Paris Gare du Nord (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel From Paris city centre to train station Paris Gare du Nord

Paris comprises 20 arrondissements, or districts, that spiral clockwise from the center to form the circular City of Light. The 4th arrondissement, abbreviated 4th arr., is home to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. It is from here that all distances are measured within the city. Paris boasts of superb public transportation, including vast networks of trains, subways and buses. There are six large train stations throughout the city, and Gare du Nord, translated North Station, is located in the 10th arr., in the northern section of Paris. This is the largest train station in Paris and services northern France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom via high-speed trains, regional lines and intercity routes.

What is the best way to get to train station Paris Gare du Nord from Paris city centre?

It's relatively easy to travel to the Paris Gare du Nord train station from Paris city centre using the city's public transportation. From the Notre Dame Cathedral, it's a five-minute walk to the Cité subway station, which is part of the Paris Métro system and will be marked with a blue "M." There also is a metro bus stop at the Cité Palace of Justice, which is just a five-minute walk from the cathedral. From the Louvre Museum, travelers can take the subway from the Palais-Royal station to the Poissonnière stop and take a short walk to the Gare du Nord train station. There is a bus stop directly in front of the Louvre, and bus No. 39 runs to the Valenciennes stop, which is just a few steps from Gare du Nord train station.

How far is it from Paris city centre to the train station Paris Gare du Nord?

From Notre Dame, the Cité subway station Line 4 runs every five minutes, and it takes 15 minutes to reach the train station Paris Gare du Nord. Travelers also can take the No. 38 bus at the Cité Palace of Justice bus stop, which takes 20 minutes to arrive at the train station. Taxi service takes 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic. If visitors have time and want to stop and see sights along the way, it is two-mile (3.4 kilometer) walk, which takes about 45 minutes. From the Louvre, Line 7 takes only eight minutes and runs every five minutes. The No. 39 bus from the Louvre takes 17 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. To walk from the Louvre to Gare du Nord, it's about two miles (three kilometers) and takes approximately 35 minutes.

How accessible is the train station Paris Gare du Nord for those with limited mobility?

Nearly all of the Paris metro buses are equipped with electronic ramps for wheelchair accessibility. One wheelchair spot is available on each bus. Wheelchair-bound passengers ride free of charge. All other disabled passengers receive a 50 percent discount. Most subway stations are not wheelchair accessible and do not have elevators. If traveling from the northern suburbs of Paris to the train station Paris Gare du Nord, the RER regional trains offer manually released ramps to connect cars to the platforms.  However, the ground-level commuter RER trains do not run intercity. Travelers who have several heavy pieces of luggage pieces and are wheelchair-bound are advised to utilize taxi services as the most comfortable and stress-free transportation option to the train station Paris Gare du Nord.  Those with limited mobility should contact taxi services prior to departure to ensure they receive a properly equipped vehicle. 

Local tips: The train station Paris Gare du Nord points of interest

The Paris Métro subway system is the most popular way to travel to the train station Paris Gare du Nord from Paris city centre. metro stations are located at or near virtually all well-known tourist attractions. Visitors need only look for the big blue "M" signs. Because the Gare du Nord is the largest and busiest train station in Paris, all subway stations have at least one line that stops at the train station. There are many attractions and historical sites near the train station, including Cité Napoléon​, Saint-Vincent de Paul Catholic Church​, Hôtel Bony​ and Paris Musées​ (City Museum). 

Once inside Gare du Nord, travelers will find a restaurant, two snack bars, a currency exchange and tourism office. Restrooms are located on track 36 and are wheelchair accessible with baby changing facilities. The station offers free WiFi for 20 minutes. Inside the station, there is a restaurant and two snack shops. Various shops, boutiques and eateries immediately surround the train station, including chocolatiers, floral shops, wine and cheese bistros, coffee shops and bakeries.