Find the right Metro, RER or bus connection, learn where to enter safely, and plan your journey from Paris stations and airports. Includes accessible arrival advice and ticket tips so you arrive at the correct entrance, on time.
The Arc is in the middle of a busy road junction. Public transport usually makes arrival easier. Choose based on your starting point rather than which mode looks fastest on a map.
Get off at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, the main transport station beside the monument. Line 1 connects central Paris, Line 2 serves northern neighbourhoods and Line 6 links parts of southern Paris. Follow signs for the Arc and Passage du Souvenir, not the traffic circle.
RER A is useful if you are already on its east–west corridor or travelling via a connected station. Check your train destination and platform, then follow the monument signs after leaving the train.
The official monument lists buses 22, 30, 31, 52, 73 and 92 and Balabus. Check the current Île-de-France Mobilités journey planner for actual routes, nearby stops, days of operation and diversions.
Give your driver the destination Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris. They cannot drive through the monument entrance. Most passengers need to walk from the drop-off to the designated underground passage.
Walk uphill along the Champs-Élysées to Place Charles de Gaulle. The arch is visible ahead, but use the Passage du Souvenir underpass at the top of the avenue to reach it safely.
The traffic circle is not a drop-off or pedestrian-crossing shortcut. Drivers should arrange parking away from the central junction. Cyclists can look for Vélib’ stands on nearby streets, then approach on foot via the designated passage.
Finding the monument is easy; finding its pedestrian entrance is the part first-time visitors sometimes miss.
Enter the pedestrian passage from the upper Champs-Élysées or Avenue de la Grande Armée. It runs beneath the traffic around Place Charles de Gaulle and brings you to the visitor-access area.
Self-guided entry and third-party guided tours do not always share the same meeting point. A guide might meet you outside the monument before escorting the group to entry.
There is no safe pedestrian crossing directly across the traffic lanes to the arch. Use the underpass or the separate authorised accessible drop-off arrangement.
These are practical route patterns, not guaranteed journey times. Connections can change during railworks and public events.
| Starting point | Suggested route | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Gare de Lyon | Metro 1 towards La Défense; get off at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. | Line 1 platform and current service. |
| Gare du Nord | Metro 2 from La Chapelle towards Porte Dauphine to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile; allow time to walk between stations. | Station interchange and lifts if carrying luggage. |
| Gare Saint-Lazare | Metro 3 to Villiers, change to Metro 2 towards Porte Dauphine. | Check whether a more convenient bus or transfer is available. |
| Gare Montparnasse | Metro 6 towards Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. | Metro entrance and train direction. |
| Châtelet / central Paris | Metro 1 or RER A directly to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. | Which station and platform suit your current location. |
| Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) | RER B toward Paris, change at Châtelet–Les Halles to RER A towards Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. | Airport terminal, railway disruption and valid airport fare. |
| Orly Airport (ORY) | Metro 14 towards central Paris, change at Châtelet to Metro 1 or RER A towards Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. | Airport transport fare and interchange. |
| Eiffel Tower / Bir-Hakeim area | Metro 6 towards Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. | Walking distance from the tower to your station. |
For live journeys use the Île-de-France Mobilités planner or the RATP planner. Suggested routes are not promises of a direct service on any given day.
A convenient journey depends on luggage, mobility and whether you have a strict entry time.
Public transport avoids taxi traffic and is usually convenient from central Paris. Buy the correct ticket for your journey.
Choose a route with fewer stairs or interchanges and allow time for snacks, toilets and finding the underpass.
Visitors with train connections should plan around their return journey, not just the monument entry time.
Your guide’s meeting address may differ from the general visitor entrance. The product confirmation takes priority.
Use the special vehicle drop-off and check the latest terrace-lift notice rather than assuming step-free access.
The monument has no luggage storage and limits admitted bag size to 40 × 40 × 20 cm.
The ordinary pedestrian underpass has stairs. Reaching the forecourt and reaching the rooftop are separate accessibility questions.
The monument identifies a vehicle drop-off on the Avenue de la Grande Armée side, accessible by taxi or private vehicle without prior reservation. Once on the forecourt, visitors should report to reception staff for assistance.
The official accessibility notice currently states that the lift is out of service until further notice, so terrace access requires stairs. Do not purchase a terrace visit assuming step-free rooftop access without confirming a change with the monument.
Source: Official accessibility update.
Being at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile is not the same as being inside the monument.
After leaving the train you still need to find the right signs, pass through the pedestrian tunnel and complete security checks. Timed guided tours may have separate check-in requirements.
Last admission is normally 45 minutes before closing; ceremonies and weather can interrupt normal visiting arrangements.
Keep the booking email or mobile ticket available offline.
Look for works, diversions and station restrictions before leaving.
Guided tour locations can differ from the standard entrance.
Maximum baggage size: 40 × 40 × 20 cm; no storage on site.
Arrange your return Metro or RER journey separately.
Events and ceremonies may reduce access, even with tickets.
Getting there does not require a monument ticket. Paying becomes relevant when you want to enter the interior and terrace or join a guided experience.
| Experience | Who it suits | What to verify before paying |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior and Unknown Soldier memorial | Visitors wanting photos and to see the free memorial. | Forecourt access may change during ceremonies. |
| Official rooftop admission | Independent travellers who want interior displays and panoramic views. | Opening day, admission eligibility, 284 steps and current lift restrictions. |
| Guided monument tour | Visitors who prefer explanation of history, carvings and memorials. | Whether monument admission is included and exact meeting point. |
| Paris combination experience | Visitors arranging multiple attractions in one day. | Which attractions are actually included, transfers and scheduling. |
You can see the monument from outside and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier without purchasing terrace admission. Buy a ticket only for the interior and rooftop visit or a separately offered tour.
These links let you review available products and their current prices. Each product has its own meeting point and cancellation terms.
For visitors who want the monument’s interior displays and terrace without paying for an additional guided experience. Check opening hours, free-entry eligibility and lift status first.
Check official ticket options →
Compare a third-party rooftop ticket listing, including available dates, redemption instructions and refund terms. Standard security checks still apply.
See rooftop tickets →
Explore guided sightseeing experiences and compare whether rooftop admission, transport, a guide or other attractions are included. Do not assume every walking tour enters the arch.
Compare available tours →Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission from qualifying third-party bookings, at no extra cost to you. Prices, availability, access and inclusions are determined by the booking provider.
Use Metro 1, 2, 6 or RER A where convenient; check the journey planner for disruptions.
Never cross the roundabout. Use the designated pedestrian tunnel or authorised accessible access.
Check ticket conditions, security, lift status and any tour meeting instructions.