The Closest Airport to Disneyland Paris And The Best Transfer Options

Last updated on May 7th, 2024 at 09:12 am

Coming to Disneyland Paris for a vacation and need some help getting the right transfer for your family?

You’re in the right place. The closest airport to Disneyland Paris is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), and to get there you have several options.

Disneyland might be magical, but unfortunately, they haven’t yet conjured up their own airport. And this means you have two airport choices, Charles de Gaulle, the closest and only 35 km away, or Orly (ORY), smaller with fewer international flights, about 50 km away.

Charles de Gaulle is the best airport for Disneyland Paris, especially if you’re flying in from the US, UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.

But how do you get to Disneyland, and what’s the best option for you? Let’s dive in and get you sorted.

Where is Disneyland Paris?

France has been the inspiration behind quite a few Disney movies, and Disneyland Paris is top of many people’s Paris attractions list.

Last year, they welcomed approximately 15 million visitors, making it one of the most visited theme parks in Europe, and a top tourist attraction in France. 

It’s actually not in Paris itself but in the heart of Marne-la-Vallée, a town situated in the eastern suburbs of Paris roughly 32 kilometres (about 20 miles) away from the centre of the city. 

How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Disneyland Paris

It’s incredibly accessible for visitors, offering easy connections to the city and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re coming in by train, car, or plane, getting to Disneyland Paris is a breeze, especially with this handy guide giving you all the options.

The Quick Guide For Transfers from CDG to Disneyland Paris

Transport Mode	Journey Time	Frequency	Booking Link	Notes
Private Transfer	40-60 mins	On Demand	Book >	Direct and private; ideal for families or groups. Book in advance.
The Magical Shuttle	60 Mins	Hourly	Book >	Dedicated service; direct to Disneyland with stops at various terminals.
Rent a Car	40 Mins	On-Demand	Book >	Perfect if you want to explore more of France.
Take the Train	10-12 Mins	Every 30 Mins	Book >	Fastest option; limited luggage space. Check schedules.
Taxi Service	40-60 mins	On-Demand	N/A	Most expensive. Metered fare; convenience at a cost. No need to book.

The 5 Transfer Options from the Airport to Disneyland Paris

Here are the five best options to get you from Charles de Gaulle to Disneyland Paris, covering everything from the most cost-effective to the quickest and simplest.

No. 1 Take a Private Transfer from CDG to Disneyland Paris

If you’re travelling as a family with kids, then a private transfer is the best option. No struggling with luggage whilst trying to keep the kids in check and making sure nobody gets lost.

It’s the easiest and simplest way to get your whole family to Disneyland Paris from the airport without any stress.

I recommend Welcome Pickups as it’s who I use when I’m travelling. If I’m flying in somewhere, I love having the reassurance of knowing someone is there to pick me up and take me to my hotel, especially if it’s a city I’ve not been to before.

All you need to do is go onto their website here and choose the date and time of arrival of your flight, how many are travelling and how much luggage, and they’ll do the rest.

All their drivers speak English, so no worrying about trying to remember crucial French phrases for the journey.

As you’d expect, they track your flight and know exactly when you’ve landed, so you’re never kept waiting.

📌 TOP TIP: Always choose a pickup time that is 30-45 minutes later than when your flight actually lands. Customs queues can be huge and waiting time to get through can be an hour or more, and then you have to get your luggage. Private transport drivers can only wait for an extra 60 minutes from your selected pickup time, and you don’t want to be stranded without a lift.

No. 2 Catch the Train from the Airport to Disneyland Paris

Taking the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse, France’s high-speed train) from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport to Disneyland Paris is one of the quickest and most efficient travel options available.

Here’s what you need to know for a smooth journey:

• Journey Duration: The trip typically takes about 12 minutes, making it the fastest mode of transport between CDG and Disneyland Paris.
• Frequency: TGV trains run approximately twice an hour, but it’s always a good idea to check the current schedule as frequencies can vary, especially during off-peak hours or on weekends.
• Departure Station at CDG: The TGV station is located at Terminal 2. If you’re arriving at a different terminal, you can use the CDGVAL light rail shuttle to transfer to Terminal 2. The station is well signposted within the terminal, making it relatively easy to find.
• Arrival Station: You’ll be arriving at the Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station, which is conveniently situated at the entrance to Disneyland Paris. From here, it’s just a short walk to the parks or the free shuttle buses to the hotels.
• Tickets: It’s advisable to book your TGV tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times, to secure a spot and potentially get better rates. Tickets can be purchased online here or through other ticketing platforms, such as Trainline.
• Luggage: There are no strict luggage limits on the TGV.
• Cost: Prices can vary based on how far in advance you book and the time of day. Booking early usually secures the best prices.

No. 3 Rent a Car to Get to Disneyland Paris

Another option is to rent a car, which is a great way to go if you’re planning on seeing other parts of France or taking some day trips. 

Driving to Disneyland from the airport is simple, and hiring a car at the airport is even simpler.

With a car, you can then go to places like Bordeaux and Saint Emilion to sample the fabulous wine. I don’t live far from Bordeaux, so can attest to how good the wine is.

And then, of course, there is the Atlantic coast and the cities of La Rochelle and

I recommend using Discover Cars, which is what I use when I’m travelling. They act as a comparison site for all the major car rental companies and often have a better price than going direct.

No. 4 Grab the Magical Shuttle to Disneyland

If you’d rather not hire a car or go by train, another easy option is the Disneyland shuttle bus, aptly called the Magical Shuttle. 

It departs every 45 minutes from CDG Airport between 9 am and 6.45 pm for Charles de Gaulle Airport, and they have Disney meet and greet staff at Terminal 1 waiting to take you straight to the bus to Disneyland Resort hotels, Serris-Val d’Europe and selected hotels.

For Orly, it’s also 9 am and 6.45 pm every hour to all Disney hotels, so you’re covered at whichever airport you fly into.

There is free WiFi on board the buses, and they seat 75 people. If you need tickets combined with the shuttle, you can get those here.

No. 5 Take a Taxi from Charles de Gaulle

The last and most expensive option is to take a cab from the airport to your Disneyland hotel. However, it’s a great option if you have really early or late flights when the rental desks are closed or, if it’s outside of the Magical Shuttle running times

If you can avoid this option, I would because taxis in Paris are expensive. The meter starts running as soon as they get in their cab rather than when they’ve picked you up.

Uber isn’t much better either, even if you pre-book, it’s expensive, and there are surcharges for more than four people.

It’s not unusual for this journey to cost between 80-90 €, which isn’t so bad if there are four of you but isn’t so good for one person. Plus, a lot of them don’t speak English.

What Is The Nearest Hotel To Disneyland Paris?

The nearest hotel to Disneyland Paris is the Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, a tribute to the Marvel Universe, blending the style and sophistication of New York City with the exciting world of Marvel superheroes.

Here’s what makes Disney Hotel New York so magical and perfect for fans of all ages whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or just looking for something unique and upscale within walking distance of the park.

• Marvel Theme: The hotel is the first of its kind to be entirely dedicated to the Art of Marvel. It showcases one of the largest publicly viewable collections of Marvel artwork in the world, featuring comics, movies, and more, with over 300 pieces displayed throughout the hotel.
• Design and Rooms: Inspired by a New York art gallery, the hotel’s design and rooms reflect the urban style of the city and the energy of Marvel heroes. The rooms and suites are themed around Marvel characters and stories, offering guests a unique stay.
• Amenities and Facilities: The hotel boasts impressive amenities, including a fitness centre, outdoor Metro Pool, and a dedicated Marvel Design Studio where kids can learn how to draw their favourite superheroes. There’s also the Skyline Bar, offering stunning views and themed cocktails, and the Manhattan Restaurant, serving up a taste of Italian-inspired cuisine.
• Exclusive Experiences: Guests can enjoy up-close encounters with Marvel superheroes, a unique feature that adds an extra layer of excitement to the stay. The hotel also offers a Super Hero Station where guests can have immersive photo experiences with Marvel characters.
• Location: Situated within walking distance of the Disneyland Parks and the Disney Village, the hotel offers convenience and easy access to all the entertainment and attractions that Disneyland Paris has to offer.
• Sustainability: Reflecting Disney’s commitment to the environment, the hotel incorporates sustainable practices, including energy-efficient lighting and water-saving measures.

A Disneyland Paris Hotels Map

FAQS: Airports Close To Disneyland Paris

Final Thoughts: Closest Airport to Disneyland Paris

Deciding on your transfer options to Disneyland Paris depends on a few things, such as how long you’re going to be in the city and what you want to do while you’re there.

Paris is a city that keeps on giving, so you’ll want to make the most of it, Disneyland is a great place for 2-3 days, but there is so much more to enjoy.

Using the Metro is pretty simple, and you can do day trips to places such as Versailles or catch the train to Rouen, the city where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. The world is your oyster.