Best Ways to Get from Orly Airport to Central Paris: A Complete Guide

So, You’ve Just Landed at Orly…

And now, it’s time to make your way into the heart of Paris. Maybe you’re here for the wine (no judgment), a whirlwind romance, or a quick business trip. Regardless of why you’re in town, you’ve got to figure out how to get from Orly Airport to central Paris.

Luckily, I’ve done the legwork for you. Whether you’re after the cheapest ride, the fastest route, or something that’ll let you avoid lugging your suitcase onto public transport, this guide has you covered. After a long flight, you’ll want to make this decision before the jetlag sets in!

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How Far is Orly Airport from Central Paris?

First things first: Orly is about 13 kilometers (or 8 miles, if you’re like me and have a complicated relationship with the metric system) from central Paris. Depending on your chosen method of transport, you’re looking at anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to reach the city.

Best Ways to Get from Orly Airport to Central Paris

1. Metro Line 14: The New Fast Track to Orly

Thanks to the new extension of Metro Line 14, you can now reach Orly Airport from central Paris in just 25 minutes—faster than most of my attempts to order a café au lait in French. Completely automated and sleek, Line 14 serves 10 towns across Paris, Val-de-Marne, and Essonne, providing a direct, no-hassle link between the city center and the airport.

• How it works: Metro Line 14 now extends from Saint-Denis Pleyel in the north to Aéroport d’Orly in the south, with easy connections to major hubs like Châtelet-Les-Halles (25 minutes to Orly) or Gare de Lyon (23 minutes to Orly).
• Duration: Journey times vary depending on your starting point:
  • 16 minutes from Olympiades
  • 25 minutes from Châtelet-Les-Halles
  • 23 minutes from Gare de Lyon
  • 40 minutes from Saint-Denis Pleyel
• Cost: A full fare single e-ticket costs €10.30.
• Tickets: Purchase tickets through the IDF Mobilités or Bonjour RATP apps or at any metro station.
• Frequency: Trains run every 2 to 5 minutes.

Important Note: Metro Line 14 will be closed at night and on several Sundays until the end of 2024 for modernization work. Expect interruptions from 9 September to 19 December 2024, every Monday through Thursday evening from 10 pm (except on 15 and 11 November).

This new metro line is a game-changer for anyone wanting a quick, direct trip from Paris to Orly—just keep those closure dates in mind when planning your journey.

2. Orlyval + RER B Train: Fast and Efficient

If you’re all about efficiency, the Orlyval shuttle combined with the RER B train is a great option. While it’s not the cheapest, it’s a solid choice if you’re in a hurry.

• How it works: Take the Orlyval shuttle from Orly to Antony station, where you can transfer to the RER B train heading into central Paris.
• Duration: Around 35 minutes from Orly to the city.
• Cost: €14.50 for a one-way ticket (Orlyval + RER B combined).
• Where to find it: Follow the signs for Orlyval within the airport, which will take you to the shuttle station. The RER B trains from Antony run frequently, so your wait won’t be long.
• Tickets: Tickets are available at the Orlyval station or through the IDF Mobilités and Bonjour RATP apps.

If speed and avoiding Parisian traffic is your goal, this combo does the trick.

3. Tram 7: The Budget-Friendly Route with a Metro Connection

Tramway Line 7 is a more affordable option, though it does require a bit of time and patience. It connects Villejuif-Louis Aragon (the terminus of Metro Line 7) to Orly 4, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget.

• How it works: Start by taking Metro Line 7 to Villejuif-Louis Aragon, where you can transfer to Tram 7. This tram will take you directly to Orly 4, passing through notable stops like Rungis-La Fraternelle (connect to RER C) and Coeur d’Orly (hotel zone).
• Duration: The full Tram 7 journey takes about 45 minutes. From central Paris, the total travel time is around 80 minutes, including your metro connection.
• Cost: A single Tramway 7 ticket costs just €2.10, and Navigo packages (zones 1-4) are valid.
• Frequency: Trams run every 8 to 15 minutes.
• Hours: Available from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., 7 days a week.
• Where to find it: Tram 7 stops at Orly 4 (Exit 47d), right at the airport terminal.
• Tickets: Purchase tickets through the IDF Mobilités or Bonjour RATP apps or at any metro station.

This is perfect if you’re not in a rush and want to save your euros for those macarons (which you should do).

4. Orlybus: Direct and Simple

Looking for a direct ride with no transfers? The Orlybus gets you straight into the city without the hassle of connections.

• How it works: Board the Orlybus at the airport and ride straight to Denfert-Rochereau in central Paris.
• Duration: The ride takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Cost: €11.50 for a one-way ticket.
• Where to find it: The Orlybus departs from Orly 1-2-3 and Orly 4 terminals. Follow the signs for bus transportation.
• Tickets: Buy tickets at the airport or online .

Orlybus is a great choice for travelers who want a stress-free, direct option into the city.

5. Taxis: The Convenient Option

If door-to-door convenience is your style and you’re not worried about spending a little more, a taxi is the way to go.

• How it works: Walk out of the terminal and follow the signs to the official taxi rank. Avoid imposter taxis by sticking to the official line, which will be clearly marked.
• Duration: Around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Flat fares apply—€41 to the Right Bank and €35 to the Left Bank. Taxi drivers do not expect tips in Paris, but a few euro tip is always appreciated, especially if they’ve helped schlep luggage.
• Tip: Always make sure you’re in the official taxi line to avoid scams. (There will be people offering you cheaper rides before the official taxi line; just ignore them. Taking an unofficial “taxi” is unsafe; that too-good-to-be-true price is indeed too good to be true.) You can also pre-book taxis through services like G7.

This is the best option if you’re not concerned about cost and traveling with a lot of luggage or just want a hassle-free ride to your hotel.

6. Ride-Sharing: Uber and Bolt

If you prefer the convenience of ride-sharing apps, both Uber and Bolt are available at Orly.

• Duration: Similar to taxis, around 30-45 minutes.
• Cost: Prices fluctuate depending on traffic and demand, but typically range from €30-€40.

Perfect for those dedicated ridesharers.

7. Airport Shuttles: Comfortable, Pre-Booked Luxury

If you want a bit more comfort or like the idea of a pre-booked ride, private shuttles are available for both solo travelers and groups.

• How it works: Airport shuttle services offer private or shared transfers that you can book ahead of time.
• Duration: Typically 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Expect to pay between €30-€70, depending on the service and number of passengers.
• Booking: Book through Viator or GetYourGuide. Be sure to read reviews before booking.

Shuttles are perfect if you want a more personalized experience or are traveling with a group.

8. Renting a Car: Explore at Your Own Pace

If you’re planning to explore more than just Paris, renting a car can be a great option. If you’re not leaving the city, skip the car rental. Traffic and parking is not worth the hassle given Paris’ excellent public transportation system.

• How it works: Car rental services such as Avis, Hertz, and Europcar are available at Orly. You can book in advance or upon arrival.
• Duration: Driving into central Paris takes about 30-45 minutes, though traffic can be unpredictable.
• Cost: Expect to pay €25-€50 per day, plus fuel and tolls.

Renting a car is best for those looking to explore outside of Paris.

No matter how you prefer to travel, getting from Orly to central Paris doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re taking the speedy Metro Line 14, saving your euros with Tram 7, or opting for the convenience of a taxi or ride-share, there’s a perfect option for everyone.

The key is planning ahead—so use the links to book tickets, check routes, and ensure a smooth ride from the airport to the heart of Paris. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping coffee at a sidewalk café or wandering along the Seine. Paris is waiting!