There’s something exciting about boarding a plane in Dublin and landing in Paris in just about one hour and 50 minutes.
With direct Aer Lingus flights from Dublin Airport to Paris–Charles de Gaulle, the trip feels effortless from start to finish. Morning and evening departures mean you can often arrive while the daylight still lingers. That’s enough time to check in, grab lunch, and start your Paris adventure with a calm mind.
If you’re into slow travel, ferries from Dublin or Rosslare to Cherbourg followed by a train to Paris offer a scenic route, though it takes around eighteen to nineteen hours. That’s perfect for a long, dreamy road trip but not ideal for a quick city escape. So if you want simplicity, speed, and comfort, the direct flight from Dublin to Paris is the way to go.
And if you’re planning your own getaway, this blog has everything you need, from flight options, travel tips, and ideas to make your Paris trip smooth and unforgettable.
Easy Entry for Irish Travellers in Paris
Good news for anyone heading from Dublin to Paris. Irish passport-holders don’t need a visa to enter France. All you need is a valid Irish passport or passport card, making your trip smooth right from the start.
If you’re traveling with friends or family who aren’t Irish citizens, remind them to check the official French visa portal before they go. Sorting out those details early means no airport stress later. Once your documents are ready, the fun part begins: landing in the City of Light and soaking in that first breath of Paris air.
Touching Down and Traveling from Dublin to Paris
After your flight from Dublin to Paris, you’ll likely land at Paris–Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Getting into the city is simple, and you’ve got three solid ways to do it depending on your mood, luggage, and energy level.
The first is the RER B train, a rapid and affordable route straight into central Paris. Tickets cost about €13, and the ride takes around 25 to 40 minutes, depending on where you hop off. If you like easy public transport and want to feel like a local right away, this train is a great start to your Paris adventure.
The second option is the Roissybus coach, which runs from CDG to the Opéra area in the 9th arrondissement. It’s roughly the same price, and the vibe is more relaxed and perfect if you’d rather sit back and watch Paris slowly appear through the window.
Then there’s the classic choice, a taxi. Official CDG taxis cost around €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank. If you’re landing late, carrying a few extra bags, or just craving comfort, it’s worth the splurge for a door-to-door ride straight to your hotel.
If you arrive at Paris–Orly Airport (ORY), note that the Orlybus service ended in early 2025. You can now hop on the extended Metro Line 14 or take the Orlyval connection with the RER B. For budget travelers using Paris–Beauvais Airport (BVA), shuttles to Porte Maillot take about 75 to 90 minutes. It’s fine for longer trips, but not ideal for quick getaways.
Once you’ve landed, collected your bags, and stepped into the Paris air, all that’s left is to pick your route, smile, and start your city break on the right note.
Moving Around Paris Without Stress
Once you’ve dropped your bag and taken a deep breath of Paris air after your Dublin to Paris flight, getting around the city smoothly sets the right tone for your stay. In 2025, some key public transport changes will make moving around Paris far more straightforward for visitors.
A single-ride metro/RER ticket (non-airport journeys) now costs €2.50 regardless of how far you go across the Île-de-France zones. Bus and tram single tickets cost €2.00 for occasional users.
If you plan to ride a lot, the unlimited weekly pass called the Navigo Week Pass (zones 1-5) is priced at €31.60 (valid Monday to Sunday). For a short weekend stay, you might prefer individual tickets or a multi-day pass instead of the weekly pass, particularly if you arrive mid-week.
Here’s a tip: get into town on a single ticket when you arrive. Then, if you stay through to Sunday and expect to use transport frequently, buy the Navigo Week Pass starting Monday. It can’t be prorated for a mid-week start, so this approach helps you get good value.
If you prefer something tailored for tourists, the Paris Visite Pass gives unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, including airport zones. For instance, a 1-day pass (all zones) costs around €29.90.
Transport timetables are friendly too. The Metro typically runs from about 5:30 am to around 1:15 am every day and moves to about 2:15 am on Friday and Saturday nights. That means you’re rarely held back by transport limits, you’re more guided by your own energy and how much Paris you want to see.
Some local tips go a long way. Keep an eye on your bag inside the Metro and RER networks since pick-pockets do work the system. Also, make sure to validate your ticket when you board and hold on to it until you exit, because inspectors may check. Use official ticket machines or apps to avoid trouble.
All in all, if you pick accommodation near a Metro station and plan your ticket strategy ahead, moving around Paris becomes part of the fun rather than a chore.
Choosing Your Base in Paris
Where you stay can completely shape your Paris experience. For first-time visitors, the best spots mix comfort, convenience, and a touch of that Parisian magic. Here are four neighborhoods that make a short city escape easy, memorable, and full of character.
Start with the 9th arrondissement (Opéra / Grands Boulevards). It’s one of the most balanced areas in the city. You can hop straight from Charles de Gaulle Airport on the Roissybus, drop your bags, and dive into classic cafés, theaters, or vintage shopping streets all within walking distance. It’s central enough to reach landmarks fast but not overrun by tourists.
Then there’s the 4th arrondissement (Le Marais), a dream for anyone who wants to feel like a local. Le Marais has a cozy, authentic feel, the kind of neighborhood where mornings begin with croissants and evenings end with people-watching over a glass of wine.
The 6th arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) brings a softer, more elegant side of Paris. It’s calm yet close to everything, perfect if you want to unwind after sightseeing without being too far from the action.
Finally, the 11th arrondissement (Bastille / Oberkampf) offers a younger, creative energy. It’s packed with cool bars, local markets, and trendy restaurants. It’s perfect if you want a neighborhood with real personality and great value. The area’s excellent Metro links make it easy to reach all the major attractions without hassle.
No matter which neighborhood you choose, make sure your hotel or apartment is close to a Metro or RER station. A quick train ride can save hours and keep your energy for what truly matters.
Your First Day in Paris
You’ve landed, checked in, maybe freshened up, or taken a short nap. Now it’s time to ease into Paris without any rush.
Your first half-day should be about soaking in the atmosphere and finding your rhythm. Start with lunch at a nearby café and just watch the city flow. Then take a gentle walk along the Seine. Pop into a bookshop or pastry shop for a sweet pause, then choose a cozy bistro for dinner around 7:30 or 8 p.m. Parisians dine a little later, so enjoy the slower pace.
The next morning, wake early and head to the Louvre Museum, ideally with a pre-booked morning slot. Remember it’s closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly. After your visit, wander through the Tuileries Gardens or cross the Seine for a quiet café break. Spend the afternoon exploring Le Marais or Saint-Germain, then head to the Eiffel Tower for sunset with your reserved entry. Stay until it sparkles under the night sky. End with dinner by the river and a peaceful stroll.
Real Local Tips That Make a Difference
I’ve learned that it’s often the little choices that turn a trip to Paris from good to truly memorable. If you’re landing with heavy bags during rush hour, do yourself a favor and grab a taxi from the airport. It’s not the cheapest option, but after a long flight, that quiet ride straight to your hotel feels worth every euro.
For dinner, aim for around 7:30 or 8 p.m. You’ll find locals just starting to settle in, and restaurants are far more welcoming before the later rush. I always keep a light extra layer with me, too. Even when Paris days are warm, the air conditioning inside museums and stores can catch you off guard.
On your first evening, take a slow walk along the Seine. It’s one of my favorite ways to reset after flying in, with the mix of river breeze, street music, and glowing bridges somehow puts you right into the Paris mood. When booking must-see spots like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, use the official websites to avoid stress or surprises.
And here’s a money-saver I swear by. If you arrive mid-week, skip the weekly metro pass until Monday. Use single tickets first, then switch to the pass for full value. Keep your bag zipped, stay alert on the Metro, and enjoy Paris with calm confidence.
Money, Budgeting, and What to Expect
It’s smart to check current fares before booking trips like Dublin to Paris so you can plan your budget realistically. Airfare can climb quickly, especially during holidays or last-minute bookings, so comparing prices early often saves you a good bit.
For 2025, the weekly Navigo all-zones pass is €31.60. Occasional travel tickets cost €2.50 for metro/RER non-airport, and €2.00 for bus/tram. You will pay about €13 for the train from CDG to the city. Taxi fares from CDG to the Right Bank are around €56 and Left Bank around €65.
In terms of flights and accommodation, for a 5-day stay (including flight, hotel, food, and museum entry), you might expect costs of US$2,000+ if you stay in comfort. If you plan carefully with a lower-cost hotel, earlier flight, and modest dining, you may bring that closer to US$1,000. Of course, rates vary widely.
Smart budgeting means choosing your hotel with transport in mind (short ride, less transit time), choosing your transport passes ahead, targeting a limited number of major sights rather than non-stop activity, and building in café time and walking time so you’re not burning energy or cash on unnecessary transfers.
Sample Two-Day Plan You’ll Enjoy
When I first arrived in Paris, I wanted my trip to feel easy, unhurried, and filled with the kind of moments that stay with you long after you leave. This plan turned out to be the perfect balance of adventure and calm, and if you don’t have much time to plan, you might love it too!
Day One started with a morning flight from Dublin that landed in Paris just after midday. Once I cleared arrivals, I chose a smooth transfer into the city and checked in at my hotel. Instead of rushing out, I took a few minutes to settle in before heading to a nearby café for lunch.
The first bite of fresh baguette and the aroma of roasted coffee instantly told me I was in Paris. After lunch, I went for a slow walk along the Seine, letting the bridges, soft light, and sound of street music pull me into the city’s rhythm.
I stopped at a charming little bookshop and spent a while just people-watching with a warm coffee in hand. Later that evening, I found a cozy bistro near my hotel for dinner around 7:30. The meal was simple, comforting, and the perfect end to my first day in Paris.
Day Two began bright and early with my reserved visit to the Louvre. Getting there before the crowds was such a relief, and I loved having quiet moments in front of the artworks I’d always dreamed of seeing.
Afterward, I wandered through the Tuileries Gardens, grabbed a coffee, and sat under the trees for a bit of calm. In the afternoon, I made my way to the Eiffel Tower, ticket ready and excited. Arriving just before sunset was the best decision because the view of the city slowly lit up was breathtaking.
When the tower began to sparkle, I couldn’t help but smile. I ended the night with dinner by the river and a relaxed walk under the glowing streetlights. Paris felt alive, and for the first time, it felt like it truly belonged to me.
Final Touches Before You Book
When I planned my trip from Dublin to Paris, a few choices made all the difference. I booked a flight that landed around midday, which gave me time to check in, grab lunch, and still enjoy my first afternoon instead of losing it to travel fatigue.
Choosing the right airport mattered too. I landed at Charles de Gaulle since it had easy connections to the city, but if you’re traveling light, Orly can be just as convenient.
I picked a hotel close to a metro line, and that single decision saved me so much time during my stay. Getting anywhere in minutes felt like a gift.
Finally, plan your transport pass wisely. For short trips, single or day tickets work fine, but if you’re staying longer, the weekly Navigo Pass is worth it. Small travel choices like these turn a good Paris getaway into a stress-free one.
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