It’s tempting to think, “Why bother leaving the airport for such a short time? It sounds stressful!” But trust me, a long layover in Paris can be a magical experience! You might think you’ll be bored out of your mind, but Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) actually has a surprising amount of things to do. Plus, it’s Paris! You’re in the City of Lights, where every corner is full of magic. So ditch the airport boredom and explore!
Is a Paris Layover Right for You? ✈️
Leaving the airport for a short time can be stressful, especially if you’re not a seasoned traveler. If this is your first big trip, or if you have high anxiety, it’s best to stay at the airport and enjoy the amenities there. But if you’re a seasoned traveler who thrives on adventure, Paris is waiting for you!
Even if you’re not leaving the airport, CDG has some hidden gems! Did you know there’s a museum inside? Yes, you heard that right! A museum!
Planning Your Paris Layover: Make the Most of Your Time! 🗼
The key to a successful layover is planning! What do you want to experience? A whirlwind tour of iconic landmarks? A relaxing afternoon in a museum? A culinary adventure? Decide what excites you and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Don’t try to cram everything into your short timeframe. Prioritize activities based on their proximity to each other. Walkable destinations are your best bet. Utilize the metro for longer distances to avoid the infamous Parisian traffic.
Keep in mind that Paris is a tourist hot spot, so be prepared for queues. It’s worth considering booking skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions. You’ll save precious time and avoid the stress of long waits.
Time Management is Key! ⏱️
Remember, your layover isn’t endless. You need to factor in time for security checks, customs (if you’re an international traveler), and travel back to the airport. Allocate at least one hour for each of these processes.
Don’t forget, you must be at the gate one hour before your boarding time. Add around 1.5 hours for travel time to and from the airport. This means you’ll lose about 3-4 hours of your layover.
The Fastest Way to Get to Paris 🚄
Forget the car! Public transportation is the way to go! Most international flights arrive at CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport).
The fastest and easiest option is the RER B Line train. Take the express train for a quick, direct trip to the city center. It’s just a 35-minute journey and doesn’t cost extra.
The RER B stops at Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les-Halles, and Denfert-Rochereau, all major hubs for exploring Paris.
One-way tickets cost around 12 euros, and trains run every 10-20 minutes.
CDG has two RER B stations – Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 is closest to Terminals 1 and 3, while Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV is closer to Terminal 2.
If you’re flying into Orly Airport (ORY), there’s a bit more travel involved. Take the Orlyval metro to Anthony Train Station and then transfer to the RER B or RER C lines. The journey takes about 60 minutes.
Don’t be afraid to embrace the Parisian adventure! With a little planning and a dash of excitement, you can make the most of your layover and create unforgettable memories in the City of Lights.
