Paris Airport Guide 2026 (CDG, Orly & Beauvais – Transfers, Hotels & Travel Tips)
Updated for 2026 • Charles de Gaulle Airport • Orly Airport • Beauvais Airport • Airport Transfers • Hotels • Transport Guide
Paris is served by three major airports—Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY) and Beauvais (BVA). Each airport serves a different type of traveler, offers different transport options and varies considerably in distance from central Paris.
Understanding which airport you're using before arrival can save significant time, reduce transport costs and make the start of your Paris trip considerably less stressful. While Charles de Gaulle handles most long-haul international flights, Orly serves many domestic and European routes, while Beauvais is primarily used by low-cost airlines operating outside the city.
This guide compares every airport, explains the fastest ways to reach central Paris, recommends airport transfers and nearby hotels, and highlights common mistakes visitors should avoid.
🏆 Editor's Recommendation
If you're flying internationally, expect to arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Booking your airport transfer before departure is one of the easiest ways to start your Paris trip smoothly, especially after a long flight or when traveling with luggage.
Travelers arriving late at night or with young children may also find a pre-booked private transfer more convenient than navigating public transport immediately after arrival.
Editorial Standards
This guide is based on official airport information, transport options, traveler experience, journey times, convenience and overall value. Recommendations are reviewed regularly throughout 2026.
Plan Your Paris Arrival
Booking essential travel services before your flight can make arriving in Paris faster and considerably less stressful.
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Which Paris Airport Should You Expect?
Each airport serves a different purpose. Understanding the differences before your trip helps avoid expensive surprises, particularly if you're booking airport transfers or planning onward train connections.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Located approximately 25 km (16 miles) northeast of central Paris, Charles de Gaulle is France's largest airport and one of Europe's busiest aviation hubs. Most intercontinental flights arrive here, together with many major European airlines.
The airport offers extensive transport options including RER trains, buses, taxis, private transfers and car rental services.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Situated around 18 km (11 miles) south of central Paris, Orly mainly serves domestic routes, European destinations and selected international flights. It is smaller than Charles de Gaulle and generally easier to navigate.
Beauvais Airport (BVA)
Although often marketed as a Paris airport, Beauvais lies approximately 85 km (53 miles) north of the city. It is primarily used by low-cost airlines, and travelers should allow considerably more time for transfers into central Paris.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Charles de Gaulle consists of multiple terminals connected by shuttle services and walkways. Despite its size, clear signage makes navigating the airport relatively straightforward once you know your terminal.
Most international visitors arriving in Paris will begin their journey here, making CDG the airport that first-time travelers are most likely to use.
Why Choose CDG?
- Largest selection of international flights.
- Excellent public transport connections.
- Multiple airport hotels.
- Direct RER train into central Paris.
- Wide range of airlines.
- Extensive shopping and dining.
Potential Drawbacks
- Large terminals require extra walking time.
- Immigration queues can be lengthy during peak periods.
- Transfers between terminals may take longer than expected.
For many travelers, Charles de Gaulle offers the smoothest arrival experience because it provides the greatest number of transport options into central Paris. Whether you choose the RER B train, a taxi, a pre-booked private transfer or a rental car, reaching your hotel is relatively straightforward.
If you're arriving after a long international flight, carrying several suitcases or traveling with children, booking your transfer before departure can eliminate the stress of finding transport after landing.
🚖 Reserve a Charles de Gaulle Airport Transfer →
Orly Airport (ORY)
Orly Airport is Paris' second-largest airport and is considerably smaller than Charles de Gaulle. Many visitors appreciate its simpler layout, shorter walking distances and generally quicker arrivals process.
The airport serves numerous domestic French routes together with European destinations and selected long-haul services. Travelers flying with airlines operating from southern Europe frequently arrive at Orly.
Why Choose Orly?
- Closer to central Paris than Charles de Gaulle.
- Smaller and easier to navigate.
- Generally shorter walking distances.
- Modern terminal facilities.
- Good public transport connections.
- Excellent taxi and transfer services.
Potential Drawbacks
- Fewer intercontinental flights.
- Can become busy during holiday periods.
- Some transport options require connections.
🚖 Book an Orly Airport Transfer →
Beauvais Airport (BVA)
Beauvais Airport primarily serves low-cost airlines and is significantly farther from Paris than either Charles de Gaulle or Orly. Although flights can be inexpensive, travelers should consider the additional travel time and transfer costs before booking.
Journey times into central Paris often exceed ninety minutes depending on traffic and transport schedules. If your itinerary is short, the lower airfare may not outweigh the additional travel required.
Why Choose Beauvais?
- Competitive fares.
- Popular low-cost airline hub.
- Simple terminal layout.
- Good coach connections.
Potential Drawbacks
- Located far from central Paris.
- Longer transfer times.
- Fewer transport choices.
- Limited late-night services.
🚖 Arrange a Beauvais Airport Transfer →
Best Ways to Travel from the Airport to Central Paris
Private Airport Transfer
Private transfers remain the easiest option for families, groups, travelers carrying heavy luggage and visitors arriving after long international flights. Your driver meets you at the arrivals hall and transports you directly to your accommodation without requiring Metro changes or station navigation.
🚖 Reserve Your Private Transfer →
Taxi
Official taxis operate from designated airport taxi ranks at all three airports. Always use authorized taxis rather than accepting unsolicited offers inside the terminal.
RER Train
The RER B line provides one of the fastest public transport connections between Charles de Gaulle Airport and central Paris. It connects directly with several Metro lines, making it a popular option for travelers staying in central neighborhoods.
Airport Bus Services
Several airport coach services operate between Paris airports and key locations throughout the city. These services are often economical but may take longer than trains during busy traffic periods.
Rental Cars
While rental cars are available at all three airports, most visitors do not need a car while staying in central Paris. Public transport is excellent, and parking within the city can be expensive and limited.
Should You Stay at an Airport Hotel?
Airport hotels are ideal for travelers arriving very late, departing early the following morning or making overnight flight connections. For sightseeing, however, staying in central Paris provides a much better overall experience.
If your itinerary allows, spend your nights in neighborhoods such as Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or the 7th Arrondissement rather than near the airport.
Airport Hotels Near Charles de Gaulle
- citizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel
- Novotel Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Pullman Paris Roissy CDG Airport
Airport Hotels Near Orly
- Novotel Paris Coeur d'Orly Airport
- ibis Paris Coeur d'Orly Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Paris Orly Airport
Airport Hotels Near Beauvais
- Hôtel Akena Beauvais
- Hostellerie Saint Vincent
- ibis Beauvais Aéroport
Smart Paris Airport Arrival Strategy
A smooth arrival begins long before your flight lands. Knowing which airport you're using, arranging transport in advance and booking accommodation in a central neighborhood can save valuable time during your first day in Paris.
For the best arrival experience:
- Confirm which airport your flight uses before departure.
- Book airport transfers before traveling.
- Allow additional time if arriving at Beauvais Airport.
- Keep your hotel address easily accessible.
- Download an offline map before arrival.
- Activate your eSIM before landing.
- Reserve airport hotels only for very early departures or late arrivals.
- Compare transfer options before your travel date.
Common Airport Mistakes
- Assuming every flight arrives at Charles de Gaulle.
- Booking a Beauvais flight without considering the long transfer into Paris.
- Waiting until arrival to arrange transportation.
- Taking unofficial taxis.
- Not allowing enough time for immigration at CDG.
- Booking airport hotels when staying in central Paris would be more convenient.
- Forgetting to activate mobile data before arrival.
- Not checking airline terminal information before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is closest to central Paris?
Orly Airport is the closest major airport to central Paris, although Charles de Gaulle generally offers more international flight options and transport connections.
Which airport do most international flights use?
Charles de Gaulle Airport handles the majority of long-haul international flights arriving in Paris.
Is Beauvais actually in Paris?
No. Beauvais Airport is located approximately 85 km (53 miles) from central Paris and requires a considerably longer transfer than CDG or Orly.
Should I book an airport transfer?
Pre-booked transfers are recommended for families, first-time visitors, travelers carrying luggage and anyone arriving late at night.
Do I need a rental car in Paris?
Most visitors do not. Paris has an excellent public transport network, and central neighborhoods are highly walkable.
Is it worth staying near the airport?
Only if you have an overnight layover, a very early departure or a late-night arrival. Otherwise, staying in central Paris provides a much better travel experience.
Which airport is easiest to navigate?
Orly is generally regarded as the easiest due to its smaller size, while Charles de Gaulle offers more facilities but requires longer walking distances.
How early should I arrive before my departing flight?
For international departures, arriving approximately three hours before departure is generally recommended. For domestic and many European flights, around two hours is usually sufficient.
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Editor's Verdict
Most international visitors will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, while Orly provides a convenient alternative for many European and domestic routes. Beauvais can offer attractive airfares, but travelers should carefully consider the longer transfer time before booking.
For the smoothest arrival, reserve your airport transfer before departure, stay in a central neighborhood such as Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and complete your essential travel arrangements before boarding your flight.
Preparing these details in advance allows you to spend less time navigating transport and more time enjoying Paris from the moment you arrive.
Editorial Methodology
WiseChoiceCompare independently researches airport information using official airport resources, transport networks, traveler experience, convenience, accessibility and overall value. Recommendations are reviewed periodically throughout 2026 and remain independent of affiliate partnerships.
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