Which Paris Airport Is Closest to the City?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a trip to Paris but confused about which airport is closest to the city? With multiple airports serving the city of love, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we will break down which Paris airport is closest to the city, so you can plan your trip with ease.

Paris Airports:

Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais–Tillé (BVA). While all three airports serve international and domestic flights, they are not equally close to the city center.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is located 23 km north-east of Paris. It is the busiest airport in France and serves as a hub for Air France. CDG has three terminals, and it takes around 35 minutes by car or public transport to reach the city center.

Pros:

  • It has excellent transport links.
  • You can take direct trains or buses to downtown.
  • It offers various shops and restaurants.

Cons:

  • The distance from the city can be a turn-off if you are traveling on a tight schedule.
  • The airport can be crowded during peak season.

Orly Airport (ORY)

Orly Airport is located 14 km south of Paris and serves as a secondary airport after CDG. It has two terminals and caters mostly to domestic flights and low-cost airlines. Orly was previously known as Villeneuve-Orly Airport before merging with ADP in 2019.

Pros:

  • It is closer to the city center than CDG.
  • It offers direct train and bus connections.
  • It has a modern and bright terminal building with several restaurants and shops.

Cons:

  • It serves mostly domestic and low-cost airlines, which may not be ideal for international travelers.

Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA)

Beauvais–Tillé Airport is located 85 km north-west of Paris, making it the farthest airport from the city center. It caters mainly to low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Pros:

  • The flights to this airport are generally cheaper than those to other Paris airports.
  • The airport has a small, easy-to-navigate terminal building with a few shops and restaurants.

Cons:

  • The distance from the city can be a deal-breaker if you are traveling on a tight schedule or have limited time in Paris.
  • The transport links are not as frequent as those of CDG or ORY. You can take a shuttle bus or train to reach downtown, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for an airport that is closest to the city center, then Orly Airport is your best bet. It has excellent transport links and is closer to the heart of Paris than CDG or BVA. However, if you are looking for cheaper flights or traveling on a tight budget, then BVA is worth considering.

Ultimately, choosing an airport depends on your travel plans, budget, and preferences. We hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision and plan your trip to the city of love with ease.