How to Get to Paris

Paris is well-connected by all major means of transport: planes, trains, buses, and even cars.

How to Get to Paris by Plane

Paris is served by three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA). All offer numerous international and domestic connections.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Charles de Gaulle Airport, located about 25 km northeast of Paris, is the city's main airport and one of the busiest in the world. It handles most international flights, with direct connections from all major cities worldwide.

Transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris: If you land at CDG, you have several options to reach the city center:

• Airport Shuttle: The CDG shuttle is a convenient, stress-free option. Book your transfer and enjoy a worry-free ride straight to your hotel or destination in Paris.

• RER B Train: The RER B suburban train connects the airport to the center of Paris in about 30-40 minutes. It’s an affordable and direct option, with stops at several central stations, including Gare du Nord and Châtelet-Les Halles.

• Taxi or Car Rental: If you prefer more comfort, you can take a taxi or rent a car directly at the airport. Keep in mind that Paris traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours.

Orly Airport (ORY)

Orly Airport, located south of Paris, is the city’s second-largest airport. It mainly handles domestic and European flights, but there are also some international routes.

Transfer from Orly Airport to Paris: To get to Paris from Orly, you can use several transport options:

• OrlyBus Shuttle: The OrlyBus is a shuttle service that connects the airport to Denfert-Rochereau station in about 30 minutes. It’s an affordable and convenient option for avoiding traffic.

• RER C Train + OrlyVal: Another popular option is to take the RER C train, which connects Paris to the airport via OrlyVal, an automated shuttle that takes you to the RER station.

• Private Transfer: If you prefer to avoid the crowd and travel directly to your accommodation, you can book a private transfer from Orly to Paris. It’s a convenient choice, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or in a group.

Beauvais Airport (BVA)

Located about 85 km northwest of Paris, Beauvais Airport is farther away than the others, but it’s mainly used by low-cost airlines like Ryanair. It’s a common choice for travelers looking for budget flights to Paris.

Transfer from Beauvais Airport to Paris: The transfer from Beauvais can take a little longer, but there are still effective options:

• Beauvais-Paris Shuttle: The direct airport shuttle is the fastest and most convenient option to reach Paris. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and drops you off at Porte Maillot, an area well-connected to the rest of the city via metro and RER.

• Train and Local Bus: Alternatively, you can take a local bus from the airport to Beauvais train station and then a train to Paris. However, this option takes longer and might not be ideal if you have a lot of luggage.

How to Get to Paris by Train

Traveling by train is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to reach Paris from nearby cities in Europe. The French capital is connected to an efficient high-speed rail network, with major stations well connected to different parts of the city.

TGV and Thalys Trains

High-speed TGV trains connect Paris with many French and international cities. If you’re in cities like London, Brussels, Amsterdam, or Geneva, the train is an excellent alternative to flying, allowing you to avoid long security checks and airport transfers. Plus, central Paris stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon bring you directly to the heart of the city.

The TGV offers quick connections to cities like Marseille, Nice, and Lyon, while Thalys trains take you to Brussels and Amsterdam in just a few hours. Traveling by train is not only an eco-friendly option but also allows you to enjoy scenic views along the way.

Eurostar Train

If you’re coming from the UK, the Eurostar is the most convenient option. This high-speed train crosses the Channel Tunnel and connects London to Paris in just over 2 hours. Arriving directly at Gare du Nord allows you to start your Parisian adventure without wasting time.

Traveling by train from Europe is not only practical but often more affordable than flying, especially if you book tickets well in advance. Plus, you don’t have to worry about baggage limitations or long waiting times before boarding.

How to Get to Paris by Bus

If you prefer a more budget-friendly solution, traveling by bus might be the right option for you. Several international companies, like FlixBus, Eurolines, and BlaBlaBus, connect Paris with many European cities at affordable prices.

Bus Stations in Paris

Most international buses arrive at Bercy-Seine, a major bus station located in the southeast of Paris. From there, you can easily take the metro or a taxi to reach your accommodation.

Traveling by bus can take longer than by train or plane, but it’s often the most economical choice, especially for budget-conscious travelers. Additionally, modern long-distance buses offer comforts such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats, making the journey more pleasant.

How to Get Around Paris Once You Arrive

Once you arrive in Paris, you’ll have several options to get around the city and reach its main tourist attractions.

Public Transport

Paris’s public transport network is one of the most efficient in the world. The metro and RER systems cover every corner of the city, making it easy and quick to travel from one part to another. With its 16 metro lines and 5 RER lines, you can easily reach places like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre.

Additionally, there are daily or weekly tickets, such as the Paris Visite Pass, which allow you to travel unlimitedly across the entire network.

Taxis and VTC

If you prefer the comfort of private transport, Paris offers a wide range of taxis and VTC (Transport Vehicle with Driver) services like Uber. While they’re slightly more expensive, they can be a practical option, especially if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or want to avoid the crowds.

Book Your Airport Transfer

For a stress-free trip, booking an airport transfer in advance is an ideal choice. There are various options for private or shared shuttles that will take you directly from the airport to your accommodation, avoiding long waits and queues.