
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is one of the two major airports in Paris, the other being Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Located south of the French capital, it is the second-largest airport in Paris, serving over 32 million passengers each year. Paris Orly is generally much less crowded than Charles de Gaulle, with shorter average delays for flights and security checks. It is also closer to the city centre, with good transport connections, including the RER B and RER C trains, the Orlyval shuttle, and the Orlybus. However, some passengers have reported negative experiences at the airport, including rude staff, a lack of facilities for people with disabilities, and long security queues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | South of Paris |
| Size | Smaller than Charles de Gaulle Airport |
| Number of Terminals | 2 |
| Number of Passengers | 29-32 million per year |
| Transport Links | RER B and RER C trains, Orly Metro, Orlyval shuttle, Orlybus, taxi |
| Facilities | None for disabilities |
| Staff | Reportedly rude |
| Customs | Short lines |
| Construction | Ongoing in the gates area |
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What You'll Learn
- Paris Orly Airport is smaller, less crowded, and closer to the city centre than Charles de Gaulle Airport
- The airport has two terminals, Sud (south) and Ouest (west)
- Passengers have reported rude and unhelpful staff, with some refusing to speak English
- The airport is served by the RER B and RER C trains, as well as the Orlyval shuttle
- Paris Orly is generally less crowded than Charles de Gaulle, with shorter average delays for flights and security checks

Paris Orly Airport is smaller, less crowded, and closer to the city centre than Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris Orly Airport is a good option for travellers looking for a smaller, less crowded airport with easy access to the city centre. Located to the south of Paris, Orly is the second-largest airport in the city, serving over 32 million passengers each year. In comparison, Charles de Gaulle Airport, located to the northeast, is larger and busier, serving almost 57.5 million passengers annually.
One of the main advantages of Orly Airport is its proximity to the city centre. It is closer to central Paris than Charles de Gaulle, making it a convenient option for travellers looking to minimise travel time. The airport is easily accessible by various transport options, including the Orlyval shuttle, which connects the airport's two terminals, and the Orlybus, which runs between the airport and Denfert-Rochereau in Paris every half hour. The opening of the Orly Metro has further improved access to the city centre, making Orly a competitive alternative to Charles de Gaulle for travellers.
In addition to its convenient location, Orly Airport is also less crowded than Charles de Gaulle. With only two terminals compared to Charles de Gaulle's three large terminals and seven sub-terminals, Orly offers a more manageable experience for passengers. The average delays for flights and security checks are shorter, and passengers have reported smoother and less hectic experiences at Orly compared to Charles de Gaulle. This can be especially advantageous during peak travel times or when dealing with flight delays.
While both airports welcome flights from various regions, Charles de Gaulle has a greater number of international airlines serving it and offers better lounge options. However, ticket prices for flights into and out of Charles de Gaulle are often higher than Orly, and hotels in the vicinity can also be more expensive. Orly Airport is known for its shorter security and customs lines, making it an efficient choice for travellers. Additionally, Orly connects to Paris and the surrounding areas via the RER B and RER C trains, as well as the Paris Metro, providing convenient ground transportation options.
Overall, Paris Orly Airport's smaller size, reduced crowding, and proximity to the city centre make it a convenient and accessible option for travellers. While Charles de Gaulle has its advantages in terms of flight options and lounges, Orly provides a more manageable and cost-effective alternative for those looking for a straightforward travel experience when visiting Paris.
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The airport has two terminals, Sud (south) and Ouest (west)
Paris Orly Airport is the second most important airport in Paris, with over 32 million passengers each year. It is located to the south of the city, with Charles de Gaulle Airport located to the northeast. Paris Orly has two terminals, Sud (south) and Ouest (west). The Orlyval shuttle connects the two terminals and is free of charge.
Compared to Charles de Gaulle, Orly is a smaller airport. It is generally much less crowded, and average delays for flights and security checks are shorter. The airport is easily accessible from the city centre, with the option to book an airport transfer or take the Orlybus, which runs between the airport and Denfert-Rochereau in Paris every half hour. The Orly Metro also connects the airport to the Paris Metro via a tram.
The airport is also well-connected to the surrounding suburbs, with RER B and RER C train connections. For those looking to get to Disneyland Paris, there is a dedicated Disneyland Magical Shuttle. Cabs are also a good option, especially for groups of two or more people, as they are good value.
While Paris Orly is a good option for typically short customs lines and easy ride pickup, it has received some negative reviews. Some travellers have noted issues with long security queues and delays at every point in the journey, which has been attributed to ongoing construction at the airport. There have also been reports of unhelpful staff with poor English. However, other travellers have noted that their arrival at the airport was painless, with a quick passage through customs.
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Passengers have reported rude and unhelpful staff, with some refusing to speak English
Paris Orly Airport is the second-largest airport in Paris, serving over 32 million passengers each year. It is located to the south of the French capital and is smaller, less crowded, and closer to the city center than the Charles de Gaulle Airport.
While some passengers have reported positive experiences at Orly Airport, such as smooth arrivals and short security wait times, others have encountered challenges. One of the main issues highlighted by passengers is the attitude and conduct of the airport staff.
Language barriers have also been reported, with staff members reluctant to communicate in English. In one case, a stressed and new airline attendant with limited English skills struggled to provide clear directions to passengers, leading them on a lengthy detour. While English proficiency may not be a requirement for all airport staff, effective communication and a helpful attitude are essential, especially when dealing with passengers who may already be experiencing travel-related stress.
The challenges faced by passengers at Orly Airport underscore the importance of customer service training for staff, including language skills and cultural sensitivity. While the airport may have processes in place, consistent and respectful staff conduct is vital to ensuring a positive travel experience for all passengers, regardless of their background or needs.
It is worth noting that the experiences of airport staff should also be considered. They often work under significant pressure, especially during peak travel times or when dealing with unforeseen delays or emergencies. However, airports should strive to provide adequate training and support to their staff to ensure they are well-equipped to handle such situations and provide a high level of customer service.
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The airport is served by the RER B and RER C trains, as well as the Orlyval shuttle
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is located to the south of Paris, with Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) located to the northeast. Paris Orly is the second-largest airport in Paris and the second most important international airport in the city, with over 32 million passengers passing through each year.
The airport is served by the RER B and RER C trains, connecting it to Paris and the surrounding suburbs. It is also connected to the Paris Metro via a tram. In addition to these rail options, Orly Airport offers a range of other transport choices. The Orlyval shuttle connects the two airport terminals, allowing passengers to move between them quickly and free of charge. This automatic shuttle system also connects to the Paris Metro network, providing a seamless transfer for passengers arriving by train. For those travelling to the city centre, an airport transfer can be booked, offering a direct and efficient journey to their hotel.
The airport also has several bus connections, including the Orlybus, which runs between the airport and Denfert-Rochereau in Paris every half hour. Additionally, the Disneyland Magical Shuttle provides a direct transfer to Disneyland Paris. For those travelling to Beauvais-Tillé Airport or the city of Beauvais, there is a train connection from the airport, or it is accessible by car, although this route often experiences heavy traffic.
With a range of transport options, including the RER B and C trains, Paris Orly Airport provides good connectivity to the city and surrounding areas, contributing to its status as one of the two main airports serving Paris.
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Paris Orly is generally less crowded than Charles de Gaulle, with shorter average delays for flights and security checks
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is generally less crowded than Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), with shorter average delays for flights and security checks. Paris Orly is located to the south of the French capital and is the second most important airport in Paris. It is smaller and less crowded than Charles de Gaulle, which is located to the northeast of Paris. Paris Orly is also closer to the city centre, which is beneficial for travellers looking for convenience.
While Charles de Gaulle is the larger and busier airport of the two, serving more international airlines and offering better lounge options, Paris Orly is still a significant international airport, serving over 32 million passengers each year. It has two terminals, Sud (South) and Ouest (West), which are easily accessible via the Orlyval, an automatic shuttle service that is free of charge. The airport is also well-connected to the city centre and surrounding suburbs via the RER B and RER C trains, as well as the Paris Metro.
In terms of ground transportation, Charles de Gaulle has two railway stations and high-speed links, providing greater convenience for travellers in terms of route options and flight frequency. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as ticket prices for flights and hotels tend to be higher at Charles de Gaulle compared to Paris Orly. Additionally, Paris Orly is known for its typically short customs lines and easy ride pickup, making it a more efficient option for travellers.
While both airports have their advantages, Paris Orly's smaller size and proximity to the city centre make it a more convenient option for many travellers. Its lower passenger volume also contributes to shorter delays and faster security checks, making it a good choice for those looking for a smoother travel experience. However, individual experiences may vary, and it is always advisable to check the latest reviews and information before planning your travel itinerary.
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Frequently asked questions
Paris Orly is one of Paris's two major international airports. It serves over 32 million passengers each year, including international flights to and from Europe, North America, North Africa, and Asia.
Paris Orly Airport is located 14 miles from the city centre, to the south of the French capital. It is accessible by train, bus, taxi, and shuttle services.
Charles de Gaulle is the larger, busier, and more prestigious airport of the two. It serves more international airlines and has better lounge options. However, Paris Orly is preferred by some travellers due to its smaller size, less crowded space, and proximity to the city centre.
Paris Orly is generally much less crowded than Charles de Gaulle, with shorter average delays for flights and security checks. It is also known for its short customs lines and easy ride pick-up options.
Some travellers have reported negative experiences with the airport staff, including rude and unaccommodating behaviour. There have also been complaints about a lack of facilities for passengers with disabilities.











































