Arriving in Paris

Arriving in Paris

Paris has two international airports. The larger is Roissy Charles de Gaulle, which has airport code CDG. It is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of Paris, near the town of Roissy. The second airport is Orly, airport code ORY, 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of Paris. A variety of public and private ground transportation is available to take you to Paris from either airport.

Public transportation includes Roissybus, Orlybus, Orlyval, and RER trains. All of them can be accessed by paying the fare in Euros, or with 5-zone Paris Visite passes. Paris Visite passes may be purchased online, we will deliver your Paris metro pass to your home or your hotel in Paris.

Private transportation includes taxis, Air France coaches (Les Cars Air France), limousines and Shuttle service like Paris Shuttle.

Travel times are averages under average traffic conditions. Public transportation can be inconvenient when carrying luggage. Travelers have been trapped in a métro station because their luggages would not go through the turnstiles!

Arriving at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport

Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport consists of three terminals, named Charles de Gaulle 1 (CDG1), Charles de Gaulle 2 (CDG2), and Terminal 9 (T9). CDG 1 and 2 have halls with letter names: Hall A, Hall B, etc. To help locate ground transport, the information below includes exit designations such as "CDG2AB>A10", which means "from Charles de Gaulle 2, Halls A or B, go to Hall A, exit 10".

• Taxi fare from Roissy Charles de Gaulle to Paris is 25-45, depending on distance and traffic conditions. Taxi stands are located outside the terminal exits. Allow one hour travel time. (more on taxis)
• Roissybus leaves every 15 minutes from 06h to 23h daily, stopping in front of the Opéra at the corner of rue Scribe and rue Auber. CDG2AC>A10, CDG2BD>D12, CDG2F>0.08 on arrival level 0, T9> in front of terminal, CDG1>30 on arrival level. The fare is 8, payable on board, children under 5 free. Travel time is 45 minutes.
• RER Line B leaves every 15 minutes from 05h to 24h daily, except 07h to 21h on weekends. From CDG 1 take the Green shuttle to the shopping level. From CDG 2 take the Blue shuttle: CDG2a>A8, CDG2B>B6, CDG2C>C8, CDG2D>D6, CDG2F>2.06 on departure level 2. Fare 7.70 €, time to Gare du Nord 35 minutes. (more on RER)
• Air France coaches leave Roissy Charles de Gaulle for four locations in Paris. Line 2 coaches depart every 10 minutes from 05h45 until 23h, stopping at Porte Maillot at rue Gouvion Saint Cyr, then Place Charles de Gaulle-Etoile at 1 avenue Carnot. CDG2AC>5, CDG2BD>6, CDG2F>0.07 on arrival level 0, CDG1>34 on arrival level. Fare 10 payable on board, travel time 40 minutes. Line 4 coaches depart every 30 minutes from 07h until 21h, stopping at Gare de Lyon, then Gare Montparnasse at boulevard Vaugirard. CDG2AC>C2, CDG2BD>B2, CDG2F>0.07 on arrival level 0, CDG1>34 on arrival level. Fare 11.50 €, 50 minutes.
• Shuttle Service like Paris Shuttle

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Arriving at Orly airport

Orly Airport has two terminals, named Orly South and Orly West. To assist in finding ground transport, the information below includes exit designations such as "W>K6", which means "from Orly West, go to exit K, platform 6".

• Taxi fare from Orly is 20-30 € depending on destination and traffic conditions. Allow 30 minutes travel time. (more on taxis)
• OrlyBus goes to Place Denfert-Rochereau from 06h30 to 23h with a departure every 12 minutes. S>H4, W>J on arrival level. Fare 5.50 €, 25 minutes.
• Orlyval goes to Antony station every 4-8 minutes from 06h to 23h daily. From there you can take RER Line B or the métro anywhere in Paris. Combined Orlyval/RER/métro fare 8.75 €, time to Châtelet 30 minutes. (more on RER)
• RER Line C leaves Orly from 05h45 to 23h10, with trains every 15 minutes until 21h, then every 30 minutes. S>G1, W>G on arrival level. Fare 5.25 €, time to Gare d'Austerlitz 35 minutes. (more on RER)
• Air France coaches (line 1) leave Orly every 15 minutes from 05h45 until 23h, stopping at Gare Montparnasse at rue du Commandant Mouchotte and Aérogare des Invalides at 2 rue Esnault-Pelterie. S>K6, W>D on arrival level. Fare 7.50 €, time to Invalides 30 minutes.
• Shuttle Service like Paris Shuttle

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Checking into your hotel

Paris hotels usually have a check-out time at 11h or 12h, and check-in times at 15h or 16h. Travelers who arrive in the morning may have to wait to check in. If you are very tired from traveling, mention politely to the receptionist how you feel and your room should be ready shortly.

But if you have enough energy to stay up a few hours more, then leave your luggage at the hotel, go to a café or brasserie nearby, and enjoy your first day in Paris with a breakfast of fresh croissants!