Die Fakten, die man zuerst sucht – aus diesem Guide.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Download the "Île-de-France Mobilités" app: Paper tickets are becoming a thing of the past. You can purchase and store your digital tickets directly in the app before you even land, which saves you from fumbling with machines or queuing upon arrival.
If you need storage, self-service lockers are on the lower level (level -1) near platform 3, open daily from 6:15 to 23:15. You will need coins for these, so carry a few euros in change.
Elevator/Escalator: The station is largely level, making it easy to navigate with wheeled luggage between the taxi rank, concourse, and platforms.
Toilets & Luggage: Paid toilets (around €1) are located near the main concourse and on level -1.
WiFi: Connect to the free station WiFi by selecting the "SNCF" network.
Gib die Nummer von deinem Ticket oder der Anzeigetafel ein, um zu sehen, was dieser Guide dazu sagt.
Gare du Nord is a major hub served by RER lines B and D, and Metro lines 4 and 5. Please note: Magnetic paper tickets are being phased out in 2026. You must use either a Navigo Easy card or the Île-de-France Mobilités/Bonjour RATP smartphone app.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
From Paris City Center
By Taxi
Note: Avoid unauthorized individuals offering "official" rides in the terminal; always follow signs to the official taxi ranks.
Gare du Nord is a bustling terminus station, meaning all tracks end here rather than passing through. It is a large, high-traffic facility, so allow 10–15 minutes if you need to navigate between distant platforms or transfer to underground lines. Think of the layout as a linear arrangement: most mainline platforms (1–36) are situated in a single row at street level, while RER and Métro services operate on lower levels.
Platforms are numbered 1 to 36 from west (left) to east (right) when facing the tracks from the main concourse. However, they are not all interchangeable. Platforms 1 and 2 are service-only. Eurostar trains to London use platforms 3–6; these are specialized zones requiring you to access the dedicated Eurostar terminal on the upper-level mezzanine for check-in and security before proceeding to the platforms. Platforms 7 and 8 typically serve international Eurostar routes to Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Platforms 9–21 handle TGV and regional (TER) trains, while platforms 30–36 are primarily for suburban Transilien lines.
A common point of confusion for first-time visitors is that platform numbers are often only displayed on the main concourse departure screens 20–30 minutes before departure. Do not panic if your platform is not listed immediately; wait in the central hall where you can easily see the main boards.
To reach the underground RER (B, D, E) and Métro (lines 4, 5) platforms, follow the signs for "RER" or "Métro" which lead you away from the main concourse toward the eastern side of the station and down to lower levels. If you are arriving on a long-distance train and need a taxi, follow signs for the western exit (near platform 3), where the official taxi rank is located. Because the station is so busy, keep your luggage close and stay alert. If you are ever unsure of your direction, look for the large, color-coded totems and information kiosks scattered throughout the concourse, which are designed to guide passengers toward the correct level for their specific mode of transport.
Navigating Paris’s busiest station can feel overwhelming, but don't worry—you can easily handle it like a pro. I wish someone had told me these specifics before my first arrival.
The CITY-LOCKER® left-luggage office is located at 9, Rue des 2 Gares, 75010 Paris. It is a 1-minute walk from the exit of each of the two stations (Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est). You can freely access your locker multiple times at no extra cost throughout your rental period.
The CITY-LOCKER® facility is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can deposit luggage after 08:00 and must collect it before 22:00. The store is secured by an access code.
Each rented locker measures H.61 x W.48 x D.85 cm (or H.24.0 x W.18.9 x D.33.5 inches). This size can contain up to 4 carry-on suitcases in the international IATA format, which is 55 x 35 x 20 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches). You should rent additional lockers for larger luggage.
Follow the signs with a UK flag to 'Hall 2'. Eurostar departures are on the first-floor balcony overlooking the main concourse. Use the escalators opposite platform 17 or the lifts opposite platforms 9 and 10 to get there.
For Eurostar Standard or Plus, arrive at the time on your ticket; ticket gates close 30 minutes before departure. For Eurostar Premier, gates close 15 minutes before departure. Always allow enough time for pre-departure checks. Download your ticket close to your travel date.
The location is served by Metro lines 4, 5, and 7, and bus lines 26, 31, 32, 35, 38, 39, 43, 45, 46, 48, 54, 56, and 91. It is close to Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est stations, Montmartre, and Sacré-Cœur. Nearby RER lines are B, D, E, H, K, and P.
Terminus station serving Paris, France. Originally opened in 1846, the current architectural landmark was built between 1861 and 1864, with subsequent interior rebuilds and expansions occurring throughout the 20th century. As Europe’s busiest railway station, it operates as a major hub for high-speed international trains—including Eurostar and TGV—as well as extensive regional, commuter, and local Métro services.
Is this station huge and confusing? For first-time travelers, the sheer scale can feel overwhelming, but the layout is surprisingly linear. The station is organized into distinct halls; Hall 1 serves the main long-distance platforms, while other areas manage suburban lines and international departures. It is well-signposted with displays in English to assist international visitors.
To ensure a smooth experience, allow extra time to navigate the terminal, especially if you are catching an international train that requires security checks. Note that platform numbers are typically posted on departure screens only 30 to 60 minutes before departure. While the station is large, it features flat, level access between the main concourse and platforms, making it relatively straightforward to navigate with luggage. Always verify your specific hall and platform number on the digital screens upon arrival to build confidence in your departure process.
