When planning a trip to Paris, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is which airport to fly into. Paris has two major airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both airports and help you determine which one is better for your needs.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Charles de Gaulle Airport is the larger of the two airports and is located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris. It’s the main hub for Air France, so if you’re flying with this airline, it’s likely that you’ll arrive at CDG. Here are some pros and cons of flying into CDG:
Pros
- There are more flights arriving and departing from CDG than Orly, so you may have more options when it comes to scheduling.
- CDG has excellent transportation options into Paris, including trains, buses, and taxis.
- The airport has plenty of amenities such as restaurants, shops, and lounges.
Cons
- CDG can be quite busy and crowded, especially during peak travel seasons.
- The airport is further away from central Paris than Orly, so it may take longer to get into the city.
- If you’re flying with a budget airline, they may not operate out of CDG.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Orly Airport is located about 13 kilometers south of Paris. It’s the smaller of the two airports but still handles a significant amount of traffic. Here are some pros and cons of flying into ORY:
- Orly is closer to central Paris than CDG, so it may take less time to get into the city.
- The airport is less crowded and hectic than CDG, which can make for a more pleasant travel experience.
- If you’re flying with a budget airline, they may operate out of ORY.
- There are fewer transportation options from ORY into Paris, so you may have to take a taxi or shuttle bus.
- The airport has fewer amenities than CDG, although there are still plenty of places to eat and shop.
Conclusion
Both Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision of which airport to fly into depends on your individual needs.
If you’re flying with Air France or want more transportation options, CDG may be the better choice. If you’re on a budget or want a quicker trip into the city, ORY might be the way to go.
No matter which airport you choose, make sure to plan your transportation into Paris ahead of time and leave plenty of time for any unexpected delays or complications. With some careful planning, your trip to Paris will be off to a great start!