station (the last stop), which is just a 10-minute walk from the Disneyland park
- Keep your ticket handy, you’ll need it for the exit gates.
💡 Remember: During rush hour, trains can be crowded – so always be mindful of your belongings and take safety measures to keep your bags safe.
2. Metro and Tram Services
You might have heard people mention using the metro and tram to get to Disneyland.
Well, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it won’t be the fastest or most efficient option.
To reach Disneyland Paris via this method, you’d need to switch between metro line 7, tram T4, and finally the RER A.
Sounds like a wild goose chase, doesn’t it?
💡 Your best option is to take the metro or the tram to a station that connects directly to the RER A train line.
This includes the following stations:
Once here, hop on the RER A line towards Marne-la-Valée station. You’ll ride the train all the way to the end of the line, and get off at Marne-la-Valée which leads you right into the park.
Private Transportation Choices
Sometimes, you just want to kick back and let someone else take care of the driving.
Private transportation options are perfect for you if you’re looking for a stress-free way to get from Paris to Disneyland Paris.
Let’s dive into some options like hiring a taxi or ride-share service and renting a car.
Hiring a Taxi or Ride-Share Service
Your first option for private transportation is grabbing a taxi or using a ride-share service like Uber.
Taxis are readily available in Paris, and you can simply wave one down, just like in the movies! If you prefer the comfort of your smartphone, ride-sharing apps are also popular in the city.
The journey takes around 90 minutes to an hour depending on traffic, so you’ll have time to practice your best Disney character impressions!
💡 Keep in mind that prices for taxi or ride-share services can vary, so it’s essential to budget accordingly. Expect to pay anywhere from €60 and upwards for a ride from the center of Paris to Disneyland.
Alternatively, if you’re traveling with the whole family or a larger group, consider arranging for a private transfer. This option offers a more comfortable and convenient way to reach Disneyland, as well as giving you the peace of mind knowing your magical adventure is starting on the right foot.
Renting a Car
If you want the ultimate freedom to explore Paris and beyond, renting a car might be your best option.
There are numerous car rental agencies available near Gare de Lyon and other locations around the city.
Remember that driving in Paris is an adventure on its own, so make sure you’re confident navigating the Parisian streets like a champ!
When renting a car, you’ll typically be handed the keys to your own magic carpet to glide through the city at your leisure. Just make sure you return it by the agreed time, or you might find your fairy godmother charging you extra fees.
Once you hop in your rental car, it’s about a 90-minute drive from Paris city center to Disneyland Paris.
Parking is available at the resort, so you’ll know your trusty steed has a safe place to rest after your journey. Keep in mind that while driving to Disneyland Paris offers flexibility, it also comes with the responsibility of adhering to French traffic rules and regulations.
⚡ Related read: 6 tips to Survive Driving in France As A Foreigner
Guided Tours and Shuttle Services
Disneyland Paris Shuttle Services
If you’re not savvy enough to navigate the world of Paris public transportation, no need to panic – as there’s a direct shuttle service that’s free and easy to use.
Disneyland Paris Express: Hop on to the Disneyland Paris Express for a hassle-free journey from the city center to the enchanting world of Disney. With multiple pick-up points across the city, you’ll find one near you.
Here’s a brief rundown of the pickup locations and shuttle schedule:
- Eiffel Tower area: 8:30 AM pickup
- Opéra: 8:35 AM pickup
- Châtelet: 8:55 AM pickup
- Gare du Nord: 8:15 AM pickup
Note: The last shuttle to the city center departs from Disneyland Paris at 9:00 pm.
Joining Guided Tours
If you’re more of a Hakuna Matata person, consider joining a guided tour.
Not only do they offer seamless transportation, but also let you dive deeper into the magic of Disneyland Paris with insights from the tour guides.
Viator’s Disneyland Paris Express Shuttle: This tour comes with admission tickets (even better, right?), letting you skip the ticket lines and head straight into the fun. Choose from various options, including single or multi-day access to either Disneyland Park or Disney Studios Park (or both!)
Practical Tips for Travelers
Best Times to Travel
Traveling from Paris to Disneyland Paris can be super fun, and you might be tempted to grab your Mickey ears and hop on the first train out. But timing can make a world of difference, especially if you want to avoid crowds.
To maximize your experience, consider heading out during off-peak hours, such as early morning (before 9 am) or late afternoon.
I highly recommend leaving as early as possible, to maximize your time in the park.
Disneyland Paris closes at 10pm daily, so leaving in the early morning gives you the most amount of time to explore the park and its surrounding shops before closing time.
⚡ Related read: When is the best time to visit Paris?
Navigating with Luggage
- Travel light: Bring only essentials in a backpack to minimize lugging around cumbersome bags.
- Luggage storage: Store your luggage at the Marne-la-Vallee train station near the Consigne area for a stress-free day of adventure.
Just remember, less baggage means more room for souvenirs!
Accessibility and Special Needs
Disney’s all about inclusivity, and that extends to accessibility for guests with special needs.
Whether you’re zooming in a mobility scooter or rocking crutches, the staff at Disneyland Paris is there to ensure you have a magical experience.
Here are some important details you’d want to know:
- There are wheelchair and scooter rentals available, should you need them. Check the Disneyland Paris website for more details on accessibility services.
- Be sure to plan your transportation options carefully. While the RER A train is accessible, it might still be a good idea to verify the facilities at the specific station you’ll be boarding from.
- Map out your day at the park. Download the Disneyland Paris App and take note of key accessibility features and services.
Thanks for reading!
So, there you have it – your private transportation choices for getting from Paris to Disneyland Paris.
This 10-page Paris travel guide includes:
- Practical tips for visiting Paris
- The best foods to eat in Paris
- The best restaurants in Paris (my top picks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- The top things to do and see in Paris (including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more)
- The best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area
All links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!