Hello Paris, the future operator of the CDG Express service, has unveiled the new trains that will provide a direct connection between Paris-Est station and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in just 20 minutes.
The rolling stock has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of an airport rail link, with a strong focus on speed, comfort, accessibility and reliability.
The new trains are based on the Coradia Polyvalent platform, originally developed by Alstom and now manufactured by CAF France at its Reichshoffen plant in Alsace. They will be capable of operating at speeds of up to 150 km/h, enabling the service to maintain its planned journey time while ensuring a high level of punctuality.
The CDG Express service will operate a dedicated fleet of 13 trains. Ten units will be in daily service, two will be allocated to maintenance activities, and one additional train will be kept on standby at Paris-Est station to replace any unavailable unit at short notice.
Comfort and accessibility tailored to air travellers
The interior of the trains has been designed to meet the needs of passengers travelling with luggage. Each train will feature more than ten dedicated luggage storage areas distributed throughout the train to facilitate passenger flow and reduce congestion.
A fully low-floor design will allow step-free movement from one end of the train to the other, while gap-filling systems at the doors will ensure level boarding for passengers with suitcases, wheelchairs or pushchairs.
All seats will be equipped with reclining backrests, fold-out tables, power sockets and both USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Passengers will also benefit from onboard Wi-Fi throughout the journey, while LED lighting will automatically adjust to different times of the day. Each train will include toilets and baby-changing facilities.
At one end of every train, a dedicated “Express Lounge” area will offer 12 seats arranged in a 2+1 configuration, providing greater privacy and comfort for passengers seeking a more premium travel experience.
Accessibility has been integrated throughout the entire train design. In addition to step-free access, the trains will feature dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, wheelchair-accessible toilets, touch-free water dispensers and SOS buttons positioned at suitable heights.
The trains will be equipped with LCD screens providing real-time travel information, including remaining journey time and expected arrival times. Audio announcements will be available in multiple languages, while an onboard train manager will assist passengers throughout the journey.
Safety will be ensured through onboard CCTV systems, door-integrated alarm systems and emergency call functions that can be located directly by the driver.
According to the operator, the trains have been designed for a service life of between 35 and 40 years. Their modular design and standardised components are expected to optimise maintenance operations and reduce long-term lifecycle costs.
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