Which Paris Airport Is Better?

By Anna Duncan

When planning a trip to Paris, one of the most important considerations is which airport to fly into. There are two main airports in Paris – Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). Both have their pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on several factors.

Location

Charles de Gaulle airport is located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris city center, whereas Orly airport is located about 14 kilometers south of Paris. Depending on where you’re staying in the city, one airport may be more convenient than the other.

Transportation Options

Both airports have several transportation options to get you from the airport to your destination in Paris. From Charles de Gaulle, you can take the RER train (line B), which takes around 30 minutes to reach central Paris.

You can also take a bus or a taxi. From Orly, you can take the Orlyval train that connects with the RER B line or take a bus or taxi.

Flight Connections

Charles de Gaulle airport is much larger than Orly and has more flight connections to destinations around the world. If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll likely fly into Charles de Gaulle. However, if you’re flying from within Europe, there may be more flight options into Orly.

Amenities

Both airports have plenty of amenities for travelers. Both have several shops and restaurants to choose from, as well as currency exchange services and ATMs.

Terminal Layout

Charles de Gaulle has three terminals (T1,T2,T3) that are all connected by a free shuttle bus service or walking if lucky enough to be in T2. Terminal 2 is further divided into seven sub-terminals: 2A-2G; these sub-terminals are connected by a free shuttle train service. Orly has two terminals (Sud and Ouest) which are connected with a bus service.

Waiting Times

One downside of Charles de Gaulle is that it can be quite crowded, especially during peak travel season, which can result in longer waiting times for security checks and baggage claim. Orly is smaller and less crowded, so you may experience shorter waiting times.

  • Conclusion:
  • Both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports have their pros and cons, so the choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs. If you’re looking for more flight connections or are coming from outside of Europe, Charles de Gaulle may be the better option despite its distance from the city center. However, if you’re traveling within Europe or want to avoid crowds, Orly may be a better choice.

In conclusion, choosing the right Paris airport depends on several factors such as location, transportation options, flight connections, amenities, terminal layout and waiting times. By considering all these factors before booking your flight to Paris will help you make an informed decision and ensure you have a stress-free arrival in the city of love!