Introduction

Planning a magical day out? Getting to Disneyland Paris from central Paris is simplest by train. The RER A line runs directly to Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy station, just steps from the gates of Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. This 2025 guide covers everything you need for a smooth, budget-friendly journey: which trains to take, how long it takes, how much it costs, and expert tips to avoid crowds and queues.

Why visit Disneyland Paris by train?

• Fast and direct: Around 35-50 minutes from central Paris, right to the resort entrance.
• Frequent departures: Every 10-15 minutes most of the day on the RER A.
• Budget-friendly: Cheaper than taxi or rideshare, with multiple Navigo and day-pass options.
• No traffic stress: Skip the ring-road congestion and parking fees.
• Family-friendly: Level-boarding train cars, stroller-friendly station, and short walk to the parks.

Step-by-step: Paris to Disneyland Paris by RER A

1. Reach an RER A station in Paris. Major central stations include Châtelet-Les Halles, Gare de Lyon, Auber (Opéra), Nation, and La Défense (west side).
2. Buy the correct ticket or pass. You need a valid fare for Zones 1-5 to Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy (Disneyland Paris). See ticket section below.
3. Follow signs for RER A (red). Look for trains heading to Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy. The RER A splits; ensure your train is the A4 branch to Disney, not Boissy‑Saint‑Léger.
4. Board and ride about 35-50 minutes. Onboard displays announce each stop. Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy is the terminus of the Disney branch.
5. Exit the station. You’ll arrive at the Disney Village area. It’s about a 2-5 minute walk to security and the park entrances.

Tip: If your train says “Boissy‑Saint‑Léger,” it’s the wrong branch. Get off at Châtelet-Les Halles or Vincennes/Nation and wait for a train labeled Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy.

Travel time, frequency, and typical fares

Typical journey times from central Paris

Frequency through the day (indicative)

Note: Times and frequency vary by day and season. Always check live information on RATP or Île‑de‑France Mobilités apps on your travel day.

Tickets and passes: what to buy for Disneyland Paris

To ride the RER A from Paris to Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy, you need a ticket covering Zones 1-5. A regular metro “t+” ticket is not valid beyond Zone 2. Buy a dedicated point‑to‑point ticket or use a pass that includes Zone 5.

Best options (choose one)

• Where to buy: Île‑de‑France Mobilités ticket machines (blue/white), RATP counters, SNCF counters, or on smartphone via the official app on compatible phones.
• Validation: Always validate your ticket/pass at the turnstiles for entry and carry it until the exit gates at Disney.
• Children: Reduced fares may apply; check the machine options for child tickets.

Price disclaimer: Fares change periodically. Use official apps or ticket machines for the latest prices on your travel date.

Directions from key Paris stations

From Gare de Lyon

• Follow signs to RER A (red).
• Board trains to Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy.
• Travel time: ~35-40 minutes.

From Châtelet-Les Halles

• Head to the RER platforms (large underground complex; allow extra walking time).
• Take the A4 branch to Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy.
• Travel time: ~40-45 minutes.

From Auber (Opéra)

• Enter the Auber RER station from Opéra area, follow RER A.
• Direct trains to Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy run regularly.
• Travel time: ~45-50 minutes.

From Nation

• Board RER A towards Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy.
• Travel time: ~30-35 minutes.

From La Défense

• Take RER A going east. Verify the destination display is Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy. If not, change at Châtelet-Les Halles.
• Travel time: ~60-65 minutes.

Practical tips for a smooth Disneyland Paris journey

Best times to travel

• Go early: Aim for trains arriving before park opening to beat queues.
• Avoid peaks: 08:00-09:30 and 17:00-19:00 are crowded with commuters.
• After fireworks: Trains get busy 15-30 minutes after the show. Leave a bit early or wait one extra train.

Navigation and apps

• Use RATP, Île‑de‑France Mobilités, SNCF Connect, or Citymapper for live times and platform info.
• Watch the overhead screens: look for Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy and the letter code indicating the branch.

Accessibility and luggage

• RER A trains generally offer wide doors and level boarding; a small step/gap may remain.
• Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy has elevators/escalators and accessible gates.
• Strollers are common; secure brakes and avoid blocking doors.
• Large suitcases are allowed on RER but avoid peak hours if possible.
• For storage, check Guest Storage at the parks or your hotel; station lockers are limited or unavailable due to security policies.

Safety and service disruptions

• Keep valuables secure and be mindful of pickpockets in busy stations.
• Occasional strikes or works can affect service; check live updates on the morning of your trip.
• If the RER A is disrupted, consider alternative routes (e.g., regional buses or TGV from airports; see below).

Small wins that make a big difference

• Stand near the train doors at Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy to exit quickly and join the security queue ahead of the crowd.
• Pack a portable battery and snacks; you’ll spend more time enjoying rides and less time waiting in lines.
• Screenshot your return route and last-train time in case of poor cell reception after fireworks.

Sample day trip plan (with costs)

Family of four: quick budget snapshot (transport only)

• Single tickets both ways: ~€40-€48 total (2 adults + 2 kids) depending on age and reduced fares.
• Navigo Day Pass (1-5): ~€80-€92 total for 4 if you plan lots of city travel the same day.
• Best value tip: If you’re in Paris for several days including a Monday-Sunday week, the Navigo Week (1-5) often pays off quickly.

Alternatives and airport connections

From Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Disneyland Paris

• TGV high-speed train: Direct CDG-Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy in about 10-15 minutes. Limited departures; book ahead for best fares.
• RER via Paris: RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles, then RER A to Disney; about 90 minutes total, more changes.
• Airport shuttle buses: Dedicated services run ~60 minutes depending on traffic; prebook for a guaranteed seat.

From Orly Airport (ORY)

• Orlyval + RER: Orlyval to Antony, RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles, RER A to Disney; ~90 minutes.
• Shuttle bus: Sometimes runs direct; check schedules and traffic conditions.

When TGV makes sense: If you’re landing at CDG and going straight to Disney with luggage, TGV is the fastest and most comfortable option. For most city-based trips, the RER A from Paris is optimal.

FAQ: Disneyland Paris by train

Do I need to book RER tickets in advance?

No. RER is a regional commuter rail; just buy at the station or via official apps on the day. For TGV from airports, booking ahead is recommended.

What time is the last train back to Paris?

Typically around midnight, varying by day and works schedule. Always check live times on your day of travel, especially after fireworks.

Are metro tickets (t+) valid to Disney?

No. You need a Zone 1-5 ticket (point‑to‑point) or a pass that includes Zone 5 (Navigo Day/Week, Paris Visite, Mobilis).

How far is the station from the park entrance?

About 2-5 minutes’ walk through Disney Village to security and the gates.

Can I use contactless bank card to tap in and out?

Contactless acceptance varies by product and zone. To avoid invalid fares or gate issues, buy a proper Zone 1-5 ticket or use a compatible Navigo pass covering Zone 5.

Is the RER A safe?

Yes, it’s widely used. As in any big city, keep an eye on bags and avoid blocking doors. Stations and trains are monitored, especially at peak hours.

Conclusion

Taking the RER A to Marne‑la‑Vallée-Chessy is the most straightforward, budget-friendly way to reach Disneyland Paris from the city. With frequent trains, a journey time of roughly 35-50 minutes from central Paris, and a station set at the resort’s doorstep, you’ll arrive relaxed and ready for magic. Choose the right ticket or pass for Zones 1-5, travel outside peak commuter hours if you can, and check live updates on your travel day. Follow this guide and your Paris to Disneyland Paris by train trip will be as smooth as a ride on “it’s a small world.”