You’re probably wondering: Why leave the airport for such a short time? It seems stressful, right? Well, a long layover can be a huge bummer, especially if you’re stuck in a boring airport. But, imagine this: you’re in Paris! Paris, with its amazing sights, delicious food, and charming atmosphere! Why not take advantage of your time and explore this beautiful city?
Making the Most of Your Paris Layover
Leaving the airport for a short time can definitely be stressful, especially if you’re not used to traveling frequently. If this is your first big trip or you have anxiety, it might be best to stay at the airport. However, if you’re a seasoned traveler, then you have more than enough time to enjoy a quick trip into the city!
Before you even think about Paris, plan your day in advance! What do you want to see? Do you want to hit all the major landmarks or spend time in a museum? Maybe you just want to eat your way through the city! Whatever you choose, don’t waste precious time deciding once you’re in Paris.
When choosing your activities, keep in mind the distance and location of each site. You don’t want to spend your entire layover stuck in traffic. Instead, pick activities that are close together and walkable, ideally near metro stations.
Paris is a popular destination, so be prepared for crowds and long lines. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case your top choice has a long wait. Consider making reservations in advance to skip the lines, even if it means paying a little extra.
Timing is crucial! Remember that you’ll need time for security and customs when you return to the airport. Give yourself at least one hour to complete these processes. Also, factor in one hour before your boarding time to ensure you make your flight. You’ll also need about 90 minutes for the journey to and from the airport, which means you’ll lose about 3-4 hours of your layover time.
Getting to Paris from the Airport
Forget about taxis or Uber! The most efficient and cost-effective way to get to Paris from the airport is by public transportation.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the main international airport in Paris. The easiest way to get to the city center is by RER train, specifically the RER B line. There are both express and local trains. Take the express train for a faster journey without stopping at every station. The express ride takes about 35 minutes. The train stops at Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les-Halles, and Denfert-Rochereau, allowing you to connect to the subway system. Choose the station that’s closest to your desired destination in Paris.
One-way tickets on the RER B cost around 12 euros per adult. Trains run every 10-20 minutes, depending on the time of day.
CDG has two RER B stations:
- Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1: Located near Terminals 1 and 3. Take the free CDGVAL shuttle from Terminal 1 (about 5-6 minutes). This station is within walking distance from Terminal 3.
- Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV: Located near Terminal 2. It’s within walking distance from Terminals 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F. Take the free N2 shuttle from Terminal 2G, exiting from Terminal 2F at exit 2.10.
If you don’t want to take the train, there’s also the Roissybus, which takes you to Opéra. The journey takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic, but it offers beautiful views of Paris.
Orly Airport (ORY) is the second airport in Paris, mainly serving smaller flights. There are no direct train lines from Orly to the city center. The fastest way is to take the Orlyval metro to Anthony Train Station, then transfer to the RER B or RER C. The entire journey takes around 60 minutes.
With careful planning and efficient transportation, you can make the most of your short layover in Paris and experience the magic of this enchanting city!
