Getting to Disneyland Paris is the first decision you’ll make on your trip, and honestly, it can shape how the whole day feels before you even reach the gates. Anyone who has travelled with kids knows the drill: bags to carry, a stroller that never folds the way it should, and children who are either bursting with excitement or already asking « are we there yet? » ten minutes into the journey. The transport method you pick either smooths that out or adds to it.
If you’re flying into Paris, arriving by train from another city, or simply staying somewhere in the region and need to get to the park, here’s a breakdown of the main options, how they compare for families, and what to actually expect from each one.
Private Transfers: The Easiest Choice for Families
For families, a private transfer is usually the option that causes the least stress. A driver meets you at the airport or your accommodation, helps with luggage, and takes you straight to your hotel or the park entrance. There’s no walking between train platforms with a double stroller, no working out which line to change onto, and no standing on a crowded shuttle bus after a long flight.
Most private transfer services offer child seats on request, which matters if you’re travelling with toddlers and don’t want to bring your own car seat through the airport. Journey time from Paris–Charles de Gaulle Airport is generally around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and from Orly Airport it’s roughly 40 minutes.
The main advantage here is predictability. You book a fixed price in advance, you know your pickup time, and the driver waits for you even if your flight is delayed. For families who value comfort over saving a few euros, this tends to be the preferred choice, and it’s exactly the kind of service we focus on at Paris Disneyland Transfer.
RER B and RER A: The Budget-Friendly Route
If you’re comfortable navigating public transport and want to keep costs down, the RER (Réseau Express Régional) is a solid option. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you’ll take the RER B into central Paris, then switch to the RER A heading towards Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy, which is the stop right at Disneyland Paris.
This route works, but it comes with a few practical hurdles for families. Stations involve stairs, and not every platform has a lift. Trains can get crowded, particularly during school holidays when everyone else is heading the same direction with the same amount of luggage as you. Journey time is usually around an hour and fifteen minutes from CDG, though delays and line changes can stretch that out.
It’s the cheapest way to travel, and older kids who enjoy public transport might even find it part of the adventure. Just budget extra time and patience if you’re bringing a stroller or more than one suitcase per person.
Shuttle Buses
Shared shuttle buses sit somewhere between the RER and a private transfer in terms of price and convenience. You book a seat in advance, and a coach picks up passengers from the airport at set times, dropping them at Disneyland hotels or the park entrance.
These are reasonably priced and don’t require you to manage train changes, but keep in mind they run on a schedule rather than around your arrival time, and they often make several stops before reaching yours. If your flight lands late or your luggage takes a while to come through, you may need to wait for the next available departure.
Driving and Parking
Some families prefer to hire a car, especially if they’re combining Disneyland Paris with a wider trip around the region. The drive from CDG takes roughly 40 minutes via the A4 motorway, and Disneyland Paris has its own large car park directly outside the entrance.
The catch is the daily parking fee, which adds up over a multi-day stay, plus the walk from the car park to the gates with everything you’re carrying for the day. It’s a good option if you’re already planning to drive elsewhere in France, but for a straightforward airport-to-park trip, it’s rarely the most relaxing choice with young children in tow.
Eurostar and TGV
If you’re travelling from London, Lille, or other regions of France, the train can take you almost the whole way there. The Eurostar and TGV both stop at Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station, which sits right next to the park, meaning you step off the platform and you’re practically at the entrance. This is one of the most convenient long-distance options going, since it skips the airport transfer altogether.
Which Option Should You Pick?
There’s no single right answer here. It comes down to how much you’re carrying, how many people are in your group, how tired everyone will be on arrival, and how much you’d rather spend on convenience versus saving money.
- Travelling with toddlers, a lot of luggage, or arriving after a long flight? A private transfer will save you the hassle.
- Comfortable with public transport and watching your budget? The RER is reliable if you plan for extra time.
- Booked in advance and happy with a set schedule? Shuttle buses are a middle-ground option.
- Already driving or want flexibility for other trips? Renting a car makes sense, just factor in parking costs.
- Coming from London or another French city? The train direct to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy is hard to beat.
Whatever you choose, arriving relaxed rather than rushed makes a real difference to how the first day at the park goes. A few extra minutes of planning before you land can save a lot of stress once you’re there.
If you’d rather skip the logistics altogether, Paris Disneyland Transfer can arrange a door-to-door private transfer from either Paris airport straight to your hotel or the park entrance, with child seats available on request and a driver who’s there waiting no matter when your flight lands.