Paris has two major airports, and the best route into town depends on where you land, when you arrive, how much you are carrying, and where you need to be. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) offers direct RER B service to central Paris. Orly (ORY) connects to the city on Metro 14. Both provide public-transport options; neither guarantees an effortless door-to-door trip after a long flight.
For business travelers, families, and anyone coordinating a tight arrival, the decision is not simply rail versus car. It is how many transfers, stairs, queues, and unknowns your itinerary can absorb. Here is a practical comparison, and when a pre-booked Paris car service makes the stronger arrival plan.
CDG or Orly: the quick comparison
| Arrival point | Public-transport route | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| CDG | RER B to central Paris; the airport reports a journey of around 35 minutes | The station’s location depends on your terminal; allow time to reach it and navigate with luggage |
| Orly | Metro 14 to central Paris in about 25 minutes | Follow airport signs to the station and check service status, especially for late arrivals |
| Either airport | Official taxi, pre-booked chauffeur, or other road transfer | Traffic conditions and the final destination affect road journey time |
These are airport-to-city rail estimates, not hotel-door arrival times. Add your walk through the terminal, ticket purchase, platform access, and any onward connection. For the latest schedules and disruption information, check Paris Aéroport’s CDG transport guide and Orly transport guide.
CDG arrivals: understand the RER B before you go
The RER B is CDG’s direct rail connection to central Paris. Useful stations include Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, and Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame. The route works well if your accommodation or meeting is near a station, or if you are comfortable continuing by metro, taxi, or on foot. The part many first-time visitors underestimate is getting from the terminal to the train:
- Terminal 2: Follow airport signs for the station, named Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2–TGV.
- Terminal 3: Use Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1, at Roissypôle.
- Terminal 1: Take the free CDGVAL airport shuttle to the rail connection.
- Terminal transfers: CDGVAL links airport areas and stations, but it still means another step before you board the RER.
CDG is a large, multi-terminal airport. Check your arrival terminal and follow current airport signs rather than assuming the train station is right outside your arrival hall. The airport also lists the 9517 bus and night bus services N140 and N143 as alternatives; confirm routes and operating times before relying on them.
When RER B is a good fit
Choose the train when your flight arrives during operating hours, your bags are manageable, and your destination is convenient to the line. It can be an efficient way into the city without road traffic.
Where the rail plan gets complicated
A long-haul arrival can involve passport control, baggage collection, customs, and a walk across a large terminal before you reach the station. If your party is tired, your luggage is bulky, or you have a fixed meeting, the extra transfer may matter more than the train’s city-centre journey time.
Orly arrivals: Metro 14 is the direct option
At Orly, Metro 14 is the most straightforward rail connection for many central-Paris destinations. Paris Aéroport describes the ride to the city as about 25 minutes. Follow airport signs to the station and check the line’s current operating status before travel.
The RER B via Orlyval is another option: take Orlyval to Antony, then connect to RER B toward Paris. It involves a transfer, so compare it with Metro 14 based on your destination rather than choosing it by habit. The airport also lists Tramway T7 and selected bus routes for journeys to the southern suburbs.
One important update for arrival planning: Orlybus has been out of service since March 3, 2025, according to Paris Aéroport. Do not rely on older guides that still list it as a current airport connection. For overnight arrivals, check the airport’s listed Noctilien services and current schedules; late-night transport choices differ from daytime options.
Terminals, airlines, and arrival procedures
Terminals
CDG has Terminals 1, 2, and 3; Terminal 2 includes multiple halls. Orly is organized into Orly 1, 2, 3, and 4. Your airline, route, and flight determine where you arrive, and assignments can change. Confirm the terminal using your airline’s flight information and the airport’s live arrivals page.
Airlines
Both airports serve a broad mix of domestic, European, and international flights. Do not select a pickup point based only on the airline name: terminal assignments can vary by route and operating arrangements. Share your flight number when arranging a pickup so the arrival can be coordinated around the actual flight.
Passport control and customs
On arrival from outside the Schengen Area, passengers generally pass through passport control before collecting checked baggage and proceeding through customs. The process and wait can vary with arrival volume and your travel documents. For arrivals from within the Schengen Area, the steps may differ. Follow airport and border-authority instructions, and leave a sensible buffer before a connection or appointment.
Terminal transfers and meet-and-greet
At CDG, use CDGVAL and airport signs when transferring between terminals or reaching the rail stations. At Orly, follow signs for your required terminal, Metro 14, or Orlyval connection. For a pre-booked chauffeur, confirm which arrivals area and pickup point apply to your specific terminal. A name-board meet-and-greet can make the handoff easier: your chauffeur waits at the agreed location, identifies you, and assists with luggage where appropriate. Provide accurate flight details and a working mobile number, then follow the pickup instructions sent with your reservation.
Ground transport: compare the full journey
Rail and metro
RER B from CDG and Metro 14 from Orly offer direct links toward Paris, but neither takes you all the way to every hotel, office, or event venue. If your destination requires several connections, count the transfers and walking, not just the in-train time.
Taxis
Parisian airport taxis use regulated flat fares between the airports and Paris’s right or left bank. The City of Paris currently lists €56 from CDG to the right bank and €65 to the left bank, and €44 from Orly to the right bank and €36 to the left bank. These airport fares apply in both directions. Use the official taxi rank and confirm the applicable fare for your destination. See the City of Paris taxi information.
Pre-booked chauffeur
A chauffeur is a practical choice when you want a coordinated, private transfer rather than navigating rail connections after landing. It is especially useful for:
- Long-haul arrivals with passport control, checked bags, and a late-night arrival.
- Travelers with several suitcases, children, or mobility considerations.
- Business trips to La Défense, where a door-to-door transfer can simplify travel from airport to meeting location.
- Executives and assistants managing a specific arrival time, multiple passengers, or a tightly planned itinerary.
A car does not eliminate traffic. Paris road journeys can be affected by congestion, incidents, construction, and the time of day. The advantage is a pre-arranged pickup and direct transfer, not a guarantee that the road will be faster than the train.
Parking, lounges, food, and hotels
Parking: Both airports offer official parking areas. If someone is collecting you by car, agree on a specific pickup point and check airport parking and curbside rules in advance. Do not assume an arriving passenger can wait indefinitely at the terminal curb. Lounges: Lounge access depends on your airline, ticket, loyalty status, or paid-access arrangements. Check eligibility and opening details with the airport or lounge operator. Food: CDG and Orly have restaurants, cafés, and grab-and-go options, but opening hours and locations vary by terminal and whether you are landside or airside. If you land late, check what is open before counting on a meal after baggage claim. Hotels: Airport-area hotels can be convenient for an early departure or overnight connection, but the right choice depends on the terminal and the property’s shuttle or transfer arrangements. Confirm how to reach your hotel before booking, especially if you arrive after regular shuttle hours. Amenities: Check the airport’s current services for baggage assistance, accessibility support, charging, currency services, and family facilities. Availability and location vary by terminal, so verify the details that matter to your group before travel.
When a Paris car service is the right call
Choose the arrival option that fits your actual itinerary, not an idealized one. Rail offers an effective connection when the route, timetable, and luggage work for you. A pre-booked chauffeur offers a more direct handoff when comfort, coordination, and a clear pickup plan take priority. RideCar serves Paris through its global chauffeur network. You can request an airport transfer with flight details and arrange a pickup to suit your destination, passenger count, and luggage. Confirm the vehicle class, meeting point, waiting-time terms, and quoted fare before travel. For business itineraries, RideCar’s executive travel service and professional chauffeur service provide more information. Plan your Paris arrival before departure. Compare CDG and Orly connections, check live airport and transit updates, and contact RideCar to arrange a chauffeur transfer around your flight.