What Paris airport is the best to fly into?

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, one of the first decisions you’ll face is: which airport should I fly into? 

With three main airports serving the city, Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA), each offers a very different experience in terms of location, airlines, and convenience.

So, before you book your flight or your transfer, here’s everything you need to know about each Paris airport, from how far they are from the city center to what kind of travelers they’re best suited for.

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Quick Links to plan your visit to Paris

Airports of Paris

1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

The Main International Gateway

If you’re flying into Paris from outside Europe, chances are you’ll land at Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known simply as Roissy. 

It’s the largest and busiest airport in France and the second-busiest in Europe after Heathrow. 

Located about 25 km (15 miles) northeast of central Paris, CDG handles most long-haul international flights.

Airlines and Destinations

CDG is home to Air France, the French flag carrier, and serves as a major hub for SkyTeam alliance members like Delta, KLM, and Korean Air. 

You’ll find direct connections from all major cities in North and South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Budget airlines like easyJet and Vueling also operate here, but the majority of flights are full-service international routes.

How to Get to Central Paris

• RER B train: Around €11.45, takes about 35–40 minutes to Gare du Nord or Châtelet.

• RoissyBus: Goes directly to Opéra Garnier in about 60 minutes.

• Taxi: Fixed rate of €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank (official flat fares).

• Transfer: Usually €70–€90, it takes from 30 mins to 1 hour, depending on the traffic. You can book your private CDG airport transfer here.

Why Choose CDG?

CDG is ideal if you’re flying from abroad or want to connect to other European destinations easily. 

It’s also the best choice if you plan to stay in central or northern Paris, as the RER line connects directly to key areas like Gare du Nord, Saint-Michel, and Luxembourg.

However, be prepared for a large and sometimes confusing airport layout — give yourself time for connections and security checks!

2. Orly Airport (ORY)

Closer to the City and Easier to Navigate

Orly Airport is located just 13 km (8 miles) south of Paris, making it much closer to the city center than CDG. It’s smaller, easier to navigate, and generally more convenient for travelers flying within Europe or from nearby international destinations.

Airlines and Destinations

Orly mainly handles domestic and European flights, along with a few international routes to North Africa and the Caribbean. 

It’s a key base for Air France, Transavia, Iberia, Vueling, and TAP Air Portugal.

If you’re flying from another European capital or taking a short trip from within France, Orly is probably where you’ll land.

How to Get to Central Paris

• OrlyVal + RER B: Around €13.25, takes 30–40 minutes total to central Paris.

• Tramway T7 + Metro Line 7: Cheapest option (around €2.15), but slower — about 1 hour.

• Transfer: Usually €30–€40, and it takes around 1 hour. You can book your private Orly airport transfer here.

• Bus OrlyBus: Around €11.20, 30–40 minutes to Denfert-Rochereau.

Why Choose ORY?

If you want to avoid the chaos of CDG and land closer to the city, Orly is your best bet. 

It’s especially convenient if you’re staying in southern neighborhoods like Montparnasse, Denfert-Rochereau, or the Latin Quarter.

Orly is smaller but modern, efficient, and usually cheaper for short-haul flights. 

However, it has fewer international connections, so it’s less ideal for long-haul travelers.

3. Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA)

For Budget Travelers and Low-Cost Flights

Beauvais Airport is technically one of Paris’s airports, but it’s actually located 85 km (53 miles) north of the city. 

That’s right: it’s quite far!

Still, it’s the go-to airport for budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Air Moldova, making it a popular choice for low-cost travelers and backpackers.

Airlines and Destinations

You’ll mostly find low-cost European routes here, to cities in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Eastern Europe, and the UK. 

It’s a great option for cheap flights if you don’t mind a longer transfer.

How to Get to Central Paris

• Beauvais Shuttle Bus: Direct service to Porte Maillot (in northwest Paris), around €16.90 one way, 1h15–1h30 depending on traffic.

• Train: From Beauvais train station to Gare du Nord, around 1h15 but less convenient (you need a taxi or local bus to the station).

• Taxi: Usually €150–€200, so it’s better to stick to the shuttle.

Why Choose BVA?

Let’s be honest, you don’t choose Beauvais for convenience. You choose it for the price. 

If you’re flying on a tight budget or hopping between European cities with Ryanair, it’s fine.

But if you’re staying in Paris for a short time or don’t want to deal with long transfers, CDG or Orly are much better choices.

Which Paris Airport Is Closest to the City Center?

That’s Orly Airport, at just 13 km away, you can reach central Paris in under 40 minutes by train or taxi. 

CDG is next, about 25 km away, while Beauvais is quite distant at 85 km.

If proximity matters, especially for short stays, Orly is the winner.

Which Paris Airport Is Best for International Flights?

Definitely Charles de Gaulle. It’s the main international hub, offering the widest range of long-haul connections across all continents.

It’s also the best choice if you’re planning to connect to another flight within France or Europe since many major airlines operate through CDG.

Which Paris Airport Is Best for Budget Airlines?

That would be Beauvais (BVA). 

Most Ryanair and Wizz Air flights depart from there. 

Orly also has some low-cost carriers like Transavia and Vueling, but BVA dominates the budget market.

Travel Times from Each Airport to Popular Paris Neighborhoods

Neighborhood From CDG From ORY From BVA

• Le Marais 40–50 min (RER B + Metro) 40 min (OrlyVal + Metro) 1h30 (Shuttle + Metro)
• Latin Quarter 45 min (RER B) 35–40 min (OrlyBus or RER) 1h40 (Shuttle + Metro)
• Montmartre 45–55 min (RER + Metro) 50 min 1h30–1h45
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés 45 min 40 min 1h40
• Eiffel Tower / 7th arrondissement 50–60 min 35–45 min 1h45

So… What Paris Airport Is Best?

It really depends on your trip style:

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Best for long-haul international travelers and connections.
• Orly (ORY): Best for convenience, domestic or European flights, and shorter stays.
• Beauvais (BVA): Best for budget travelers and low-cost European routes.

If it’s your first time in Paris and you’re flying from outside Europe, CDG is the best and most practical option. 

But if you’re traveling from another European country or want a smoother arrival, Orly will make your life easier.

Final Tips for Flying into Paris

• • Check your flight times carefully; early arrivals or late departures at Beauvais can complicate transportation.
• • Book your transfer in advance if you have lots of luggage or are arriving late at night.
• • Stick to official taxis (look for the fixed fare signs at the stands).
• • And finally, remember: whichever airport you choose, Paris will be waiting for you, with croissants, café terraces, and all its charm.

France Travel Essentials

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• eSIM: Stay connected throughout your trip with Airalo eSim. It offers packages from 7 to 30 days at accessible prices.
• PRIVATE TRANSFER: Book your private airport transfer.
• RENT A CAR: Find the best rates on DiscoverCars.
• GUIDED TOUR: Find the best tours in Italy on GetYourGuide