Paris is served by Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY). Average flight prices are €85-150 for short-haul European flights; €350-600 for transatlantic routes. Best time to book: Book 6-8 weeks ahead for European flights and 3-4 months ahead for intercontinental routes. January through March typically offers the lowest fares, while July and August are peak season with prices 30-50% higher. Midweek departures (Tuesday-Thursday) are generally €20-40 cheaper than weekend flights.. Top airlines: Air France, easyJet, Transavia.
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Paris is the busiest air travel hub in continental Europe, with Charles de Gaulle Airport consistently ranking among the world's top ten airports by passenger volume. CDG handles most international and long-haul traffic, operating three terminals that serve over 70 million passengers annually. Orly Airport, the city's second major gateway, focuses primarily on domestic French routes, southern European destinations, and North African connections.
For budget travelers, Orly often provides cheaper options on routes to Spain, Portugal, and Italy via low-cost carriers like Transavia and Vueling. CDG is the primary hub for Air France and its SkyTeam alliance partners, making it ideal for connecting flights across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The airport's Terminal 2E and 2F are the newest and most comfortable for long layovers.
Getting between the two airports requires planning — there is no direct rail link, so travelers typically use the OrlyVal shuttle to connect to the RER B line, or take the Le Bus Direct coach service. Allow at least 90 minutes for inter-airport transfers, or consider booking connections through the same airport whenever possible.
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CDG is best for international and long-haul flights, especially if flying Air France or SkyTeam airlines. Orly is often cheaper for short-haul European and domestic flights, and is closer to the city center (13 km vs 25 km).
The RER B train is the fastest option at about 35 minutes to Gare du Nord for around €11. Taxis cost a flat rate of €55 to the Right Bank or €62 to the Left Bank. The Roissybus runs to Opéra for €16.
January to March offers the lowest fares, with European routes often available for under €50 one-way on budget carriers. Avoid July-August and the Christmas/New Year period when prices peak. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance typically yields the best deals.
There is no direct rail link between the airports. Your best options are the Le Bus Direct coach (about 75 minutes, €24) or a combination of OrlyVal and RER B (about 90 minutes). Allow at least 2 hours for the transfer including check-in.
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