Landing at Orly Airport and trying to figure out how to get into Paris without paying taxi prices? You’re not alone. Orly is actually one of the better-connected airports in Europe when it comes to affordable public transport, and with a little know-how, you can get to the heart of Paris for as little as €2.15. Here’s everything you need to know, laid out in plain terms.
Quick Overview: Where Is Orly Airport?
Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) sits about 13 kilometers south of central Paris, closer to the city than Charles de Gaulle, which means shorter travel times across the board. It has four terminals (Orly 1, 2, 3, and 4), and most transport options connect from at least one of them, with free inter-terminal shuttles bridging the gap.
Option 1: Orlyval + RER B
If speed is your priority but you still want to avoid taxi prices, the Orlyval + RER B combination is your best bet. Here’s how it works:
- Take the Orlyval automated shuttle from your terminal to Antony station, this takes about 8 minutes
- At Antony, transfer seamlessly to the RER B train heading into Paris
- The RER B drops you at major central stations including Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, and Gare du Nord
Total journey time to the city center: around 35–40 minutes.
Key Details:
- Cost: €14.20 (Paris Région-Aéroports ticket), or covered by a Navigo zones 1–4 pass
- Frequency: Every 5 minutes during rush hour, every 7 minutes otherwise
- Operating hours: Daily, 6:00am to 11:35pm
- Tickets: Buy via the Île-de-France Mobilités app, airport ticket machines, or any RATP/SNCF sales point
One useful tip: travel between terminals on the Orlyval is free, so don’t worry if you land at the wrong terminal for your onward connection.
Option 2: Metro Line 14
As of 2024, Metro Line 14 now runs directly from Orly Airport all the way into central Paris, reaching stations like Châtelet and Gare de Lyon in around 25 minutes. It’s the single fastest public transport connection available, and simpler than the Orlyval + RER B combo since there’s no transfer involved.
- Cost: Around €10.30–€10.50 one-way
- Best for: Travelers who want speed without the Orlyval price tag
Option 3: Tram T7
If saving money matters more than saving time, Tram T7 is where it’s at. For just €2.15, you can ride from Orly all the way to Villejuif-Louis Aragon, where Metro Line 7 picks up and carries you straight into central Paris.
How It Works:
- Tram T7 departs from Orly 4 (passengers from Orly 1–2–3 take the free inter-terminal shuttle first)
- Ride to Villejuif-Louis Aragon, about 45 minutes
- Transfer to Metro Line 7 toward the city center
Total journey time including the metro: roughly 60–90 minutes depending on your final destination.
Key Details:
- Cost: €2.15 standard t+ ticket, or use your Navigo pass
- Frequency: Every 8–15 minutes
- Operating hours: Approximately 5:30am to 12:30am
Your single t+ ticket covers 74 minutes of transfers across the network, so depending on how far into the city you’re going, you may need a second ticket for the metro leg.
Option 4: Bus 183
Bus 183 is another low-cost option, running from Orly 4 to Porte de Choisy, where you can connect to Metro Line 7 (and also Tram T9). Like Tram T7, it uses the standard €2.15 t+ ticket and takes around 40 minutes to reach its terminus, with a metro ride adding extra time to reach central Paris.
- Total journey time: 60–90 minutes
- Best for: Travelers staying in the south of Paris or near the 13th arrondissement
Other secondary bus routes worth knowing:
- Bus 191.100: Direct to Porte d’Italie
- Tram T7 + Bus 185: Alternative connection to Porte d’Italie
Important note: The Orlybus, which used to run directly to Denfert-Rochereau, was discontinued on March 3, 2025. It is no longer available. Official advice is to use Metro Line 14 or the Orlyval + RER B instead.
Option 5: Night Buses (Noctilien)
Flying in late? Four Noctilien night bus lines keep you covered after the trams and metros wind down:
- N22, N31, N131, N144: all connecting Orly to central Paris (Châtelet or Gare de Lyon)
These are lifesavers for late arrivals and run on reduced schedules through the night.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Option | Time to Center | Cost (Adult, One-Way) | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 14 | ~25 min | ~€10.30 | Frequent | Speed + simplicity |
| Orlyval + RER B | ~35–40 min | €14.20 | Every 5–7 min | Fast, wide city coverage |
| Tram T7 + Metro 7 | ~60–90 min | €2.15 | Every 8–15 min | Budget travelers |
| Bus 183 + Metro | ~60–90 min | €2.15 | Frequent daytime | Budget travelers |
| Taxi | ~30–40 min | €32–€44 (flat rate) | On demand | Door-to-door comfort |
Pro Tips Before You Go
- On a tight budget? Tram T7 or Bus 183 at €2.15 each is as cheap as it gets, just factor in the extra travel time.
- Have a Navigo pass? It covers Tram T7, Bus 183, Metro, and RER B, but not the Orlyval portion. Keep that in mind when planning.
- Traveling between terminals? The inter-terminal shuttle and the Orlyval between terminals are both free, no ticket needed.
- Buy tickets before boarding buses: Some bus lines don’t sell tickets on board, so grab yours at the airport machines or via the Bonjour RATP app or Île-de-France Mobilités app before you get on.
- Night arrival? Check which Noctilien line (N22, N31, N131, or N144) gets you closest to your accommodation.
- Validate every time: Always tap or validate your ticket when boarding, even mid-journey transfers. Inspectors are active and fines are issued on the spot.
People Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Orlybus was permanently discontinued on March 3, 2025. The recommended alternatives are Metro Line 14 or the Orlyval + RER B combination.
Tram T7 or Bus 183, both cost €2.15 using a standard t+ ticket. You’ll need a separate ticket for the metro connection, so budget around €4.30 total for the full journey.
Yes, for Tram T7, Bus 183, and Metro, but the Navigo pass is not valid on the Orlyval. If you’re taking the Orlyval + RER B route, you’ll need a separate Paris Région-Aéroports ticket.
It depends on your transport choice. Metro Line 14 is fastest at around 25 minutes. Orlyval + RER B takes 35–40 minutes. Tram T7 or Bus 183 with metro connections takes 60–90 minutes.
Yes. Four Noctilien night bus lines (N22, N31, N131, N144) connect Orly to Châtelet and Gare de Lyon through the night when regular services stop.
Fixed rates apply: approximately €32 to the Left Bank and €37 to the Right Bank of Paris. Expect higher rates at night.
Orly Airport gives you real choices when it comes to getting into Paris, from the speedy Metro Line 14 to the ultra-budget Tram T7 at just €2.15. The best option really comes down to how much you value your time versus your money. Either way, you don’t need to splash out on a taxi to get into one of the world’s great cities. Plan ahead, validate your ticket, and you’ll be sipping a café crème in central Paris before you know it. Bienvenue à Paris!
