Last updated on February 10th, 2026 at 11:56 am

Which Airport Should I Fly Into for Paris?

Which airport should I fly into for Paris?
The best airport for most travelers is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
But Paris has three airports, and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and patience you didn’t pack.

This guide explains the differences between Paris airports, which one is best for your trip, and how to avoid accidentally landing nowhere near Paris.

The Main Airports Serving Paris

Paris is served by three airports:

1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

2. Orly Airport (ORY)

3. Beauvais Airport (BVA)

They are not equal, not interchangeable, and absolutely not “basically the same.”

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Best Choice for Most Tourists

If you’re asking which airport should I fly into for Paris, this is the default answer.

Why CDG Is the Best Option

• Largest airport in France

• Main international hub

• Best public transport connections

• Handles most long-haul flights

CDG is about 25 km northeast of Paris and is well connected by RER trains, taxis, buses, and private transfers.

Best For:

• International flights

• First-time visitors

• Travelers with luggage

• Long-distance connections

Yes, CDG is big and can feel overwhelming. No, that does not make it the wrong choice.

Orly Airport (ORY): Good for Short-Haul and European Flights

Orly Airport is Paris’s second main airport and sits south of the city.

Why Choose Orly?

• Smaller and easier to navigate than CDG

• Popular for domestic and European flights

• Good transport connections to Paris

Orly is often used by low-cost and regional airlines, and getting into central Paris is straightforward via metro, tram, or bus.

Best For:

• Flights within Europe

• Short trips

• Travelers who want a calmer airport

If your flight lands at Orly, congratulations. You are still very much in Paris territory.

Beauvais Airport (BVA): The Trap Airport

Now we talk about the problem child.

Beauvais Airport is not actually in Paris. It is about 85 km north of the city.

Why People End Up at Beauvais

• Ultra-cheap flights

• Budget airlines

• Clicking “Paris” without reading carefully

The Reality

• Long transfer time

• Extra transport costs

• Limited night options

Yes, shuttle buses exist. Yes, people use it. No, it is not convenient.

Best For:

• Budget travelers who truly understand the distance

• Daytime arrivals only

• People with patience and flexible schedules

If you value time over saving €30, avoid Beauvais.

Which Airport Should I Fly Into for Paris Based on Your Trip Type?

Let’s simplify this.

First-Time Visitors

Fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

European Short Trips

Orly (ORY) is often perfect

Budget Travelers

Only consider Beauvais (BVA) if you fully understand the trade-offs

Families or Travelers With Luggage

CDG or ORY only. Beauvais will test relationships.

How Long Does It Take to Get to Paris From Each Airport?

This matters more than people think.

• CDG to central Paris: 35–60 minutes

• ORY to central Paris: 30–45 minutes

• BVA to central Paris: 1.5–2 hours (best case)

That’s not “basically the same.”

Transport Options From Paris Airports

From CDG

• RER B train

• Taxi

• Airport bus

• Private transfer

From Orly

• Metro line 14

• Orlyval + RER

• Bus

• Taxi

From Beauvais

• Dedicated shuttle bus only

• Taxi is expensive and impractical

Transport convenience alone answers which airport should I fly into for Paris for most people.

Why Flight Prices Differ So Much Between Paris Airports

Cheap flights usually land in inconvenient places. This is not a mystery.

Airlines flying to Beauvais advertise “Paris” because technically it works. The extra cost appears later in transport, time, and stress.

Always compare:

• Flight price

• Transfer cost

• Transfer time

The cheapest ticket is rarely the cheapest journey.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make Choosing a Paris Airport

Let’s save you from regret.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking the cheapest flight without checking the airport

• Assuming Beauvais is part of Paris

• Landing late at night at a remote airport

• Ignoring luggage and transfer complexity

• Underestimating jet lag plus long transfers

Paris travel begins at the airport. Choose wisely.

Which Airport Should I Fly Into for Paris?

For most travelers, fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
It offers the best balance of location, transport, and international connections.

Orly is a solid second option, especially for European flights. Beauvais should only be chosen deliberately, not accidentally.

Paris is magical. Starting your trip two hours away is not.