Most people land at Charles de Gaulle and immediately regret their life choices. It’s huge. It’s loud. It feels like a small city where the only law is "keep walking for another twenty minutes." But Paris France Orly Airport is different. Honestly, it’s the airport savvy travelers actually want to use.
Located just 13 kilometers south of the city, Orly is the underdog that’s recently had a massive glow-up. If you haven't been here since the late 2010s, you probably wouldn't even recognize it. They ditched the old "Sud" and "Ouest" labels and replaced them with a much more logical system: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The best part? It’s basically in Paris's backyard compared to the trek from CDG.
The Secret Advantage: Getting to Paris in 25 Minutes
For years, the big knock on Orly was the transport. You had to take a weird shuttle called the OrlyVal, then switch to a train, and by the time you reached Châtelet, you were exhausted.
That changed in 2024.
Now, the Metro Line 14 extension is the absolute king of the airport run. It’s fully automated, air-conditioned, and fast. You can literally hop on at Orly and be at the Gare de Lyon in about 23 minutes. If you need to get to the center of the city at Châtelet, you’re looking at 26 minutes.
Keep in mind that the OrlyBus—once the go-to cheap option—was officially retired in early 2025. Don't go looking for it. It's gone.
What most people get wrong about tickets
You can't just use a standard T+ metro ticket to get from the airport to central Paris on Line 14. You need the "Ticket Paris Région <> Aéroports." It costs €14 as of 2026. If you have a Navigo pass (the "all zones" version), you’re golden—it’s included. But don't be that person caught at the turnstiles with the wrong ticket. The fines are real, and the ticket inspectors at Orly don't usually accept "I'm a tourist" as an excuse.
Navigation 101: Which Terminal Is Yours?
Everything is connected now. You can walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4 indoors, though it’s a bit of a hike.
- Orly 1 & 2: This is the old "West" area. It's where you'll find a lot of Air France domestic flights and EasyJet.
- Orly 3: This is the new "junction" building. It’s shiny, modern, and handles the bulk of Transavia’s traffic. If you’re flying a low-cost carrier to a European city, you’re probably here.
- Orly 4: The old "South" terminal. It has that cool 1960s steel-and-glass vibe but with modern tech inside. This is usually the hub for international flights to North Africa, the Caribbean, and long-haul leisure routes like French Bee or Corsair.
A quick pro tip for Air France flyers
Air France is actually moving most of its operations over to CDG by the end of 2026. If you’re flying with them, double-check your ticket. They still have a presence at Orly for "La Navette" (the frequent hops to Nice, Marseille, and Toulouse), but the footprint is shrinking.
Is Orly actually "budget"?
People think Paris France Orly Airport is just for cheap flights. Not true.
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Sure, Transavia and Vueling are huge here. But Orly is also home to La Compagnie, which is a 100% business-class airline flying to Newark. You’ve got luxury boutiques like Hermès and Louis Vuitton in Terminal 2. It’s more of a "compact premium" experience than a "budget" one.
The security lines are generally shorter than CDG. The walking distances from the curb to the gate are significantly shorter. It feels manageable.
What to do if you have a long layover
Honestly, Orly isn't the kind of place where you want to spend eight hours. It's an "in and out" airport. But if you are stuck, Terminal 3 is your best bet for food and comfort. It has the most modern seating and a decent selection of shops.
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If you're hungry, skip the basic sandwiches. Go to the "Hall 3" area for better sit-down options. There are some surprisingly good spots near the gates in Orly 4 too, especially if you like North African flavors or a classic French bistro vibe.
Tech and Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi: It's actually good. Fast enough to stream or take a video call.
- Power Outlets: They are everywhere in the newer Orly 3 section, but a bit sparse in the older corners of Orly 4.
- Biometrics: Orly has been a testing ground for facial recognition boarding. If your airline offers it, use it. It saves a ton of time at the gate.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Arrival
- Download the Île-de-France Mobilités app before you land. You can buy your Line 14 airport ticket directly on your phone and just tap your way through the turnstiles.
- Check your terminal. Don't just say "Orly." Know if it's 1, 2, 3, or 4. The Metro Line 14 station drops you off right by Terminal 3. If you're flying out of Terminal 4, give yourself an extra 10 minutes to walk or take the internal shuttle.
- Use the "Contact" boarding. Orly has been installing more jet-bridges to avoid those annoying bus transfers to the plane. Check the screens; if your gate has a "contact" label, you can relax.
- Tax Refunds: If you're doing the Pablo tax refund, the kiosks are located on the departures level of Orly 4 and Orly 1-2. Do this before you check your bags.
Paris France Orly Airport might not have the fame of Charles de Gaulle, but for anyone who values their time and sanity, it's the superior choice. Stick to the Metro, watch your terminal numbers, and you'll be sipping espresso at a sidewalk cafe while the CDG passengers are still waiting for their luggage.