Main Airport in Paris: Which to Choose? (CDG vs ORY)

Traveling to Paris is an exciting adventure, but choosing the right airport and planning your route to the city center can sometimes be a challenge.

With three airports serving the city, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages, deciding which one best meets your needs can be a bit puzzling.

Luckily, I’m here to help! As a local Parisian and an avid traveler, I’ve navigated these choices countless times and can provide practical insights and tips for understanding the Paris airport scene.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main airports in Paris, covering their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision for your journey.

Believe me, with the right guidance, it’s much easier than it seems!

Table of Contents

What is the Main Airport to Fly into in Paris?

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you’re most likely to land at Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport.

Situated in Roissy-en-France, northeast of Paris, CDG is not only the primary airport for the city but also ranks as the second busiest in Europe, right after London Heathrow.

Spanning over 32.38 square kilometers, CDG boasts modern terminals, reflecting its status as the largest airport in France. It caters to an impressive number of international and domestic flights, making it a major player in global air travel.

So whether you’re traveling from North America or just hopping over from Europe, CDG is the airport where you’ll most likely touch down.

Some key features of CDG:

Terminal capacity rivals that of popular tourist attractions like the Louvre
Preferred airport for major airlines such as Air France, British Airways, and American Airlines
Serves both long-haul flights from international destinations and domestic flights within France

The iconic Eiffel Tower might symbolize Paris, but CDG is the city’s true gateway, setting the stage for your exciting Parisian adventure.

⚡ Related Read: Don’t forget to check out my other article on the best airlines to fly to Paris.

Which airport is better: CDG or ORY?

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, is the largest international airport in France and the second busiest airport in Europe.

As a hub for both international and domestic flights, you’re likely to arrive here if you’re coming from North America. CDG is accessible via the RER train, conveniently connecting you to the city center.

Getting to Paris from CDG Airport:

RER B train service: Quick and economical, the RER B train can take you to Gare du Nord in about 35 minutes for around €10.30. Accessible from Terminal 2 and 3.
Bus: Roissybus links CDG with the Opéra station in Paris. It costs around €12.50 and runs every 15-20 minutes from 5:15 am to 12:30 am. Alternative buses (350 and 351) offer connections to Paris metro stations for around €6, but the journey time can be up to 75 minutes.
Taxi/Uber: Flat rate taxis charge €50 for Right Bank and €55 for Left Bank destinations, offering comfort and privacy but at a higher price. Travel time can take up to an hour during peak hours or heavy traffic.

Orly Airport (ORY)

Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is the city’s second-largest airport, and another one of the main international airports in Paris. Orly Airport is a bit smaller, and provides a more manageable and less overwhelming arrival experience compared to CDG.

Located south of the city, Orly is closer to destinations on Paris’s southern edge, such as Montparnasse.

Getting to Paris from Orly Airport:

Metro/RER: Orlyval metro service connects Orly Airport to Antony station, where you can switch to the RER B or C lines. The total journey takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately €12.10.
Bus: The OrlyBus links Orly Airport with Denfert-Rochereau. It operates every 10-20 minutes, costs €9.50, and takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, Bus 183 to Porte de Choisy is a cheaper option at €2 but with a longer travel time.
Taxi/Uber: Flat rate taxis charge €35 for Left Bank and €30 for Right Bank destinations. While costlier than public transport, it offers the convenience of a direct ride that can take about 30 minutes with moderate traffic.

⚡Related read: Is there Lyft rideshare in Paris?

Which Paris airport should I fly into?

Choosing between CDG and ORY depends on factors like where you’re flying from, your destination within Paris, and your preference for larger or smaller terminals.

CDG is more likely to serve major airlines and cities outside the EU, while Orly is geared towards domestic and European flights as well as budget and charter options.

Consider the convenience and travel time of getting to central Paris. CDG’s direct RER Line B connection to Gare du Nord is an advantage if you want to reach the city center quickly. Orly, closer to the city but requiring a transfer from Orlyval metro to RER B Line, could add extra time.

Ultimately, the best option is the one that brings you to Paris with the most convenience and least hassle.

Which Airport is Closer to the City?

When choosing between Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris Orly Airport, it’s essential to consider their proximity to Paris city center.

CDG, located about 16 miles (25 km) northeast of Paris, takes slightly longer to reach central Paris than Orly Airport.

Travel time to the heart of Paris ranges from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on your chosen mode of transport. The RER B line offers a convenient and cost-effective way to travel, linking CDG and Gare du Nord.

Taxis are also an option, but remember that during peak hours, it might take longer, and fares typically range between 50-60 euros.

As for Paris-Orly Airport, it lies just 8 miles (13 km) south of the city center. To arrive at central Paris, a ride on the Orlyval metro followed by the RER B line should take around 30 minutes.

If you prefer to hit the road, taxis or rideshares like Uber provide direct access to your Parisian destination. Keep in mind that flat rates may vary.

As a long-time resident of Paris, I’d recommend considering these factors when choosing the most convenient airport for your visit. Experiencing the city’s charm will ultimately outweigh any minor travel time differences, but it’s essential to pick an airport that fits your needs and budget.

⚡ Related Read: How to Use The Paris Metro: Step-by-Step

Alternative Paris Airports: Beauvais-Tille (BVA)

Let’s explore another option when flying to Paris: the lesser-known yet charming Beauvais-Tille Airport (BVA). This smaller and cozier airport might not have the same hustle and bustle as the larger Parisian airports, but it offers a more budget-friendly option for travelers.

Located in the quaint city of Beauvais, about 53 miles (85 km) north of Paris, BVA serves a variety of European destinations, mainly through budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.

While it might not have the extensive amenities of CDG or ORY, it offers the essentials like food and drink options and car rental services.

However, because of its distance from Paris, you’ll need to factor in some extra travel time.

Getting to Paris from Beauvais Airport

Don’t worry about feeling lost at Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA); you’ll still be able to make your way to Paris with ease. Various transportation options are available, depending on your preferences and budget.

Airport Shuttle (Navette)

The most straightforward and popular option from BVA to Paris is the airport shuttle service. The shuttle bus, or “navette” as the locals call it, takes you directly to the heart of Paris – Porte Maillot.

Tickets are reasonably priced at around €17 if you book online, or €20 if purchased on-site, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.

The journey typically takes around 1.5 hours, giving you some time to daydream about your upcoming Parisian experience.

Bus

If you have some extra time and prefer a more scenic route, consider taking a local bus or taxi from BVA to the Beauvais city center.

From there, you’ll be able to catch a train to Paris through the Gare du Nord station. Train tickets typically range from €15 to €20, with the total journey time lasting about 1.25 hours.

Taxi

For those who prioritize convenience over cost, taxis or rideshare options are available. However, due to the distance between BVA and Paris, this method can be quite pricey, ranging from around €150-€200 for a one-hour journey.

Regardless of your chosen transportation method, always factor in plenty of time, as the distance between BVA and Paris is longer than that of CDG or ORY. This extra cushion will help you account for any unexpected delays that may arise.

BVA is a viable alternative for those looking to save some money on their trip. With some extra planning and considering your transportation options, you’ll find that the journey from Beauvais to Paris can be a smooth and enjoyable experience.