Airport-to-City Transport in France
Navigating arrival in France requires an understanding of the diverse transport networks connecting major international airports to urban centers. For most foreign nationals, arrival occurs at one of the two main Paris hubs—Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY)—or at regional international airports such as Nice (NCE), Lyon (LYS), or Marseille (MRS). Each airport offers a combination of rail, bus, and taxi services with standardized pricing and operational hours.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Located 25 kilometers northeast of Paris, CDG is the primary international gateway. Travelers have several options depending on their destination within the city and their budget.
- RER B (Regional Express Train): This is the most direct rail link to central Paris (stops include Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Saint-Michel). Trains run every 10–15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 11.80 EUR ($12.75 USD, Jan 2025).
- RoissyBus: A direct shuttle service connecting all CDG terminals to the Opéra district. The fare is 16.60 EUR ($17.95 USD, Jan 2025).
- Official Taxis: Fixed rates apply for direct trips to central Paris. To the "Right Bank" (Rive Droite), the fare is 56 EUR ($60.50 USD, Jan 2025). To the "Left Bank" (Rive Gauche), the fare is 65 EUR ($70.20 USD, Jan 2025).
Information on real-time schedules and terminal maps can be found on the official Paris Aéroport website.
Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
Situated 13 kilometers south of Paris, Orly is frequently used for European and domestic flights, as well as some international routes. Its proximity to the city offers efficient transit times.
- OrlyVal and RER B: The OrlyVal automated shuttle connects the airport to the Antony RER station. From there, the RER B line continues into central Paris. The combined ticket price is approximately 14.50 EUR ($15.65 USD, Jan 2025).
- OrlyBus: This shuttle connects Orly to Place Denfert-Rochereau. The fare is 11.50 EUR ($12.40 USD, Jan 2025).
- Metro Line 14: As of mid-2024, Line 14 provides a direct fast-link from Orly to central Paris (Châtelet) in approximately 25 minutes. A single ticket for this specific airport journey is 10.30 EUR ($11.15 USD, Jan 2025) if purchased via the "Navigo Easy" pass or phone app.
- Official Taxis: Fixed rates apply here as well. To the "Left Bank," the fare is 36 EUR ($38.90 USD, Jan 2025). To the "Right Bank," the fare is 44 EUR ($47.50 USD, Jan 2025).
Regional International Airports
Foreign nationals moving to the south or east of France will often bypass Paris and land directly at regional hubs.
Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE)
The airport is exceptionally well-connected to the city center via the tramway system. Lines 2 and 3 connect the terminals to the city center and the "Port Lympia" area. A single journey ticket is 1.70 EUR ($1.85 USD, Jan 2025), though a specific "Aéro" ticket may be required for certain direct services, costing 10 EUR ($10.80 USD, Jan 2025).
Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS)
The Rhônexpress is the primary dedicated rail link between the airport and the Lyon Part-Dieu railway station. The journey takes 30 minutes. A one-way ticket purchased online is 15.20 EUR ($16.40 USD, Jan 2025), while a ticket bought at the station is 16.70 EUR ($18.05 USD, Jan 2025).
Marseille Provence (MRS)
The "Lequel" shuttle bus (Navette Marseille Aéroport) runs every 15–20 minutes to the Marseille Saint-Charles main train station. The adult fare is 10 EUR ($10.80 USD, Jan 2025). There is also a train option from the nearby "Vitrolles Aéroport" station, accessible via a short free shuttle bus from the terminal.
Practical Steps for New Arrivals
Upon arrival, foreign nationals should adhere to standard procedures to ensure safe and cost-effective transit to their residence or initial accommodation.
Payment Methods and Ticketing
Most transport networks in France have transitioned to digital or contactless payments. In Paris, the Navigo Easy card can be purchased at airport counters for 2 EUR ($2.15 USD, Jan 2025) and loaded with individual tickets. Mobile apps such as Bonjour RATP or SNCF Connect allow users to purchase tickets directly on their smartphones via NFC technology.
Ride-Sharing and Private Hire (VTC)
Services such as Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow operate extensively in French cities. Unlike official taxis, these services do not have fixed airport rates; pricing is dynamic based on demand and traffic. Passengers must use the designated "VTC" (Voiture de Transport avec Chauffeur) pickup zones, which are separate from the official taxi ranks.
Security Warning: Always ignore individuals offering taxi services inside the terminal buildings. Official taxi drivers are required by law to wait in the designated queues outside and are not permitted to solicit customers in the arrivals hall.
Accessibility
Most airport shuttles and modern rail links (like RER B and Metro Line 14) are equipped with elevators and designated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. However, some older Metro stations in central Paris may only be accessible via stairs. For those with heavy luggage or mobility constraints, taxis or the direct shuttle buses (RoissyBus/OrlyBus) are often recommended over the RER network.