Paris, the City of Light, is not only famous for its monuments, culture, and shopping, but also for its major transportation hubs. Whether you are arriving for business, tourism, or shopping, understanding Parisian airports and train stations will make your journey smoother and stress-free. This guide covers all major airports, including CDG, Orly, and Beauvais-Tillé, as well as the main train stations, their connections, and transport options.
Paris Airports Overview
Paris is served by three main airports, each with different roles and services:
1. Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Location: 25 km northeast of central Paris
Type: International airport, hub for Air France
Terminals: 3 main terminals (T1, T2, T3)
Connections: RER B train to Paris, taxis, buses, VTC/private transfers
Tips:
Check your terminal in advance (T1: international, T2: Air France and international, T3: low-cost).
Use the CDG app for real-time flight info and navigation.
2. Orly Airport (ORY)
Location: 13 km south of central Paris
Type: Domestic and international flights, low-cost carriers
Terminals: South and West terminals
Connections: Orlyval light rail to Antony station (RER B), taxis, buses, private transfers
Tips:
Use the Orlyval + RER B to reach central Paris efficiently.
Orly is generally less crowded than CDG.
3. Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA)
Location: 85 km north of Paris
Type: Low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air)
Connections: Shuttle buses to Paris city center, taxis, car rental
Tips:
The airport is smaller but popular for budget travelers.
Shuttle buses take approximately 1h15 to reach Porte Maillot in Paris.
Transport Options from Paris Airports
Traveling from Paris airports is easy with various options:
1. Taxi Services
Official taxi lines available at each terminal
Fixed fare to Paris city center:
CDG: ~66 €
Orly: ~55 €
BVA: ~110 €
Tip: Avoid unofficial drivers; use only official taxi ranks.
2. Private Transfers / VTC
Local VTC services available
Advantages: skip the line, guaranteed vehicle, luggage-friendly
Perfect for families or travelers with heavy baggage
3. Trains (RER / SNCF)
CDG: RER B to central Paris (~30-40 min)
Orly: Orlyval + RER B (~35-45 min)
BVA: No direct train; shuttle buses or private transfers recommended
4. Buses and Shuttles
Roissybus (CDG → Opéra)
Orlybus (Orly → Denfert-Rochereau)
Shuttle buses from BVA to Porte Maillot
Hotel shuttles or private services for group travel
5. Car Rentals
Available at all airports
Convenient for exploring Île-de-France or road trips
Major Train Stations in Paris
Paris is a European rail hub, connecting domestic and international destinations. Key stations include:
1. Gare du Nord
International trains: Eurostar (London), Thalys (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany)
Regional trains: RER B and D
Metro lines: 4, 5, 2
2. Gare de Lyon
TGV to southern France, Switzerland, Italy
Metro lines: 1, 14
Nearby hotels and restaurants
3. Gare Montparnasse
TGV to western France (Bordeaux, Nantes)
Metro lines: 4, 6, 12, 13
4. Gare Saint-Lazare
Trains to Normandy and western suburbs
Metro lines: 3, 12, 13, 14
5. Gare de l’Est
Trains to eastern France, Germany, Luxembourg
Metro lines: 4, 5, 7
Getting Around Paris from Airports and Train Stations
Paris has one of the best public transport networks in Europe:
Metro: Covers almost every district, ideal for city exploration
RER trains: Fast connection from CDG and Orly to central Paris
Bus & Tram: Convenient for local neighborhoods
VTC & Private transfers: Time-saving, comfortable for airport pickups and group travel
Biking & Scooters: Short-distance trips within city limits
Tip: For travelers with luggage, or tourists wanting a stress-free experience, booking a private transfer from CDG, Orly, or BVA is highly recommended. You can reach your hotel, train station, or shopping districts directly without queues or delays.
Travel Tips for Paris Airports and Train Stations
Check terminal or station in advance to save time.
Use official transport services to avoid scams.
Book private transfers online for guaranteed pickup.
Avoid rush hours (6-9 am & 5-8 pm) for smoother travel.
Travel light: Paris trains and metro can be crowded.
Download apps: RATP, SNCF, and CDG apps help navigate public transport.
Conclusion
Paris is a global travel hub, connecting millions of visitors via its airports and train stations. Understanding CDG, Orly, Beauvais-Tillé, and the main train stations, combined with the best transport options, allows for a smooth, stress-free journey. Whether you arrive for sightseeing, shopping, or business, Paris offers an efficient and comfortable travel experience for all types of travelers.