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Getting to the Arc de Triomphe: metro, car, walking & more

Where is the Arc de Triomphe located?

The Arc de Triomphe is located on the right bank of the Seine, at:
Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

The arch stands tall at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, a 1.9-kilometer avenue running between Place de la Concorde in the east and the Place Charles de Gaulle in the west.

Place Charles de Gaulle is one of the busiest roundabouts in Paris, with 12 avenues radiating from its center. A rooftop view from the arch will give you uninterrupted views of all the Parisian landmarks that sit along the About the Historical Axis of Paris.

Nearest landmark: Hotel de la Marine (2km)

Getting there by public transportation

Lines: 1, 2, and 6

Nearest station: Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile station (6-minute walk, 400m)

Travel time: 20 minutes

Metro timings: Lines 1, 2, and 6 operate daily from 5:30am to 1:15am, extended to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Line: A

Nearest station: Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile station (6-minute walk, 400m)

Travel time: 13 minutes

RER timings: Line A operates daily from 5am to midnight, extended to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Lines: 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92

Nearest station: Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile station (6-minute walk, 400m)

Travel time: 15 minutes from Concorde

Bus timings: Buses operate daily from 5:45 am to 00:45am.

Pro-tip: Sit on the right side of Bus 73 for fantastic views of the Champs-Élysées as you approach the Arc de Triomphe.

Getting here by car

Driving route

Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

The Arc de Triomphe sits at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 avenues meet. You can approach the area via major roads such as the Champs-Élysées, Avenue de la Grande Armée, or Avenue de Wagram, depending on where you're coming from.

You cannot drive directly up to the monument. Once parked, reach the Arc using the underground pedestrian passage rather than trying to cross the busy roundabout.

Parking near the Arc de Triomphe

There is no visitor parking at the Arc de Triomphe itself, but several paid car parks are available around the Champs-Élysées and Place Charles de Gaulle.

  • Parking Indigo Paris Étoile Wagram: A convenient option near Place Charles de Gaulle, with a short walk to the Arc.
  • Parking Indigo Paris George V: Located just off the Champs-Élysées and useful if you're combining the Arc with a walk along the avenue.
  • Parking Indigo Paris Hoche: Another nearby option, particularly convenient when approaching from the northern side of Place Charles de Gaulle.

Good to know: Driving around Place Charles de Gaulle can be challenging because of the multi-lane roundabout. If you're already in central Paris, the Metro or RER is usually the simpler way to reach the Arc de Triomphe.

Alternate ways to reach Arc de Triomphe

Cyclists riding near Arc de Triomphe on a Paris street.

Cycling can work well if you're already exploring western or central Paris. You can approach the Arc via the surrounding avenues, but avoid cycling into the Place Charles de Gaulle roundabout, where traffic is particularly busy.

  • Bike parking: Bicycle parking is available on nearby streets including rue Arsène Houssaye, avenue Hoche, rue Beaujon, rue Balzac, and rue Traktir.
  • Bike sharing: Vélib' stations are available around the surrounding neighbourhood, making it possible to cycle part of the journey and continue to the Arc on foot.
  • Final access: Park your bike before reaching the monument and use the underground pedestrian passage to get beneath the Arc.

Best for: Visitors already cycling around central Paris who want to combine the Arc with the Champs-Élysées or nearby neighbourhoods.

Arc de Triomphe with a person walking nearby on a Paris street.

Walking to the Arc de Triomphe works particularly well if you're already around the Champs-Élysées, Trocadéro, or western central Paris. The approach along the Champs-Élysées also gives you a clear view of the monument getting larger as you get closer.

  • From the Champs-Élysées: Walk west along the avenue towards Place Charles de Gaulle.
  • From the Eiffel Tower area: You can walk via the Trocadéro/16th arrondissement, though allow more time than taking the Metro.
  • At the roundabout: Do not cross the traffic lanes to reach the Arc. Use the underground pedestrian passage that takes you safely beneath Place Charles de Gaulle.
  • Good to pair with: A walk along the Champs-Élysées before or after your Arc de Triomphe visit.

Best for: Visitors who want to turn the journey into part of their sightseeing rather than simply getting from A to B.

Best ways to get to the Arc de Triomphe

  • Budget-friendly: Take the Metro or RER to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. It’s usually the simplest low-cost option, and the station puts you right by the Arc.
  • Fastest route: From central Paris, the Metro is usually faster and more predictable than driving, especially around Place Charles de Gaulle where traffic can be heavy.
  • For sightseeing: Walk along the Champs-Élysées towards the Arc. It turns the journey into part of the visit and gives you one of the best approaches to the monument.
  • For flexibility: A taxi or rideshare works well if you’re travelling with luggage, children, or anyone who prefers less walking.
  • Good to know: However you arrive, use the underground pedestrian passage to reach the monument—don’t try to cross the roundabout.

​Plan your Arc de Triomphe visit ➡️

Frequently asked questions about the location of Arc de Triomphe

It’s approximately 2.5 km away, about a 30-minute walk or 10 minutes by car or metro.

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