Paris has two main airports, and they sit on opposite sides of the city. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is in the northeast; Orly (ORY) is in the south. Plenty of itineraries combine them: a long-haul flight into CDG followed by a domestic or low-cost connection from Orly, a cruise or tour that ends near one airport while the flight home leaves from the other, or a missed connection rebooked from the second airport. There's no airside link between them, so you must leave one airport, cross the Paris region and check in again. This guide explains the CDG to Orly transfer: timing, traffic, your transport options and practical connection tips.
How far apart are CDG and Orly?
By road, the two airports are about 35 to 50 km apart, depending on the route. The usual drive follows the A1 or A3 south from CDG, then the A86 ring road or the Boulevard Périphérique, and the A6 towards Orly. Without traffic, the drive takes about 45 to 55 minutes. On weekday mornings and evenings, and on Friday afternoons, it can take 75 to 90 minutes or more. Accidents or roadworks on the A86 or A1 can add further delays.
Option 1: train and metro
There's no direct train between the airports. The public transport route is:
- RER B from CDG to Châtelet–Les Halles in central Paris.
- Metro line 14 south from Châtelet to Orly Airport, extended to Orly in 2024.
Door to door, allow at least 75 to 90 minutes, longer with waits or works on the RER B. Note that until 11 December 2026 the RER B to CDG closes from 22:45 on most weeknights. It's the cheapest option but means two lines, ticket machines, stairs, crowds and carrying all your luggage through central Paris stations. With large suitcases or children, it's hard work.
Option 2: taxi or ride-hailing app
A taxi from CDG to Orly runs on the meter, as the Paris flat fares only apply between the airports and the city. In heavy traffic, the meter keeps running. Ride-hailing apps quote a price but may surge at busy times. Either way, you'll queue at the taxi rank or walk to the app pickup zone first.
Option 3: private car transfer
A pre-booked private car is the most predictable way to connect:
- Fixed price regardless of traffic.
- Flight tracking for your incoming flight at CDG.
- Meet and greet at your arrivals exit, with help for luggage.
- Drop-off at the right Orly terminal — Orly 1, 2, 3 or 4 — for your departure.
- Choice of vehicle: E-Class for up to three, V-Class for up to seven passengers.
For a group, one van is often comparable to several train tickets plus the stress of moving everyone through the metro.
How much connection time do you need?
Between CDG and Orly you go through three time-consuming stages:
- Leaving CDG: passport control (for non-Schengen arrivals) and baggage claim: 30 to 75 minutes.
- The drive: 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Departing Orly: check-in, bag drop and security: plan for at least 60 to 90 minutes before an international departure.
Add these up and you'll see why four hours between landing and take-off is a sensible minimum. Allow five hours at peak times, on separate tickets or if you're travelling with children. If the connection is on separate tickets, the second airline won't wait for you if the first flight is late.
What if your connection is long?
If you have six hours or more, consider using the time well. With an hourly chauffeur, you can stop for lunch in Paris, drive past the Eiffel Tower or take a short break at a hotel before continuing to Orly. Your luggage stays safely in the car.
Tips for a smooth CDG to Orly connection
- Book the transfer with your incoming flight number and your outgoing flight time.
- Check which Orly terminal your departing flight uses.
- Keep travel documents and boarding passes ready for the second flight.
- If the incoming flight is badly delayed, contact the second airline early about rebooking.
- Check Luxberri's deals page for fixed airport-transfer prices.
One ticket or two? Why it matters
Before you book, check how your flights were sold. If both flights are on a single ticket, the airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination. If you miss the Orly flight because the CDG flight was late, they must rebook you. Your checked luggage, however, usually can't be transferred between the two airports, so you'll still collect it at CDG and check it in again at Orly.
If the flights are on separate tickets, the second airline has no obligation to wait or rebook you for free. In that case, leave a generous margin of at least five hours and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections.
Orly terminals explained
Orly has four terminals, Orly 1 to Orly 4, connected under one roof. Orly 1 and 2 are mainly used for European and low-cost flights, Orly 3 is a central connecting area, and Orly 4 handles many international and some domestic departures. Airlines sometimes change terminals, so check your departure terminal on the day. Your chauffeur will drop you at the departures door for your airline, which saves a long walk through the building with luggage.
Overnight between the two airports
If your connection is the next day, don't spend the night at CDG. Book a hotel near Orly or in central Paris, and schedule the transfer for the evening, after rush hour. You'll arrive at Orly fresh the next morning, with no risk of missing the flight in the morning traffic.
More questions
What happens if my CDG flight lands late?
The driver tracks your flight and adjusts the pickup time.
Can you also do Orly to CDG?
Yes, transfers run in both directions.
Do I need to collect my bags at CDG?
Usually yes, because luggage can't be transferred between the two airports. Allow time to collect and re-check it at Orly.
Is it cheaper to take the RER and metro?
Yes, but with luggage, children or a tight connection, the time and stress saved by a private car are often worth more than the difference.
