Airports in France

by Julie Blakley

Paris Airports

Aeroport Roissy Charles de Gaulle (airport code CDG)

Located 30 km northeast of Paris in the suburb of Roissy, this is Paris’ largest airport and has three terminals, which are used by both international and domestic carriers. Those coming from international destinations outside of Europe, will likely fly in and out of Charles de Gaulle, as the airport serves as the Paris hub for France’s major airline Air France as well as many of the other major airlines.

CDG is connected to Paris by both commuter trains and RER B3. A free shuttle bus takes passengers from the train/metro station to the airport.

There is also a bus that runs from CDG to Paris. RATP Bus No 351 links CDG to the eastern side of Paris at Place de Nation. It takes an hour, comes every 30 mins and costs 3 metro tickets.

If you arrive at CDG after hours, you can also take the Noctilien Bus Nos 121 and 140, which takle passengers from the airport to various major train stations/metro stops in paris

Aeroport d’Orly

Paris’ second largest airport, Orly is the older and smaller of the two major international airports. Orly is located about 18 km south of Paris and is served by many major carriers, including Air France. While Orly does have many flights that arrive from international destinations—you will be more likely to use Orly if you are flying from France to another European destination rather than if you are departing for a trans-Atlantic flight.

Orly is easily accessed from Paris. There are several different public transportation options, including bus service and RER/Metro.

Orly is connected to Paris by RER Line B.

There is also an RATP bus (number 183) that runs from paris to Orly. Tickets are sold on board and costs the same amount as a metro ticket. The bus runs every 35 mins and takes about an hour.

If you find yourself needing a bus after hours, the Noctilien Bus No 31 connects Orly with Gare de Lyon, Gare d’Austerlitz and Place d’Italie in Paris.

You can also opt to take a shuttle service if you don’t want to hassle with hauling your luggage through the metro. There are a variety of shuttle services that offer both door to door service or service from the airport to one of Paris’ major train/metro stations.

Aeroport Paris-Beauvais

This international airport located 80 km from Paris is used by discount airline carriers Ryanair for its European flights, including those between Paris and Dublin, Shannon, and Glasgow. While those flying in on trans-Atlantic flights or flights coming from outside Europe will not fly into Beauvais.

Unlike the other Paris airports, Beauvais is not connected to Paris via the RER or public transportation lines.

I’m guessing since most people who use Beauvais Airport are budget conscious, they probably won’t want to take a taxi that coasts €110-€150 from Paris. There is an Express Bus shuttle service that coasts €17 and picks up passengers from Parking Pershing, located near Porte Maillot Metro stop three hours before RyanAir departures and leaves the airport 20-30 min after each arrival.

Other Airports in France

While those coming to France on trans-Atlantic international flights are not likely to at least first land in Paris or another European city before going on to one of these other French airports, there are several airports around France that have significant international services (mainly within Europe).

Bordeaux (airport code BOD)

The Bordeaux airport is located 10 km west of Bordeaux in Merignac and has both domestic and international flights.

Lille (airport code (LIL)

The Lille airport is located just 15 minutes from the city center in Lesquin. It is served by both domestic and international flights.

Lyon (airport code LYS)

Lyon’s Saint-Exupery airport (named after the famed French author of The Little Prince) is located 20 km to the east of Lyon and is an important hub for those travelers coming to the French Alps or Provence. The TGV also connects this airport to Paris and Marseille and Lyon is France’s 4th busiest airport.

>>Read more about cheap flights to Lyon.

Marseille (airport code MRS)

The Marseille Provence airport is located 27 km from Marseille in Marignane and is a standard hub point for those travelers coming to the south of France (Provence or the French Riviera). The airport also has a terminal serving budget airlines (like RyanAir and EasyJet) and the airport has both domestic and international flights.

Nantes (airport code (NTE)

Nantes Atlantique Airport is located 8 km southwest of Nantes in Bouguenais and is the largest airport in western France. It is served by both domestic and international carriers and serves as a jumping off point for those exploring Normandy and Brittany.

Nice (aiport code NCE)

The Nice Cote d’Azur Airport is located 7km from the center of Nice and is the principal port for passengers coming to the French Riviera. It is the third most important airport in France after Charles de Gaulle and Orly in Paris, and serves many travelers looking to get directly to the French Mediterranean coast. It serviced by both domestic and international carriers.

Strasbourg (airport code SXB)

The Strasbourg airport is located 10 km west of town and is serviced by both international and domestic carriers. Air France operates flights to and from Strasbourg from Paris-Orly and Nice.

Toulouse Airport (airport code TLS)

The Toulouse Blagnac Airport is located about 7 km from the city center and is served by many major domestic and international air carriers. It serves as a point of departure for those looking to explore southwestern France.