Are you planning a trip to Paris anytime soon? One of the most important aspects of your travel plan would be choosing the right airport to fly into.
Paris has two major airports – Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). While both airports have their pros and cons, choosing the right one can make a significant difference in your travel experience. In this article, we will compare both airports and help you decide which one is better for you.
Location
Charles de Gaulle airport is located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris, in Roissy-en-France. It is well-connected by various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, taxis, and rental cars.
On the other hand, Orly airport is located about 14 kilometers south of Paris in Orly city. It is also connected by various modes of transportation but not as extensively as CDG.
Winner: CDG
If you are visiting central Paris or staying there for an extended period, then CDG would be a better option due to its excellent connectivity.
Size and Capacity
CDG airport is one of the largest airports in Europe with three terminals and handles over 70 million passengers annually. It can get crowded during peak season, leading to long queues at immigration and security checks. Orly airport, on the other hand, has two terminals and handles around 33 million passengers annually.
Winner: ORY
If you are looking for a less crowded airport with shorter waiting times at security checks and immigration counters, then Orly would be a better choice.
Amenities
Both CDG and Orly airports offer a wide range of amenities such as shops, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi access, currency exchange counters, ATMs, and more. However, CDG has more options and a better variety of choices when it comes to shopping and dining.
If you’re looking for more options to shop, eat and relax before your flight, then CDG is the better option.
Flight Connections
CDG airport is the primary hub for Air France, while Orly airport is used mainly by low-cost airlines such as Transavia and EasyJet. However, both airports have numerous connections to various destinations worldwide.
Winner: Tie
It depends on your airline preference and travel destination. If you are flying with Air France or its partner airlines, then CDG would be a better option. If you are flying with low-cost carriers or have a direct flight to Orly airport, then Orly would be a better option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports have their pros and cons. Based on your travel plans, airline preferences, and other factors such as budget and time constraints, you can choose the one that suits you best. However, if you’re visiting central Paris or staying there for an extended period of time, then Charles de Gaulle would be the better option due to its excellent connectivity.