The cathedral sits in the heart of Paris on Île de la Cité, a small island in the Seine River. Its central location makes it accessible from all parts of the city.
Located near landmarks like the Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie, reaching Notre Dame is simple with metro, RER, buses, or by bike.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to reach Notre Dame Cathedral by different transport options, so you can choose the best way to get there.
Notre Dame Cathedral Location
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Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris. Get direction.
- 6 minutes walk from Sainte-Chapelle
- 6 minutes walk from Conciergerie
- 12 minutes walk from Square du Vert-Galant,
- 23 minutes drive from the Eiffel Tower
New entrance and exit
The visitor route has been redesigned for a more meaningful experience:
- Entry: Through the central Portal of the Last Judgement.
- Path: Begin on the north (left) side, circle to the back, and return via the south (right) side, symbolizing a journey from “darkness to light.”
- Exit: Through the Portal of Saint Anne.
Choose your mode of transportation to reach Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame’s central location makes it easily accessible through various modes of transportation, whether you prefer public transport, cycling, or driving. Refer map.
How to reach Notre Dame Cathedral by metro
The easiest way to reach Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is by metro.
Line 4 is the most direct option, with stops at Cité Station, just 5 minutes walk away from the cathedral, or Saint-Michel Station, which is even less, just 2 minutes walk away.
Other metro lines also connect to stations near the Cathedral.
Lines 1 and 11 stop at Hôtel de Ville and provide easy access from the right bank of the Seine.
If you’re coming from the left bank or the Latin Quarter, Line 10 stops at Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny–La Sorbonne stations.
Additionally, Châtelet Station, served by Lines 7, 11, and 14, is also within 8-minute walking distance.
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How to reach Notre Dame Cathedral by RER
The RER is especially convenient for visitors coming from the suburbs or airports.
The Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame Station, served by both RER Line B and Line C, offers direct access to the cathedral.
It’s an excellent option for those arriving from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports.
How to reach Notre Dame Cathedral by bus
Paris buses provide a scenic alternative for reaching Notre Dame Cathedral.
You can take Line 47 to Cité or Saint-Michel, Line 87 to Hôtel de Ville, or Line 75 to Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny – La Sorbonne.
These stops are all within a short walking distance of the cathedral.
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How to reach Notre Dame Cathedral by Vélib’ (bike sharing)
For those who prefer a more active mode of transportation, the Vélib bike-sharing system has several stations near Notre Dame.
You can find stations at 10 rue d’Arcole (Station 4001), Place Louis Lépine (Station 4002), and 1 Quai aux Fleurs (Station 4003).
Cycling through Paris is eco-friendly and offers beautiful views of the city.
How to reach Notre Dame Cathedral by car
If you’re driving, just fire up your Google Map and follow the directions to the landmark.
There are several parking options near the cathedral.
Lutèce – Cité Parking on Boulevard du Palais is one of the closest, located on the same island as Notre Dame.
Lobau – Rivoli Parking on Rue Lobau and Place Saint-Michel Parking on Rue Francisque Gay are also convenient.
For those coming from the left bank, Lagrange Parking on Rue Lagrange and Maubert–Saint–Germain Parking on Boulevard Saint-Germain are good choices.
Just remember that traffic in central Paris can be heavy, and parking availability may vary.
Tips for reaching Notre Dame Cathedral quickly
- The Paris Metro is the fastest way to reach Notre Dame Cathedral.
- RER Lines B and C provide direct airport transfers to Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame Station.
- Consider biking along the Seine or taking a leisurely bus ride for a scenic route.