Changing Airports in Paris? Plan More Than the Driving Time
A connection from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris-Orly Airport is not an ordinary terminal change. The airports are on opposite sides of the Paris region, and passengers normally need to travel landside with enough time for immigration, baggage, road or rail transport, check-in and security.
How Long Does a CDG to Orly Airport Transfer Take?
The direct road journey commonly takes around 45–90 minutes, depending on traffic and the pickup and drop-off terminals. At quiet times the journey may be faster, while weekday rush hours, accidents, roadworks, major events or poor weather can make it considerably longer.
This is only the travel time between airports. It does not include leaving the aircraft, immigration, baggage collection, customs, meeting the driver, airline check-in, baggage drop, security or walking to the departure gate.
Important connection warning
Never book a CDG–Orly connection using the road time alone. Ask both airlines or the ticketing agent whether the itinerary is protected, whether checked baggage must be collected and rechecked, and what check-in deadline applies at Orly. If the flights are on separate tickets, the onward airline may not protect the booking if the incoming flight is late.
CDG to Orly Airport Transport Options
The best choice depends on the connection window, passenger numbers, luggage, mobility requirements and comfort with the Paris public transport network.
| Option | Indicative Journey | Best For | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | Often 45–90 minutes by road | Families, groups and luggage | Direct terminal-to-terminal service in a vehicle selected for the booking. Traffic remains unpredictable. |
| RER B + Metro 14 | Approximately 75–90 minutes, plus walking and waiting | Independent travellers with manageable luggage | Travel from CDG by RER B, change at Châtelet–Les Halles, then take Metro 14 to Orly Airport. |
| RER B + Orlyval | Approximately 75–90 minutes, plus walking and waiting | Travellers comfortable changing at Antony | Requires luggage handling through stations and a change between the RER B and Orlyval. |
| Taxi or ride-hailing | Traffic-dependent road journey | Smaller parties arranging transport on arrival | Queue, pickup location, price and vehicle capacity may vary; a suitable larger vehicle is not always immediately available. |
Times are indicative, not guarantees. Public transport routes, operating hours and fares can change, so check the official operator information on the day of travel.
How Much Time Should You Allow Between Flights?
There is no single safe connection time for every passenger. A traveller arriving from within the Schengen Area with cabin luggage may leave CDG faster than someone arriving from a long-haul flight who must clear immigration and wait for checked bags. The onward airline, destination and ticket type also change the calculation.
Use this planning formula
Paris Aéroport generally advises arriving at the departure airport approximately two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight. These are general check-in guidelines, not permission to shorten an inter-airport connection. Always follow the airline’s instructions and use the longer requirement when different advice is provided.
Through Ticket or Separate Tickets?
A through itinerary issued on one ticket may provide assistance if a protected connection is disrupted, but passengers should not assume that baggage will be moved automatically between CDG and Orly. The booking confirmation and airline must state what happens.
With separate tickets, the passenger is normally responsible for reaching the next flight. A delayed arrival, long immigration queue or traffic disruption may lead to a missed flight and the need to purchase a replacement. For that reason, separate-ticket airport changes need a conservative buffer.
Before confirming the itinerary, ask the airline or travel agent to answer three questions in writing: Is the connection protected? Must baggage be collected and checked in again? What is the final check-in or baggage-drop deadline at Orly?
What Happens During a Private Airport Transfer?
- Land at Charles de Gaulle Follow the correct arrival route for immigration, baggage reclaim and customs. Keep the lead passenger’s phone switched on after landing.
- Confirm You Are Ready After collecting every bag, check the driver instructions and report any baggage, immigration or flight delay to the operations contact.
- Meet at the Agreed Point Proceed to the terminal-specific meeting location shown in the confirmation. CDG has multiple terminal buildings, so the exact flight information is essential.
- Travel Directly to Orly The chauffeur follows the most suitable available route. Journey time remains dependent on live road and traffic conditions.
- Arrive at the Correct Orly Terminal Verify the airline and departure terminal before travel. Allow enough time for baggage drop, security and the walk to the gate.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Passengers and Bags
Seat count and luggage capacity are not the same thing. A vehicle that can seat seven passengers may not carry seven passengers together with seven large suitcases, cabin bags, a pushchair or mobility equipment.
- Provide the exact number of adults and children
- Count large suitcases and cabin bags separately
- Mention pushchairs, wheelchairs and oversized items
- Request child or booster seats during the enquiry
- Share the arrival and departure flight numbers
- Confirm the correct CDG and Orly terminals
- Ask about a larger vehicle for high-volume luggage
- Keep essential documents and medication in hand luggage
If luggage is not declared accurately, the confirmed vehicle may be unable to carry the entire party safely. Photographs or approximate dimensions can help the reservations team review unusual items.
Families with Children
A private vehicle avoids carrying children and luggage through busy interchange stations. Request suitable child restraints in advance and provide each child’s age and any other required information.
Senior Travellers
Door-to-door transport reduces walking and repeated luggage handling. Share any mobility or assistance requirement before confirmation so suitability can be reviewed.
Private Groups
One appropriately sized van, minibus or coach can keep the group together, provided passenger numbers, luggage and terminal access are confirmed in advance.
Information Required for a CDG to Orly Transfer
- Lead passenger’s full name
- Working mobile or WhatsApp number
- CDG arrival date and flight number
- Scheduled landing time
- Orly departure flight number
- Departure time and terminal
- Total adults and children
- Complete luggage details
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a CDG to Orly private transfer take?
The direct road journey often takes approximately 45–90 minutes. It can take longer during rush hours, roadworks, accidents, poor weather or major events. This estimate excludes immigration, baggage collection, meeting time, check-in and security.
How far is Orly Airport from Charles de Gaulle Airport?
The road distance is approximately 40–45 kilometres, depending on the terminals and route used. The chauffeur selects the most suitable available route, but no route can guarantee freedom from traffic disruption.
Is there a direct train between CDG and Orly?
There is no single direct train covering the entire airport-to-airport journey. A common public transport option uses the RER B from CDG and a connection to Metro Line 14 at Châtelet–Les Halles, or the Orlyval connection at Antony.
How much connection time should I allow?
There is no universal minimum. The calculation must include immigration, baggage, customs, the airport transfer, traffic contingency, check-in, baggage drop and security. Confirm the required timing with the airlines, especially for separate tickets.
Will my checked baggage automatically transfer to Orly?
Do not assume that it will. Airport changes often require passengers to collect and recheck baggage, but the exact arrangement depends on the ticket and airlines. Obtain confirmation directly from the airline or ticketing agent.
What happens if my incoming flight is delayed?
Supply the correct flight number so the scheduled arrival can be monitored. Driver waiting remains subject to the confirmed booking policy. A private transfer cannot guarantee the onward flight if the incoming service is delayed.
Can you carry a family or group with several suitcases?
Cars, vans, minibuses or larger vehicles can be proposed according to the group. Share the number and size of all bags, pushchairs, wheelchairs and oversized items so luggage capacity can be checked before confirmation.
Can I book the reverse transfer from Orly to CDG?
Yes. The route can be booked in either direction. Provide the Orly pickup flight or location, CDG departure flight, passenger numbers, luggage and complete timing so the journey can be reviewed.
Reserve Your CDG to Orly Airport Transfer
Send both flight numbers, travel date, passenger count and luggage requirements. Our reservations team will review the route and help arrange a suitable private vehicle for your airport connection.
Planning information was checked against official Paris Aéroport and Île-de-France Mobilités resources. Transport routes, fares, terminals, schedules and airline requirements may change. Verify current information with the airports, transport operators and airlines before travel.
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