Paris Airports: Which One Should You Choose?

which airport is best for paris

Paris is served by three airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), and Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA). Each airport offers different advantages depending on your travel needs. For example, CDG is the largest and busiest airport in Paris, serving as a major hub for international flights. On the other hand, ORY is closer to the city centre and offers shorter customs lines and easy ride pick-up. BVA is a smaller airport located outside of Paris that is often used for regional flights within France and Europe.

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Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 with 7 sub-terminal buildings (2A to 2G), and Terminal 3 (formerly known as "Terminal 9"). 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 entertainment options. There are luxury shops, boutique offerings, takeaway chains, and restaurants such as Japanese-style Kirei in Terminal 1 and the champagne bar I Love Paris by Guy Martin. The airport also features free arcade gaming areas, PS5 game consoles, and a museum space in Departure Hall M in Terminal 2E, showcasing works by renowned artists.

In terms of transportation, CDG is connected to central Paris by the RER B train line, offering two types of services: a non-stop express service and a service making all stops. The journey takes about an hour. There is also a direct bus, the RoissyBus, which runs between CDG and Paris-Opéra every 15 to 20 minutes, with a duration of around an hour. Taxi services are available, with a fare of up to €60 ($63) for a trip to the city. Additionally, the CDGVAL light-rail shuttle provides free automated connections between the terminals and their parking lots.

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Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)

Paris-Orly Airport covers 15.3 square kilometres of land, spanning over two départements and seven communes. The airport has four terminals, which replaced the former Orly Sud and Orly Ouest in 2019: terminals Orly 1, Orly 2, and Orly 3 on the west side, and Orly 4 on the south side. The airport is managed by Paris Aéroport (ADP), which also manages Charles de Gaulle Airport, Le Bourget Airport, and several smaller airports in the suburbs of Paris.

Paris-Orly Airport offers a range of practical services, including free Wi-Fi, ticket machines, smartphone charging stations, information points, kiosks, customs and tax refund offices, and tourist information spaces. There are also numerous shops, restaurants, and duty-free sales in the tax-free areas. The airport has seven lounges located in the different terminals, as well as relaxation and play areas. Paris-Orly is also equipped with a service for people with reduced mobility (PRM), offering assistance tailored to their needs.

In terms of transportation, Paris-Orly Airport is well-served by public transport and road networks. The OrlyVal driverless light rail connects the airport to Antony station, from where travellers can take the RER B into the city. The total journey takes around 35 minutes and costs upwards of €12.10. The OrlyBus takes travellers to Place Denfert-Rochereau in 30 minutes, where they can take the RER or metro. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes and costs €9.50. Alternatively, travellers can take bus 183 to Pont de Rungis and switch to the RER C for €6.40. This route takes approximately 50 minutes. Taxis to central Paris from Paris-Orly Airport cost between €30 and €40 and take less than 40 minutes.

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Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)

Paris-Beauvais Airport is served primarily by charter and low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, offering budget-friendly flight options for passengers. The airport features two terminals, catering to flights to over 60 destinations across Europe. However, it is important to note that the airport has limited dining options, with only a handful of eateries available.

Upon arrival at Paris-Beauvais Airport, passengers can utilise various transportation options to reach Paris. These include coach services, which take approximately 75 minutes to reach the city, as well as taxi services and shuttle transfers. The airport is also accessible by train, although it requires an additional bus or taxi ride to reach the Beauvais train station, located more than 3 miles from the airport.

When considering Paris-Beauvais Airport as your gateway to Paris, it is essential to weigh the benefits of budget-friendly flights against the longer travel time to reach the city centre. The airport's distance from Paris may be a factor in your decision-making process, especially if convenience and proximity are important factors for your trip.

Overall, while Paris-Beauvais Airport may not be the most convenient option due to its distance from the city, it can be a good choice for travellers seeking budget-friendly flight options and those willing to trade off the longer travel time for potential cost savings.

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Transport options

Paris is served by three main airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), and Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA). Each airport offers various transport options for getting into the city.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

CDG is located 34 km from Paris and offers five transport options to get to the city centre: taxi, airport transfer, train, or the choice between two buses. Taking a taxi or private transfer is the fastest option, taking around 30 minutes to reach the city centre. The regional RER train is also a good choice and is the fastest option if you want to use the Paris public transport network. The RER B line runs every 10 to 15 minutes on weekdays and stops at several stations in the city centre. The RoissyBus is another practical option, costing €16.60 for a ticket to the city centre and departing from the airport frequently.

Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)

Orly Airport is the closest airport to the city centre (1st arrondissement). The OrlyVal driverless light rail connects the airport to Antony station, from where you can take the RER B train into the city. The total journey takes around 35 minutes. The OrlyBus is another option, taking you to Place Denfert-Rochereau in 30 minutes, where you can take the RER or metro. This bus runs every 10 to 15 minutes and costs €9.50. You can also take bus 183 to Pont de Rungis and switch to the RER C, which takes approximately 50 minutes and costs €6.40.

Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)

Beauvais Airport is located 53 miles from central Paris, so transport options are more limited and expensive. A taxi ride can cost up to €170, while a private transfer service will still cost over $100. There are also official airport shuttles that run directly between Paris and Porte Maillot, costing €15.90 for a one-way trip and taking around 75 minutes.

Châlons Vatry Airport

Châlons Vatry Airport is a minor international airport located 91 miles east of Paris. It is considered a Paris airport due to marketing reasons, but it is quite far from the city. This airport currently only serves Ryanair flights from three destinations: Fez, Porto, and Marrakech. Transport options include taking a bus or taxi to Beauvais station, which is located more than 3 miles away from the airport.

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Amenities

Paris is served by three main airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), and Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA).

Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest airport in Paris and is a major hub for international travel, with direct flights to more than 200 countries. The airport is like its own mini-city, with an array of services and amenities for travellers with connecting flights. CDG is best for international travellers and those looking for extensive amenities. The airport has three main terminals, spread across more than a mile and connected by free shuttle buses and CDGVAL automated trains. Terminal 1 is currently closed until further notice. CDG offers lounges, free Wi-Fi, play areas for children, a museum area displaying French art, a relaxation area, and exhibits of photographs and sculptures displayed across all terminals.

The airport boasts a large range of shops, restaurants, and airport hotels. There is a huge shopping mall, Aéroville, located nearby. Dining options include restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin, such as the 70-seat champagne bar and eatery "I Love Paris", "The French Taste", and "Miyou" in Terminal 2E. There are also various coffee shops, salad bars, fast-food restaurants, and sushi shops. Designer boutiques include Chanel, Prada, Victoria's Secret, and Swarovski.

Orly Airport is France's busiest airport for domestic traffic, although it also serves international flights. It is located just 8 miles (a short 18-minute drive) south of Paris and offers a more relaxed alternative to CDG. The airport is best for inter-Europe travellers and those who prefer a smaller airport experience. Orly has four terminals, which are interconnected and can be reached via the OrlyVal Light Rail and walkways. The airport is calmer and easier to navigate compared to Charles de Gaulle Airport. However, there are fewer eateries, amenities, and boutiques at Orly. The airport offers free Wi-Fi, but it can be rather slow. There are no dedicated sleeping areas or rest zones, and the airport is officially closed between 12:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.

Paris-Beauvais Airport, also known as Beauvais-Tillé Airport, is mostly used by charter and low-cost airlines. It is located about 69-163 km from Paris, which is about a 2-hour drive. The airport is not located in the same region as Paris, so it is quite far from the city centre. There are limited dining options at this airport, with only a handful of eateries available.

Frequently asked questions

Paris is served by three airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), and Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA). CDG is the largest and busiest airport in Paris, serving as a major hub for international flights. It is located in the north of Paris. ORY is closer to the city centre and is home to a range of large international carriers, low-cost European and domestic airlines. It is located in the south of Paris. BVA is a smaller airport used mostly for regional flights within France and Europe. It is located 69km from Paris.

The RER train is a convenient and cost-effective way to get from CDG to Paris. It takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around €11.80. The RoissyBus is a direct bus between CDG and Paris-Opéra, taking around an hour. A one-way ticket costs €13.70. A taxi will cost up to €60.

The OrlyBus takes you to Place Denfert-Rochereau within 30 minutes, where you can take the RER or metro. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes and costs €9.50. A taxi to central Paris costs between €30 and €40 and takes less than 40 minutes.

Paris-Beauvais Airport is located more than 3 miles from the train station, so you will need to take a bus or taxi to get there. The train to Gare du Nord offers a commute to and from the airport, or it's a one-hour-plus car ride, which can be expensive and busy.

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