If you’re planning a trip to Paris, one of the first things you need to decide is where you’re going to fly into. There are three main airports that serve the city, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each airport and help you decide which one is right for your trip.
The Three Main Airports
There are three main airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais-Tille (BVA). CDG is the largest and busiest of the three, while ORY is smaller but still serves many international destinations. BVA is further from the city center and mainly serves budget airlines.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
CDG is located about 14 miles northeast of Paris and is the main international airport in France. It has three terminals, with Terminal 2 being the largest and most modern. If you’re flying into CDG, you’ll have plenty of options for transportation into the city, including trains, buses, taxis, and private transfers.
One advantage of flying into CDG is that it has many direct flights from major cities around the world. Additionally, if you’re a member of an airline alliance or have elite status with a specific airline, you may have access to exclusive lounges or priority boarding.
However, CDG can be quite busy and chaotic at times. You may experience long lines at immigration or security checkpoints during peak travel times. Additionally, it’s important to note that CDG is quite far from some parts of Paris, so transportation costs could add up quickly if you’re staying far from the city center.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Orly Airport is located about 8 miles south of Paris and mainly serves domestic and European destinations. It has four terminals, with Terminal 3 being the newest and most modern.
One advantage of flying into ORY is that it’s closer to the city center than CDG. This means that transportation costs may be lower if you’re staying in central Paris. Additionally, ORY tends to be less crowded than CDG, which can make for a smoother and more efficient airport experience.
However, if you’re flying from outside of Europe, you may not have as many direct flight options into ORY. Additionally, some airlines may not have partnerships with ORY, meaning you may not have access to exclusive lounges or priority boarding.
Beauvais-Tille Airport (BVA)
Beauvais-Tille Airport is located about 55 miles north of Paris and mainly serves budget airlines. It has one terminal and is much smaller than CDG or ORY.
One advantage of flying into BVA is that it can be significantly cheaper than flying into CDG or ORY. Additionally, the airport tends to be less crowded than the other two, which can make for a more relaxed airport experience.
However, BVA is quite far from Paris and transportation options are limited. The only direct transportation option into the city is by shuttle bus, which can take up to two hours depending on traffic. Additionally, because BVA mainly serves budget airlines, you may not have access to exclusive lounges or priority boarding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each airport has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your travel preferences and budget. If you’re looking for convenience and a wide range of flight options, CDG may be your best bet.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed airport experience and lower transportation costs within the city, ORY could be a good option. And if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a longer journey into the city center, BVA could save you some money. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which airport is the best fit for your trip to Paris.