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Lifestyle·10 min read

CDG & Orly to Your Paris Apartment: The Complete Guide

Private transfer, taxi, RER B or Roissybus? Compare every option by time, cost and comfort so your Paris arrival feels as refined as your stay.

CDG & Orly to Your Paris Apartment: The Complete Guide
# CDG & Orly to Your Paris Apartment: The Complete Arrival Guide

The flight has landed, the cabin bag is overhead, and somewhere in the 20th arrondissement, or perhaps on a quiet street in the Marais or Saint-Germain, your Aircube apartment is waiting. The only question left is how to bridge those last few kilometres with the least friction and the most elegance.

Paris has several good answers to that question, and the right one depends on your party size, luggage, budget and tolerance for crowds. This guide walks through every realistic option from both Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY), with honest notes on timing, pricing and comfort. A comparison table and a quick FAQ follow so you can decide in under two minutes.

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Why Your Transfer Choice Matters

Luxury travel does not end at the aircraft door. Arriving jet-lagged into a packed suburban train with two suitcases and a garment bag is a perfectly avoidable experience. On the other hand, a well-chosen taxi or a smooth RER connection can drop you at your front door feeling composed and ready to explore. The apartment sets the scene; the journey sets the mood.

At Aircube, our guests typically arrive at CDG or Orly and head directly to a curated apartment in central Paris. Below is everything we know about making that journey seamless.

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From Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

CDG is Paris's largest international hub, located roughly 25 km northeast of the city centre. Terminal 2 handles most long-haul arrivals; Terminal 1 serves several international carriers; Terminal 3 is used mainly by low-cost airlines.

1. Private Transfer (Recommended for Luxury Stays)

A pre-booked private transfer is the gold standard. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall, holds a sign with your name, assists with luggage and takes you directly to your apartment address. No queuing, no negotiating, no surprise surcharges.

Many guests book through their apartment host. Aircube is happy to coordinate this on request, simply mention it when you confirm your reservation.

2. Licensed Paris Taxi

Since January 2016, Paris taxis from CDG operate on fixed fares: 53 euros to the Right Bank (north of the Seine) and 58 euros to the Left Bank (south of the Seine). These flat rates apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and include one standard piece of luggage. Additional bags may attract a small supplement.

3. RER B (Budget, With Patience)

The RER B train connects CDG directly to central Paris stations including Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles and Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame. It is the cheapest option and surprisingly fast when it runs on schedule.

4. Roissybus

Operated by RATP, Roissybus runs a direct coach service between CDG (all terminals) and Opéra Garnier (9th arrondissement). It is more comfortable than the RER for luggage and costs a fraction of a taxi.

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From Orly (ORY)

Orly sits 14 km south of central Paris and serves a mix of domestic French routes, European flights and some long-haul carriers. It is often overlooked in favour of CDG, yet for guests staying on the Left Bank or near Montparnasse, it can actually be the more convenient airport.

1. Private Transfer

The same logic applies as from CDG, with slightly shorter distances and generally lower fares.

2. Licensed Paris Taxi

Orly also benefits from fixed taxi fares introduced in 2016: 37 euros to the Left Bank and 44 euros to the Right Bank.

3. Orlybus

Orlybus connects Orly (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4) with Denfert-Rochereau in the 14th arrondissement, where you can connect to RER B, metro lines 4 and 6, or simply take a short cab to your final address.

4. OrlyVal + RER B

OrlyVal is an automated shuttle that connects Orly to Antony station, where you board RER B northbound into the city.

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Comparison Table: CDG and Orly Transfer Options

| Option | Airport | Journey Time | Approx. Cost (per trip) | Comfort | Door to Door? |

|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Private Transfer | Both | 25 to 60 min | 55 to 160 euros | Excellent | Yes | | Licensed Taxi | Both | 25 to 75 min | 37 to 58 euros (fixed) | Good | Yes | | Roissybus | CDG | 60 to 75 min | 16 euros/person | Moderate | No (Opéra) | | Orlybus | ORY | 30 to 45 min | 11 euros/person | Moderate | No (Denfert) | | RER B | CDG | 35 to 45 min | 11 to 13 euros/person | Low to Moderate | No | | OrlyVal + RER B | ORY | 35 to 55 min | 13 euros/person | Low to Moderate | No |

Costs shown are indicative for 2024 and may vary. Always check current fares with operators.

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Best For

Private transfer: Couples or families with luggage, first-time visitors to Paris, business travellers, anyone staying in a premium Aircube apartment who wants a seamless arrival from kerb to key. Licensed taxi: Solo travellers or pairs who prefer a metered, regulated service without pre-booking. Particularly convenient if flights land during off-peak hours. Roissybus: Budget-conscious guests arriving at CDG whose apartment is near the Opéra district or the grands boulevards. Orlybus: Guests flying into Orly who are comfortable with a short metro or taxi connection at Denfert-Rochereau. RER B: Solo travellers with a single bag who prioritise speed and are happy navigating the Paris metro network onward.

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Smooth Check-In Tips from Aircube

The transfer is only half the equation. Here is what our team recommends to make the final approach to your apartment equally effortless.

Communicate Your Flight Details

Share your flight number and estimated arrival time with us before you travel. If your flight is delayed or lands early, we can adjust accordingly. Most Aircube apartments use a secure key-box or smart lock so you can check in at any hour without waiting for a host.

Plan for Paris Traffic

Monday mornings, Friday evenings and the hours around 8 to 9 am and 5 to 7 pm are reliably congested in Paris. If your flight lands at 7 am on a weekday, allow extra time regardless of which transfer you choose.

Keep Your Apartment Address Handy

Save the full address, including floor and door code, offline on your phone before you board. Parisian building entrances often involve a digicode (numeric keypad) and sometimes a second interior door. Your Aircube welcome message includes every code you need, clearly formatted.

Luggage Storage If You Arrive Early

If check-in is not until 3 pm and you land at 8 am, several luggage-storage services operate across the city. Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Châtelet-Les Halles all have options. Ask us and we will point you to the most convenient spot near your apartment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Paris taxis safe and reliable from CDG and Orly? A: Yes. Official Paris taxis (white vehicles with a lit sign on the roof) are fully regulated and operate on fixed fares from both airports. Use only the official taxi ranks and never accept rides from individuals who approach you inside the terminal. Q: How do I pre-book a private transfer from CDG or Orly? A: Several licensed VTC companies operate online booking systems, including Blacklane, Uber (Select or Black tiers) and various French operators. Aircube can also facilitate introductions for guests staying in our collection. Simply ask at the time of booking. Q: What is the cheapest way to reach central Paris from CDG? A: The RER B train at roughly 11 to 13 euros per person is the least expensive option. Roissybus at approximately 16 euros per person is slightly pricier but easier with luggage. Q: Can I take the metro directly from CDG? A: Not directly. CDG connects to the Paris metro network via RER B (change at Gare du Nord or Châtelet-Les Halles onto the metro). Line 17 of the Grand Paris Express will eventually serve CDG, but the relevant section is not yet open to the public as of 2025. Q: What if my Aircube apartment has a late check-in? A: All Aircube apartments support flexible, contactless entry. Your welcome message will include door codes and detailed access instructions so you can arrive at midnight as easily as at noon.

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Ready to plan your stay? Browse our handpicked collection of luxury Parisian apartments and find the address that suits your neighbourhood, your pace and your style of travel. When you book direct with Aircube, a member of our team is on hand to answer every question before you even reach the departure gate.

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