Gara de Nord
A bustling transport hub with striking communist-era architecture, offering diverse amenities and excellent connectivity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Gara de Nord
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling transport hub with striking communist-era architecture, offering diverse amenities and excellent connectivity.
"It looks really dreadful on the outside but inside it looks better. "
🎯 Arrive Early for Snacks
Grab snacks and coffee before your train; many good bakeries and cafes available. :coffee:
🎟️ Electronic Ticketing
Utilize electronic ticketing machines for a smoother ticket purchase experience. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Communist-Style Architecture
Interior and exterior
Admire the unique communist-era architecture, a striking contrast to modern stations.
Extensive Amenities
Throughout the station
Discover a wide array of shops, restaurants, bakeries, and coffee spots for all your needs.
Metro & Airport Access
Lower levels
Easily connect to the Paris Metro and the train to OTP airport for seamless travel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Gare du Nord
Safety & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Snacks
Grab snacks and coffee before your train; many good bakeries and cafes available. :coffee:
🎟️ Electronic Ticketing
Utilize electronic ticketing machines for a smoother ticket purchase experience. :ticket:
🗺️ Easy Navigation
Despite its size, the station is generally easy to navigate with 12 platforms. :compass:
🚊 Public Transport Hub
Convenient access to Metro, trams, and buses right outside the station. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Snacks
Grab snacks and coffee before your train; many good bakeries and cafes available. :coffee:
🎟️ Electronic Ticketing
Utilize electronic ticketing machines for a smoother ticket purchase experience. :ticket:
🗺️ Easy Navigation
Despite its size, the station is generally easy to navigate with 12 platforms. :compass:
🚊 Public Transport Hub
Convenient access to Metro, trams, and buses right outside the station. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gare du Nord is a functional, albeit sometimes visually stark, transport hub with a unique communist-era architectural style. Visitors appreciate its extensive amenities, including numerous shops and eateries, and its excellent connectivity to public transport and the OTP airport. While the exterior can be imposing, the interior is generally considered easy to navigate, though it can get very crowded.
"I really love the architecture of the building of the communist style. It is the place where I travel a lot out of there. It has a ton of stores, restaurants, and gift shops. It has 12 platforms, and it's really easy to navigate through. The place is really open and sometimes it can get really crowded. Overall, I would recommend traveling out of here."
Tristan T
"Come early, get snacks, get tickets, and see the country for a fraction of the costs. Loved our time here, ready set up, cozy station."
Travel Girl
"Nothing special. Not very big Station.
Here is the train to and from the OTP airport.
Has some food/drink options, books Store, coffee shops, shawarma, fast Food, ATM, grocery store.
Has Metro access."
Kyrylo Sulyma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gare du Nord is well-connected by the Paris Metro. Lines 4 and 5 stop directly at the station. Trams and buses also serve the area, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.
Yes, Gare du Nord is a key transport hub. You can reach it from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) via the RER B train, and from Orly Airport (ORY) via the Orlyval shuttle to Antony station, then RER B.
The Metro is efficient, but can be crowded with luggage. Taxis or ride-sharing services offer a more comfortable option, especially if you have a lot of bags.
Yes, there are designated taxi ranks outside Gare du Nord. Be aware of potential queues during busy periods.
Yes, Gare du Nord serves as a departure point for trains to the OTP airport, making it a convenient transit point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets at the main ticket counters or use the numerous electronic ticketing machines available throughout the station.
Yes, ticket machines are available for various train services, including international routes. It's always a good idea to check the specific counter or machine for your desired destination.
Gare du Nord is generally open 24/7, but train services operate on specific schedules. Ticket offices and shops have their own operating hours.
For popular routes and international trains like Eurostar, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure better prices and ensure availability.
No, there is no fee to enter Gare du Nord. It is a public transport hub, and you only need a ticket for your specific train journey.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While Gare du Nord can feel overwhelming at night, it's generally manageable. Travelers from NYC have found it comparable to sketchier areas. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
Gare du Nord offers a wide range of amenities, including numerous stores, restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, a book store, ATMs, and a grocery store.
The station has 12 platforms and is described as relatively easy to navigate. Clear signage helps direct passengers to their platforms and amenities.
Absolutely! You'll find plenty of food and drink options, from fast food and shawarma to multiple good coffee places and excellent bakeries.
While specific Wi-Fi availability can vary, many major stations offer Wi-Fi services, often through partnerships or paid options. It's best to check for available networks upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the station's unique communist-style architecture offers interesting photographic opportunities, especially the interior details and the grand scale of the building.
Look for the grand halls and architectural details that showcase the communist-era design. The main concourse and platform areas can offer dynamic shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed in public areas of train stations. However, avoid intrusive photography of individuals or sensitive areas.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for better photographic conditions.
Yes, photographing trains from public areas is usually permitted. Be mindful of operational areas and security personnel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving a little earlier than usual to allow children to adjust to the busy environment without feeling rushed. The Metro connections are convenient for families, but if you have a lot of gear, a taxi might be a more comfortable option for the final leg to or from the station.
💰 Budget Travelers
Buying train tickets in advance, especially for longer journeys or international routes, can lead to substantial savings. The electronic ticketing machines are efficient, and comparing prices online before your trip is always a good strategy to find the best deals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Charm of Gare du Nord
Travelers often comment on this blend of the imposing exterior and the surprisingly detailed interior. It's a place where the grandeur of the past meets the hustle of modern travel. For those interested in architecture, Gare du Nord provides a unique subject, blending utilitarian design with a sense of historical significance.
Navigating Gare du Nord: Tips for a Smooth Journey
For those concerned about late-night travel, it's worth noting that while the station can be busy, it's a well-trafficked area. Staying aware of your surroundings and securing your belongings is always recommended, as in any major urban transport hub. The presence of numerous shops, cafes, and ticket machines means you're rarely far from assistance or amenities.
Public transport connections are a major advantage of Gare du Nord. It's a central point for the Paris Metro (Lines 4 and 5), trams, and buses, making onward travel within the city incredibly convenient. Electronic ticketing machines are widely available, streamlining the process of buying tickets for your onward journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit