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Which Paris airport is best for families?

Travelling with children and luggage changes the airport equation. Direct trains matter more than saving €5. Step-free access becomes essential. And baggage fees hit harder when you're paying for multiple family members. Here's how CDG and Orly compare for families.

Which airport is best?

RecommendedCDGCharles de Gaulle

RER B from CDG runs direct to central Paris with step-free access at major stations like Châtelet and Gare du Nord. No shuttle transfers, no stairs with luggage. The train has dedicated luggage space. And CDG's larger terminals mean more family facilities — play areas, family security lanes, and baby-changing rooms.

RER B direct, step-free access at major stations, luggage space on trains

ORYOrly

Orly requires the Orlyval shuttle train — which means getting off the plane, finding the shuttle platform, riding to Antony, then changing to the RER B with all your luggage and children. The interchange adds stress. Orly is smaller and less crowded, which can be a plus — but the transfer complexity usually outweighs this for families.

Orlyval shuttle + RER B change required — harder with luggage and children

Transfer comparison

CDG → Central Paris
RER B direct, step-free, luggage space
€12
ORY → Central Paris
Orlyval + RER B, 1 change, stairs at Antony
€15
CDG interchange count
Direct to central Paris — no changes needed
0
ORY interchange count
Must change at Antony — with luggage
1
The bottom line

CDG is the better airport for families. Direct RER B means no shuttle changes with tired children and heavy bags. Step-free access at major stations, dedicated luggage space, and better terminal facilities make the journey significantly easier. Use the Decision Engine to compare total costs including baggage for your whole family.

Compare CDG vs ORY with baggage →

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How we determine this

This guide is generated from the Travelvus Decision Engine using verified airport datasets, destination transfer profiles, and door-to-door comparison methodology. Recommendations are data-driven — not editorial opinion. Transfer costs are illustrative EUR values. Airfares are illustrative planning estimates.

Last reviewed: July 2026