Notre-Dame Cathedral is in the heart of Paris on Île de la Cité, so you’re never far from a major transport hub. For most first-time visitors, the best option is train (Metro or RER) because it’s fast, frequent, and avoids the traffic bottlenecks around the Seine. If you prefer a scenic ride at street level, bus can be pleasant, while taxis are most useful for comfort, late-night trips, or heavy luggage.
Notre-Dame’s official visitor information recommends arriving via nearby Metro stations (Cité, Saint-Michel, Hôtel de Ville, Maubert–Mutualité/Cluny–La Sorbonne, Châtelet) and RER (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame).
How to get to Notre-Dame Cathedral of Train
In Paris, “by train” usually means either the Metro (subway) or the RER (commuter rail). Both work well for Notre-Dame, and your choice mainly depends on where you’re staying and how much you want to minimize walking.
Best overall (fast + simple): Metro Line 4
The closest Metro access points listed by Notre-Dame are Cité and Saint-Michel on Line 4. These are especially convenient if you’re coming from the north/south axis of Paris or transferring through central hubs.
Best “train-style” option (great connections): RER B or RER C
If your hotel or itinerary lines up with the RER network, aim for Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, served by RER B and RER C. This is often the easiest choice when you’re coming from larger interchanges, or from areas that connect naturally to those RER lines.
Good alternatives if you’re already central
Notre-Dame also highlights several central Metro stations that are easy to work into a day of sightseeing or transfers:
- Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11)
- Maubert–Mutualité or Cluny–La Sorbonne (Line 10)
- Châtelet (Lines 7, 11, 14)
These can be excellent if you’re staying near the Louvre/Le Marais/Saint-Germain area and don’t mind a short walk along the river.
When to pick Metro vs RER
- Choose Metro if you want lots of route options and frequent trains across central Paris.
- Choose RER if you want fewer stops over longer distances (or you’re arriving from a major rail/airport corridor) and prefer a “main station” feel.
How to get to Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bus
Buses are a good fit when you want a more above-ground, scenic approach, or when your hotel is on a direct bus route and you’d rather avoid Metro corridors and stairs.
Notre-Dame’s official guidance lists these bus lines as practical options:
- Line 47 (Cité or Saint-Michel area)
- Line 72 (Hôtel de Ville area)
- Line 87 (Hôtel de Ville area)
- Line 75 (Maubert–Mutualité or Cluny–La Sorbonne area)
Why bus can be great
- You see the city on the way (especially along the Seine).
- It can feel simpler if you’re not comfortable with underground transfers.
- Stops around Saint-Michel, Hôtel de Ville, and the Latin Quarter are easy to combine with cafés and neighborhoods you may already be visiting.
Trade-offs
- Traffic and temporary diversions are common in central Paris, so arrival time can be less predictable than rail.
- If you’re on a tight schedule (timed entry, tour slot), Metro/RER usually wins.
A practical approach is: choose bus when you have flexibility and want the view; choose train when punctuality matters.
How to get to Notre-Dame Cathedral of Taxi
A taxi (or ride-hail) is the most comfortable option, and it can be the simplest if you’re traveling in a small group or carrying luggage. That said, central Paris traffic can make the final stretch slower than you expect.
What taxis are best for
- Door-to-door comfort (rain, winter, late night)
- Travelers with heavy bags
- Groups splitting the fare
What to expect near Notre-Dame
Île de la Cité is busy and often subject to traffic controls. Drivers may drop you near the cathedral rather than directly in front of it, depending on pedestrian zones and road conditions. In practice, the “last few minutes” are usually on foot.
How to ask your driver
Use the destination name plus the official forecourt location: “Notre-Dame de Paris, Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II.” Notre-Dame’s official address is 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris.
When taxi is not ideal
- Midday and rush hours in central Paris
- High-season afternoons when the riverbanks and bridges clog up
If you want the least stress, a good “hybrid” strategy is taxi to a nearby central area (Saint-Michel or Hôtel de Ville) and finish on foot.
How to get to Notre-Dame Cathedral of From the Airport
Notre-Dame is central, so airport-to-cathedral trips are usually easiest when you use the airport rail links and finish near Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame (RER) or Cité/Saint-Michel (Metro). Notre-Dame’s official access page specifically points visitors to RER B/C at Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame and Metro Line 4 at Cité/Saint-Michel as core options.
From Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Most travelers use RER B to reach central Paris; Paris Aéroport describes it as the simplest and most direct public transport link between CDG and Paris (notably via major hubs like Gare du Nord and Châtelet).
For Notre-Dame specifically, the convenient end goal is Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame (RER B), which places you very close to the cathedral area.
From Orly Airport (ORY)
From Orly, your aim is to connect into the central Metro/RER network and then approach Notre-Dame via the same core stations (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Cité, Saint-Michel, Hôtel de Ville).
If you prefer the simplest experience with luggage, taxis can be convenient from either airport, but expect traffic variability once you reach central Paris.
Comparison table
| Option | Best for | Speed | Predictability | Walking | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Metro/RER) | Most visitors, first-timers, timed plans | High | High | Low–Medium | Low–Medium |
| Bus | Scenic ride, nearby neighborhoods | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Taxi | Comfort, luggage, groups, late night | Medium | Low–Medium | Low–Medium | High |
| From the airport (rail + Metro/RER) | Budget + reliability | High | High | Low–Medium | Medium |
| From the airport (taxi) | Door-to-door simplicity | Medium | Medium | Low–Medium | High |
FAQ
Which station is closest to Notre-Dame?
The most convenient “arrive close and walk a little” stops are Cité and Saint-Michel (Metro), or Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame (RER).
Is the Metro or the RER better?
If you’re already in central Paris, Metro is usually simplest. If you’re arriving via a major corridor (including some airport routes), RER B/C to Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame can be very efficient.
Are buses a good idea for first-time visitors?
Yes—especially if you enjoy city views. Just allow a buffer for traffic and occasional route changes in the center.
Is taking a taxi to Notre-Dame straightforward?
It’s easy to request, but drop-off can vary due to central traffic controls. Asking for Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II is a practical target.
Sources: Official website of https://www.notredamedeparis.fr