Paris has two main airports – Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) – plus the distant low-cost hub at Beauvais. Which one you fly into shapes your whole first hour in France, so here is an honest CDG vs Orly airport comparison covering distance, airlines, transport cost and transfer times, updated for 2026.
CDG vs Orly: the short answer
CDG is Paris’s big international hub, 25-30 km north-east of the centre, used by Air France and most long-haul airlines. Orly is smaller and closer, 15-20 km south of the centre, handy for domestic routes, SkyTeam partners and easyJet. For a quick CDG vs Orly airport decision: if you have the choice, pick by airline and price first – both airports reach central Paris in under an hour – but Orly wins on a short city break, while CDG is usually more convenient for onward long-haul connections. For most visitors the real CDG vs Orly airport question is not the airport at all but the transfer at the other end.
Which Paris airport is closest to the city?
Orly is the Paris airport closest to the centre: about 15-20 km, with a typical transfer of 25-45 minutes by car. CDG sits 25-30 km out and usually takes 30-50 minutes. The difference matters most for very early or very late arrivals, when every minute counts.
Which airlines fly to CDG and Orly?
- CDG: Air France long-haul, Star Alliance partners, oneworld partners, most Asian and North American carriers. Terminals 1, 2 (with letters), 3 and 4.
- Orly: Air France domestic and European, Transavia, easyJet, SkyTeam partners. Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- Rule of thumb: long-haul or connecting = CDG. European city break, especially on Air France or easyJet = check Orly.
Getting to Paris: CDG vs Orly transport compared
| Route | Distance | Car time | Official taxi flat rate | Public transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDG to central Paris | 25-30 km | 30-50 min | about EUR 56-65 flat rate | about EUR 13 |
| Orly to central Paris | 15-20 km | 25-45 min | about EUR 41-45 flat rate | about EUR 14-15 (Orlyval + RER) |
Both airports have direct rail links, but each involves compromises: CDG has the RER B straight into the city, while Orly needs the Orlyval light metro to Antony before the RER. With two or more people, luggage, or a late arrival, a private transfer usually beats the train on both time and comfort – and unlike the official taxi flat rates, a private car takes you to your exact address.
CDG vs Orly for Disneyland Paris
For Disneyland, the better airport depends on your airline. CDG is about 40 km from the parks (40-55 minutes by car) and Orly about 45-55 km (45-60 minutes). Because both journeys are long, most families book a private Disneyland transfer rather than dragging cases through the RER – child seats are included free on request with Paris Premium Shuttle.
CDG vs Orly: connections and lounges
CDG is the main connecting hub, with far more long-haul frequencies and airline lounges, but it is also spread over more terminals with longer walks. Orly is compact and quicker to exit, which is why Parisians often prefer it for short trips. If you are connecting, CDG usually wins on choice; if you are ending your trip in Paris, Orly can save you an hour door to door.
Which Paris airport should you choose?
- Flying long-haul or connecting: choose CDG.
- City break on Air France, Transavia or easyJet: compare Orly first.
- Travelling with children: pick the airport your airline serves, then book a private transfer – both airports are about the same by car with kids.
- Heading to Disneyland: either works; CDG is marginally closer.
- Price matters most: let the fare decide – a EUR 80 saving outweighs 15 minutes of driving.
Is CDG or Orly closer to Paris?
Orly is closer – about 15-20 km versus 25-30 km for CDG – so Orly transfers into central Paris are usually 10-20 minutes quicker. That makes Orly the easy winner of the CDG vs Orly airport distance argument for a weekend break.
Which Paris airport is bigger?
CDG is far bigger and is the main international hub, with four terminals and the most long-haul routes. Orly is the smaller, more compact airport.
Can I fly into one Paris airport and leave from the other?
Yes, but build in a transfer between airports of at least 2-3 hours. CDG to Orly is about 45-60 minutes by road – a private inter-airport transfer is the reliable option.
What is the taxi flat rate from CDG and Orly?
Official Paris taxi flat rates (2026, approx) are EUR 56-65 from CDG and EUR 41-45 from Orly to the right or left bank of Paris. They apply to the city boundary, not to suburbs or Disneyland.
Which airport is better for Disneyland Paris?
CDG is marginally closer to Disneyland (about 40 km vs 45-55 km from Orly). Choose by airline, then book a private Disneyland Paris transfer for a direct door-to-door ride.
The practical bottom line
Both CDG and Orly are fine choices and both are about an hour from central Paris by public transport or 30-50 minutes by car. Book the flight that suits your airline and price, then plan the transfer properly. For a fixed price and a chauffeur waiting with your name at arrivals – whichever Paris airport you pick – see our CDG airport transfer and Orly airport transfer pages, or contact us 24/7. Once you have made your CDG vs Orly airport choice, the transfer planning takes two minutes and is the part you will actually remember.
