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Paris, the bustling French capital, is served by multiple airports, offering travellers a variety of options for their journeys. Officially, there are four airports in Paris, with Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly International Airport (ORY) being the two main airports, especially for international travel. Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA) and Châlons Vatry are the other two airports, which are used occasionally by low-cost airlines. Charles de Gaulle is France's busiest airport and one of the busiest in the world, with 76.2 million travellers in 2019.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports serving Paris | 4 |
| "Main" airports | 2: Charles de Gaulle, Orly |
| International airport | Charles de Gaulle Airport |
| Location of Charles de Gaulle Airport | Roissy-en-France, 23 km (14 mi) northeast of Paris |
| Area covered by Charles de Gaulle Airport | 32.38 sq km (12.50 sq mi) |
| Number of terminals at Charles de Gaulle Airport | 3 |
| Distance from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris | 30-45 minutes by taxi, 1 hour by RER train and metro |
| Taxi fare from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris | €55-62 ($60-68) |
| Train fare from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris | $12-13 |
| Bus fare from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris | €13.70 ($14) |
| Number of terminals at Orly Airport | 4 |
| Distance from Orly Airport to Paris | 10 miles |
| Distance from Orly Airport to 1st Arrondissement | 30 minutes |
| Taxi fare from Orly Airport to 1st Arrondissement | $45 |
| Train fare from Orly Airport to Paris | €12.10 ($13) |
| Bus fare from Orly Airport to Paris | €9.50 ($10) |
| Other airports | Paris-Beauvais Airport, Châlons Vatry Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
CDG is served by more than 105 airlines, including major international carriers such as Air France, American Airlines, Delta, KLM, Lufthansa, United Airlines, British Airways, Air China, Air India, and Singapore Airlines. It is also served by low-cost carriers like easyJet, Transavia, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. The airport features three massive terminals spread across more than a mile, connected by free shuttle buses and automated trains. Terminal 1 is the oldest, situated opposite Terminal 3, while Terminal 2 is located on the other side with seven sub-terminal buildings (2A to 2G). Terminal 2 was originally built exclusively for Air France but has since been expanded to house other airlines. Terminals 2A to 2F are interconnected by elevated walkways, while Terminal 2G is a satellite building connected by shuttle bus. Terminal 3 hosts charter and low-cost airlines.
CDG offers a range of services and amenities for travellers, including shopping, dining, and accommodation options. The airport's shopping includes luxury brands, boutique offerings, and duty-free shops. There are various dining options, ranging from takeaway chains to sit-down restaurants and bars. For travellers with layovers, there are over a dozen hotels within a free shuttle ride of all three terminals, including YotelAir inside Terminal 2E. SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and Oneworld lounges are also accessible in terminals 1 and 2.
In terms of transportation, CDG is accessible by train, bus, or taxi. The airport has two train stations: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1, accessed via Terminals 1 and 3, and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2, located near Terminal 2. The RER B train provides a direct connection to central Paris, with a journey time of around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the destination. The RoissyBus is a direct bus service between CDG and Paris-Opéra, operating every 15 to 20 minutes with a one-way trip duration of about an hour. Taxis are also available, with fixed rates between CDG and the Right Bank (€55 or $60) and the Left Bank (€62 or $68).
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Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)
The airport has a total of four terminals – Orly 1, Orly 2, and Orly 3 on the west side, and Orly 4 on the south side. These terminals replaced the former Orly Sud and Orly Ouest as part of a development project voted on in 2012. The project aimed to merge the south and west terminals by constructing an 80,000-square-metre building to create one great terminal. Paris-Orly Airport is closed between 00:30 am and 3:30 am, unlike Roissy CDG, which operates 24/7.
Paris-Orly Airport offers a variety of practical services in addition to the usual airport amenities. These include free Wi-Fi, ticket machines, smartphone charging stations, information points, kiosks, customs, and tax refund offices. There are also several tourist information spaces where travellers can book hotel rooms, purchase attraction tickets, or gather travel-related information. The airport boasts numerous shops and restaurants catering to different preferences and budgets. For those who seek relaxation, there are seven airport lounges and relaxation and play areas located within the terminals.
Paris-Orly Airport is easily accessible by various modes of transport. The OrlyVal automated airport metro shuttle connects the airport to the Antony RER station and all Paris-Orly terminals. The RER train can also be taken to the metro, with the journey taking about an hour and costing around $15. Additionally, bus services are available, with shuttle buses offering a 75-minute ride to Paris for approximately $35. Taxis are another option, with fares starting from $45 for a 25-minute ride to the 1st Arrondissement.
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Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)
Paris-Beauvais Airport, also known as Beauvais–Tillé Airport or simply BVA, is an international airport near the city of Beauvais in the commune of Tillé in France. Despite its branding, the airport is located in the Hauts-de-France region, 85 kilometres (53 miles) north-northwest of Paris. This makes it the smallest and farthest of Paris' regional airports from the city centre.
Beauvais–Tillé Airport is linked to Paris through coach, minibus, shuttle, and rail services. The coach ride takes 60 to 75 minutes and costs about $35, dropping off passengers beside the Palais des Congrès at Porte Maillot in the 17th arrondissement, about a kilometre west of the Arc de Triomphe. A taxi ride to the 1st Arrondissement, on the other hand, will take 60 to 90 minutes and cost upwards of $200.
Paris-Beauvais Airport is served by seven European, primarily low-fare and no-frills airlines: Ryanair, Air Moldova, Blue Air, Laudamotion, Sky Up, Volotea, and Wizz Air. Ryanair is currently the only airline that flies directly to Paris Beauvais. The airport features two terminals with duty-free shops, international newsstands, restaurants, vending machines, and free Wi-Fi. While BVA may not offer extensive lounge options, certain airlines and private companies may provide lounge access for travellers.
Paris-Beauvais Airport is known for offering budget-friendly flights, serving as a valuable entry point for many travellers. Its terminals cater to various airlines and destinations, and familiarising yourself with your specific terminal can enhance your airport experience.
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Transport to and from CDG
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is about 26km (16 miles) from Central Paris. There are various transport options for getting to and from the airport, depending on your budget and time constraints.
The fastest way to get to the centre of Paris from CDG is by taxi, which takes around 30 minutes. However, not all airport taxis accept card payments, so it is recommended to have some cash in the local currency. You can also use ride-hailing apps to get a taxi, but be sure to ask the driver to use the meter.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, the RER B train is a good choice. It is part of the Paris public transport system, which means you can use your Paris Visite Pass if you have one. The RER B train runs every 15 minutes from around 5 am until midnight and stops at several stations in the city, including 'Gare du Nord', 'Châtelet-Les-Halles', and 'Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame'. The journey takes about 25-35 minutes on the fast trains and closer to 50 minutes on the slower trains. Tickets cost €11.80 for a walk-up price and €13.50 online, with an additional booking fee.
There are also several bus options available, including the RoissyBus Shuttle and two RATP city bus lines. These services can take over an hour, but the latter is the most affordable option. If you are arriving at night, you can take the RATP Noctilien night buses.
When travelling to CDG, it is important to give yourself enough time, especially if you need to transfer between terminals or collect baggage. It is recommended to allow for a minimum of 2 hours for transportation to and from the airport.
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Transport to and from Orly
Paris Orly Airport is approximately 20 km from the city centre, and it takes 30 minutes to get there by car in normal traffic conditions. However, a taxi ride can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes and cost upwards of $200. There are six modes of transport to the city centre: taxi, Orly Airport transfer, bus, train, tram, and metro.
The quickest and most convenient transfer option is by taxi or private transfer, as these services are reliable and door-to-door. However, for those looking to save money, the OrlyBus is the only direct public transport option. This bus takes passengers to 'Place Denfert-Rochereau' in the city centre in 30 minutes.
You can also take the Orlyval shuttle to Antony Station and then take the RER B train line to the centre. The RER B trains leave every 7-10 minutes, and a combined ticket for the Orlyval and RER B lines costs €14.50. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 pay €7.25. The Orlyval shuttle departs every 5-7 minutes, and a ticket to Antony without any onward travel costs €11.30.
Another option is to take the tram to Villejuif and connect to Metro Line 7. As of June 2024, Metro Line 14 has been extended and stops at Orly Airport. This is one of the most convenient ways to reach central Paris, with a direct connection from the airport and a fast 25-minute journey to Châtelet.
If you plan on using public transport in Paris, you can purchase a Paris Visite Pass, which entitles you to unlimited travel on buses, trains, the metro, and trams. Prices start from €29.25 for 24 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the primary international airport serving Paris. It is one of Europe's biggest hubs for air travel.
Charles de Gaulle Airport is located in Roissy-en-France, 23km (14 miles) northeast of Paris.
There are a few transport options to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris. You can take the RER B train, which runs every 10-15 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to reach the city. You can also take the RoissyBus, which is a direct bus between the airport and Paris-Opéra. This takes around an hour. A taxi will take between 30-45 minutes outside of rush hour.
Yes, there are two other "main" airports in Paris: Orly Airport (ORY) and Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA). There is also a fourth airport called Châlons Vatry, which is used by some low-cost airlines.
To get from Orly Airport to Paris, you can take the OrlyVal train to Antony station, and then take the RER B into the city. This takes around 35 minutes. You can also take the OrlyBus, which takes 30 minutes to reach Place Denfert-Rochereau, where you can take the RER or metro. A taxi will take less than 40 minutes and costs between €30-€40.
