Which is the best Paris airport to fly into — Aéroport de Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), or even Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)?
Paris has two major airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). Although there are sometimes good reasons to favor one of the main airports over the other, for most passengers, it does not really matter which airport is used. This is fortunate, as it is relatively rare for airlines to have flights to both airports on similar routes.
However, if given a choice, I’d rather fly to Orly than Charles de Gaulle. Both airports are confusing to use with Charles de Gaulle’s massive Terminal 2 especially so. Transportation to the center of Paris takes around the same time, with public transportation costing the same. Beauvais Airport (BVA), used by ultra-low-cost airlines, is very far from the city centre.
Public transportation to Parisian airports is quick and relatively cheap. However, private transfers are convenient and for small groups sometimes not more expensive than a couple of airport surcharge train tickets.
Public Transportation to Airports in Paris
Public transportation is generally the easiest and fastest way to travel to airports in Paris. The best way to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is by RER B train or the Roissybus. Getting to Orly Airport (ORY) is easiest on metro 14 or the Orlyval shuttle (from RER B station Antony). Buses are the best option to Beauvais Airport (BVA).
A Paris Region <> Airports ticket is usually required for traveling from anywhere in the larger Paris area to CDG or ORY airport.
Basic Paris Public Transportation Ticket Prices in 2025:
Single tickets: €2.50 for Metro-Train-RER, €2 for Bus-Tram, €13 for Paris Region <> Airports, and €12 for a day pass. See Guide to Paris Public Transport Tickets for prices and details.
Fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the main airport in Paris with the largest number of international flights. Most long-haul flights to Paris arrive here, including intercontinental flights on Air France and most flights from North America, including American Airlines and United Airlines.
Charles de Gaulle is the largest and busiest airport in France. It is also the most confusing to use. It has three main terminals and several sub-terminals. Traveling between the terminals on the free shuttle service can easily take 20 minutes without taking into account long walking distances and time spent at security lines.
Transportation to Charles de Gaulle Airport
Arriving at Charles de Gaulle and traveling on to Paris city center is easy enough. Simply follow the signs to the exit and transportation method of preference — RER B train is the best public transportation choice to central Paris, although many travelers also enjoy the Roissybus airport express bus to Opéra.
Departing from Charles de Gaulle Airport is more complicated. Check the terminal number, and in the case of Terminal 2, even the departure gates, before traveling to the airport. Getting off at the wrong train station or bus stop can add a (very) long walk and a (free) CDGVAL shuttle ride to get to the correct terminal.
Similarly, allow extra time for connecting flights if you are unfamiliar with Charles de Gaulle airport. Signposting is confusing and distances are long. Free airport shuttles operate between terminals for transfer passengers but everything takes time. The extra time needed at customs lines and security checks is unpredictable.
→ Transportation options from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris include RER B trains, Roissybus airport express bus to Opera, prebooked shuttle services, and taxis.
→ Transferring between Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY) is easiest by RER B train through Paris with a transfer to either the metro 14 (at Châtelet-Les Halls) or the Orlyval (at Antony). Travel time is around an hour but add time at either end to the equation.)
Charles de Gaulle Airport is sometimes also referred to as Roissy Airport.
Fly to Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is the closest airport to the heart of Paris but the distance and time gained over flying via Charles de Gaulle is only marginal. Orly is mostly used for European flights.
Personally, if given the choice, I would rather fly to Orly than Charles de Gaulle airport, especially if traveling to the left bank or southern parts of the city.
Orly has only three terminals, of which Orly 1, 2, 3 are in the same building and using the same transportation stops. Orly 4 is a short free Orlyval shuttle train ride (or walk) away.
Public transportation options from Orly to Paris are limited to the Orlyval shuttle train to Antony on RER B and the very convenient Metro line M14. This relatively new metro line 14 to Orly makes public transportation much easier than before. The Orlyval shuttle and metro 14 require a Paris Region <> Airports ticket when traveling to or from Orly Airport stations.
Previous shuttle bus services no longer running include Les Cars Air France, Le Bus Direct, and the Orlybus (to Denfert-Rochereau).
Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA)
Low-cost carriers use Beauvais Airport (BVA) for cheap flights to Paris on low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. However, this is not a major international airport and far from the French capital. Facilities at the airport are limited. Stick to the public transportation options recommended by the airline, or any savings on the flight ticket will be consumed by the expense of ground transportation.
Transportation to Beauvais Airport (BVA) is cheapest by bus but for families or groups the convenience of private transfers may be worth considering. The buses to Beauvais airport are not part of the Paris public transportation system. Aerobus tickets must usually be bought online.
Public Transportation to Airports in Paris in 2025
Public transportation, especially the train and metro, is the best way to travel from Parisian airports to downtown Paris.
- Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): RER B trains are the best public transportation option, but the RoissyBus still runs to the Opera. Buses are slower but cheap. Private airport transfers are best booked in advance and a comfort after a long flight.
- Paris-Orly Airport (ORY): easy transportation on Metro 14, or Orlyval shuttle from Antony on RER B, or cheapest on bus 183. Book private transfers in advance.
- How to Transfer by Train between Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly Airport.
- Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA): cheap flights but long ground transportation to downtown Paris. Private transfers are expensive.
- Public transportation to Paris-Charles de Gaulle or Paris-Orly airport requires a standard Paris Region <> Airports Ticket, which covers any metro, transilien, and RER train in the larger Paris region, including all the way to Versailles.
- Guide to Paris Public Transportation Tickets and Metro Prices — a new simplified system was introduced in 2025. Longer journeys are often cheaper than before.
- Which Paris Airport is the Best to Fly Into? CDG or Orly? It doesn’t really matter much.
- Luxury buses of Le Bus Direct (previously Les Cars Air France) no longer operate. There is no similar limousine bus service from Parisian airports to downtown.
→ Always check Paris public transportation journeys before traveling at RATP or IDF Mobilités.
