What is the Main Airport in Paris? CDG vs. ORY – Which to Choose

Traveling to Paris is a dream for many, but the logistics of choosing the right airport and planning the best route to the city center can sometimes feel like a tricky puzzle.

With three airports serving the city, each with its unique pros and cons, how do you decide which one is the best for your needs? 

As a local Parisian and an avid traveler, I’ve navigated these choices countless times.

In this guide, I’ll share practical insights and tips to help you understand Paris’ airport scene and make an informed decision for your journey. Trust me, it’s simpler than it seems.

What is the main airport to fly into in Paris?

Your first taste of Paris is likely to be Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport.

Located in Roissy-en-France, just northeast of Paris, CDG is not just the main airport of Paris, but also the second busiest in Europe after London Heathrow. In other words, it’s a hub of international flights and passenger traffic that keeps pace with the city’s vibrant heartbeat.

Spread over a sprawling 32.38 square kilometers, Charles De Gaulle is like the Disneyland Paris of airports – without the talking mice and fairy-tale castles, of course. Its modern terminals are a testament to its status as the largest airport in France, handling a staggering passenger traffic that could rival the crowd at the Louvre on a sunny day.

Whether you’re flying in from North America or hopping across from a nearby town in the European Union, chances are you’ll land at CDG. It’s the go-to airport for most major airlines, including Air France, British Airways, and American Airlines.

CDG serves both long-haul flights from international destinations and domestic flights, making it one of the main international airports in the world. The Eiffel Tower might be the symbol of Paris, but CDG is indeed the city’s grand entrance hall. It’s like a sneak peek of the thrilling Parisian adventure that awaits you!

⚡ Related read: What is the best airline to fly to Paris? My Top Picks

Which airport is better: CDG or ORY?

When you’re planning your trip to the City of Lights, it’s not just a battle between packing that extra pair of shoes or leaving room for souvenirs. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right airport for your arrival. 

Paris has two main airports – Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY), both with their own pros and cons.

It’s like choosing between a croissant and a baguette – both are quintessentially French, but your choice depends on your personal preferences.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Charles de Gaulle Airport, like a well-aged French wine, might be the first choice for many, and understandably so. It is the largest international airport in France and the second busiest in Europe.

Known also as Roissy Airport, it is a hub for both international and domestic flights, so if you’re coming in from North America, chances are you’ll land here. It’s like Paris’ own Gare du Nord, just an RER train ride away from the city center. Its modern terminal buildings, packed with duty-free shops and restaurants, give you a hint of the city’s cosmopolitan flair.

How to get to Paris from CDG Airport

Once your flight touches down at CDG, you’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the heart of the City of Lights. You have a platter of options to reach central Paris, whether you’re a fan of the tracks, the road, or the bus lane.

RER

The quickest and most economical way to get from CDG to the city is via the RER B train service. Just like a croissant fresh out of the oven, it’s a direct and satisfying option. The train, accessible from both Terminal 2 and 3, can zip you to Gare du Nord in approximately 35 minutes. With a ticket price around €10.30, it’s as friendly on your wallet as it is on your time.

​Bus

If you prefer to navigate the city on wheels, consider the Roissybus. This shuttle service, costing around €12.50, links CDG with the Opéra station in Paris. Buses run every 15-20 minutes from 5:15 am to 12:30 am, so there’s plenty of flexibility. Alternatively, bus routes 350 and 351 offer connections to various Paris metro stations for around €6, though the journey time can stretch up to 75 minutes.

Taxi/Uber

For those who value comfort and privacy, taxis and rideshares are available 24/7. Taxis have a flat rate from CDG to central Paris: €50 for Right Bank destinations and €55 for Left Bank locations. It’s more expensive than public transport, but sometimes the convenience is worth those extra euros. Remember, though, at peak hours or with heavy traffic, the journey could take up to an hour.

💡 P.S. Check out my guide on How to Navigate the Paris Metro like A Local for everything you need to know about public transportation in Paris!

Orly Airport (ORY)

On the other hand, Paris Orly Airport is the city’s second-busiest airport, much like a charming bistro tucked away in a Parisian alley. It’s smaller and less hectic than CDG, providing a more manageable and less overwhelming arrival experience. Think of it as the Left Bank of Paris airports – smaller, but packed with character.

Located just south of the city, Orly is closer to destinations on the city’s southern edge. If you’re planning to head to destinations like Montparnasse, this could be your best bet.

How to get to Paris from Orly Airport

Welcome to Orly, Paris’ charming smaller airport! Your French adventure is just a stone’s throw away, and multiple transport options are ready to sweep you off to the city center.

Metro/RER

Starting with the Orlyval metro service, this automatic light metro runs from Orly Airport to Antony station, where you can switch to the RER B or C lines. This two-step dance might seem a bit complicated, but it’s well-choreographed and reliable. The total journey time is around 30 minutes, and the combined cost is approximately €12.10.

Bus

Bus services also ply between Orly and Paris city center, offering an affordable and scenic ride. The OrlyBus links Orly Airport with Denfert-Rochereau in Paris, operating every 10 to 20 minutes. A one-way trip costs around €9.50 and takes about 30 minutes. For an even cheaper (but longer) alternative, you can take Bus 183 to Porte de Choisy for just €2.

Taxi/Uber

Taxi and rideshare services are another convenient way to get to Paris from Orly. Taxis offer a flat rate: €35 for Left Bank and €30 for Right Bank. It’s a costlier affair, but nothing beats the ease of a direct ride to your destination, particularly after a long flight. With moderate traffic, the taxi ride should take about 30 minutes.

Which Paris airport should I fly into?

Deciding between CDG and ORY is like deciding between seeing the Eiffel Tower by day or night – each has its own charm.

If you’re flying on a major airline from a major city, especially from outside the European Union, CDG is probably where you’ll land. Its vast size, multiple terminals, and wide range of facilities are designed to handle the heavy flow of international and domestic traffic.

In contrast, Orly caters primarily to domestic and European flights, with fewer long-haul international services. It’s a popular choice for low-cost and charter flights, which makes it a favorite for budget travelers and those on shorter European trips.

Practicality is key when deciding between the two. CDG’s direct RER Line B connection to the Gare du Nord gives it a winning edge if you want to hit the city center fast. Orly, though closer to the city center, requires a switch from the Orlyval metro to the RER B Line at Antony station, which could add extra time to your journey.

To sum it up, your choice depends on where you’re flying from, your final destination in Paris, and your tolerance for larger crowds and bigger terminals. The best option? The one that brings you to the City of Lights with the most convenience and least fuss.

⚡ Related read: When is the best time to visit Paris?

Which airport is closer to the city? 

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), stationed about 16 miles (25 km) northeast of Paris, is a bit farther from the city center compared to its counterpart.

Travel time to central Paris can range from 30 to 50 minutes depending on your mode of transport. For those who prefer public transport, the RER B line is a convenient and economical option, connecting CDG to the Gare du Nord. Taxis are also readily available, though at peak hours, journey time may be longer. A taxi from CDG to Paris city center will typically run you around 50-60 euros.

On the flip side, Paris Orly Airport sits only 8 miles (13 km) south of the city center. 

A typical journey to the city center via the Orlyval metro and RER B line can take around 30 minutes. For the road-lovers, taxis or rideshares like Uber offer a direct route to your Parisian adventure, though remember, flat rates can vary.

⚡ Related read: Where to stay in Paris? 10 Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

Alternative Paris airports: Beauvais-Tille (BVA)

Stepping away from the heavyweight league of Paris airports, let’s cast our gaze towards the underdog – the Beauvais-Tille Airport (BVA). This smaller, cozier hub may not have the glitz and glamour of its larger counterparts, but it has its unique charm, much like a hidden gem in a bustling Parisian flea market.

Nestled in the small city of Beauvais, about 53 miles (85 km) north of Paris, BVA is a popular choice for budget travelers. It’s the equivalent of finding a wallet-friendly boutique hotel in a chic Parisian neighborhood. Though it’s not a main hub like CDG or ORY, it caters to several European destinations, primarily through budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Paris Beauvais Airport is a no-frills airport that provides just the basics. It won’t win awards for extensive amenities, but it has everything you need – from food and drink to car rental services. Think of it as a quaint café compared to the elaborate Michelin-starred restaurants that are CDG and ORY.

However, its distance from Paris might be a disadvantage. If Paris is your final destination, brace yourself for a longer journey time of about 1.5 hours via the shuttle bus service to Porte Maillot. But hey, if you don’t mind the extra travel time and are keen to save a few euros on flight costs, BVA might just be your ticket to the enchanting world of Paris.

How to get to Paris from Beauvais 

Landing at Beauvais Airport (BVA) might feel like you’ve stepped into the Parisian suburbs, but fear not, you’re not far off from the magic of Paris itself. Whether you’re a fan of the bus, train, or a private ride, getting to the city from BVA is a journey filled with the anticipation of Parisian delights.

Airport shuttle (Navette)

The most direct and popular route from BVA to Paris is the airport shuttle service. The shuttle, or as the locals say, “navette”, is a convenient option that takes you straight to the heart of Paris – Porte Maillot. Tickets cost around €17 if purchased online, or €20 on-site, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. The journey time is about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic, but this time could easily be spent daydreaming about your upcoming French escapades.

Bus

If you have some extra time and fancy a scenic route, take a local bus or taxi from BVA to Beauvais city center, and from there, hop on a train to Paris. Beauvais’ train station connects to Gare du Nord in Paris, with a journey time of approximately 1.25 hours. Train tickets range from €15 to €20.

Taxi

However, if you’ve just stepped off a long-haul flight and the thought of navigating public transport seems daunting, taxis and rideshares are available. But bear in mind, given the distance from BVA to Paris, this is the priciest option. A taxi ride could set you back around €150-€200, and the journey time is about an hour, depending on traffic.

Remember, regardless of your chosen transport, to factor in plenty of time. The distance from BVA to Paris is longer than from CDG or ORY, so ensure you leave a cushion for any unexpected delays.