Navigating Paris Airports: Changing Airports Efficiently

Changing airports in Paris can be stressful, especially if you are tight on time. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the busiest airports in Europe and is about 26 km (16 miles) from the city centre. Paris-Orly (ORY) is the other major airport in Paris. When changing airports in Paris, it is recommended to allow a minimum of 4 hours between landing and your next departure. This includes the time taken to get through passport control and baggage collection, as well as the time taken to travel between the airports. There are various transport options to get between the two airports, including train, bus, taxi, and shuttle services.

Transport options between CDG and Orly airports

There are several transport options for travelling between CDG and Orly airports. The best option for those without a car is to take the train, which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and costs $14-$18. The RER B suburban train and the ORLYVAL shuttle train run regularly, including on public holidays. The average journey time is 75 minutes, and a single journey fare costs €13.

Alternatively, you can take a bus and line 1755 bus, which costs $23-$35 and takes 2 hours 33 minutes. Taking a taxi is the fastest option, taking around 35-38 minutes, but it is also the most expensive, costing $85-$110.

If you have access to a car, driving is the cheapest option, costing $7-$12 and taking 35-38 minutes.

Minimum time needed to change airports

Paris has two main airports: Orly (ORY) and Charles de Gaulle (CDG). CDG is the larger airport, located about 25 kilometres northeast of the city, and ORY is smaller, located about 13 kilometres to the south. The airports are far apart, and transfers between them can be time-consuming. However, with good public transport, the change can be done smoothly.

The minimum connecting time recommended by EASY CDG is 60 minutes for connections within the same terminal and 90 minutes for connections that require travel between terminals. These recommendations only apply if you are travelling on a single ticket and have checked your baggage through to your final destination. If you are travelling with small children or have health or mobility concerns, you may need a longer connection time.

When transferring between the two airports, you can use the direct rail connection, the RER B train, which takes around one hour and costs €19.60. However, if it is your first time in Paris, allow extra time for purchasing tickets, navigating airport connections, and ensuring you get on the correct train. At CDG, the RER stations are located at terminals two and three, and there is a free shuttle (CDGVAL) available from terminal one. To get to ORY, take the RER B line train towards Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse and stop at Antony, where you can connect to ORY.

Another option is to take the 'Le Bus Direct', which provides a smooth transfer between the two airports with no changes. The bus leaves every 30 minutes during the day and offers USB and WiFi. The journey takes around 90 minutes, and the cost is €22 one-way or €37 return.

Taxis are also available and offer a simple connection, especially if you are travelling with luggage. The fare between the airports should be €60 to €80, and the drive can take between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

Customs and security checkpoints

• Follow the Yellow Signs: After disembarking your flight, look out for the yellow signs marked "Transfer" or "Correspondence." These signs will guide you to your connecting flight's boarding gate.
• Confirm Your Departure Gate: Check the flight display screens or airport kiosks to confirm your departure terminal and gate. This step is crucial, as Paris airports can be vast and navigating them may take some time.
• Security and Immigration Checkpoints: Depending on your specific travel itinerary, you may need to pass through security or immigration checkpoints. These checkpoints are typically located along the way to your connecting flight's gate.
• Minimum Connection Time: Keep in mind the recommended minimum connection times for Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport. For connections within the same terminal, allow for 60 minutes. If you need to travel between terminals, the recommended minimum connection time is 90 minutes.
• Baggage Claim and Check-In: If you have checked baggage, follow the "Baggage-Exit" signs to leave the transfer zone and collect your bags. Then, proceed to the relevant terminal and check-in desk for your connecting flight.
• Separate Tickets: If you have purchased separate tickets for your flights, you will need to exit the transit area, collect your baggage, and proceed to the check-in desk for your next flight. This process may include additional security and immigration checks, so allow for extra time.
• Schengen and Non-Schengen Travel: The type of security and passport control checks you encounter will depend on whether you are travelling within the Schengen area or between Schengen and non-Schengen countries. For example, travel from a Schengen country to a non-Schengen country will require a passport control check but no security check.
• Fast-Track Options: Some passengers may be eligible for fast-track options at security and immigration checkpoints. Look for signs such as "Accès no. 1" or "Sky Priority."
• Visa Requirements: Non-EU nationals travelling to or through Schengen countries may require a visa. Check the relevant entry and visa requirements before your journey.
• Animal and Baggage Transfer: If you are travelling with an animal or have special baggage, refer to the airline's guidelines for specific instructions on transferring between airports.

Luggage transfer and storage

When changing airports in Paris, you may want to consider using a luggage delivery company such as Alfred. Alfred offers a door-to-door luggage delivery service, collecting your luggage from your hotel or Airbnb and delivering it to the airport or train station of your choice. This can save you the hassle of dragging your suitcase through the airport and can be a good alternative to luggage storage.

If you are transferring between Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris-Orly Airport, you may need to travel between terminals to collect your luggage. In this case, you should allow plenty of extra time to exit, collect your luggage from the carousel, and re-check in with your airline.

If you have a long layover and want to explore Paris, you can store your luggage near the railway station and take the RER B train into the city centre. However, it is recommended that you have at least 6-7 hours between flights to allow for a minimum of 2 hours of transportation to and from the airport, as well as potential delays.

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport also has left-luggage storage facilities in Terminal 2, where you can store your bags for a few hours or up to 90 days.

Transport options to Paris city centre

There are various transport options to get from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to the city centre. The airport is about 26 km (16 miles) from the centre of Paris, and it takes about 45-60 minutes to reach it.

If you are considering taking a taxi, you can expect to pay a set fare of €56 to the Right Bank of the Seine or €65 to the Left Bank. These prices include luggage and up to four passengers, but a fifth passenger will cost an additional €5.50. You can find the official taxi stands outside the arrivals exits of each terminal. It is highly advisable to only hire taxis from these official stands. An English-speaking driver is not guaranteed, so it is best to have your destination written down to avoid any communication issues.

You can also opt for a bus to get to the city centre. The RoissyBus is the most direct line, running to Opéra in central Paris. The bus runs from 05:15 am to 00:30 am every 15-20 minutes and the journey takes around 60 minutes. The bus ticket costs €16.60 and can be bought with cash inside the bus or from ticket counters and machines at the airport rail stations. Contactless payments are also accepted. Alternatively, you can take Bus Lines 350 and 351, which are cheaper but make a lot of intermediate stops, resulting in longer journey times of 70 and 80 minutes, respectively. A one-way ticket for these buses costs €2.50 or one standard ticket t+, which can be purchased with cash from the driver, online, or at the airport train stations.

If you prefer to travel by train, the RER B airport trains provide effective rail connections to the heart of the city. The trains run from 04:50 am to 11:50 pm, with journeys taking around 50 minutes. A single ticket costs €11.80 for adults and €8.20 for children aged 4-9. Tickets can be purchased at the stations' automatic vendors or ticket offices, as well as online.

For those who want the freedom of travelling at their own pace, car rentals are also available at the airport. To get to the city centre, you can take highway A3 and then head to Bd Périphérique towards Quai de Bercy. From there, take the exit to Paris Centre, continuing on to Quai de Bercy, Quai de la Rapée, Bd Morland, Quai des Célestins, Quai de l'Hôtel de ville, and finally Rue du Temple. The journey should take around 35-40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Lastly, you can opt for a private transfer company, which offers door-to-door service and can be booked in advance. This option provides added convenience, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage or children.

Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is also an option for travelling to and from Paris, and it is closer to the city centre than CDG. However, CDG has been noted to have easier and cheaper public mass transit connections. Similar to CDG, you can travel to the city centre from ORY by taxi, train, bus, or private transfer. From June 2024, the new metro line 14 will provide the fastest way to get from ORY to central Paris, taking only 25 minutes to reach Chatelet central station. The airport metro station is located between terminals 3 and 4. A single ticket costs €13 and can be used to travel to any station on the metro or RER network (in all zones 1-5).

Frequently asked questions