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Tag: Paris airport transport

  • How to Get from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to the City

    Orly Airport (ORY) is the second-largest airport in Paris, located just 13 kilometers south of the city center. Whether you’re arriving for study, travel, or work, here’s a simple and practical guide on how to reach downtown Paris from Orly — including what works best if you’re carrying large suitcases (28” or more).

    1. OrlyBus – Direct and Reliable

    • Route: Orly Airport to Denfert-Rochereau (Left Bank, Line 4 & 6, RER B)
    • Duration: 30–40 minutes
    • Fare: €11.20
    • Frequency: Every 8–15 minutes
    • Luggage: Good for large bags — storage available in front area of the bus

    This is the most popular direct option. It connects easily to the metro system.

    2. Tram + Metro (T7 + Line 7)

    • Route: Take Tram 7 from Orly to Villejuif-Louis Aragon (Line 7 terminal)
    • Duration: About 50–60 minutes total
    • Fare: €2.10 (tram) + metro fare
    • Luggage: Not ideal for large bags due to frequent stops and tight space

    This is the cheapest way but includes transfers and is slower than other options. Not recommended if you’re new to the system or traveling with heavy suitcases.

    3. Orlyval + RER B Train

    • Route:
      1. Orlyval automated shuttle to Antony station
      2. RER B train to central Paris (e.g. Châtelet, Saint-Michel)
    • Duration: 35–45 minutes
    • Fare: €13.30 (Orlyval + RER B combo ticket)
    • Frequency: Every 4–10 minutes
    • Luggage: Not ideal during rush hours — some stairs and narrow spaces

    This option is faster than the tram but costs a bit more. You can use a single ticket for both connections.

    4. Taxi – Fixed Fare and Comfortable

    • Fare (flat rate set by government):
      • €32 to Left Bank (e.g. Montparnasse, Latin Quarter)
      • €37 to Right Bank (e.g. Louvre, Gare de Lyon)
    • Duration: 30–45 minutes depending on traffic
    • Luggage: Excellent for large or multiple suitcases
    • Where: Taxi ranks just outside each terminal

    Yes — fares from Orly to Paris are officially fixed. No negotiations needed.

    Important: Only use official taxi stands. Avoid any drivers who approach you inside the terminal.

    5. Ride-Sharing (Uber, Bolt)

    • Fare: €35–€55 depending on demand
    • Luggage: Fine for 1–2 medium bags; request larger car if needed
    • Pickup: Designated zones outside terminal

    Prices are not fixed — check the app before confirming. Reliable, but not always cheaper than taxi.

    6. Private Transfer (Pre-Booked)

    • Fare: €50–€90 depending on provider
    • Luggage: Ideal for big luggage or group travelers
    • Services: Welcome Pickups, Blacklane, Klook, etc.
    • Driver meets you inside the arrivals area and helps with bags

    Best choice if you’re new to Paris, arriving late, or want door-to-door comfort.

    Best Options for 28”+ Luggage

    MethodLuggage FriendlyNotes
    TaxiExcellentFixed fare, door-to-door
    OrlyBusVery GoodDirect with onboard space
    Private TransferExcellentMeet & greet, full luggage assistance
    RER + OrlyvalModerateTransfers + stairs, less convenient
    Tram + MetroNot idealCrowded, multiple transfers
    • For large luggage, stick to OrlyBus, official taxis, or private transfers
    • For budget travel, Orlyval + RER B is fast and efficient, but avoid during rush hours
    • Taxi fares are fixed between Orly and Paris — safe and regulated
    • Always use official taxi stands or pre-booked drivers — no private solicitations inside the terminal

  • How to Get from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport to the City

    A Practical Guide for First-Time Visitors with Luggage

    Arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) may feel overwhelming, but reaching the city center is easier than you think — especially if you know your options. This guide breaks down the main transportation methods, including what works best if you’re traveling with large luggage (28″ or more) and whether taxi fares are fixed.

    1. RER B Train – Fast and Budget-Friendly

    • Route: CDG to Paris Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint-Michel, and more
    • Duration: 35–45 minutes
    • Fare: €11.45 (2024)
    • Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes
    • Luggage: Not ideal for large suitcases during peak hours; limited luggage space and many stairs in central stations

    Note: Make sure to keep your ticket — you’ll need it to exit in Paris.

    2. RoissyBus – Direct and Luggage-Friendly

    • Route: From all terminals to Opéra (central Paris)
    • Duration: Around 60 minutes
    • Fare: €16.20
    • Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
    • Luggage: Suitable for large bags; dedicated luggage storage under the bus

    Recommended for travelers heading near the 1st–9th arrondissement who prefer not to transfer.

    3. Official Taxi – Fixed Fare and Most Comfortable

    • Fare:
      • €55 to Right Bank (e.g. Gare du Nord, Champs-Élysées)
      • €62 to Left Bank (e.g. Latin Quarter, Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse)
    • Duration: 45–70 minutes depending on traffic
    • Luggage: Excellent for travelers with large or multiple bags
    • Where: Official taxi stands outside each terminal

    Yes, fares from CDG to central Paris are officially fixed by the French government. No need to negotiate or worry about meters — just use the signed taxi ranks marked “Taxi Parisien.”

    Important: Never accept taxi offers from inside the terminal. Only use the official line outside.

    4. Ride-Sharing (Uber, Bolt)

    • Fare: €40–€80 depending on time and demand
    • Luggage: Fine for 1–2 bags; consider Uber Van for extra space
    • Pickup location: Designated ride-hailing zones near each terminal

    Note: No fixed fare — prices change with traffic and time of day.

    5. Private Transfer – Pre-Booked Door-to-Door Service

    • Services: Welcome Pickups, Klook, Blacklane, etc.
    • Fare: From €60–€100
    • Luggage: Very good for families or travelers with large suitcases
    • Extras: Meet-and-greet in arrival hall, English-speaking driver, direct hotel drop-off

    A good choice if you want full convenience and minimal stress after a long flight.

    6. Night Bus (Noctilien) – Only After Midnight

    • Routes: N143 and N140 to Gare de l’Est
    • Fare: Around €8
    • Duration: 60–90 minutes
    • Luggage: Not recommended for large bags; limited space and frequent stops

    Use this only if you’re arriving after midnight and want to save money.

    Best Option for 28”+ Luggage

    MethodLuggage SuitabilityNotes
    TaxiExcellentFixed fare, door-to-door, no transfers
    RoissyBusVery GoodDedicated luggage space, no stairs
    Private TransferExcellentMeet-and-greet, good for multiple bags
    RER B TrainLimitedCheap but hard with big suitcases & stairs
    UberGood (Van best)Not fixed fare, depends on demand

    If you’re traveling with large luggage, the best options are:

    • Official Taxi: Fixed fare, easy, and door-to-door
    • RoissyBus: Direct to city center with good luggage support
    • Private Transfer: Great for families or first-timers who want a smooth arrival

    If you’re traveling light, RER B is a great budget choice — but avoid it during rush hour with bulky bags.