Paris From the Air: A Traveler's Arrival Guide

Paris is served mainly by two airports, and the difference between them matters more than people expect. Charles de Gaulle takes almost all long-haul and most international traffic, while Orly leans toward domestic and short European routes.

Q: Which airport will I land at if I'm flying from outside Europe? A: Almost certainly Charles de Gaulle. Q: Is Orly closer to the centre? A: Yes, slightly, but the transport options from CDG are faster overall once you account for the connection quality.

Q: What's the Immigration Process Like?

France processes non-EU arrivals at staffed passport control booths, plus e-gates ('PARAFE') for EU passport holders and, increasingly, for some other nationalities on registered biometric programs. Peak morning arrival banks at CDG, particularly from the US and Gulf carriers, can produce queues of 30-60 minutes. Terminal 2E, where many long-haul flights arrive, is large and involves a fair amount of walking between the gate and the immigration hall.

Q: How Do I Get From CDG Into Paris?

The RER B train is the standard option, running directly into central stops like Gare du Nord and Châtelet-Les Halles in about 35-50 minutes. It is inexpensive but can feel crowded and occasionally attracts pickpockets, so keep bags close. The Roissybus runs to Opéra in roughly an hour and is a simpler option if you would rather avoid the metro system with heavy luggage. Taxis and ride-hailing take 45-75 minutes depending on traffic and cost considerably more, though they are the least stressful option after a long flight.

Q: What About Orly?

Orly connects to the centre via the Orlyval automated train to the RER B, or the newer T7 tram and various bus links. Journey times run 35-50 minutes to central stations. Orly generally has shorter immigration queues simply because fewer long-haul flights land there.

Q: Where Do Most Visitors Base Themselves?

Neighborhoods like the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, and around the Louvre are popular for their walkability and access to major sights. Travelers who want a quieter base often choose the 7th or 16th arrondissement, still well connected by metro but calmer at night.

Q: How Do I Get Around Once I'm There?

The Metro covers the city densely and a single ticket type (or a Navigo Easy card loaded with credit) works across nearly the whole network. Walking is often just as fast for short hops in the centre, since stations can be a few minutes apart. Buses are useful for scenic routes but slower in traffic.

Q: What About Money and Connectivity?

Contactless cards work almost everywhere in Paris, including on the metro and at most small cafes, so carrying large amounts of cash is rarely necessary. Airport ATMs are available in every terminal at CDG and Orly, though it's worth checking your bank's foreign transaction fees before you rely on them heavily. An eSIM or a physical SIM from Orange or Free Mobile, bought at the airport or set up in advance, gives reliable coverage across the city and on RER lines, which can otherwise lose signal briefly underground.

Q: What Should I Know About Etiquette and Tipping?

A brief bonjour when entering a shop or cafe goes a long way and is genuinely expected rather than optional. Service is included in restaurant bills by law, so tipping is a small rounding-up gesture rather than a percentage calculation, and taxi drivers don't expect much beyond that either. Meals tend to run on a slower schedule than many visitors expect, with restaurants often not serving lunch after 2:30pm or dinner before 7:30pm.

Q: What Should I Know Before I Land?

• CDG's terminals are far apart; check which one your connecting flight uses if you have a transfer.
• Many museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays, so plan a short stay around that.
• Tap water is safe and free at restaurants if you ask for it.
• Card payment is widely accepted, including on transit.

Q: Should I Worry About Strikes or Transit Disruptions?

Strikes affecting trains, airport staff or air traffic control happen occasionally in France and are usually announced days in advance, giving travelers time to adjust. They rarely shut a whole system down completely, but service can run at a reduced frequency, so building in extra time on strike-affected days is a reasonable precaution. Checking your airline's app and the RATP or SNCF strike notices the day before travel is the simplest way to stay ahead of any disruption.