Updated on 30 November 2025
Planning your trip to Paris? Here’s the clear, current overview of which airport to choose and how to reach the city fast once you land. Paris is served by three major airports, each catering to different types of flights.
- 1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – The Main International Hub
- 2. Orly Airport (ORY) – closer and now on Metro Line 14
- 3. Beauvais Airport (BVA) – budget option far from Paris
- Which Paris airport should you choose?
- Tickets after the 2025 changes (quick basics)
- Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Paris
- Useful official planners
- Conclusion: Arriving in Paris Made Easy
1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – The Main International Hub
Where it is: ~25 km northeast of Paris.
Best for: most intercontinental and legacy-carrier flights.
Ways into the city
- RER B train: Direct into central Paris with multiple connections (Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Gare du Nord). Fast, frequent, and cost-effective for most travelers.
- RoissyBus: Nonstop coach to Opéra (Palais Garnier) — simple if you’re staying near the center-north.
- Taxi (fixed fare): Official Paris taxis have fixed prices between CDG and the city (Right Bank vs Left Bank). Use the signed official ranks only.
- Ride-hailing (Uber/Bolt): Widely available; pricing varies with demand and traffic.
Official links:
2. Orly Airport (ORY) – closer and now on Metro Line 14
Where it is: ~15 km south of Paris.
Best for: European and domestic flights, many low-cost routes.
Ways into the city
- Metro Line 14 (direct): Since 2024, Line 14 runs to both terminals (Orly 1-2-3 / Orly 4). Fast, frequent, easy transfers across the network — no Orlyval change needed for many itineraries.
- OrlyBus: Discontinued Feb 2025. Use Line 14 instead.
- RER B via Orlyval: Driverless shuttle Orlyval to Antony, then RER B into central Paris — still useful depending on your destination.
- Taxi (fixed fare): Fixed-price taxis from official ranks; Left Bank vs Right Bank fares differ.
- Ride-hailing: Uber/Bolt available; pricing depends on traffic.
Official links:
3. Beauvais Airport (BVA) – budget option far from Paris
Where it is: ~85–90 km north of Paris (not in Île-de-France).
Best for: low-cost airlines (e.g., Ryanair, Wizz).
Ways into the city
- Official shuttle bus: Direct to Porte Maillot in Paris; from there take metro/RER. Travel time varies with traffic — plan buffer time.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Expensive over the long distance; only makes sense for groups at off-hours.
Which Paris airport should you choose?
CDG — best for long-haul and wide connection choices.
Orly — closest and now direct by Metro Line 14; great for quick access to the Left Bank and central connections.
Beauvais — lowest fares but longest transfer; factor in time and shuttle cost.
For what to do once you’re in the city, see our Paris transportation guide (2025 update) and route ideas like Metro Line 6 and Bus 69.
Tickets after the 2025 changes (quick basics)
- Paper tickets are no longer sold on metro/RER (since 5 Nov 2025; buses/trams phased out earlier).
- Use Navigo Easy (reloadable card) or phone tickets in the Île-de-France Mobilités / Bonjour RATP apps. Validate at gates (metro/RER) and keep proof of payment.
- Bus only: many lines now accept contactless bank cards on board for a single ride (no transfers; price differs). Bank cards do not open metro/RER gates.
- Weekly passes run Monday–Sunday; buy from the Friday before. Check the official app for current names and prices.
Full details: Paris Metro & Bus Tickets Guide (2025 Update).
Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Paris
Use official ranks and counters. Ignore unsolicited drivers in the terminal.
Pick the route to your neighborhood. Line 14 is excellent for Left Bank/central connections from ORY; RER B is the CDG workhorse; RoissyBus is simple for the Opéra area.
Buy or load tickets before boarding. Navigo Easy or phone tickets are fastest; the bus card terminal is a fallback.
Build buffer time. Works, traffic and events can slow buses/RER.
Watch your belongings. Keep phone/wallet zipped and in front, especially on trains and at major hubs.
Useful official planners
Île-de-France Mobilités journey planner
RATP (metro/RER/bus/tram maps)
Conclusion: Arriving in Paris Made Easy
No matter which airport you land at, there are plenty of options to reach the city center. Plan ahead, choose the best transport for your needs, and get ready to explore Paris like a pro!
Plan your first day with the Paris For You app — curated routes, themed maps, quizzes and offline maps in 26 languages.
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