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Which airport is best for La Défense?

La Défense is Europe's largest business district. CDG reaches it via RER B → RER A in ~55 min. Orly requires Orlyval + two RER changes (~70 min). CDG is faster, cheaper on transfer, and has better airline options for business travellers.

Which airport is best?

RecommendedCDGCharles de Gaulle

RER B to Châtelet then RER A to La Défense — about 55 minutes. One change. CDG also has more business-class routes and lounges.

RER B → RER A, €12, ~55 min, 1 change

ORYOrly

Orlyval to Antony, RER B to Châtelet, RER A to La Défense — about 70 minutes with two changes. The Orlyval premium (€9.30) makes this more expensive too.

Orlyval → RER B → RER A, €15, ~70 min, 2 changes

Transfer comparison

CDG → La Défense
RER B → RER A, ~55 min
€12
ORY → La Défense
Orlyval → RER B → RER A, ~70 min
€15
CDG time advantage
CDG is 15 min faster
15 min
CDG cost advantage
CDG transfer is €3 cheaper
€3
The bottom line

CDG is better for La Défense — faster (55 vs 70 min) and cheaper transfer (€12 vs €15). Only choose Orly if the airfare difference is very large.

Compare CDG vs ORY for La Défense →

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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