Leaving the Airport During a Layover in Paris. Is There Time?

This post may contain affiliate or Amazon Associate links to in which we would recieve a small compensation on purchases. Read more

You just landed at 6am for a layover in Paris, is there time to hit the city? Yes, you have plenty of time to check out the city. Note: This is more so a brainstorm, not a full guide. But the guide will be coming.

It’s time to Uber or grab the train. Uber is self explanatory so I will briefly explain how easy the train is: Head to the RER station in the airport and find the orange luggage storage across from the Sheraton. Drop your bags and get the expedited pick up so you can easily retrieve them if there’s a queue.

It’s the little things like this that make or break your experience. Do you have any idea how many people I saw sitting in the line stressed out BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T GIVE THEMSELVES ENOUGH TIME? All you have to do is be prepared and everything will be fine, this should be fun after all.

Find your way down to the kiosk and get a round trip train ticket to Paris. You’re not in some rinky-dink place for tourism, things are VERY labeled. Hop on the train with everybody else.

You have started to smell the smells. It is about a 40 minute ride.

GET OFF AT CHATELET – LES HALLES. Why? Because you bought your Louvre ticket in advance. You have to get to the Louvre as early as you can (if your layover is at night, this may not apply). The line is incredible to say the least, so buy your tickets with the proper time slots before you arrive. If you don’t want to go there, do what you want, I don’t care.

If this is type of “rushed” experience isn’t your cup of tea I would still recommend it if your time allows. You will get an easy idea whether or not you like Paris and want to return. I know people who LOVE LOVE LOVE Paris, and I know people who HATE Paris, why not challenge yourself and see what you think.

The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Parc des Princes, cafes, croissants, desserts, you can do whatever, your journey is your journey. The train system is quite simple, you’ll get a hang of it very easily. Or just walk around and soak in the sights. When you’re complete, head back on the RER line with enough time to spare. Honestly, I wanted to Uber but the traffic was terrible so the train was just a no brainer.

Everybody has a different situation, some like to rush, some like to be there earlier, some have lounge access, some have business class security lines, etc. Only you know what you like, so cater to yourself.

So is it worth heading into Paris on a layover? YES it is. Keep in mind this brainstorm is more so for a couple or solo traveler, a full family with children might be a different story for sure. I will be making a full detailed guide soon so check back if you have interest. Thanks for reading.

Subscribe!