Which airport is best for La Défense?
La Défense is Europe's largest business district, west of central Paris. Neither airport has a direct connection — both require at least one change. CDG is closer and has a faster RER B → RER A connection. Orly requires Orlyval + two RER changes, making it noticeably slower. For business travellers, CDG is the clear winner.
Which airport is best?
CDG reaches La Défense via RER B to Châtelet then RER A west — about 55 min total. While not direct, this is the fastest option. CDG also offers more airline choice for business travellers and better lounge/fast-track options.
RER B → RER A, €12, ~55 min, 1 interchange
Orly requires Orlyval to Antony, RER B to Châtelet, then RER A to La Défense — about 70 min with two interchanges. The Orlyval premium (€9.30) also adds to the cost. Only choose Orly if the airfare is significantly cheaper.
Orlyval → RER B → RER A, €15, ~70 min, 2 interchanges
Transfer comparison
CDG is the better airport for La Défense. It's faster (55 min vs 70 min), cheaper on transfer (€12 vs €15), and has better business-travel facilities. Orly only makes sense if you find a significantly cheaper airfare — use the Decision Engine to check.
Compare CDG vs ORY for La Défense → →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