Which Paris airport should you choose?
Paris has two international airports. Different airlines, different routes, different connections to the city. Choosing the right one saves you money, time, and stress.
Compare CDG vs Orly →Interactive Decision EngineDestination-awareDoor-to-door AnalysisScenario Recommendations
CDG
Charles de Gaulle
France's main international hub — largest airport, most routes
Strengths
+Direct RER B to central Paris (35–40 min)
+More airline and route choice
+Better for long-haul connections
+24h RER B service
Watch out
!Longer walking distances between terminals
!Can be crowded during peak holiday periods
!Further from southern Paris destinations
Best forInternational travellers, long-haul flights, northern Paris
ORY
Orly
Closer to southern Paris — popular for domestic and European flights
Strengths
+Closer to southern Paris and Montparnasse
+Smaller, easier to navigate
+Orlybus direct to Denfert-Rochereau
+Often cheaper on European budget airlines
Watch out
!Fewer long-haul routes
!Orlyval premium adds €9.30 to transfer cost
!No direct RER — requires shuttle or bus
!Limited connections after 23:30
Best forEuropean flights, southern Paris, budget travellers
Transfer at a glance
Door-to-door transfer costs and times for the most common Paris destinations.
CDG → Central Paris
RER B, ~40 min, direct
€12
ORY → Central Paris
Orlyval + RER B, ~50 min
€15
CDG → Gare du Nord
RER B direct, ~35 min
€12
ORY → Montparnasse
Orlybus, ~35 min
€11
Which airport for your situation?
Each scenario links directly to the Decision Engine with prefilled assumptions.
01Lowest total cost
CDG is often the cheaper complete journey — lower transfer cost and more airline competition.
02Fastest city arrival
CDG with RER B direct reaches central Paris in ~40 min. ORY requires the Orlyval shuttle.
03Business traveller
La Défense is closer to CDG. Gare du Nord is a CDG direct stop — ideal for Eurostar connections.
04Family with luggage
CDG offers direct RER with step-free access. ORY's interchange is harder with bags and children.
05Late-night arrival
CDG has RER B until 00:30 and Noctilien night buses. ORY has limited options after 23:30.
More about Paris airports
How we calculate this
Transfer costs are illustrative EUR values based on RATP/SNCF fares reviewed July 2026. Airfares are illustrative planning estimates. The Decision Engine calculates real trip cost including baggage, seat selection, and airport transfers.
Last reviewed: July 2026