Parisian Airports: How Many And Where?

Paris, France, is served by three airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, and Beauvais-Tillé Airport. Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest airport in the greater Paris area and is located 23-30 kilometres from the city centre. Orly Airport is located 14-18 kilometres from the city centre and is considered a less stressful option than Charles de Gaulle Airport due to its shorter distance to the city. Beauvais-Tillé Airport is the smallest and farthest from the city centre, located around 50 miles northwest of Paris. It is primarily used by budget airlines.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The airport covers 32.38 square kilometres (12.50 sq mi) of land and spans over three départements and six communes. It is operated by Groupe ADP (Aéroports de Paris), which also manages other airports in and around Paris. In 2023, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport handled over 67 million passengers and nearly 450,000 aircraft movements, making it the world's ninth busiest airport and Europe's third busiest. It is also the busiest airport within the European Union in terms of passenger numbers and the eleventh busiest globally for cargo traffic.

Travellers to and from the airport can use the RER B train line, which offers two types of services: one making all stops between the airport and Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, and another providing non-stop express service to Gare du Nord. Additionally, the Roissybus shuttle provides a direct link between Paris-Opéra and the airport, with departures every 30 minutes.

Paris Orly Airport

Before the opening of Charles de Gaulle Airport in 1974, Orly Airport was the main airport serving Paris. Even though most international traffic shifted to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly remains a significant hub for domestic and overseas flights for Air France and other airlines. Flights operate to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and North America.

The history of Paris Orly Airport dates back to 1932 when it was opened as a secondary airport to Le Bourget. During World War II, it was used by the German Luftwaffe and subsequently attacked by Allied forces, causing significant damage to its infrastructure. After the war, the airport was repaired and used by American and French military forces before returning to civilian control in 1947.

In conclusion, Paris Orly Airport is a vital transportation hub for domestic and international travel, offering convenient access to Paris and serving as a gateway to various destinations worldwide. With its rich history and continuous development, it continues to play a significant role in the aviation industry and the economic growth of the region.

Paris Beauvais Airport

Paris is served by three airports, with Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA) being the furthest from the city centre. Located in the Hauts-de-France region, it is around 53 miles (85 km) north-northwest of Paris. The airport is mostly served by low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair, Blue Air and Wizz Air, and in 2016 was the tenth busiest airport in France, handling almost 4 million passengers.

There are several transport options for travelling between Paris and the airport. A shuttle service operates between the airport and Paris-Porte Maillot, which is close to RER (line C) and metro (line 1) stations. The shuttle journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and is designed to align with flight schedules. There is also a taxi rank at the airport, and a commuter bus service to Beauvais town centre. Beauvais railway station is almost 4km (2.5 miles) away, with connections to Paris Gare du Nord, Amiens and other destinations.

Transport options to/from Paris airports

Paris is served by three airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Orly Airport (ORY), and Beauvais Airport (BVA). All three airports offer a range of transport options for travellers to get to and from the city centre.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

CDG Airport is located 23km-35km northeast of Paris and is the largest airport in Europe. Transport options to and from the airport include:

• Taxi: This is the most expensive option, with fares ranging from 50-70 euros. However, it is the most direct and relaxing way to get to your destination.
• Private transfers: Private transfers offer a comfortable and stress-free ride to your destination.
• RER B train: This is the cheapest and fastest option, costing around 10 euros and taking about 50 minutes. The RER B line leaves from both airport rail stations and heads into Paris.
• Bus: There are various bus options, including RoissyBus, Bus Lines 350 and 351, night shuttles, and long-distance coaches. Private bus services from the airport to the city centre usually take about 45 minutes and cost between 14 and 18 euros. The public bus is a cheaper option, costing around 6 euros, but it takes about 90 minutes.
• TGV intercity train: This option allows passengers to travel comfortably to destinations within and beyond France.

Orly Airport (ORY)

Orly Airport is located about 14km-20km south of central Paris. Transport options include:

• Taxi: This is the most direct and convenient option, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes, but it can be expensive.
• Train: There is no direct train line from Orly Airport to the city centre. Passengers need to take the Orlyval metro to Antony Train Station and then transfer to the RER B line, with the total journey taking around an hour.
• Orlybus: This direct shuttle service takes 30 minutes to reach Place Denfert-Rochereau in the city centre.
• Public bus: Public buses are available but make frequent stops and take longer than the Orlybus.

Beauvais Airport (BVA)

Beauvais Airport is a small airport located about 85km-90km northwest of Paris. It is served mainly by low-cost airlines. Transport options include:

• Shuttle service: A shuttle service is organised between the terminals and Paris-Porte Maillot, located near RER (line C) and metro (line 1) stations. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and is designed to align with flight schedules.
• Taxi: Taking a taxi from the airport to the city centre can be expensive, costing over 170 euros, and the journey can take 60 to 90 minutes due to traffic.
• Train: Travellers can take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to the Beauvais station and then take the TER regional rail to the Gare du Nord station in central Paris.

Paris as a tourist destination

Paris, the City of Light, is one of the most visited cities in the world, attracting tourists with its romantic boulevards, iconic museums, monuments, and art nouveau cafes. The city is served by three airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (also known as Roissy Airport), Orly Airport, and Paris-Beauvais Airport, mainly served by low-cost airlines.

Paris offers a plethora of attractions for tourists, including:

Iconic landmarks:

• The Eiffel Tower, one of the Wonders of the Modern World, attracts over seven million visitors each year with its three levels, two restaurants, a champagne bar, two observation decks, a garden, and the Esplanade.
• The Louvre Museum, the world's most visited museum, housed in the former Louvre Palace, displays a majestic collection of art from ancient civilizations to the mid-19th century.
• The Arc de Triomphe, one of the most celebrated arches in French history, offers a spectacular view of the city and the 12 avenues that converge around it.
• The Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most famous Gothic masterpieces, boasts magnificent stained glass windows, beautiful towers, and flying buttresses, as well as splendid artworks and valuable items inside.
• The Palace of Versailles, a former residence of French monarchs, is known for its architectural grandeur and political significance.
• The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, located in the enchanting district of Montmartre, which has retained its old-world charm and is a melting pot of art, history, and culture.
• The Sainte-Chapelle, a magnificent royal church built in the Gothic style, houses an extensive collection of 13th-century stained glass windows and relics from the medieval Christendom.

Vibrant avenues and squares:

• Champs-Élysées, known as the most beautiful avenue in the world, stretches for almost two kilometres and is lined with trees, high-end shops, theatres, cafes, and restaurants. It has played a central role in major French historical events.
• Place de la Concorde, one of the largest squares in France, is located at the eastern end of Champs-Élysées. It features beautiful fountains, statues, and an Egyptian obelisk.

Cultural landmarks:

• The Grand Palais, built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, showcases French art and culture with its impressive Beaux-Arts style architecture and enormous glass dome.
• The Palais Garnier, an iconic opera house completed in 1875, is considered a masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts style. It has hosted many famous operas and ballets.

Paris also offers a range of experiences such as a cruise along the Seine River, exploring the charming neighbourhood of Latin Quarter, visiting the romantic Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and enjoying the nightlife at places like the Moulin Rouge and Buddha Bar.

The best time to visit Paris is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded.

Frequently asked questions