If you are planning a trip to Paris and trying to figure out which airport to fly into, you are not alone. Paris has three airports serving the city, each with its own personality, location, and price range. Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA) all have their strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice really depends on where you are flying from, what airline you are using, and how much time and money you want to spend getting into the city.
This guide breaks down all three airports in plain terms so you can make a confident decision before you book.
A Quick Overview
Before diving into the details, here is a snapshot of what each airport offers:
- Charles de Gaulle is the largest and busiest airport in France, located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris. It handles the majority of international long-haul flights and is the main hub for Air France.
- Orly is the closest airport to Paris at just 15 kilometers south of the city. It is smaller, easier to navigate, and primarily serves European and domestic routes.
- Beauvais is located a full 85 kilometers northwest of Paris and is mainly used by budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. It is the furthest from the city by a significant margin.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): The International Giant
Charles de Gaulle is the airport most people think of when they think of flying to Paris. With over 72 million passengers passing through each year, it is the second busiest airport in Europe and operates like a small city of its own. If you are flying from the United States, Asia, Africa, or South America, chances are your flight lands here.
Getting to Paris from CDG:
The most popular and affordable option is the RER B train, which runs every 10 to 15 minutes and takes 35 to 50 minutes to reach central Paris for€ 11.80. The RoissyBus is another option, going directly to the Opera area in about 60 minutes for €16. Taxis charge a fixed rate of €55 to the Right Bank and €62 to the Left Bank, while Uber and Bolt typically come in at €45 to €50. If you are heading to Disneyland Paris, the TGV high-speed train from the Terminal 2 station gets you there in just 10 to 12 minutes.
What CDG does well:
- The widest range of flight options from virtually every major destination in the world
- Direct RER B train to central Paris with no transfers needed
- Over 12 hotels within shuttle distance, plus YotelAir inside Terminal 2E for layover stays
- Excellent duty-free shopping, restaurants, and even a small museum space
- An on-site TGV station for connecting to other French cities and Belgium
Where CDG falls short:
- The airport is very large and can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors
- Long walks between terminals are common
- Passport control queues can be extremely slow during peak hours
- The sheer size means more time spent just navigating the airport
CDG is best for intercontinental travelers, Air France and SkyTeam passengers, and anyone who needs to connect to another French city by high-speed train.
Orly Airport (ORY): The Closest and Most Convenient
If you have the option of flying into Orly, many frequent Paris travelers will tell you it is the better experience overall. At just 15 kilometers from the city center, it is the closest of the three airports to Paris, and its smaller size makes it noticeably less stressful than CDG.
Getting to Paris from Orly:
The newest and fastest option is Metro Line 14, which opened in 2024 and connects Orly directly to central Paris in just 20 to 25 minutes for €10.30, with trains running every 2 minutes during rush hour. Travelers often refer to this high-frequency, automated transit connection as the Bus Line 14 by RATP (Aéroport d’Orly à Saint-Denis – Pleyel), which stretches all the way from the airport through the heart of Paris up to the northern suburbs.
The older Orlyval plus RER B combination is still available, taking 30 to 40 minutes and costing €14.10. Taxis from Orly are significantly cheaper than from CDG, with a flat rate of around €35 to the Left Bank. Uber and Bolt typically run €30 to €35.
One important note: the Orlybus officially ended service in March 2025 and has been replaced by Metro Line 14, so if you see older guides referencing it, that information is now outdated.
What Orly does well:
- Fastest transfer to central Paris at just 20 minutes via Metro Line 14
- Closest airport to the city, which translates to less travel time and lower taxi fares
- Smaller and quieter terminal layout that is much easier to navigate
- Good dining options including Paul and Laduree
- Clear signage throughout the airport
Where Orly falls short:
- No hotel inside or directly attached to the terminals
- No luggage storage lockers available
- Fewer long-haul flight options, with most routes being European or domestic
Orly is the top pick for European travelers, those on domestic French flights, and anyone who values a smooth, stress-free airport experience over a wide range of flight options.
Beauvais Airport (BVA): The Budget Option
Beauvais is in a category of its own, and not entirely in a flattering way. It is not really a Paris airport in the traditional sense. Located 85 kilometers northwest of the city in a town called Tille, it exists primarily to serve budget airlines, with Ryanair being the dominant carrier. The incredibly low airfares are the main draw, but there are real trade-offs to consider.
Getting to Paris from Beauvais:
The only practical option for most travelers is the Aerobus shuttle, which costs €17.90 online and takes 75 to 90 minutes to reach Porte Maillot in Paris. The shuttle schedule is tied to flight arrivals and departures, so there is not much flexibility. A taxi from Beauvais to Paris costs a staggering €185 to €230, making it a non-starter for most people. Renting a car is an option if you are exploring northern France, with tolls running about €10 to €15.
What Beauvais does well:
- Extremely cheap flights, sometimes as low as €10 to €20 one-way
- Small and simple terminal layout that is easy to navigate
- Less crowded than CDG or Orly
- A reasonable base for exploring northern France
Where Beauvais falls short:
- Located 85 kilometers from Paris, far further than any other option
- The shuttle to Paris takes up to 90 minutes and costs nearly as much as some of the flights
- Very basic facilities with limited seating and few dining options
- No overnight accommodation nearby
- Only serves budget airlines, giving you very little choice in terms of carriers or schedules
Beauvais makes sense only if your flight is significantly cheaper than what CDG or Orly offers. A general rule of thumb: if the price difference is at least €30 after factoring in the 17.90 euro shuttle and the extra travel time, it is worth considering. Otherwise, the convenience of flying into CDG or Orly usually outweighs the savings.
Airport Facilities at a Glance
| Feature | CDG | Orly | Beauvais |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Paris | 25 km | 15 km | 85 km |
| Travel time to center | 35 to 60 min | 20 to 30 min | 75 to 90 min |
| Annual passengers | 72+ million | 33 million | 5.2 million |
| On-site hotels | Yes (12+) | No | No |
| Luggage storage | Yes | No | No |
| Duty-free shopping | Large selection | Yes | Very limited |
| Main airlines | Air France, Delta, American, KLM, United | French Bee, Transavia, La Compagnie | Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet |
Which Airport Should You Choose?
- Choose CDG if you are flying from outside Europe, traveling on Air France or a SkyTeam airline, need to connect to another French city by TGV, or want access to on-site hotels and premium airport facilities.
- Choose Orly if you are flying from within Europe, want the fastest and easiest transfer into Paris, prefer a smaller and less chaotic airport environment, or are taking a domestic flight within France.
- Choose Beauvais if your flight is at least €30 cheaper than comparable options at CDG or Orly, you are comfortable with the 75 to 90 minute shuttle ride, and you are flying with Ryanair or Wizz Air. It is not recommended if you have heavy luggage, a tight schedule, or are visiting Paris for only a short stay.
Final Rankings
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall convenience | Orly | CDG | Beauvais |
| Closest to Paris | Orly (15 km) | CDG (25 km) | Beauvais (85 km) |
| Flight options | CDG | Orly | Beauvais |
| Cheapest transfer to city | Orly Metro (€10.30) | CDG RER B (€11.80) | Beauvais shuttle (€17.90) |
| Cheapest taxi | Orly (€35) | CDG (€55 to €62) | Beauvais (€185+) |
| Airport facilities | CDG | Orly | Beauvais |
| Budget flight options | Beauvais | CDG/Orly budget carriers | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
For most travelers, Orly is the best overall choice if your airline flies there. It is the closest airport to central Paris at just 15 kilometers, the easiest to navigate, and now has a direct Metro Line 14 connection that gets you into the city in just 20 to 25 minutes for €10.30. That said, if you are flying from outside Europe, CDG is likely your only practical option given its far wider range of international routes.
Orly is the closest, sitting just 15 kilometers south of Paris. Charles de Gaulle is about 25 kilometers northeast of the city, and Beauvais is the furthest at 85 kilometers northwest. In terms of travel time, Orly can be reached from central Paris in as little as 20 minutes via Metro Line 14, while CDG takes 35 to 50 minutes by RER B, and Beauvais takes 75 to 90 minutes by shuttle bus.
Technically, no. Beauvais Airport is located 85 kilometers northwest of Paris in a town called Tille, which is far outside the Paris metropolitan area. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air market it as a Paris airport because it serves the city, but always factor in the €17.90 shuttle and up to 90 minutes of travel time when comparing fares against CDG or Orly flights.
From CDG, the most affordable option is the RER B train at €11.80, taking 35 to 50 minutes to central Paris. From Orly, the best option is the new Metro Line 14 at €10.30, taking just 20 to 25 minutes. From Beauvais, the Aerobus shuttle at €17.90 is the only practical choice, taking 75 to 90 minutes to reach Porte Maillot in Paris.
It depends on the numbers. Beauvais flights can sometimes be €20 to €50 cheaper than comparable flights from CDG or Orly, but you need to add €17.90 for the shuttle and factor in the extra 75 to 90 minutes of travel time each way. If the total savings after the shuttle cost are at least €30, it is generally worth it. If the difference is smaller than that, flying into CDG or Orly is usually the better deal once time and convenience are taken into account.
Choosing between Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais comes down to where you are flying from, what airline you are using, and how much you value time versus budget. Orly wins on convenience for European travelers, CDG is the go-to for long-haul international flights, and Beauvais is only worth it when the flight savings genuinely justify the extra distance.
When in doubt, do a quick total cost comparison that includes transport to the city before booking. The right airport choice sets the tone for the whole trip, and a little research upfront can save you both money and unnecessary stress on arrival.
