Paris airport transfers from Charles de Gaulle and Orly
Choose your airport route around your hotel address as well as your arrival time. RER B connects Charles de Gaulle with several central interchange stations, while metro line 14 gives Orly a direct link into Paris. Taxis reduce the work with bulky luggage, but road traffic can make their journey less predictable than the railway.
The airports
- Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- about 25 km northeast, roughly 35 to 60 minutes by train depending on your central stop
- Orly (ORY)
- about 15 km south, roughly 25 to 40 minutes by metro depending on your central stop
Every way from the airport to Paris
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainRER B | CDG | about 35 minutes to Gare du Nord | Hotels near RER B or a simple metro connection |
| TaxiOfficial airport taxi | CDG | about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic | Groups, bulky luggage and direct hotel arrivals |
| MetroMetro line 14 | ORY | about 25 minutes to Châtelet | A direct rail journey to central Paris |
| Tram and metroTram T7 and metro line 7 | ORY | allow about 60 to 90 minutes to central Paris | Travelers prioritizing a cheap route over speed |
| TaxiOfficial airport taxi | ORY | about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic | Families and hotels far from a direct metro route |
How each one works
Train: RER B
Follow signs for the airport railway station serving your terminal; some terminals need the airport shuttle first. Buy a ticket valid for the airport journey before the gates. Central stops include Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame.
Taxi: Official airport taxi
Join the signed official taxi queue outside your terminal and give the driver your full accommodation address. Official airport taxis use a fixed fare for addresses within Paris. Confirm that your destination qualifies and ask about card payment before leaving.
Metro: Metro line 14
Follow signs for metro line 14 at Aéroport d'Orly and buy a ticket valid for the airport journey. Trains serve central stops including Gare de Lyon and Châtelet. Check the exit nearest your hotel before leaving the station.
Tram and metro: Tram T7 and metro line 7
Follow airport signs to the T7 stop and take the tram to Villejuif-Louis Aragon, where you change to metro line 7. Buy the appropriate tickets for each part before boarding. The transfer makes this less convenient with heavy bags.
Taxi: Official airport taxi
Use the official taxi rank signed from arrivals. Give the driver your exact address and confirm the fixed fare arrangement for destinations within Paris. A direct journey can be useful when your hotel would require several railway changes.
Arriving late or leaving early
Do not assume airport trains or the metro run all night. Check the official journey planner for your arrival or departure time, including planned engineering work. If the rail service does not fit, use the official taxi rank or arrange a licensed transfer.
Before you land
- Keep your airport ticket or travel pass available until you have left the railway system, including any exit gates.
- Check that your ticket covers the airport journey; an ordinary city journey ticket may not cover the route you choose.
- Ignore people offering taxis inside arrivals and follow the signs to the official rank outside.
- For an early flight, plan backwards from the airline's check-in advice and allow extra time for terminal transfers.
Paris airport transfers from Charles de Gaulle and Orly
Which Paris airport has the easier rail journey?
It depends on your address. Orly has metro line 14, while Charles de Gaulle has RER B. Choose the route with the fewest changes to your accommodation.
Can I tap a bank card at the station gate?
Do not assume a bank card alone works as your travel ticket. Buy an airport-valid ticket or use a supported transport pass or mobile ticket before entering.
Are airport taxis on a fixed fare?
Official taxis have fixed fares between these airports and addresses within Paris. Confirm your destination is covered before departure, especially if your accommodation is outside the city boundary.
What should I do if my flight arrives after rail services finish?
Follow signs to the official taxi rank or use a licensed transfer you have arranged. Check late transport options before flying, since the final rail departures depend on the route.