If you’re planning a trip to Paris, one of the first questions that might come to mind is which airport to fly into. Paris has several airports, so it’s essential to understand your options before booking your flight.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Paris and is located about 14 miles northeast of the city center. It has three terminals- Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.
Terminal 1: This terminal is dedicated primarily to international carriers such as Air France, Delta, Emirates and Lufthansa.
Terminal 2: Terminal 2 has seven sub-terminals (2A-2G) and is divided into different areas based on airlines and destinations. For instance, the 2E and 2F sub-terminals are for Air France flights.
Terminal 3: This terminal is used mainly for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.
Transportation Options from CDG Airport
- RER train: RER trains run from CDG airport to central Paris every few minutes. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at all terminals at CDG airport with a fixed rate of €50 to central Paris.
- Buses: There are several bus services available from CDG airport that run regularly to different parts of Paris.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Orly Airport is the second-largest airport in Paris after Charles de Gaulle Airport. It’s located about eight miles south of the city center.
South Terminal: This terminal is dedicated mainly to low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Vueling.
West Terminal: The West Terminal is used primarily for international flights, including those operated by Air France.
Transportation Options from Orly Airport
- RER train: RER trains run from Orly airport to central Paris every few minutes. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at both terminals at Orly airport with a fixed rate of €35-€45 to central Paris.
- Buses: There are several bus services available from Orly airport that run regularly to different parts of Paris.
Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA)
Beauvais-Tillé Airport is located about 53 miles north of Paris and is mainly used by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Blue Air.
Transportation Options from Beauvais-Tillé Airport
- Buses: There are several bus services available from Beauvais-Tillé airport that run regularly to Porte Maillot in central Paris. The journey takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.
- Taxis: Taxis are available outside the main terminal building with a fixed rate of €170-€210 to central Paris.
In conclusion,
Paris has three main airports- Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais-Tillé (BVA). CDG airport is the largest and busiest, while Orly airport is closer to the city center.
Beauvais-Tillé airport is located further north and is mainly used by low-cost airlines. Regardless of which airport you choose, there are several transportation options available to get to central Paris, including trains, buses, and taxis.