Are you dreaming of a Parisian adventure? Well, you’re in for a treat! Paris is a city that truly has something for everyone. But before you start browsing for flights, let’s talk about the different airports that serve the City of Lights. You’ll want to make sure you choose the right one to fit your travel style and budget.
Paris Airports: Navigating Your Options
Paris has two primary airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). However, if you’re looking for the cheapest flight deals, you might find yourself landing at Beauvais-Tillé (BVA), which is a smaller airport located a bit further from the city center.
Let’s dive into each airport and explore the best ways to reach the heart of Paris.
Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as CDG, is Paris’ largest airport. It’s a hub for international flights, including those from North America, Asia, and Africa. If you’re coming from a long-haul flight, CDG will likely be your arrival point.
Getting to the City Center from CDG
The RER B blue train is the most convenient and cost-effective way to reach the city center from CDG. The RER B runs every 15 minutes, connecting CDG to Gare du Nord in just 25 minutes. Pro-tip: choose the “fast train” to save time. Be mindful of the train’s direction, ensuring it’s heading to CDG and not to Mitry!
The RER has two stops at CDG: one in Terminal 2 (the end of the line) and one in Terminal 1. To get to Terminal 3, you can either take the free shuttle bus (N1-3) or walk along the glass walkway (around 10 minutes). A one-way ticket on the RER B costs 10.30€.
For a more direct route, the Roissybus connects CDG to Paris Opéra in about an hour. This bus runs every 15 minutes from 6:00 am to 8:45 pm, and then every 20 minutes until 11:00 pm. It’s a good option if you’re staying in the Opéra – Louvre area and don’t mind a longer journey. A one-way ticket costs 12€.
At night, night buses N140 and N143 operate from CDG to Gare de l’Est. The N140 runs hourly from 1:00 to 3:00 am, and the N143 runs every 30 minutes from midnight to 4:30 am. A one-way ticket costs 6€ and can be purchased on the bus.
If you’re not in a hurry, you can also take local buses 350 or 351. They both depart from Terminals 1 and 2 every 20 minutes and connect to Gare de l’Est (350) or Nation (351). This journey takes around 2 hours.
For a comfortable and convenient ride, consider the Air France Coach (Le Bus Direct). It runs every 30 minutes from 5:45 am to 11:00 pm and offers a connection to the Arc de Triomphe (Line 2) or Gare de Lyon (Line 4). A one-way ticket costs 17€, and a return ticket purchased online costs 30€.
If you have lots of luggage, a taxi is a convenient option, though it’s the most expensive. It takes about an hour to reach downtown Paris and costs around 70€ or more, depending on traffic conditions. You can hail a taxi on the street, but it’s recommended to call ahead and book a taxi (for an extra 7€) to ensure availability.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Paris Orly Airport is a bit smaller than CDG and primarily serves domestic and Mediterranean flights. It’s also a good option for budget travelers, as it offers several affordable transportation options.
Getting to the City Center from ORY
The RER B is a convenient way to reach central Paris from Orly Airport. The closest RER station, Antony, is directly connected to the South and West terminals by the Orlyval driverless metro line. The Orlyval runs every 3-4 minutes from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The combined fare for the Orlyval and RER B is 12.05€ one-way, and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
If you prefer a bus ride, the Orlybus connects Orly Airport to Place Denfert-Rochereau every 15 minutes from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs 8€ one-way.
For a more budget-friendly option, take a local bus to Pont de Rungis from any terminal. The bus runs every 20 minutes and costs 6.85€ one-way. From Pont de Rungs station, you can then take the RER C towards Pontoise or Montigny Beauchamp.
The Air France Coach also connects Orly Airport to the Arc de Triomphe every 30 minutes from 6:00 am to 11:40 pm. A one-way ticket purchased online costs 12.00€, and a return ticket costs 20.00€.
If you choose a taxi, it will take about 40 minutes to reach downtown Paris and cost around 45€.
Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA)
Beauvais-Tillé Airport is the smallest of the three airports and is located about 80 kilometers from Paris. It’s the most budget-friendly option, but it comes with longer travel times and less frequent transport options.
Getting to the City Center from BVA
The fastest option from Beauvais-Tillé Airport is the Aérobus, which connects the airport to the Pershing car park at Porte Maillot. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the airport for 15.90€ one-way or 29€ for a round trip. The bus departs every 20-25 minutes after each plane lands. Remember that when returning to the airport from Porte Maillot, you’ll need to arrive at least 3 hours and 15 minutes before your check-in time.
You can also take a TER train (Regional Express Train) from Beauvais railway station to Gare du Nord. However, this involves taking a shuttle or a taxi from the airport to the station (costing 5€ or 20€, respectively). Then, you’ll need to buy a train ticket for 14€, and the journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Other Transportation Options
For a more personalized and comfortable experience, consider booking a private airport transfer. Companies like myDriver Airport Transfer Paris provide chauffeur services, meeting you in the arrivals hall or at your doorstep. These services are usually comparable in price to a taxi.
Another convenient option is the Super Shuttle, which offers shared or private shuttle services that can be booked online or upon arrival at Paris Roissy or Paris Orly. After collecting your luggage, you’ll need to call a toll-free number to arrange a meeting point in the terminal. The shuttle will then complete its circuit of the terminals and drop you off at your final destination.
With so many transportation options, you’re sure to find the perfect way to reach your Parisian destination. No matter which airport you choose, enjoy your journey to the City of Lights!
