Paris-Orly Airport

Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is France's second-busiest airport, located 14 km south of central Paris. While Charles de Gaulle handles most long-haul international traffic, Orly specializes in domestic French routes, European destinations, and flights to French overseas territories, North Africa, and the Middle East.

The airport has four terminals arranged in a curved layout:

• Orly 1: Northern terminal, primarily domestic Air France and Air Corsica
• Orly 2: Northern section, Transavia and low-cost carriers
• Orly 3: Central hub, easyJet and international carriers
• Orly 4: Southern terminal, Air France long-haul, Iberia, TAP Portugal, and flights to French overseas territories (Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion)

The terminals were renumbered in 2019 from the previous West (Ouest) and South (Sud) configuration. Orly 1-2 correspond to the former West terminal, while Orly 3-4 correspond to the former South terminal.

Key carriers at Orly: Transavia (low-cost subsidiary of Air France-KLM), easyJet, Vueling, Air France domestic, Air Corsica, and Air Caraibes.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Paris has two major airports. If your itinerary involves both, plan carefully—there's no quick connection.

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is Paris's main international hub, located 35 km northeast of Orly (50 km northeast of central Paris). It handles most long-haul and intercontinental flights.

When you might connect between Orly and CDG:

• Transavia/easyJet arrival at Orly, long-haul departure from CDG
• Air France domestic at Orly, international connection at CDG
• Separate bookings combining budget and legacy carriers

Connecting between Orly and CDG:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Le Bus Direct Line 3	60-80 min	€24	Direct, traffic-dependent
Orlyval + RER B	75-90 min	€25	Most reliable
Taxi/Uber	45-75 min	€70-100	Traffic dependent, can be very slow

Step-by-step transit route:

1. From Orly: Take Orlyval to Antony station
2. Transfer to RER B (direction Aéroport Charles de Gaulle)
3. RER B terminates at CDG T2, shuttle to T1/T3

Minimum connection time: Allow 4-5 hours between separate bookings. Parisian traffic is highly unpredictable, especially during strikes or rush hour.

Pro tip: Air France may offer through-check on their own flights between ORY and CDG. Always ask at check-in—it can save the hassle of collecting and re-checking luggage.

Orly is located 14 km south of central Paris, making it closer to the city than CDG. Travel times are generally shorter, though traffic on the A6 motorway can cause delays.

Method	Time to Paris Center	Cost
OrlyVal + RER B	30-40 min	€12.10
Tramway T7 + Metro	50-60 min	€2.15
Orlybus	30-45 min	€11.50
Taxi	20-45 min	€35-41 (flat rate)
Uber	20-45 min	€30-55

The OrlyVal automated train combined with the RER B is the most reliable option for timing, avoiding Paris traffic entirely.

Uber is available at Orly. Pickup points are clearly signed:

• Orly 1-2: Level 0, Arrivals exit door D
• Orly 3: Level 0, Arrivals exit
• Orly 4: Level 0, Arrivals exit door 48b

Typical Uber fare to central Paris: €30-55 depending on traffic, destination, and surge pricing.

Official Taxis use regulated flat-rate pricing:

• Left Bank (Rive Gauche): €35 flat rate
• Right Bank (Rive Droite): €41 flat rate

These rates cover the entire taxi, not per person. Taxis queue outside all terminal arrivals 24/7. Journey time: 20-45 minutes depending on traffic.

Note: Flat rates only apply to destinations within Paris proper (inside the Peripherique). Trips to La Defense, suburbs, or areas outside Paris use the meter.

Tip: Orly is closer to the Left Bank neighborhoods (Montparnasse, Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain), making it more convenient for hotels in that area.

OrlyVal + RER B (Recommended)

The OrlyVal is an automated shuttle train connecting Orly to the RER B at Antony station.

Fare: €12.10 one-way (includes OrlyVal + RER B to Paris, as of 2025)

Journey time: 30-40 minutes to central Paris

How to take the OrlyVal:

1. Follow signs to "OrlyVal" in the terminal
2. OrlyVal station is located between Orly 1-2 and Orly 3-4
3. Board the automated train to Antony (8 minutes)
4. At Antony, transfer to RER B toward Paris
5. Take RER B to Chatelet-Les Halles (25 min), Gare du Nord (30 min), or other stops

OrlyVal operating hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, every 5-8 minutes

Tramway T7 (Budget Option)

Tramway T7 connects Orly to Villejuif-Louis Aragon Metro station (Line 7).

Fare: €2.15 (regular Metro/Tramway ticket)

Journey time: 50-60 minutes to central Paris

Route:

1. Board T7 at Orly terminals (stops at Orly 1-2-3 and Orly 4)
2. Ride to Villejuif-Louis Aragon terminus (45 min)
3. Transfer to Metro Line 7 for central Paris

Operating hours: 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM, every 8-15 minutes

Best for: Budget travelers not in a hurry, or those heading to the 13th arrondissement

Orlybus

Direct bus service between Orly and Denfert-Rochereau in Paris.

• Fare: €11.50
• Duration: 30-45 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes
• Operating hours: 5:35 AM to 12:30 AM
• Paris stop: Denfert-Rochereau (connects to RER B and Metro lines 4 and 6)

Stops at Orly: Orly 4, Orly 3, Orly 1-2

The Orlybus is included in Navigo passes for zones 1-4.

Orly offers several parking options with varying proximity and pricing.

Premium Parking (Closest to Terminals)

Lot	Location	24-hour rate	Notes
P1	Orly 1-2	~€36	2-minute walk, covered
P2	Orly 3-4	~€36	2-minute walk, covered
P3	Central	~€36	5-minute walk

Economy Parking

Lot	24-hour rate	Access
P4 Eco	From €15/day	Free shuttle, 10 min to terminals
P5	From €20/day	Covered, free shuttle

Tips:

• Book online through the Paris Aeroport website for significant savings (up to 50% off drive-up rates)
• P4 Eco requires advance reservation
• First 10 minutes free in terminal parking (P1, P2)
• Motorcycle parking available at reduced rates

Orly's dining options are more limited than CDG but adequate for most needs.

Orly 1:

• Paul (bakery and cafe)
• Quick-service options

Orly 2:

• Relay Cafe
• Upper Crust (sandwiches)

Orly 3 (best variety):

• Starbucks
• Brioche Doree
• Class'Croute
• Caviar House (seafood and champagne)
• Duty-free chocolate and wine shops

Orly 4:

• Eric Kayser (excellent bakery)
• McDonald's
• Bar Le Market
• Cuisine de Bar (sit-down dining)

Tip: Orly 4 has the best sit-down dining options, particularly for flights to the Caribbean and long-haul destinations. Orly 3 offers the widest variety of quick-service options.

Free WiFi is available throughout all Orly terminals.

Network name: "WIFI-AIRPORT" or "PARIS AEROPORT"

How to connect:

1. Select the Paris Aeroport WiFi network
2. Open browser - you'll be redirected to the portal
3. Accept terms and conditions
4. Optional: Register for extended access

Details:

• Free session duration: 240 minutes (4 hours)
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email; variable for streaming
• Reconnect for additional sessions

Tip: Use a VPN for security on public networks. Lounge WiFi is typically faster and more reliable.

SIM cards are available at several locations in Orly.

Airside:

• Relay stores in all terminals

Landside (Arrivals):

• Relay and tabac shops
• Paris Aeroport service points

Major French carriers:

• Orange: Best nationwide coverage
• SFR: Good urban coverage
• Bouygues Telecom: Competitive pricing
• Free Mobile: Budget option (limited airport presence)

Typical costs: Prepaid tourist SIMs with data start around €20-30 for 10-20GB. EU roaming included for travel within Europe.

Tip: Order an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Orange Holiday) before departure for immediate connectivity on arrival. Prices at airport shops are typically 20-30% higher than city stores.

ATMs are located throughout all Orly terminals, both landside and airside.

Major banks with ATMs at Orly:

• BNP Paribas
• Societe Generale
• Credit Agricole
• La Banque Postale

Locations:

• Arrivals halls in all terminals
• Between Orly 2 and Orly 3 (central area)
• Departure lounges

Currency exchange: Travelex and ICE bureaux de change are available but offer poor rates (up to 10% markup). Use ATMs or cards for better rates.

Tips:

• French ATMs may ask "with or without conversion" - always choose without to get your bank's rate
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted throughout France
• Contactless payment is ubiquitous in Paris

Orly offers duty-free and retail shopping, though less extensive than CDG.

Duty-free (operated by Extime/Lagardere):

• Available in all terminals after security
• French wines, spirits, perfumes, and cosmetics
• Typical French specialties: champagne, cognac, Laduree macarons

Notable stores:

Orly 1-2:

• Buy Paris (French products and souvenirs)
• L'Occitane en Provence
• Relay (books, magazines, snacks)

Orly 3:

• Largest shopping area
• Aelia Duty Free
• Longchamp
• Kiehl's
• French wine and champagne selections

Orly 4:

• Hermes
• Lacoste
• Extensive perfume selections (flights to French overseas territories)

Tip: Orly 3 has the best overall shopping selection. For luxury goods, CDG offers more options.

Orly has fewer lounge options than CDG, reflecting its focus on domestic and short-haul European flights.

Air France Lounges

Business Lounge - Orly 3:

• Location: After security, follow signs
• Access: Air France/KLM Business Class, Flying Blue Gold/Platinum, SkyTeam Elite Plus
• Amenities: Buffet, bar, WiFi, newspapers
• Hours: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Business Lounge - Orly 4:

• Location: Near gates for Caribbean and long-haul flights
• Access: Same as Orly 3
• Amenities: Similar to Orly 3, with shower facilities
• Hours: Opens based on flight schedule

Priority Pass and Credit Card Lounges

Orly has limited Priority Pass options. Check current availability on the Priority Pass app before travel.

Pay-Per-Use

• Air France sells day passes through the LoungeBuddy app or at lounge entrances (approximately €40-50)
• Some credit cards (Amex Platinum) may provide access to partner lounges

Tip: For long layovers, consider the YOTEL at Orly (airside) for rest cabins bookable by the hour.

At the Airport:

• YOTEL Paris Orly: Compact cabin-style rooms airside (after security). Bookable by the hour from €40/4 hours or overnight. Located between Orly 2 and Orly 3. Ideal for early departures or long layovers.

Near the Airport (5-15 minutes by shuttle):

• Hilton Paris Orly Airport: Full-service hotel with free airport shuttle. Restaurant, bar, fitness center. From €120-200/night.

• Mercure Paris Orly Rungis Aeroport: Reliable mid-range option with free shuttle. From €90-150/night.

• ibis Paris Orly Rungis: Budget-friendly with regular shuttle service. From €60-100/night.

• Novotel Paris Orly Rungis: Comfortable rooms, pool, 24-hour bar. Free shuttle. From €100-160/night.

Tip: For very early morning departures, the YOTEL airside is most convenient as it eliminates the need to clear security in the morning. For overnight stays, the Hilton offers the best quality-to-convenience ratio.

Orly's location south of Paris provides quick access to the Left Bank and certain attractions.

Getting to Central Paris (30-40 min):

• Orlyval + RER B: Most reliable, connects to Latin Quarter, Saint-Michel, Chatelet
• Orlybus: Direct to Denfert-Rochereau, then Metro lines 4 or 6

Neighborhoods closest to Orly:

• Montparnasse: 25-30 min, historic cafes, Montparnasse Tower
• Latin Quarter: 30-35 min, Sorbonne, Pantheon, bookshops
• Saint-Germain-des-Pres: 35 min, cafes, galleries, Luxembourg Gardens

Day trips from Paris:

• Versailles: 1 hour by RER C from central Paris (~€15 round trip)
• Chartres: 1 hour by train from Montparnasse, famous cathedral
• Fontainebleau: 45 min by train from Gare de Lyon, royal chateau and forest

Transport tips:

• Buy a carnet (book of 10 Metro tickets) or use Navigo Easy card for savings
• Paris Metro runs 5:30 AM to ~12:30 AM (later on weekends: until 2:15 AM Fri-Sat)
• Orly is convenient for travelers staying in the 5th, 6th, 13th, 14th, or 15th arrondissements

Orly vs CDG:

• Orly is closer to Paris center (14 km vs 25 km)
• Orly is preferred for domestic flights and European low-cost carriers
• CDG is the main hub for long-haul international flights and Air France intercontinental
• If your hotel is on the Left Bank, Orly may be more convenient