If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you may be wondering which airport is closer to the city: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly. While both airports serve the Paris region, there are some differences in their location and transportation options that can affect your travel plans.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
As the largest airport in France and one of the busiest in Europe, Charles de Gaulle Airport is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of central Paris. It has three terminals (1, 2, and 3) that serve a wide range of airlines and destinations around the world.
If you’re arriving at CDG and heading to Paris, there are several transportation options available:
- Train: The RER B train line connects CDG with central Paris and runs every 10-20 minutes from early morning until late at night. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes depending on your destination.
- Bus: Several bus companies offer services between CDG and Paris, with prices and journey times varying depending on traffic conditions. Some popular options include the Roissybus, which goes directly to Opera station in central Paris, and the Air France buses that serve several locations throughout the city.
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside each terminal at CDG, but they can be expensive and subject to traffic delays during peak hours.
Orly Airport
Orly Airport is located about 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of central Paris and has two terminals (south and west) that handle mainly domestic and European flights.
If you’re arriving at Orly and heading to Paris, there are also several transportation options available:
- Train: The Orlyval shuttle train connects Orly Airport with the Antony RER station, where you can transfer to the RER B line for central Paris. The journey takes around 35-40 minutes in total.
- Bus: Several bus companies offer services between Orly and Paris, with prices and journey times varying depending on traffic conditions. Some popular options include the Orlybus, which goes directly to Denfert-Rochereau station in central Paris, and the Air France buses that serve several locations throughout the city.
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside each terminal at Orly, but they can be expensive and subject to traffic delays during peak hours.
Which airport is closer to Paris?
In terms of distance, Orly Airport is closer to central Paris than Charles de Gaulle Airport. However, the actual travel time can vary depending on your mode of transportation and traffic conditions.
If you’re looking for a faster way to get to central Paris from either airport, you may want to consider taking a private transfer or a shared shuttle service. These options can be more expensive than public transportation but can save you time and hassle.
The Verdict
In conclusion, both Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport can be convenient choices for travelers visiting Paris. While CDG is further away from the city center than Orly, it offers more flight options and serves as a hub for international connections. On the other hand, Orly is a smaller airport that mainly handles domestic and European flights but has faster transportation options to central Paris.
The choice ultimately depends on your travel plans and priorities. Whatever airport you choose, make sure to plan ahead and research your transportation options to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.