Three distinct gateways are available for air travel into the French capital and include various levels of proximity and service for those arriving on a flight to Paris. Travellers can expect efficient transit networks that link these sprawling transport hubs directly to the heart of the city.
Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, commonly referred to by its code CDG, is the primary international gateway for flights to Paris and is situated approximately 25 km northeast of the city centre. As the largest airport in France, it is a major global hub for Air France and hosts a vast array of full-service carriers across its three main terminal complexes. The airport manages an extensive network of long-haul routes connecting Europe to every other continent, alongside a dense schedule of regional European flights.
Upon clearing arrivals, the RER B suburban train is the most frequent connection, departing from stations at Terminal 2 and Roissypole to reach central hubs like Gare du Nord and Châtelet–Les Halles in roughly 35 to 50 minutes. The RoissyBus provides a direct shuttle service to the Opéra district, typically taking about 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. For those preferring direct transit to their accommodation, taxis and ride-hailing services are available at designated ranks outside each terminal, with journeys to the Right Bank or Left Bank generally lasting between 45 and 80 minutes.
Paris Orly airport (ORY)
Paris Orly Airport, identified by the code ORY, is located about 13 km south of the city and is a vital secondary hub for both domestic and international traffic. It has a modern, consolidated terminal layout divided into four main zones, serving as a primary base for Transavia and French Bee. While it handles numerous European destinations, it is also the traditional jumping-off point for travel to the French Overseas Territories and North Africa.
To reach the city centre, travellers often use the Orlyval automated shuttle to connect with the RER B at Antony station, reaching Denfert-Rochereau in approximately 30 minutes. The OrlyBus is another popular choice, linking the terminals directly to the Montparnasse area in about 30 to 45 minutes. Additionally, the extension of Metro Line 14 now provides a fast, direct rail link to Châtelet and Gare de Lyon, significantly reducing transit times for those heading to the central districts.
Paris Beauvais–Tillé airport (BVA)
Paris Beauvais–Tillé Airport, or BVA, is positioned roughly 85 km north of the capital near the town of Beauvais. This airport is primarily a regional base for low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, focusing on budget-friendly point-to-point routes across Europe and North Africa. Despite its distance, its two small terminals have a streamlined arrival process for passengers prioritising value.
The most practical way to reach the capital from this location is via the official Aérobus shuttle, which times its departures to coincide with flight arrivals. This coach service transports passengers to the Porte Maillot transit hub in approximately 75 to 90 minutes. Alternatively, a local bus or taxi can take travellers to the Beauvais Train Station, where regional TER trains run to Gare du Nord, though this route typically requires more coordination than the direct shuttle.