Paris airport signs for Orly and Charles de Gaulle with Eiffel Tower at sunset

6 September, 2025

Orly vs CDG: Which Paris Airport Should You Choose?

When planning a trip to Paris, one of the first questions travelers ask is: Orly vs CDG – which airport is best?

Paris is served by two main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). Each offers different advantages depending on your flight, destination, and travel preferences. Some visitors prioritize international connectivity, while others want the closest and easiest entry to Paris.

This guide compares CDG and Orly in detail so you can make the right choice — with practical tips, traveler experiences, and advice for smooth Paris airport transfers.

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) Overview

📍 Location: 25 km northeast of Paris (Roissy).

✈️ Flights: Largest French airport, hub for Air France and SkyTeam, with extensive long-haul options.

🏢 Facilities: Luxury lounges, duty-free shopping, wide restaurant choices, business services.

✅ Strengths: Best for international connections.

❌ Drawbacks: Very large, crowded, and can feel overwhelming for first-timers.

👉 Choose CDG if you’re flying long-haul or need worldwide connections.

Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) Overview

📍 Location: 13 km south of Paris, much closer to the city center.

✈️ Flights: Domestic French routes, short-haul European flights, plus North Africa and overseas territories.

🏢 Facilities: Recently modernized terminals, easier navigation, faster check-in.

✅ Strengths: Closer to Paris, smaller, easier to handle.

❌ Drawbacks: Fewer long-haul flights, less airline choice.

Choose Orly if you prefer convenience, speed, and proximity to central Paris.

Distance and Accessibility – Which Airport is Closer?

From Charles de Gaulle (CDG):

40–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
RER B train: ~35 minutes to Gare du Nord.
RoissyBus: ~1 hour to Opéra.
Private chauffeur: door-to-door, stress-free.

From Orly (ORY):

20–40 minutes by taxi.
OrlyVal + RER B: ~30 minutes to central Paris.
OrlyBus: ~30 minutes to Denfert-Rochereau.
Tram 7 + metro: cheapest but slower.

👉 Winner: Orly for proximity to Paris.

Flights and Airlines – Which airport offers more options?

CDG (Charles de Gaulle):

International long-haul flights.
Air France hub + major alliances.
Best choice for intercontinental trips.

Orly (ORY):

Domestic and European short-haul.
Low-cost airlines (easyJet, Transavia).
Good for North Africa & overseas French territories.

👉 CDG = better for long-haul, Orly = better for short-haul.

Facilities and Passenger Experience

Charles de Gaulle (CDG):

Pros: extensive lounges, duty-free shopping, dining.
Cons: busy, long queues, long walking distances.
Traveler feedback: “CDG has everything, but it takes forever to get from one terminal to another.”

Orly (ORY):

Pros: smaller, more modern after renovation, easier to navigate.
Cons: fewer premium lounges and limited shopping.
Traveler feedback: “At Orly, I cleared security in 15 minutes and was at my gate quickly — far smoother than CDG.”

Traveler Reviews & Real Experiences

Travelers’ experiences highlight key differences:

✈️ Business travelers often prefer Orly, noting it’s faster for short European trips and closer to meetings in Paris.
👨‍👩‍👧 Families heading to Disneyland prefer CDG, where direct shuttles save the hassle of multiple train changes with kids and luggage.
🌍 International tourists choose CDG because it offers more direct flights worldwide. However, many comment that it’s “a city within a city,” sometimes confusing for first-time visitors.

Paris Airport Travel Tips – How to choose wisely

During busy travel seasons (July–August & Christmas): Expect long queues at CDG.

Pre-book a chauffeur service to avoid taxi lines and crowded trains.

Language barriers: Not all taxi drivers speak English. ACE Prestige chauffeurs are multilingual (English, French, Spanish, Greek), ensuring clear communication.
With heavy luggage: RER trains are often crowded. Private transfers are the most convenient option, especially if traveling with kids.
Hotel location matters:
- If staying in southern Paris, Orly is faster.
- If staying in northern Paris or near Disneyland, CDG makes more sense.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

CDG (Charles de Gaulle):

ORY (Orly):

Many business travelers prefer Orly for convenience, while international tourists usually arrive at CDG.

Why Choose ACE Prestige for Airport Transfers ?

Luxury Mercedes fleet – E-Class, S-Class, V-Class.
Professional multilingual chauffeurs – discreet, reliable, and punctual.
Tailored itineraries – families, couples, business travelers.
Stress-free experience – no taxis, no metro, no delays.

Turn your Paris airport transfer into a seamless VIP journey with ACE Prestige — comfort, style, and peace of mind from the moment you land.

So, Orly vs CDG – which airport should you choose?

Pick CDG if you’re traveling long-haul, need worldwide connections, or value premium lounges.
Pick Orly if you want to get into Paris quickly, are flying within Europe, or prefer a smaller, easier-to-navigate airport.

No matter which airport you land in, your Paris experience starts with a smooth transfer. Avoid the stress of public transport or waiting for taxis.

👉 Book your Paris City Transfer with ACE Prestige Chauffeur Services for a seamless, luxury ride from CDG or Orly directly to your hotel, Disneyland, or any Paris destination.

Ace Prestige Chauffeur Services

Book your Airport transfer

FAQ – Orly vs CDG

Which Paris airport is closer to the city center?

Orly is closer at 13 km; CDG is 25 km away.

Which airport has more international flights?

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) handles most long-haul international routes.

Which airport is easier for first-time travelers?

Orly is smaller, less crowded, and simpler to navigate.

Nicky N.

Guest Relations Manager at Ace Prestige Chauffeur Paris. She is dedicated to making sure travelers feel welcome, supported, and fully cared for before, during, and after their chauffeur service. Her goal is to provide the best experience for every client visiting Paris.

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