Getting to Paris
Most visitors arrive at one of the two main Paris airports or by high-speed train into a central station. Which one you use shapes your arrival day, because the transfer into the center is a real part of the trip rather than an afterthought.
Airports
Paris has two major airports run by Paris Aeroport: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to the northeast, which handles most long-haul and international flights, and Orly (ORY) to the south, which leans toward domestic and European routes. A third, smaller airport at Beauvais is used by some low-cost carriers and sits about 85 kilometers north, so factor in the longer coach transfer if you land there.
From Charles de Gaulle, the RER B suburban train is the fastest fixed-price link into the center; from Orly, the automated Orlyval shuttle connects to the RER, alongside tram and bus options. Confirm current routes and fares on the Paris Aeroport and Ile-de-France Mobilites sites before you land.
Arriving by train
Paris is the hub of the French high-speed rail network, and arriving by train drops you straight into the center with no airport transfer at all. Eurostar trains from London and Brussels arrive at Gare du Nord, while SNCF high-speed TGV services from other French and European cities use one of the major terminals such as Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse, or Gare de l'Est depending on direction.
Each of these stations sits on the Metro and RER, so onward travel to your hotel is straightforward. Book high-speed trains ahead for the best fares and check your exact arrival station on SNCF or Eurostar, since the Paris terminals are spread across the city.
From the airport into the city
Plan the transfer as part of arrival day rather than assuming a quick hop. From CDG the RER B reaches central stations in around 30 to 45 minutes outside of disruptions; from Orly the Orlyval-plus-RER combination or a direct bus takes a similar window, and a taxi from either airport runs on regulated flat fares to the Left or Right Bank.
If you land late or with heavy luggage, a taxi or pre-booked transfer can be worth the cost on the first night. Whichever you choose, buy or load your tickets before you reach the platform and confirm current options with Ile-de-France Mobilites.
Reviewed source trail
- Paris Aeroport — Charles de Gaulle and Orly — checked 2026-06-17
- Ile-de-France Mobilites — fares and airport links — checked 2026-06-17
- SNCF — high-speed train travel — checked 2026-06-17
- Eurostar — London and Brussels to Paris — checked 2026-06-17