In short
Paris is served by two main airports: Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), located to the northeast, and Orly Airport (ORY), located to the south of the capital. Both terminals offer a full range of transportation options, from express trains to public and private bus services.
- Fast trains avoid road traffic
- Taxis apply fixed ministerial rates
- Private transfers offer maximum customization
- Buses are the economical alternative
☰ Table of Contents
How to get from airports to the city center
Both of the City of Light's airports are served by a wide variety of transportation options. Let's analyze them one by one:
Train and metro
Fast rail connections ensure a constant flow of passengers to the city centre, avoiding road traffic.
Express bus
Direct public lines connect the airport terminals with the city's main transport hubs.
Public taxi
Urban service with fixed ministerial rates blocked by law based on the destination bank.
Private transfer NCC
Chauffeured car rental offering a personalized welcome at the terminal and a fixed rate with no hidden charges.
Shared shuttle
Shared door-to-door shuttle ideal for sharing costs by arriving directly at your hotel.
Rental car
Flexible solution only recommended if you plan a subsequent extra-urban itinerary, given the costs of parking.
Our advice
Choose trains or the metroduring rush hour to beat traffic and save money.
From Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to the centre
The main airport is located about twenty-five kilometers from the city. The choice of transportation significantly affects travel times due to chronic congestion on the A1 motorway on weekdays.
Transportation Options Analysis (CDG)
Let's summarize the operational characteristics of each carrier for moving from Charles de Gaulle airport to the central urban area.
| Means of Transport | Average Travel Times | Estimated Cost and Management | Transit and Stop Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (RER B) | about 35 - 45 minutes | approximately €11.80 per person | Direct connection with high frequencies: stops at Gare du Nord, Châtelet and Saint-Michel |
| Bus (Roissybus) | approximately 60 - 75 minutes | approximately €16.60 each way | direct bus line operated by RATP: single terminus in the center of Opéra Garnier |
| Public Taxi | about 50 - 80 minutes | fixed rate from €56 to €65 | fixed cost: fifty-six euros for the right bank and sixty-five euros for the left bank |
| Private Transfer (NCC) | about 50 - 75 minutes | from €75 to €110 per car | Private driver with sign at the terminal: predetermined rate including luggage |
| Private Shuttle Transfer | approximately 60 - 90 minutes | approximately €25 - €35 per passenger | shared shuttle between multiple passengers: door-to-door distribution to the respective hotels |
| Car (Rental) | variable based on traffic | daily rate + parking > Book now | Route via the A1 motorway: a complex option due to the cost of parking in the city centre |
Needs-based selection profiles (CDG)
We break down travel options to Charles de Gaulle, highlighting the ideal profile for each type of planning.
The RER B train
Ideal for: those who want to avoid queues and arrive as quickly as possible.
- insensitive to rush hour traffic
- frequent connections every ten minutes
- excellent connection to the central metro lines
The NCC service
Ideal for: large families or passengers with heavy luggage.
- personalized welcome at the arrivals area
- exclusive vehicle with no external waiting
- fixed price agreed before the trip
The Roissybus
Ideal for: those staying near the main boulevards or the Opéra.
- no intermediate changes until the center
- large compartments for luggage on board
- maintains highly accessible public rates
The Shared Shuttle
Ideal for: those traveling alone but wish to arrive directly below the hotel.
- lower shared cost than a taxi
- direct assistance for unloading suitcases
- optimized itinerary among a few selected hotels
From Orly Airport (ORY) to the city center
Located just fourteen kilometers south of the city center, Orly airport benefits from the recent expansion of the metronetwork, which has revolutionized urban travel times and reduced historical costs.
Transportation Options Analysis (ORY)
We show you the technical details and structured costs for connections from Orly airport to the urban centre.
| Means of Transport | Average Travel Times | Estimated Cost and Management | Transit and Stop Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politana Metro(Line 14) | about 25 minutes | approximately €10.30 each way | rapid automatic line: crosses the city centre, stopping at Châtelet, Gare de Lyon and Saint-Denis |
| Train (Orlyval + RER B) | about 35 - 45 minutes | approximately €14.50 combined | light shuttle to Antony station: mandatory interchange with the RER B platforms |
| Bus (Orlybus) | about 30 - 45 minutes | approximately €11.50 per person | direct bus connection: terminus at the southern station of Denfert-Rochereau |
| Public Taxi | about 30 - 50 minutes | fixed rate from €36 to €44 | price blocked by the ministry: thirty-six euros for the left bank and forty-four euros for the right bank |
| Private Transfer (NCC) | about 30 - 45 minutes | from €60 to €85 per vehicle | premium service with in-house reception: fixed rate that includes flight delays |
| Private Shuttle Transfer | about 40 - 60 minutes | approximately €20 - €30 per person | door-to-door shared shuttle: suitable for individuals who avoid public transport with suitcases |
| Car (Rental) | variable based on traffic | daily rate + urban tolls | route along the A6 motorway: not recommended unless you plan a subsequent extra-urban itinerary |
Needs-Based Choice Profiles (ORY)
We have organized the Orly airport options, highlighting the strategic advantages for each type of passenger.
Metro Line 14
Ideal for: the absolute majority of passengers for speed and cost.
- connects the terminal directly to the core network
- transit frequencies of less than three minutes
- fixed rate integrated into digital systems
The Ordinary Taxi
Ideal for: those arriving on the Rive Gauche on a modest budget.
- preferential lane on main roads
- very competitive fixed price for two or more people
- no extra charge for ordinary luggage
The Orlybus
Ideal for: those who need to position themselves in the southern quadrant of the city.
- quick connection to Denfert-Rochereau square
- fast ticketing at automatic machines
- valid alternative in case of train blockages
The NCC Transfer
Ideal for: those traveling for business or requiring maximum punctuality.
- no waiting at street shelters
- high-end sedans with full air conditioning
- bilingual driver available for the trip
Comparison: CDG vs Orly
A quick and concise comparison of the options for getting to the city center from Paris's two airports.
| Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) | Orly Airport (ORY) |
|---|---|
| Huge intercontinental airport divided into three complex macro terminals | Compact air terminal structured in four adjacent and continuous sectors |
| Significant distance of road subject to heavy traffic on the A1 motorway | Location close to the city's southern ring roads |
| Rail connection entrusted exclusively to regional heavy RER trains | Rapid underground connection guaranteed by metroline 14 |
Need to know
- Line 14 from Orly has a special rate
- Children under four years old do not pay
- Fixed taxi fares do not include detours
- The RER B shares tracks with local trains
To keep in mind
- Terminal 3 at Charles de Gaulle can only be reached on foot
- Official taxis can also be paid by card
- Shared shuttles require large time margins
- Follow the reported flows to find NCC drivers
Other transfer options from Paris airports
5 practical tips from the expert
Follow these recommendations to avoid common mistakes during the disembarkation and transfer phases.
Be wary of unlicensed taxi drivers inside the terminals
Follow only the official taxi signs on the pavement to the regulated external platforms.
Consider the hotel's location before choosing your transportation
If you're staying in the north, it's best to fly to CDG; if you're in the south, Orly will reduce transfer times.
Buy digital tickets via app to skip the lines
Physical ticket offices at airports experience long queues just before low-cost flights land.
Please take into account the hourly supplements for private transfers
Check whether the agreed rate for NCC services covers the night time slots between ten o'clock and six in the morning.
Don't rent a car if you're staying downtown alone
Internal traffic is slowed down by reserved lanes and underground parking rates are prohibitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are regular urban metrotickets (Ticket t+) valid for trains from the airports?
No, for both the RER B route from Charles de Gaulle and line 14 from Orly you need to purchase a special airport ticket, excluding standard city paper or digital tickets.
What happens if my flight is significantly delayed and I have booked a car rental service?
Professional private transfer services monitor the flight number entered during booking and update the pick-up time at the terminal without applying penalties for delays.
Do fixed taxi fares to the city center also apply on holidays?
Yes, the prices set by the Paris prefecture for official taxis connecting the airports to the city center are fixed and do not change during weekends or national holidays.
Does the Navigo Semaine pass include transfers from the airport to the city center?
Yes, if you purchase the extended version for zones 1 to 5, the weekly pass covers the entire RER B route from Charles de Gaulle, line 14 from Orly and the Roissybus and Orlybus services at no additional cost.
