Which Paris Airport is the Best to Fly: CDG, ORY or BVA
When planning a trip to Paris, one of the first questions that comes up is: Which airport should I fly into?
Paris has several airports, but they are not equally convenient. Distance, transport options, travel time, and even your travel style can make a big difference in how smoothly your trip starts.
I live in Paris, and after using all three airports, multiple times, I can tell you exactly which one is best depending on your plans.
Below you’ll find a practical guide comparing Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA), plus real tips from someone who actually lives here.
At a Glance, Spoiler Alert!
👉 The best airport to travel to Paris is Orly Airport (ORY).
It’s closer to the city, well-connected, and extremely easy to navigate.
For me, it’s always the fastest: I’m usually home in under 30 minutes, and I don’t even need to queue at the ticket machines because I buy my ticket straight from the Île-de-France app.
👉 Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main international hub and the one you’ll use if you’re arriving from the US, Canada, Latin America or Asia. Big, busy, but efficient.
👉 Beauvais (BVA) is for low-cost flights only. It’s not actually in Paris (85 km away), so factor transport time and cost before jumping on the cheapest ticket.
Understanding Paris Airports
Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais-Tillé (BVA).
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Distance: 23 km
Best for: long-haul flights, major airlines, Disneyland (because of direct TGV – train)
CDG is France’s largest airport and the main international gateway to Paris. It has multiple terminals (especially Terminal 2, which has sub-terminals). Signage is clear, and CDGVAL connects the terminals.
You can expect:
- Plenty of restaurants and cafés
- Shops ranging from travel essentials to luxury brands
- Clean and modern lounges
My experience:
I’ve never had a bad experience here. When I’ve flown early in the morning, I usually go by Uber, it’s expensive, yes, but practical at that time. When picking up friends or family, I’ve always gone by car without issues.
ORY (Orly Airport)
Distance: 13 km
Best for: first-time visitors, most European flights, easy access to Paris
Orly is the closest airport to Paris, and that alone makes it the most convenient. It’s smaller, easy to navigate, and very fast to get in and out of.
The biggest advantage is the new Line 14 (metro), which connects Orly directly to the center of Paris in about 25 minutes. For me, it’s perfect:
- The metro come frequently
- Many times the train is already in the station when I arrive
- And you don’t even have to exit the airport, super smooth
There are also good restaurants, cafés, shops, and comfortable waiting areas.
The BVA (Beauvais Airport)
Distance: 85 km
Best for: budget travelers on Ryanair, Wizz Air, or low-cost airlines
Beauvais is the “low-cost” airport, but it’s far, really far… from Paris. Facilities are basic, but you’ll find the essentials: small shops, food, restrooms, and rental cars.
Transportation reality check:
The official shuttle to Paris (Porte Maillot) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, sometimes more depending on traffic.
My personal advice:
I’ve driven to Beauvais many times to pick up friends and family… and honestly:
👉 Don’t make your relatives drive there.
It’s more than 1 hour 20 minutes each way, plus tolls.
Much easier (for everyone!) to take the shuttle and then jump on the metro.
If you choose Beauvais for a cheap ticket, just make sure the shuttle schedule matches your flight, sometimes it doesn’t operate at night.
Transportation Options
From CDG
- RER B train → 30–40 min to central Paris.
Recommended outside rush hour and when there are no strikes. - RoissyBus → to Opéra (1 hour).
- Public buses 350 and 351.
- Taxi/Uber → flat rates apply (practical early morning or late at night).
From ORY
- Metro Line 14 → the fastest and easiest option.
Direct to the city center and Châtelet, where you can connect to almost anywhere. - OrlyBus → to Denfert-Rochereau.
- Taxi/Uber → fixed prices depending on side of the river.
From BVA
- Beauvais Shuttle → to Porte Maillot (1h15).
- Metro connections from Porte Maillot to anywhere in the city.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy-En-France, is France’s main airport and the international gateway to Paris. Handles most international flights.
CDG consists of three main terminals, Terminal 2 being the largest with subterminals (2A, 2C, etc.). It is possible to travel between terminals on foot, by bus or with the CDGVAL light rail. The airport has clear signage and several transportation options.
It offers services such as restaurants, stores, cafes and lounges. There are a variety of dining options, from fast food to restaurants. Stores include luxury brands and travel goods. The lounges provide spaces to relax before or during stopovers.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Orly Airport (ORY) in Paris serves more than 32 million passengers annually with domestic and international flights. It has two terminals, Sud and Ouest, connected by the Orlyval automatic train.
This makes transferring between flights or exploring the different sections of the airport a smooth and hassle-free experience.
It offers a variety of restaurants, stores, and lounges to ensure a comfortable travel experience. Its facilities facilitate navigation and provide options for dining, shopping and relaxation.
The airport offers a variety of shopping options, from designer boutiques to convenience stores, with several opportunities to purchase gifts, souvenirs or last-minute travel essentials.
Beauvais-Tillé airport (BVA)
Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA), known as Paris Beauvais Airport, is located near Beauvais, about 100 km from Paris. It is famous for its low-cost flights with airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet.
Although its facilities are less extensive than other Parisian airports, it offers essential services such as stores, food, and car rental.
Public transportation is limited, but there is a bus service to Paris Porte Maillot that takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Beauvais-Tillé Airport is a good choice for cheap flights to Paris, but it is important to consider its distance from the center and limited transportation options and facilities.
Other Considerations When Choosing an Airport
For Disneyland Paris
👉 CDG is the best airport, because you have a TGV direct to Disneyland in about 10 minutes.
Orly is also possible, but CDG wins for pure convenience.
For central Paris stays
👉 Orly is unbeatable.
For first-time visitors
👉 Orly, always.
For very early or very late flights
Uber/taxi from CDG or ORY is practical.
Beauvais is risky due to shuttle hours.
For budget travelers
Beauvais can be worth it, but only if the flight schedule works with the shuttle.
Otherwise, the “cheap ticket” becomes expensive quickly.
Vero’s Insider Tips (from someone who actually lives here)
CDG is huge : check your terminal ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.
Buy transport tickets on the Île-de-France Mobilités app → skip ticket machine lines.
Avoid RER B during rush hour if you carry heavy luggage.
At Orly, Line 14 is a game changer, fast, clean, and extremely convenient.
If you’re landing at Beauvais, don’t ask friends to pick you up, trust me, the drive is long and the tolls add up.
Uber from CDG is pricey but great for early flights when public transport isn’t running yet.
To conclude
Choosing (if you can) the right airport can make your arrival in Paris much smoother.
- Orly (ORY) is my personal favorite: closest, best connections, easiest for first-timers, and the new Line 14 makes it incredibly convenient.
- Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main international hub, perfect for long-haul flights and very well connected by RER B.
- Beauvais (BVA) can be tempting for cheap flights, but always check the shuttle times and factor in the extra travel.
Whenever friends or family come to visit me in Paris, I always tell them:
👉 If you can choose, fly to Orly. If not, CDG. And take Beauvais only if the savings are worth the extra distance.
FAQs About Paris Airports
Plan Your Trip to Paris
- Paris, everything you need to know to plan your trip
- Traveling to Charles de Gaulle airport
- Traveling to Orly airport, everything you need to know
- Travel to Beauvais airport, all you need to know
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