Orly Airport sits roughly 14 kilometres south of central Paris, making it technically closer to the city than Charles de Gaulle. Yet the journey from Orly into Paris can be surprisingly complex if you are unfamiliar with the options. This guide covers every route, with honest assessments of cost, time and comfort.
Orlyval and RER B
The most commonly mentioned public transport option is the Orlyval, an automated light rail that connects the two Orly terminals to the Antony station on the RER B line. From Antony, the RER B takes you north through Paris, stopping at Denfert-Rochereau, Saint-Michel, Chatelet-Les Halles and Gare du Nord.
The total journey time from Orly to central Paris is around 40 to 55 minutes, depending on where you are going. The ticket costs approximately 13 euros and requires a separate Orlyval fare on top of the RER fare. There is no single unified ticket, which catches many first-time visitors off guard.
The service runs regularly during the day, but carriages can become crowded during peak hours. With luggage, the experience is not always comfortable. The Orlyval has limited luggage space, and the RER B passes through busy central stations where pickpocketing is a known issue.
Bus Services
Several bus routes connect Orly to Paris. The most useful for most travellers is the Orlybus, which runs directly from the terminals to Denfert-Rochereau (14th arrondissement) in about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. A standard metro ticket covers the fare, making it one of the cheapest options.
Line 183 connects Orly to Porte de Choisy (13th arrondissement) and is useful if your hotel is in that area. Journey times are more variable as the route passes through suburban streets.
Bus services are reasonably priced but slow at rush hour. Between 07:30 and 09:30, and again from 17:00 to 19:30, traffic on the southern ring road can add 20 to 40 minutes to any journey.
Taxi from Orly
Paris taxis have fixed flat rates for journeys between the airports and Paris. From Orly, the official rate is 36 euros to the Left Bank and 44 euros to the Right Bank. Luggage surcharges and night rates apply outside standard hours.
Taxis are available at designated ranks outside each terminal. Queues can be lengthy during busy periods, particularly after multiple flights arrive in quick succession. Drivers are required by law to use metered fares within Paris, but the flat airport rates are fixed regardless of the meter.
Private Airport Transfer
A private chauffeur transfer from Orly removes all guesswork. Your driver tracks your flight, meets you in the arrivals area with a name board, helps with your bags and takes you directly to your door at a fixed, agreed price.
Unlike a taxi, you know the cost before you travel. Unlike public transport, there are no transfers, no queues and no uncertainty about where to go. For travellers arriving after a long-haul connection, after a night flight, or with children and significant luggage, the difference is considerable.
Transfer times from Orly to central Paris vary between 30 and 60 minutes depending on traffic. A professional driver will know the best routes and monitor conditions before setting off.
Which Option Should You Choose?
For solo travellers on a tight budget, the Orlyval and RER B combination is workable, if not comfortable. For couples, families, business travellers or anyone arriving with more than a carry-on, a private transfer is the more practical choice once you factor in the cost, time and stress involved with public transport.
Samantha Travels provides fixed-rate transfers from Orly Airport in a range of premium vehicles. Book your Orly airport transfer and arrive in Paris without the hassle.