Introduction: Getting to and from Paris Airports

Paris is served by three major airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais–Tillé (BVA). Each airport offers different transfer options, price points, and travel times. Choosing the right transfer method can save you significant time and money—or cost you dearly if you pick the wrong one for your situation.

This comprehensive comparison guide breaks down every transfer option for all three Paris airports, including prices, journey times, pros, cons, and recommendations for different types of travelers. Whether you are a budget backpacker, a family with young children, or a business traveler arriving on a late-night flight, this guide will help you choose the best option. For more details, check out our guide to which Paris airport is best.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) — Transfer Options

Charles de Gaulle Airport, located approximately 25 km northeast of central Paris, is France’s largest international airport and the second-busiest in Europe. It handles over 75 million passengers annually and serves as the main hub for Air France. Here are all the transfer options:

1. RER B (Regional Train)

  • Cost: Approximately €11.45 one-way (adult), €8.15 (child 4–9)
  • Travel time: 30–35 minutes from Châtelet–Les Halles
  • Frequency: Every 7–15 minutes, 5:00 AM – midnight
  • Best for: Budget travelers, solo travelers, travelers without excessive luggage

The RER B is the most popular public transport option for CDG. Trains depart from Gare du Nord and Châtelet–Les Halles, among other central Paris stations. The line splits at Gare du Nord—make sure you board a train marked “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle” (not “Mitry-Claye”). The RER B stops at both Terminal 1 (for Terminals 1 and 3) and Terminal 2 (for Terminals 2A–2F).

Pros: Fast, frequent, affordable, not affected by road traffic. Cons: Can be very crowded during rush hour, stairs at most stations, ticket inspectors patrol regularly.

2. Roissybus (Express Bus)

  • Cost: Approximately €16.60 one-way
  • Travel time: 60–75 minutes from Opéra
  • Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes, 5:15 AM – 12:30 AM
  • Best for: Travelers near Opéra, those who prefer direct routes without transfers

The Roissybus is a direct express bus operated by RATP running between Opéra Garnier and CDG Airport (all terminals). It features luggage racks and comfortable seating.

Pros: No transfers, direct to all terminals, comfortable, luggage storage. Cons: Subject to traffic delays (especially during rush hour), more expensive than RER B.

3. Air France Bus (Les Cars Air France)

  • Cost: Approximately €17.20 one-way
  • Travel time: 50–70 minutes (Line 2) / 60–80 minutes (Line 4)
  • Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes
  • Best for: Travelers near Arc de Triomphe / Etoile, Air France passengers

Les Cars Air France operates two bus lines to CDG. Line 2 runs between the Arc de Triomphe (Étoile) and CDG (Terminals 1 and 2). Line 4 runs between Gare de Lyon / Gare Montparnasse and CDG. These buses are comfortable and feature Wi-Fi.

Pros: Comfortable, Wi-Fi, multiple pickup points. Cons: Not cheapest, subject to traffic, limited to Air France passengers on some services.

4. Official Taxi (Flat Rate)

  • Cost: €53 (Left Bank / south of the Seine) / €58 (Right Bank / north of the Seine)
  • Travel time: 45–60 minutes depending on traffic
  • Frequency: Available 24/7
  • Best for: Families, travelers with heavy luggage, late-night arrivals, those wanting door-to-door service

Official Paris taxis charge a regulated flat rate between CDG and Paris. The rate depends on which side of the Seine your destination is located: €53 for the Left Bank (south) and €58 for the Right Bank (north). This rate applies regardless of traffic conditions, time of day, or the number of passengers (up to 4). Additional fees apply for extra luggage, a 4th passenger, and pick-ups between 5 PM and 10 AM (€4 surcharge) or on Sundays/holidays (€4 surcharge).

Pros: Fixed price, door-to-door, available 24/7, comfortable. Cons: More expensive than public transport, can be slow in heavy traffic.

5. Uber / Ride-Hailing

  • Cost: €40–€70 depending on demand and time
  • Travel time: 40–60 minutes
  • Best for: Tech-savvy travelers, those who prefer app-based booking

Uber operates extensively at CDG. Pickup areas are clearly marked at each terminal (Terminal 1: Level 0, Door 34; Terminal 2: Arrivals level, signs to ride-hailing). UberX is typically cheaper than a taxi, but prices surge during peak times and bad weather. Other ride-hailing apps available include Bolt and Free Now.

Pros: Convenient app booking, transparent pricing, often cheaper than taxis. Cons: Surge pricing, pickup areas can be confusing for first-timers, may face longer waits during peak times.

6. Private Transfer Services

  • Cost: €60–€100+ depending on vehicle and company
  • Travel time: 45–60 minutes
  • Best for: Families with young children, large groups, business travelers, special occasions

Private transfer companies such as Blacklane, Welcome Pickups, Paris Black Cars, and A2B Transfers offer pre-booked, door-to-door transfers with a driver waiting for you at arrivals with a name sign. Vehicles range from sedans to vans and minibuses.

Pros: Meet and greet service, no queues, child seats available, fixed prices, professional drivers. Cons: Most expensive option, requires advance booking.

7. Shared Shuttle Services

  • Cost: €15–€25 per person
  • Travel time: 60–90 minutes (due to multiple stops)
  • Best for: Solo budget travelers, students, those who do not mind sharing

Shared shuttle services pool multiple passengers into a single vehicle. Companies like SuperShuttle (defunct, but similar operators exist) and various Paris-based shuttle services offer this option. You may need to wait for other passengers before departure, and the shuttle makes multiple stops.

Pros: Affordable, door-to-door. Cons: Longer travel time due to multiple stops, less flexible scheduling.

Orly Airport (ORY) — Transfer Options

Orly Airport is located approximately 13 km south of central Paris and primarily serves domestic and European flights. It is smaller, closer, and often more convenient than CDG for short-haul travelers. Here are the transfer options:

1. Orlyval + RER B

  • Cost: Approximately €12.15 one-way (combined ticket)
  • Travel time: 35–40 minutes total from central Paris
  • Frequency: Orlyval every 4–7 minutes, RER B every 7–15 minutes
  • Best for: Budget travelers, those connecting through central Paris

The Orlyval is a driverless automated shuttle that connects Antony RER B station to Orly Airport. To use this route, take the RER B to Antony station, then transfer to the Orlyval. Combined tickets covering both legs can be purchased at any RER station or on the Île-de-France Mobilités app. The Orlyval serves both the South Terminal (Orly Sud) and the West Terminal (Orly Ouest).

Pros: Fast, not affected by traffic, fully automated and reliable. Cons: Requires a transfer at Antony, Orlyval supplement not fully covered by Navigo.

2. Orlybus

  • Cost: Approximately €9.50 one-way
  • Travel time: 30–45 minutes from Denfert-Rochereau
  • Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes, 5:35 AM – 12:30 AM
  • Best for: Budget travelers, those near Denfert-Rochereau or the Left Bank

The Orlybus is a direct bus service between Place Denfert-Rochereau (southern Paris, on Métro Lines 4 and 6 and RER B) and Orly Airport. It is the cheapest direct public transport option to Orly.

Pros: Cheap, direct, no transfers, covered by Navigo pass. Cons: Subject to traffic, luggage space limited during busy periods.

3. Tram T7

  • Cost: Standard T+ ticket (€2.15) or Navigo
  • Travel time: 30–40 minutes from Villejuif – Louis Aragon (Métro Line 7)
  • Frequency: Every 6–8 minutes
  • Best for: Ultra-budget travelers, those willing to make one transfer

Tram T7 runs between Villejuif – Louis Aragon (Métro Line 7 terminus) and Aéroport d’Orly. This is the cheapest way to reach Orly, requiring only a standard T+ ticket. However, the tram is slower than the Orlybus or Orlyval and requires a transfer from the Métro.

Pros: Very cheap, included in Navigo and standard tickets. Cons: Slowest option, requires Métro-to-tram transfer, less luggage-friendly.

4. Official Taxi (Flat Rate)

  • Cost: €37 (Left Bank / south of the Seine) / €32 (Right Bank / north of the Seine)
  • Travel time: 25–40 minutes depending on traffic
  • Best for: Families, travelers with luggage, late-night arrivals

Taxi flat rates to Orly are lower than to CDG because Orly is closer to the how to get from Paris airports to the city center. The rates are €37 from the Left Bank and €32 from the Right Bank. As with CDG taxis, additional surcharges apply for early morning/late evening pickups, Sundays, and holidays.

Pros: Fixed price, fast, door-to-door. Cons: More expensive than public transport, traffic-dependent.

5. Uber / Ride-Hailing to Orly

  • Cost: €25–€45 depending on demand
  • Travel time: 25–40 minutes
  • Best for: App-savvy travelers, flexible schedules

Uber is widely available at Orly. The close proximity to central Paris means Uber is often competitive with taxis on price. Pickup points are clearly marked at both terminals. For more details, check out our guide to hotels near Paris airports.

Pros: Often cheaper than taxis, convenient booking. Cons: Surge pricing during peak times.

6. Private Transfer to Orly

  • Cost: €45–€75
  • Travel time: 25–40 minutes
  • Best for: Families, business travelers, VIP service

Private transfers to Orly are slightly less expensive than to CDG due to the shorter distance. The same companies (Blacklane, Welcome Pickups, etc.) operate at Orly with meet-and-greet service at arrivals.

Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA) — Transfer Options

Beauvais Airport is located approximately 85 km north of Paris—much farther than CDG or Orly. It primarily serves low-cost carriers, especially Ryanair and Wizz Air. Transfer options are more limited:

1. Official Airport Bus to Porte Maillot

  • Cost: Approximately €16.99 one-way (€29.99 round-trip) when booked online
  • Travel time: 75–90 minutes
  • Frequency: Timed to match flight departures and arrivals
  • Best for: All Beauvais travelers — this is the primary transfer option

The official Beauvais airport bus departs from Porte Maillot in western Paris (reachable via Métro Line 1 and RER C). Buses are timed to coincide with Ryanair and Wizz Air flight schedules. The bus drops you off directly at the airport terminal. Booking online in advance is recommended and cheaper than buying at the bus.

Pros: Direct, affordable, coordinated with flight times. Cons: Long journey time, limited schedule, bus can be crowded around flight times.

2. Private Transfer from Beauvais

  • Cost: €90–€150 depending on vehicle and company
  • Travel time: 60–80 minutes
  • Best for: Groups, families, those who want door-to-door convenience

Private transfer services operate between Beauvais Airport and central Paris or any address in the region. The long distance makes this a premium option, but it can be cost-effective for groups of 3–4 people splitting the fare.

Pros: Door-to-door, fastest option, comfortable. Cons: Expensive for solo travelers, requires advance booking.

3. Train + Bus Combination

  • Cost: Approximately €20–€25 total
  • Travel time: 90–120 minutes
  • Best for: Very budget-conscious travelers with flexible schedules

You can take a TER train from Gare du Nord to Beauvais city (approximately 60–70 minutes), then a local bus or taxi to the airport (approximately 20 minutes). This option is cheaper than the official bus but significantly more complex and time-consuming.

Pros: Cheapest option. Cons: Very slow, complicated, limited baggage space on local buses, train schedules may not align well with flights.

Price Comparison Table

Below is a summary of all transfer costs for quick comparison:

  • CDG — RER B: ~€11.45
  • CDG — Roissybus: ~€16.60
  • CDG — Air France Bus: ~€17.20
  • CDG — Official Taxi: €53–€58 (flat rate)
  • CDG — Uber: €40–€70
  • CDG — Private Transfer: €60–€100+
  • Orly — Orlyval + RER B: ~€12.15
  • Orly — Orlybus: ~€9.50
  • Orly — Tram T7: €2.15 (T+ ticket)
  • Orly — Official Taxi: €32–€37 (flat rate)
  • Orly — Uber: €25–€45
  • Orly — Private Transfer: €45–€75
  • Beauvais — Airport Bus: ~€16.99
  • Beauvais — Private Transfer: €90–€150
  • Beauvais — Train + Bus: ~€20–€25

Time Comparison Summary

  • Fastest CDG option: RER B (30–35 minutes) or Uber/taxi (40–50 minutes off-peak)
  • Fastest Orly option: Taxi/Uber (20–30 minutes off-peak) or Orlyval (35–40 minutes)
  • Fastest Beauvais option: Private transfer (60–80 minutes)

Best Options for Families

Families traveling with young children have specific needs: space for strollers, car seats, minimal transfers, and reliable schedules. The best options are:

  • CDG: Official taxi (flat rate, door-to-door, no transfers) or private transfer (car seats available on request).
  • Orly: Official taxi (flat rate, quick) or Uber (child seats available on Uber Family in Paris).
  • Beauvais: Private transfer (door-to-door avoids the hassle of the airport bus with children) or the official airport bus (affordable for families).

When booking a private transfer, always request child seats in advance. When taking a taxi, children under 10 are legally required to use an appropriate restraint system.

Best Options for Late-Night Arrivals

If your flight lands after midnight, your options are more limited:

  • CDG after midnight: Taxis operate 24/7 with flat rates. Uber is also available but may have longer wait times and surge pricing. The RER B stops running around midnight, and the Roissybus ends at approximately 12:30 AM.
  • Orly after midnight: Taxis run 24/7 with flat rates. Uber is available. The Orlyval stops around 11:00 PM, and the Orlybus ends around 12:30 AM.
  • Beauvais after midnight: This is the most challenging scenario. If your flight arrives very late, there may be no airport bus service available. Your options are a pre-booked private transfer (confirm 24-hour availability) or a very expensive taxi ride (potentially €150+). Plan ahead.

Tips for a Smooth Airport Transfer

  • Buy RER tickets in advance through the Île-de-France Mobilités app or at any Métro station to avoid queues at airport machines.
  • Validate your paper ticket before boarding the RER. The yellow composters are at the entrance to all RER platforms.
  • Keep your ticket handy — inspectors check tickets on RER train guides, and fines start at €50.
  • Allow extra time during rush hour (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:00–7:30 PM) as all road and rail options will be slower.
  • Only use official taxis from the designated taxi ranks at each airport. Avoid people approaching you inside the terminal offering rides.
  • Confirm your Uber pickup location inside the terminal before heading outside — pickup zones differ by terminal and can be a 5–10 minute walk.
  • Book private transfers at least 24 hours in advance, especially during peak tourist season (June–September and December).

Conclusion

Choosing the right airport transfer in Paris depends on your budget, travel companions, arrival time, and luggage situation. For budget travelers, the RER B to CDG and the Orlybus to Orly offer the best value. For families and those with heavy luggage, the regulated flat-rate taxis provide stress-free, door-to-door convenience. For tech-savvy travelers, Uber and other ride-hailing apps offer a middle ground in terms of price and convenience. And for Beauvais, the official airport bus remains the primary practical option. Whatever you choose, plan ahead, allow plenty of time, and your journey between the airport and central Paris will be smooth and straightforward.