Which Airport Is Closer to Paris Orly or CDG?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is which airport to fly into. The two main airports serving Paris are Orly and CDG.

Both have their own unique advantages, but which one is closer to the city center? Let’s take a closer look.

Paris Orly Airport

Paris Orly Airport is the smaller of the two airports and is located just 13 km (8 miles) south of Paris. It primarily serves domestic and European flights, although there are some long-haul flights as well.

Pros:

  • Closer to Paris
  • Less crowded than CDG
  • Quick check-in and security lines

Cons:

  • Limited international flights
  • Smaller airport with fewer amenities
  • Taxis can be more expensive due to tolls on highways

CDG Airport

Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is located about 25 km (15 miles) northeast of Paris. It’s one of the largest airports in Europe and serves both domestic and international flights.

Pros:

  • Bigger airport with more amenities
  • More flight options, including long-haul flights
  • Better public transportation connections to the city center

Cons:

  • Further from Paris than Orly
  • Crowded terminals with long wait times at check-in and security lines.
  • Taxis can be expensive due to distance from city center.

Which Airport is Closer to Paris?

In terms of distance, Orly Airport is closer to Paris than CDG. However, the difference in distance isn’t significant enough to make a huge impact on your travel plans. The real difference between the two airports comes down to flight options, airport amenities, and transportation connections.

Ultimately, the decision of which airport to choose depends on your travel needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a smaller airport with fewer crowds and quick security lines, Orly may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more flight options and better public transportation connections, CDG may be the way to go.

Conclusion

Both Orly and CDG airports have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. While Orly is closer to Paris and has shorter wait times at security lines, CDG offers more flight options and better public transportation connections. Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh your priorities when choosing which airport to fly into for your trip to Paris.