Paris-Nord to Paris-Est by Metro/RER

Smooth transfer tips

• There are escalators and lifts to take you to and from the platforms. Don’t struggle up the first stairs you see – take a moment to look for the escalator or lift, or ask someone. The French for “escalator” is “escalator” and “lift” is “ascenseur.”
• To save time, buy your Metro/RER tickets in advance from the Eurostar travel centre at St Pancras, or on board from the train cafe-bar (the Metro/RER ticket machines at Paris-Nord sometimes have queues up to 15 minutes long). On Eurostar, tickets are sold in sets of 10 (called a carnet) costing £12.20. At the travel centre a carnet costs £11.50. The tickets are valid indefinitely and can be used for any RER or Metro journey.
• The ticket entry gates on the Metro can be a bit narrow to enter with a wide suitcase. Look for the wide-entry gate, which has a button that you press for it to open.

More questions? See our Paris Metro FAQ page

Paris-Nord to Paris-Est by Advance-booked Taxi

How it works

1. You advance book with a Parisien taxi company (see below), using a simple email form or by phone (they speak English). The taxis can carry skis and snowboards.
2. The taxi driver waits at the end of your platform with a placard with your name on it.
3. You drive from Paris-Nord to Paris Est, which takes about four minutes. All the drivers speak English.
4. The taxi drops you at the station, or if you prefer, a restaurant opposite the station. The taxi driver can help you all the way to the train platform if you wish.

Time required

Allow 25 minutes in total for this change, although it may take less than that. (On weekdays 5-7pm and Friday and Saturday evenings, allow 35, due to traffic). If in doubt, consult the taxi company first.

What it costs  

 *depends on time of day

Taxi Rank

The taxi rank at Gare du Nord is located just outside the station, next to Platform 1.

When you arrive by Eurostar, the taxi rank is just 50 metres to your right.

Taxis arrive constantly and you will rarely have to wait for more than 10 minutes.

Most taxis can carry skis or snowboards for an additional charge of €2. There is also a selection of larger vehicles which can carry 5, 6 or 7 people.

Regular taxi fares:

Gare du Nord – Gare de l’Est, €12 - €15

Gare du Nord – Gare du Lyon, €15 - €20

Gare du Nord – Gare d’Austerlitz, €15 - €20

Walk

This map shows the walking route between Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est.

This route takes around 10 minutes, and there are no stairs or steps.

Exit Gare du Nord into the Boulevard de Denain straight ahead, turn left into the Boulevard de Magenta, then left again into the Rue du 8 Mai 1945.

There's an even shorter route, but it involves a flight of stairs, so avoid that. Ask any local to make sure you are headed the right way - everyone is helpful.

You can also view the Google Map here.