Paris Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Paris is served by three major commercial airports, each playing a distinct role in the city’s air traffic. Unlike a single-hub system, Paris disperses flights across Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and the smaller Beauvais (BVA), which cater to different airlines, destinations, and traveler needs. They vary significantly in distance from the city centre and in the travel experience they offer. Choosing the right airport is a critical first step in planning your trip to the French capital.

Understanding which airport and terminal you are using is essential for planning transport, accommodation, and connection times. This guide explains every airport that serves Paris, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear, plain-English explanations of how to get to and from each one.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Overview: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is Paris’s primary international airport, one of the busiest in Europe, and a major global hub for SkyTeam alliance carrier Air France. Located approximately 25 km (16 miles) northeast of central Paris, it is a large, complex airport with multiple terminals handling the vast majority of long-haul and intercontinental flights.

Terminals: CDG has three main terminals: 1, 2, and 3. Terminal 2 is further divided into seven sub-terminals (2A through 2G), which are separate buildings.

• Terminal 1: A distinctive circular design, serving a variety of international airlines (including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, etc.).
• Terminal 2: The main hub for Air France and its SkyTeam partners (Delta, KLM, etc.). Each sub-terminal (2A-2G) serves specific destinations and alliances. Transfers between them can require taking the free CDGVAL automated shuttle train.
• Terminal 3 (formerly T9): Used by low-cost carriers and charter airlines (e.g., easyJet, Ryanair).

The terminals are connected by the free, automated CDGVAL train and shuttle buses.

Getting to and from CDG:

• RER B (Regional Train):
  The most direct and affordable rail link to central Paris. Trains depart from stations at Terminal 2 (via CDGVAL connection) and Terminal 3. The journey to central stations like Gare du Nord or Châtelet–Les Halles takes about 30-50 minutes. Be vigilant for pickpockets.
• Air France / Le Bus Direct (Coach):
  Coach services run to key points in Paris: Porte Maillot & Étoile (Line 2) and Gare Montparnasse & Gare de Lyon (Line 4). More comfortable than RER but subject to Paris traffic. Journey time: 60+ minutes.
• RoissyBus (Public Bus):
  A Paris public transport (RATP) bus running directly from all terminals to Opéra Garnier in central Paris. Often cheaper than private coaches. Journey time: 60-75 minutes.
• Taxi:
  Official taxis are available at designated ranks. The fare to the Right Bank (Rive Droite) is a flat €58, and to the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) is €63. This rate applies until 2025. The journey takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber/Bolt):
  Available, with designated pick-up zones. Pricing is dynamic; often similar to or higher than the flat-rate taxi, especially during peak hours.

Best for: Long-haul international flights, Air France and SkyTeam passengers, and travelers connecting through Europe.

Paris Orly Airport (ORY)

Overview: Orly is Paris’s second airport and main domestic hub, located about 13 km (8 miles) south of the city centre. It handles a large volume of flights within France, Europe, and to French territories, and is a focus city for Transavia and easyJet. It is generally considered more convenient for southern Paris.

Terminals: Orly has two main terminals connected by a free automated shuttle (Orlyval).

• Terminal 1 (Ory 1): Mainly serves domestic and international flights for airlines like easyJet, Volotea, and Vueling.
• Terminal 2 (Ory 2 & 3): Comprises Terminal 2 (formerly Orly 3) and Terminal 3 (formerly Orly 4). Primarily serves international and domestic flights for Air France, Transavia, and others.

Getting to and from Orly:

• Orlyval (Automated Shuttle) + RER B:
  The fastest rail link. Take the Orlyval shuttle from either terminal to Antony station, then transfer to the RER B train into central Paris. Total journey time to Châtelet is about 35 minutes.
• Tramway T7 + Metro/Villejuif-Louis Aragon:
  A cheaper surface tram option. Tram T7 runs from Orly to Villejuif-Louis Aragon metro station (Line 7). Total journey to central Paris takes about 45-60 minutes.
• Orlybus (Public Bus):
  A direct RATP bus from both terminals to Denfert-Rochereau metro/RER station in southern Paris. Journey time: 30-40 minutes.
• Air France / Le Bus Direct (Coach):
  Service to Gare Montparnasse and Invalides (near the Eiffel Tower). Travel time: 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Taxi:
  Official flat-rate fare to central Paris (Left or Right Bank) is €37. Journey time: 30-60 minutes.

Best for: European and domestic flights, low-cost carriers, and travelers staying in southern Paris (Rive Gauche).

Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA)

Overview: Beauvais-Tillé Airport is marketed as “Paris-Beauvais” but is located about 85 km (53 miles) north of Paris, near the city of Beauvais. It is almost exclusively used by ultra-low-cost carrier Ryanair and a few other budget airlines. The distance from Paris is substantial, and ground transport takes significantly longer.

Terminals:

• Single passenger terminal: A basic, functional terminal with limited amenities.

Getting to and from Beauvais:

• Official Airport Shuttle (Navette):
  The only practical public transport. Buses are timed to flight arrivals/departures and run to Porte Maillot in western Paris. The journey takes 75-90 minutes and is subject to heavy traffic. You must book your shuttle ticket in advance online to guarantee a seat, especially for your return journey.
• Taxi:
  Extremely expensive (€150-€200+ to Paris). Not recommended.
• Car Rental:
  Available, but driving into Paris is not advised for visitors due to traffic, cost, and complexity.

Best for: Extremely budget-conscious travelers flying Ryanair who are willing to trade time and convenience for a very low airfare.

Which Paris Airport Should You Choose?

Choose Charles de Gaulle (CDG) if: You are flying intercontinentally, with Air France/SkyTeam, or prioritize direct flight options. It has the best public transport links (RER B) for its size.

Choose Orly (ORY) if: You are flying within Europe or France, are using low-cost carriers (easyJet, Transavia), or are staying on the Left Bank. It’s closer and often quicker to reach.

Consider Beauvais (BVA) only if: The fare savings on Ryanair are dramatic and you don’t mind a 90-minute bus ride. Factor in the cost (€17) and necessity of pre-booking the shuttle.

Golden Rule: Always confirm your airport code (CDG, ORY, or BVA) when booking and before traveling. Confusing CDG and ORY is inconvenient; confusing either with BVA can be disastrous.

Airport Transfers Between Paris Airports

Transferring between Paris airports is possible but time-consuming and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. There are no direct airside connections.

Estimated Minimum Transfer Times (with luggage):

• CDG ↔ ORY: 90-120 minutes. The most reliable method is the official Air France coach (Line 3), which runs between the airports. Alternatively, RER B to Châtelet, then Orlyval/Orlybus.
• CDG ↔ BVA: 3+ hours. This requires a combination of RER/metro to Porte Maillot, then the Beauvais shuttle bus. Highly inadvisable for same-day connections.
• ORY ↔ BVA: 2.5+ hours. Take Orlyval/RER to central Paris, then metro to Porte Maillot, then the Beauvais shuttle.

Important: If you have a self-transfer between Paris airports on separate tickets, you must allow at least 5-6 hours between flights. You will need to collect baggage, exit, and navigate complex ground transport. Airlines will not assist if you miss your connection.

Essential Information for Paris Travel

Public Transport Tickets: For RER trains from CDG/ORY to the city, you need a specific ticket (€11.45 from CDG, €12.10 via Orlyval from ORY). Consider a Navigo Découverte pass if staying several days and using lots of transport.

Security & Scams: Be aware of your belongings, especially on the RER B and around ticket machines. Decline unsolicited “help” at ticket kiosks.

Pre-Book Taxis/Shuttles: For peace of mind, especially to/from Beauvais or for early morning flights, pre-book official taxis or shuttle services.

Final Advice: For most travelers, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) will be your airport. Choose based on your airline, destination in Paris, and budget. For CDG, the RER B is your best value. For ORY, Orlyval + RER B is the fastest. If you choose Beauvais, manage your expectations, book your shuttle immediately, and embrace the long ride as part of your budget adventure.