If you're staring at a map of airports in Paris France and feeling a bit of a headache coming on, honestly, you're not alone. Most people think they'll just "fly into Paris," hop in a cab, and be eating a croissant by the Seine twenty minutes later.
Reality check: Paris is messy.
It’s a city of rings, zones, and airports that aren’t actually in the city at all. In fact, if you land at the wrong one without a plan, you might spend more on your taxi than you did on your budget flight ticket.
The aviation landscape here is basically split into the big international hubs, the business gates, and the "low-cost" cousins that are actually closer to the Champagne region than the Eiffel Tower. Let’s break down the geography so you don't end up stranded in a field in Picardy.
The Big Two: CDG vs. Orly
When you look at a map of airports in Paris France, the two giants dominate the north and south. They are the suns around which the Parisian transit system orbits.
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Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) - The Northern Behemoth
Located about 23 kilometers northeast of the city center, CDG is a monster. It’s officially in Roissy-en-France, which is why locals often just call it "Roissy."
Look, navigating CDG is a sport. Terminal 1 is that famous circular, 1970s-style "octopus" building. Terminal 2 is a sprawling series of sub-terminals (2A through 2G) that can take 15 minutes to walk between. Terminal 3 is the "no-frills" hangar.
Pro Tip: If you see Terminal 2G on your ticket, give yourself an extra 20 minutes. You have to take a shuttle bus (the N2) from the main terminal area to get there. It's not attached to the main building.
Paris Orly (ORY) - The Southern Gateway
Orly is much closer to the action, sitting just 13 kilometers south of Paris. For a long time, it was the "domestic" airport, but that’s changed. It’s now a massive hub for European carriers and even long-haul budget lines like French Bee.
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The layout here is simpler than CDG. It’s split into four sectors—Orly 1, 2, 3, and 4—all lined up in a row. It’s way more manageable. If you’re staying on the Left Bank (the 5th, 6th, or 14th arrondissements), Orly is almost always the smarter choice.
The Map of Airports in Paris France: Beyond the City Limits
This is where things get kinda tricky. Not everything with "Paris" in the name is actually in Paris.
Beauvais-Tillé (BVA) - The "Budget" Trap
You’ll see Ryanair or Wizz Air offering a €20 flight to "Paris-Beauvais." Look at the map. It’s 85 kilometers north of the city. That is basically a different part of the country.
Expect a 75-to-90-minute bus ride into Paris Porte Maillot. If your flight lands late, and you miss the shuttle, a taxi will cost you €150 easy. Only fly here if the savings are so huge they cover the €17 bus ticket and the two hours of your life you'll spend on the A16 highway.
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Paris-Vatry (XCR) - The Extreme Outlier
Some maps don't even bother including Vatry. Why? Because it’s 150 kilometers away. It’s located in the Champagne region. Every once in a while, a budget carrier tries to market it as "Paris-Vatry (Disney)," but honestly, it’s a stretch. Unless you specifically want to visit the eastern side of France or are very brave with a rental car, ignore this one.
Getting Around: The 2026 Transit Update
The map of airports in Paris France is undergoing a massive shift right now because of the Grand Paris Express project. This is a game-changer for how you move between the hubs.
- Line 14 Extension: This is already live. You can now take a fast, automated metro directly from Orly into central Paris (Châtelet) in about 25 minutes. No more weird transfers from the Orlyval to the RER B.
- CDG Express (Coming Soon): We are almost there. This dedicated rail link will eventually connect CDG to Gare de l'Est in 20 minutes flat, but for now, you’re still mostly relying on the RER B train.
- Line 17: This new line is currently being phased in. It’s designed to link CDG and Le Bourget to the northern suburbs, making those "impossible" commutes much faster.
The "Secret" Airport: Le Bourget (LBG)
If you’re looking at a map and see a large airfield between CDG and the city center, that’s Le Bourget. You probably won't fly here unless you're a billionaire.
It’s Europe's premier business aviation airport. It doesn't handle scheduled commercial flights anymore. However, it's home to the incredible Air and Space Museum (Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace). If you have a long layover at CDG, it’s a quick Uber ride away and totally worth it to see the Concorde up close.
Which One Should You Actually Choose?
| Scenario | Best Airport | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Coming from the USA/Asia | CDG | Most international long-haul gates. |
| Short European hop | Orly | Closer to the city, less chaotic than CDG. |
| Ultra-budget traveler | Beauvais | If the flight is dirt cheap and you have time. |
| Business Jet/Private | Le Bourget | It's the only one that allows it. |
Actionable Next Steps for Your Arrival
Don't just wing it when you land. Paris is a bureaucracy-heavy city, and that includes the transport.
- Download the 'Île-de-France Mobilités' App: This is the only way to get real-time data on which trains are actually running. Don't trust Google Maps 100% in Paris; the local app knows when there’s a strike or track maintenance.
- Look for the "Forfait" Taxis: If you take a taxi from CDG or Orly, there are flat rates. From CDG to the Right Bank, it’s about €56; to the Left Bank, it’s €65. If the driver tries to turn on the meter, they are scamming you. Point to the sticker on the window.
- Validate your Navigo Easy: You can buy a physical card or use your phone. If you're taking the RER B from CDG, make sure you keep your ticket until you exit the station—you need it to get through the turnstiles at the other end.
- Check Terminal 3 specifically: If you're on a low-cost carrier at CDG (like Vueling or easyJet), you might be at Terminal 3. It’s a separate building from the train station. You have to take the CDGVAL (the free internal airport shuttle) to get there.
Understanding the map of airports in Paris France basically comes down to knowing your "Roissy" from your "Orly." Stick to the main two unless you're prepared for a long bus ride from the countryside.