Hello Paris Launches 13 CDG Express Trains for Paris Airport

PARIS, FRANCE – Hello Paris, the future operator of the CDG Express, officially unveiled the design of its new fleet of 13 custom-built trains in June 2026. The dedicated rolling stock, manufactured by CAF France at its Reichshoffen facility, will operate at speeds of up to 150 km/h to connect Paris-Est station directly with Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The service is designed to cover the route in exactly 20 minutes, with ten units in active daily operation.

What Are the Technical Specifications?

The CDG Express fleet will consist of 13 customized Coradia Polyvalent trains engineered specifically for high-frequency airport shuttle services. Ten of these units will maintain daily operations, while two are designated for routine maintenance and one is stationed on standby at Paris-Est for rapid deployment. To optimize baggage handling and passenger flow, each low-floor train features more than ten distributed luggage areas and gap-filling door systems for level, step-free boarding. The passenger cabin includes a premium 12-seat “Express Lounge” in a 2+1 seating configuration, while standard seating features USB-A/C ports, power sockets, and adaptive LED lighting. The total capital expenditure for this specific rolling stock order was not officially disclosed by the operator or manufacturers.

Key Technical Data

Where Does This Technology Stand in the Market?

The customized Coradia Polyvalent platform faces stiff competition from established European airport-link rolling stock platforms. For instance, the Siemens Desiro HC offers a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h and utilizes a mixed single- and double-deck configuration to maximize passenger capacity, compared to the 150 km/h single-deck layout of the CAF-built Coradia Polyvalent (Source: Siemens Mobility, 2023). Additionally, the Stadler FLIRT airport variant, utilized on Norway’s Flytoget airport express, achieves speeds of up to 200 km/h and features specialized pressure-tight cabins for high-speed tunnel transits, whereas the CDG Express fleet is optimized for a lower maximum speed of 150 km/h (Source: Stadler Rail, 2024).

Furthermore, local transit alternatives present a unique integration challenge. While the CDG Express aims to establish a new premium link, existing public transit data indicates that traveling from Paris-Est to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport can currently be completed in approximately 20 minutes utilizing specific direct RER B train paths, though this route operates under standard suburban transit conditions rather than a dedicated airport-spec configuration.

Editor’s Analysis

The deployment of a highly tailored, low-floor airport fleet underscores a growing European trend where operators prioritize passenger experience and luggage-handling efficiency over raw speed to compete with road transport. This investment aligns with France’s broader strategy to modernize its infrastructure, highlighted by the country securing €93 billion in investment pledges at the Choose France summit (Source: Reuters, 2026). By securing a dedicated 13-train fleet with high redundancy, Hello Paris is positioning the CDG Express as a highly reliable premium corridor designed to shield international travelers from the congestion of the standard Parisian suburban network.

FAQ

Q: What is the travel time and route of the new CDG Express service?
A: The CDG Express will connect Paris-Est station directly with Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in 20 minutes. The service will run on a dedicated path using a fleet of 13 specialized trains.

Q: Who is manufacturing the trains and what is their expected operational lifespan?
A: The trains are based on Alstom’s Coradia Polyvalent platform and are being manufactured by CAF France at its Reichshoffen plant. They are designed for an operational service life of between 35 and 40 years.

Q: What premium amenities are available for passengers on board?
A: Passengers can access a dedicated 12-seat “Express Lounge” featuring a spacious 2+1 seating arrangement. Standard amenities across the train include onboard Wi-Fi, adaptive LED lighting, and individual USB-A and USB-C charging ports.