Paris, the City of Light, is one of the most visited cities in the world—drawing in millions of travelers for business, leisure, and romance. Whether you’re arriving to explore the Eiffel Tower, attend a conference, or connect to another European destination, choosing the right airport can greatly impact your experience. Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais–Tillé (BVA). Each offers distinct advantages in terms of convenience, connectivity, and cost. Below is a detailed guide to help you make the best choice for your trip.
1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Overview:
Situated approximately 23 km northeast of Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport (also known as Roissy) is France’s largest and busiest airport. Handling over 70 million passengers annually, it is among the top three busiest airports in Europe and a global hub for Air France and SkyTeam Alliance partners. With its vast terminals, multilingual signage, and modern infrastructure, CDG is designed to serve international travelers efficiently.
Flights and Destinations:
CDG is Paris’s gateway to the world, offering long-haul connections across every continent. It features direct flights to North and South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Major airlines operating here include Air France, Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Delta, and Qatar Airways. In addition, low-cost carriers like easyJet operate regional routes within Europe. With hundreds of daily flights, CDG is the ideal choice for travelers seeking variety and reliability.
Transportation:
Getting to central Paris from CDG is straightforward:
- 🚆 RER B Train: 35–40 minutes to Châtelet or Gare du Nord (€13).
- 🚌 Roissybus: Direct coach service to Opéra in 50–60 minutes (€13).
- 🚖 Taxi: Fixed fare around €55 (Right Bank) or €60 (Left Bank), depending on traffic.
- 🚗 Private Transfers: Comfortable options start at around €65, perfect for those with heavy luggage.
Amenities:
CDG offers a premium airport experience. With over 250 shops, you’ll find everything from French luxury brands like Chanel and Dior to electronics, books, and travel essentials. Numerous restaurants and cafés serve both French cuisine and international favorites. Lounges across the terminals cater to business and premium passengers, offering showers, Wi-Fi, and relaxation zones. There are also children’s play areas, prayer rooms, and hotels connected to the terminals.
Travel Tips:
- 🏃♂️ Plan for long walking distances between terminals—use the free internal shuttle (CDGVAL) to move around efficiently.
- ⏰ Early morning arrivals may experience shorter immigration queues.
- 🎫 Book your train tickets in advance if connecting via the TGV station located in Terminal 2.
Best For:
🌍 International travelers who value comfort, a wide choice of flights, and a modern, full-service airport experience.
2. Orly Airport (ORY)
Overview:
Located just 13 km south of Paris, Orly Airport is the city’s second-largest airport and offers an excellent balance between proximity and efficiency. Handling around 33 million passengers a year, it’s ideal for those flying domestically or within Europe. It is a secondary hub for Air France and the main base for Transavia France, the low-cost subsidiary of the Air France–KLM Group.
Flights and Destinations:
Orly serves an impressive mix of domestic, European, and leisure long-haul routes. Popular destinations include Nice, Marseille, Lisbon, Rome, Marrakech, and the Caribbean islands. Carriers such as Corsair, French Bee, La Compagnie, easyJet, and Vueling operate here, offering both budget and premium travel options. Some long-haul leisure routes also depart from Orly, including flights to the Caribbean and Indian Ocean territories.
Transportation:
Traveling from Orly to Paris is quick and straightforward:
- 🚆 Orlyval + RER B: A 35-minute ride to central Paris via Antony Station (~€14.10).
- 🚌 Orlybus: Direct to Denfert-Rochereau in 30–40 minutes (€11.20).
- 🚋 Tram 7 + Metro: Budget-friendly option, around €3–4 total but slower.
- 🚖 Taxi: Approximately €37–40 depending on traffic and destination.
Amenities:
Orly’s two terminals are modern, spacious, and traveler-friendly. Expect duty-free shops, cafés, bakeries, and fashion outlets. Free Wi-Fi, family play zones, charging stations, and fast-track security options enhance convenience. The airport has several lounges, and its smaller size compared to CDG makes check-in and boarding significantly quicker.
Travel Tips:
- 🕑 Arrive 1.5–2 hours before domestic flights, as lines are usually shorter than CDG.
- 📍 Orly is ideal if you’re staying on the south side of Paris or in areas like Montrouge or Ivry.
- 💡 Consider Transavia or French Bee for affordable flights with quality service.
Best For:
✈️ Travelers heading to French cities or nearby European destinations, or those seeking a more compact airport experience with faster access to the city.
3. Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA)
Overview:
Roughly 80–85 km north of Paris, Beauvais Airport is primarily used by low-cost airlines. Although much smaller than CDG or Orly, it serves as a key budget hub for travelers flying with carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Despite its distance from Paris, many tourists choose BVA for its affordable ticket prices.
Flights and Destinations:
Beauvais offers mainly short-haul routes across Europe and North Africa. Expect flights to cities such as Barcelona, Budapest, Warsaw, Milan, and Marrakech. Ryanair dominates the terminal, while other budget carriers like Volotea and SkyUp add seasonal connections. There are no long-haul or domestic flights, so it’s best suited for travelers seeking inexpensive European getaways.
Transportation:
Getting from BVA to Paris requires a bit of planning:
- 🚌 Airport Shuttle: 75–90 minutes to Porte Maillot (€17–18 one way).
- 🚆 Train + Taxi: Around 1h35 total (~€25 combined cost).
- 🚖 Taxi: Approximately €150–210 for a direct ride to central Paris.
The dedicated shuttle service aligns with flight schedules, ensuring connections even for early morning departures. However, keep in mind that traffic can cause delays, so plan accordingly.
Amenities:
Beauvais is a no-frills airport with limited facilities—expect small cafés, a few snack bars, vending machines, and a compact duty-free shop. Free Wi-Fi is limited to 30 minutes. Seating can be scarce during busy times, and there are no lounges. Despite its simplicity, check-in and security are generally fast thanks to the airport’s small size.
Travel Tips:
- ⏰ Arrive at least 2 hours before departure to avoid long queues at security.
- 💻 Pre-book your shuttle ticket online for guaranteed seats.
- 🍫 Bring your own snacks or drinks—options inside are limited.
Best For:
💸 Budget travelers who prioritize saving on airfare over convenience. Ideal for short European trips with low-cost airlines.
4. Quick Comparison
| Feature | CDG | ORY | BVA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Paris | 23 km | 13 km | 85 km |
| Primary Airlines | Air France, major global carriers | Transavia, Air France, easyJet | Ryanair, Wizz Air |
| Flight Types | Long-haul & European | Domestic, European, leisure long-haul | Low-cost short-haul |
| Travel Time to City | 35–60 min | 30–40 min | 75–90 min |
| Typical One-Way Cost | €13–60 | €11–37 | €17–18 |
| Passenger Volume (2024) | 70.3M | 33.1M | 6.5M |
| Amenities | Excellent (lounges, shops, dining) | Good (modern, clean) | Basic (minimal services) |
| Best For | International travelers | Short-haul/European flights | Budget flyers |
5. Which Paris Airport Should You Choose?
Choosing between Paris’s three airports depends on more than just flight prices — it’s about your travel goals, itinerary, and comfort expectations. Each airport has unique advantages, and understanding the nuances can help you make the most efficient and enjoyable decision.
- 🌍 For International Flights: Choose Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – Paris’s largest and most globally connected airport. Beyond its extensive network of long-haul destinations, CDG provides top-tier lounges, in-airport hotels, and even art exhibitions. It’s ideal for those flying intercontinentally or transferring through major alliances like SkyTeam, Oneworld, or Star Alliance. Travelers benefit from direct access to the RER B train and TGV network, meaning you can continue your journey to other French cities such as Lyon, Marseille, or Lille without leaving the terminal. Despite its size, CDG continues to improve efficiency and offers multilingual staff, digital kiosks, and high-quality dining experiences from Michelin-starred chefs. If you prioritize comfort, international connectivity, and world-class amenities, CDG stands unrivaled.
- 🧳 For Domestic or Short-Haul Trips: Go with Orly (ORY) – It’s closer to the heart of Paris and much simpler to navigate. Orly is perfect for travelers who want shorter transfer times and less congestion compared to CDG. The airport’s smaller layout reduces walking distances, and the streamlined check-in process makes it popular with both business travelers and frequent European flyers. With modern terminals featuring improved seating, free Wi-Fi, and self-service bag drops, Orly has evolved into a smart travel hub. It’s also a hub for Transavia France, meaning cheap yet convenient flights to cities like Lisbon, Madrid, or Marrakech are easy to find. Moreover, Orly’s proximity to southern Paris neighborhoods makes it a strategic choice for travelers staying in areas like Montparnasse or Ivry. Whether for a quick weekend trip or a domestic business flight, ORY balances affordability and accessibility with impressive ease.
- 💰 For Budget Travel: Pick Beauvais (BVA) – perfect for low-cost carriers if you don’t mind the extra travel time. This airport may be far, but for budget travelers, it often unlocks the lowest fares in Europe. Ryanair and Wizz Air dominate operations here, offering dozens of short-haul routes ideal for students, backpackers, and adventurous travelers exploring multiple countries on a budget. While facilities are basic, the airport’s smaller size means check-in and boarding move quickly. If you plan ahead, shuttle transfers can be smooth, with departures aligned with flight times. It’s also worth noting that Beauvais is located near charming French countryside towns like Beauvais itself and Chantilly, offering unexpected sightseeing options for those with longer layovers. Despite being minimalist, BVA has an undeniable appeal to travelers seeking simplicity, efficiency, and low fares.
In summary, if luxury, connectivity, and comfort are your priorities, CDG should be your gateway. For efficiency, shorter city transfers, and domestic convenience, Orly shines. And if your goal is budget travel or hopping across European cities, Beauvais remains an unbeatable low-cost option. Each airport delivers a unique experience that can shape how your Parisian adventure begins or ends.—
Final Thoughts
Your airport choice in Paris can significantly influence the ease and enjoyment of your trip. If you want a smooth long-haul experience with top-notch amenities, CDG stands out. If you prefer convenience and proximity for European destinations, Orly is your best bet. And if price is your top priority, Beauvais delivers unbeatable savings.
No matter which airport you choose, Paris greets you with open arms, stunning architecture, and unforgettable charm. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, one thing is certain — your Parisian adventure begins the moment you land.