Jazmin Li
Paris is served by three main airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais-Tillé. Charles de Gaulle is the largest and busiest airport in the greater Paris area, handling most long-haul international flights. Orly is a bit smaller but still sees plenty of international travellers and is the go-to airport for domestic and European flights. Paris-Beauvais is the smallest of the three and is located the farthest away from the city centre. It is mostly used by charter and low-cost airlines.
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What You'll Learn
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
CDG has three terminals. Terminal 1 is the oldest and is situated opposite Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is located on another side and has 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 and situated next to each other, while Terminal 2G is a satellite building connected by shuttle bus. Terminal 3 (formerly known as "Terminal 9") hosts charter and low-cost airlines. The airport's terminals are served by a free automated shuttle rail system, consisting of two lines (CDGVAL and LISA). CDGVAL links Terminal 1, its parking lot, and the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 RER station to Terminals 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, as well as the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV station.
The CDG Express, a direct express rail link from Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport, is scheduled to open in early 2027. The airport is also connected to central Paris by the RER B, a hybrid suburban commuter and rapid transit line, with two stations on the airport grounds: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV. During most times, there are two types of services that operate on the RER B: a service that makes all stops between the airport and Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, and another that offers non-stop express service between the airport, Aulnay-sous-Bois, and Gare du Nord, before making all stops to Massy-Palaiseau.
In 2024, CDG handled over 70 million passengers and 460,000 aircraft movements, making it the world's ninth busiest airport and Europe's third busiest in terms of passenger numbers.
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Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)
Paris-Orly offers a range of services and facilities for travellers. The airport features numerous shops and restaurants, as well as seven airport lounges. Free Wi-Fi, ticket machines, smartphone charging stations, and information points are also available. For travellers with reduced mobility, Paris-Orly provides assistance tailored to their disability, including dedicated spaces in the terminals and accessible parking.
Paris-Orly Airport can be accessed by various transportation options. By car or taxi, the airport is about 18 to 30 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic conditions. The airport is well-connected to the public transport network, with the OrlyVal light rail connecting to the RER B line for access to central Paris. Bus services, such as the OrlyBus, also provide direct links to the city, while taxi services are available at designated areas outside the terminals.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1932 as a secondary airport to Le Bourget. During World War II, Orly Airport was used by the German Luftwaffe and later by the United States Army Air Forces until control was returned to the French Government in 1947. The airport has undergone development projects over the years, including a 2012 plan to merge the south and west terminals into a single great terminal. Paris-Orly continues to evolve, with initiatives such as a tree-planting project announced in 2023, aiming to capture 329 tonnes of carbon annually.
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Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)
Upon landing at Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA), you will find several dining options, from cosy cafes to convenient eateries. Duty-free shopping is also available, allowing you to purchase souvenirs, essentials, and more. Additionally, certain airlines and private companies may provide lounge access for travellers seeking comfort and relaxation.
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Châlons Vatry Airport
While Châlons Vatry Airport is officially a minor airport serving the Grand Est region, it is also unofficially marketed as Paris-Châlons or Paris-Vatry (Disney) for passenger traffic. This is despite the airport being located 147 km (91 mi) east of central Paris and approximately 105 km (65 mi) away from Disneyland Paris.
Compared to Paris' main airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, Châlons Vatry Airport is a smaller and less prominent option for travellers. Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest and busiest airport in France, handling most long-haul international flights, while Orly serves a mix of domestic and international flights and is the closest airport to Paris' city centre. However, for those seeking budget-friendly options or travelling within Europe, Châlons Vatry Airport, along with Paris-Beauvais Airport, can be a convenient choice as they are occasionally served by low-cost airlines.
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Beauvais-Tillé Airport
The airport is equipped with a main runway that has an Instrument Landing System (ILS) CAT III for runway 12 and CAT I for runway 30. It also has a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) for both runways, enabling aircraft to land safely even in low-visibility conditions of 75 meters.
Travellers can easily access Paris from the airport through various transportation options. There is an official shuttle service between the airport and Paris Porte Maillot, with prices starting at €16.90 for a one-way shuttle trip and €29.90 for a round trip. The airport also has three car parks with 4,000 parking spaces near the terminals and a free drop-off area. Additionally, coach, rail, minibus, and shuttle services are available to Paris, with a travel time of about 75 minutes by coach.
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Frequently asked questions
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 and busiest airport in Paris, handling most of the city's long-haul international flights.
Paris-Orly Airport is the closest airport to the city centre, located just 8 miles south of Paris.
Paris-Beauvais Airport is the best option for budget travellers, catering mostly to low-cost airlines.
