When planning a trip to Paris, one of the first decisions travelers face is choosing the right airport. Paris is served by two main international airports — Orly (ORY) and Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Both offer global connections, but each has its own advantages depending on your destination, airline, and transfer needs. If you’re wondering “Orly vs CDG — which is better?”, this guide will help you decide.
Location and Accessibility
- Orly Airport (ORY): Located about 13 km south of Paris, Orly is closer to the city center. It’s ideal for short stays or domestic and European flights.
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Found 25 km northeast of Paris, CDG is France’s largest airport and the main hub for international and long-haul flights.
👉 Both airports can be reached quickly with a private Paris airport transfer, but travel times are shorter from Orly.
Airlines and Destinations
- Orly (ORY): Serves mainly domestic and European routes, with some international flights to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Airlines include Air France (domestic/Europe), Transavia, and Vueling.
- CDG (Charles de Gaulle): The hub for Air France long-haul flights and global airlines. Best choice for transatlantic flights to the U.S., Asia, and beyond.
👉 If you’re flying internationally, CDG is usually the better choice. For European city breaks, Orly is more convenient.
Facilities and Passenger Experience
- Orly: Smaller and easier to navigate. Less walking distance inside terminals, faster check-in, and shorter queues.
- CDG: A massive airport with more lounges, shopping, and dining options. However, it can be overwhelming, with long security lines and complex terminal connections.
👉 Families or short-stay travelers often prefer Orly, while frequent flyers and premium passengers may enjoy the facilities at CDG.
Transfers Between Orly and CDG
Sometimes, travelers land at one airport and need to depart from the other — this is known as the Orly to CDG transfer (ori2cdg).
- Distance: About 40 km, travel time 60–75 minutes depending on traffic.
- Public transport: Requires multiple changes (bus + train), not recommended with luggage.
- Best option: Private chauffeur service for a direct, stress-free transfer.
👉 ACE Prestige specializes in Orly to CDG transfers, ensuring smooth connections for international flights.
Which Airport is Better: Orly or CDG?
- Choose Orly (ORY) if:
- You’re flying within Europe.
- You want a smaller, faster airport experience.
- Your hotel is on the south side of Paris.
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- Choose CDG (Charles de Gaulle) if:
- You’re flying long-haul to the U.S., Asia, or Africa.
- You need access to more airlines and connections.
- You want premium lounges and duty-free shopping.
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Travel Smarter with ACE Prestige
Whichever airport you choose, the journey to and from Paris should be stress-free. With ACE Prestige’s Paris chauffeur service, you’ll enjoy:
- Reliable airport transfers to and from both Orly and CDG.
- Flight monitoring for delays or early arrivals.
- Luxury vehicles (Mercedes sedans and vans) for individuals, families, or groups.
- Multilingual drivers for seamless communication.
👉 Book your Paris airport transfer today and travel with comfort and peace of mind.