The best Paris airport depends mainly on how you plan to get into the city — CDG is best by the RER B train, while Orly is now easiest via Metro 14.
Which is the best Paris airport to fly into — Aéroport de Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (ORY), 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, the best choice depends on the ease of transportation to the final destination.
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 about the same time from both airports, and public transportation costs the same.
A third airport near Paris, Beauvais Airport (BVA), is used by ultra-low-cost airlines and 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.
Paris Airport Transport – Quick Guide
🚆 CDG:
RER B train to CDG (fastest & best)
🚇 ORY:
Metro 14 (direct to Orly) or Orlyval (via Antony)
🚖 Comfort:
Private transfers
💸 Cheapest:
Local buses (slow)
🔄 Between airports:
Train via RER B & Metro
📊 Compare:
CDG vs ORY guide →
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. 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).
🚖 Best for comfort after long flights: private transfers, which may even be cheaper than the train for small groups.
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 2026:
Single tickets: €2.55 for Metro-Train-RER, €2.05 for Bus-Tram, €14 for Paris Region <> Airports, and €12.30 for a day pass. See Guide to Paris Public Transport Tickets for prices and details.
Getting 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 in lines at security and immigration.
Transportation to Charles de Gaulle Airport
Arriving at Charles de Gaulle and traveling on to the Paris city center is easy enough. Simply follow the signs to the exit and transportation method of preference — the RER B train from CDG is the best public transportation choice to central Paris. (The Roissybus airport express bus to Opéra no longer operates!)
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 transferring passengers, but everything takes time. The extra time needed at customs and security checks is unpredictable.
- Transportation options from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris include RER B trains (best), private transfers (convenient), bus (cheap but very slow) and taxis. (The Roissybus no longer runs!)
- 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 Halles) or the Orlyval (at Antony). Travel time is around an hour, but add time at either end to the equation.)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is sometimes also referred to as Roissy Airport.
Getting 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. Metro 14 to Orly Airport is now the easiest option.
- Both 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 is 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 2026
Public transportation to Paris airports uses a standard Paris Region <> Airports Ticket, valid on metro, RER, and regional trains across the Paris area.
- Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): RER B trains are best. Buses are cheap but slow.
- Private airport transfers are most comfortable after long flights to go directly to final destinations.
- Paris-Orly Airport (ORY): Metro 14, Orlyval from Antony (RER B), or bus 183.
- ↔ Transfer between CDG and ORY by train.
- Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA): cheap flights but long transfers.
- Which Paris airport is best?
- Older services like Le Bus Direct and RoissyBus no longer operate.
- Guide to Paris public transport tickets and prices.
→ Always check routes at RATP or IDF Mobilités.
FAQ: Paris Airports – CDG vs Orly
Which Paris airport is best to fly into?
The best Paris airport depends mainly on transportation. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is best served by the RER B train, while Orly (ORY) is now easiest via Metro line 14.
Is CDG or Orly closer to central Paris?
Orly Airport (ORY) is slightly closer to central Paris than Charles de Gaulle (CDG), but travel times are similar thanks to fast train and metro connections from both airports.
What is the cheapest way to get from Paris airports to the city?
The cheapest options are public transportation. The RER B train serves CDG, while Metro line 14 or local buses serve Orly. Both require a Paris Region <> Airports ticket.
How do you transfer between CDG and Orly airports?
The easiest transfer is by RER B train through central Paris with a connection to Metro line 14 or the Orlyval shuttle. Travel time is around one hour.
Is Beauvais Airport a good option for Paris?
Beauvais Airport (BVA) is mainly used by low-cost airlines and is far from Paris. Transport to the city takes longer and usually requires a dedicated shuttle bus.