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 one change. But since Metro 14 began running direct to Châtelet, Orly has become the faster option: Metro 14 then RER A takes about 40 minutes, versus about 50 from CDG. Both cost €14. For business travellers, Orly is now the better ground connection.
Which airport is best?
Orly reaches La Défense via Metro 14 direct to Châtelet (~25 min), then the RER A west (~10 min) — about 40 minutes total with one interchange. The airport ticket costs €14. Orly is also compact, which shortens the walk from gate to train.
Metro 14 → RER A, €14, ~40 min, 1 interchange
CDG reaches La Défense via RER B to Châtelet then the RER A west — about 50 minutes with one interchange and the same €14 ticket. CDG compensates with more airline choice for business travellers and better lounge and fast-track options, and remains the practical choice for long-haul.
RER B → RER A, €14, ~50 min, 1 interchange
Transfer comparison
Orly is now the faster airport for La Défense — about 40 minutes via Metro 14 and the RER A, versus about 50 from CDG. Both cost €14 by rail. CDG still wins on airline choice, lounges and long-haul routes, so choose it when the flight matters more than the final 40 minutes.
Compare CDG vs ORY for La Défense → →Related guides
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: October 2026