Paris, April 30, 2026 – A new pedestrian tunnel is currently under construction in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, promising to significantly reduce travel times between the bustling Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. This 56-meter underground passage, located beneath Rue La Fayette, is slated for completion and opening in March 2027, aiming to transform inter-station transfers for hundreds of thousands of daily travelers.
Connecting Two Major Parisian Hubs
Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, both situated in the 10th arrondissement, have been central to Paris’s railway expansion since the 19th century. Despite their proximity, they serve distinct and vital railway networks. Gare du Nord connects to northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom via Eurostar, while Gare de l’Est serves eastern France, Germany, and Central Europe.
These two stations, separated by a mere 500 meters, are critical northeastern Parisian transportation hubs, linking various train, RER, metro, and bus lines. Their continental activity is substantial, with the City of Paris reporting over 800,000 daily travelers and nearly 200,000 daily inter-station connections. Gare du Nord is frequently cited as Europe’s busiest station and the third busiest globally.
A 56-Meter Underground Link
Currently, traversing between the two stations requires a walk of approximately fifteen minutes. However, with the new underground passage, pedestrians will be able to make the journey in just seven minutes. The tunnel, measuring 56 meters in length and 5.5 meters in width, is being built under Rue La Fayette. Access points will include level -2 of the RER E Magenta station (connected to Gare du Nord) and 50 Rue d’Alsace (10th arrondissement), a new entrance close to Gare de l’Est.
Simultaneous Launch with CDG Express
The inauguration of this connecting tunnel will coincide with the launch of the Charles de Gaulle Express (CDG Express) railway line. This new line will provide a direct link between Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Gare de l’Est. The CDG Express project is designed to alleviate congestion on the RER B line and the A1 and A3 motorways. With trains running every 15 minutes, this direct rail connection is expected to reduce airport travel time from Paris to approximately twenty minutes.
The project represents a concerted effort to enhance urban mobility and streamline connections within Paris’s extensive public transport network, addressing the growing demands of both local commuters and international travelers.
