Paris Orly Airport · ORY
Located about 14 kilometers south of Paris, Paris Orly Airport (IATA code: ORY) is the second-busiest airport in France and one of the main air gateways to the Paris region.
History, terminals, key figures, transport options and practical tips: everything you need to know about Orly Airport before your trip.
Built across the towns of Orly and Villeneuve-le-Roi, in the Val-de-Marne department, Paris Orly Airport is the oldest of the major Parisian airports. Inaugurated in 1961, it served for several decades as the capital's main international gateway before Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport took over that role in the 1980s. Orly remains France's second-busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers, with a strong focus on domestic routes and destinations around the Mediterranean.
In 2019, following an extensive renovation and expansion programme, the airport adopted a new layout with four terminals numbered 1 to 4. This modernisation project merged the former Orly-Sud and Orly-Ouest terminals into a more readable and functional complex, featuring new boarding areas, updated services and improved connectivity between halls.
In terms of transport, Orly does not have a direct RER connection. Access from Paris is mainly via the Orlyval, an automated paid shuttle that reaches Antony station on RER Line B in about eight minutes, or by Tramway T7 towards the Line 7 metro terminus (Villejuif-Louis Aragon). The A106 and A6 motorways are the main road access routes.
A few essential markers to better understand the location and scale of Paris Orly Airport.
Since the 2019 renovation, Orly Airport is organised into four terminals numbered 1 to 4. Each terminal has its own check-in, security and boarding areas.
Mainly dedicated to international flights outside the Schengen area, operated by various airlines. It handles connections to Africa and the Middle East in particular.
Focused on European (Schengen) flights and some medium-haul routes. It is internally connected to the other halls in the new building.
Home to several low-cost carriers and domestic flights. It completes the offer of the new building that replaced the former Orly-Sud terminal.
The fully renovated former Orly-Ouest, Terminal 4 is primarily used by Air France for domestic routes (Paris–Nice, Paris–Toulouse, Paris–Marseille, etc.) and some European services.
Several options are available to reach or leave Paris Orly Airport, depending on your starting point and budget.
Since the extension of Line 14 in 2024, the metro connects central Paris directly to Orly Airport in about 25 minutes, with no transfer required. Trains depart from Olympiades or Saint-Lazare depending on the direction. This is now the fastest and most straightforward way to reach Orly from the city centre.
Metro line 14 – RATPThe Orlyval is a paid automated shuttle connecting the airport to Antony station (RER B) in about 8 minutes. From Antony, the RER B serves Denfert-Rochereau, Saint-Michel and Châtelet in around twenty additional minutes.
Orly public transport – Paris AéroportTramway T7 connects the airport to Villejuif-Louis Aragon station (Line 7 metro terminus) in about 45 minutes. This option is cheaper and ideal for reaching the south of Paris.
Tram T7 – official RATP lineThe airport is accessible via the A106 motorway (from the A6) and the N7. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes by car from central Paris depending on traffic. Taxis, private hire vehicles and short- and long-stay car parks are available near the terminals.
All Orly access – Paris AéroportFor short and medium-haul flights, plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. For international flights outside the Schengen area, allow three hours to handle check-in and security checks comfortably.
Unlike some airport transport links, the Orlyval is a paid service, separate from a standard metro ticket. Factor in this additional cost if you choose this shuttle from Paris.
Since the 2019 reorganisation, Orly's four terminals are clearly distinct. Always check the exact terminal number on your ticket before heading to the airport to avoid any confusion on arrival.
The airport is located about 14 kilometers south of Paris, in the towns of Orly and Villeneuve-le-Roi, in the Val-de-Marne department. Its IATA code is ORY and its ICAO code is LFPO.
Since the 2019 renovation, the airport is organised into four terminals numbered 1 to 4, created from the modernisation of the former Orly-Sud and Orly-Ouest terminals.
The main option is the Orlyval (paid automated shuttle) to Antony station, then the RER B to central Paris, for a total journey of about 35 to 45 minutes. Tramway T7 is a cheaper but slower alternative. By car, allow 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
The airport is served by the Orlyval (shuttle to RER B at Antony), Tramway T7 (to Line 7 metro), several bus lines, and the A106 and A6 motorways. Taxis, private hire vehicles and car rental complete the offer.
No, Orly Airport does not have a direct RER connection. You need to take the Orlyval from the terminals to reach Antony station (RER B), which involves a connection and an additional ticket.
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