Overview
Paris-Orly Airport (IATA: ORY) is France's second-busiest commercial airport, located roughly 13 kilometres south of central Paris in the commune of Orly, within the Val-de-Marne and Essonne departments of the Île-de-France region. Unlike Charles de Gaulle Airport to the north, Orly has historically served a higher proportion of domestic French routes as well as charter and leisure flights to Mediterranean, North African, and Caribbean destinations.
The airport underwent significant modernisation in the 2010s and opened a consolidated terminal building — Orly 1, 2, 3, and 4 have been reorganised under a unified infrastructure — improving passenger flow. As of the early 2020s the airport serves tens of millions of passengers annually, making it a major hub in European air travel.
For travelers, Orly is primarily a transit point rather than a destination in itself. The surrounding commune of Orly is a modest suburban town with limited visitor attractions, but its position in the Île-de-France means that Paris proper, Versailles, and other major sites are accessible within 30–60 minutes by public transport.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
France is a member of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary significantly depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay. For accurate, up-to-date information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official French government immigration portal (france-visas.gouv.fr) well in advance of travel.
Passport and Documents
Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. Some nationalities require additional validity beyond the return date — verify with your country's embassy or consulate. Keep digital and physical copies of travel documents separately.
Health and Insurance
Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip disruption is strongly recommended. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its national equivalent. Non-EU travelers should confirm coverage with their insurer before departure.
Currency and Payments
Euros are accepted throughout the airport and surrounding area. ATMs are available in all terminals. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are broadly accepted, though it is sensible to carry some cash for small purchases or transport in less-served areas.
Getting There
By Rail (Orlyval and RER B)
The most established public-transport link is the Orlyval automated shuttle, which connects the airport terminals to Antony station on the RER B suburban rail line. From Antony, RER B runs into central Paris (Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel, Gare du Nord). Journey time from Orly to central Paris is approximately 35–45 minutes in normal conditions. Verify current fares and timetables with Île-de-France Mobilités (iledefrance-mobilites.fr), as ticketing arrangements can change.
By Bus
Several bus lines connect Orly to central Paris and other Île-de-France destinations, including services operated by the RATP network. Bus routes serve Denfert-Rochereau and other southern Paris hubs. Journey times vary significantly with traffic. Check the RATP website for current routes and schedules.
By Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are available from official ranks outside the terminals. Regulated flat-rate fares apply for journeys between Orly and Paris proper — verify the current approved rates on the official Paris taxi regulator's website, as these are set by the prefecture. Major ride-hailing platforms operate at Orly; dedicated pick-up zones are signposted.
By Car
Orly is accessible via the A106, A6, and N7 roads. Short- and long-term car parks are available on-site; pre-booking is generally cheaper than paying on arrival. Verify current parking rates directly with the airport operator (groupe-adp.fr).
From Other Airports
Travelers connecting from Charles de Gaulle Airport have several options including a combination of RER B and Orlyval, or direct bus services. Journey times are typically 60–90 minutes depending on route and traffic.
Getting Around
Within the airport, free inter-terminal shuttles and automated walkways connect the terminal areas. Signage is bilingual (French and English) throughout.
For exploring the wider Île-de-France region, the Navigo travel card (a reloadable smart card issued by Île-de-France Mobilités) is the most cost-effective option for multi-day travel on buses, RER, and Métro. It can be purchased at train stations with a passport photo. Single-use tickets (t+ tickets) are available from machines at all public transport stops.
Renting a car at Orly is straightforward — major international rental companies have desks in the terminals — but driving into central Paris requires awareness of low-emission zone (ZFE) restrictions, which apply to older vehicles. Check the ZFE rules via the official Île-de-France regional authority before renting.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options directly adjacent to Orly airport are primarily geared toward transit passengers and early-departure travelers. Several international hotel chains operate properties within a short shuttle ride of the terminals; verify their current shuttle schedules and booking conditions directly.
For a more comfortable base with easier access to Paris, many travelers choose hotels in the southern arrondissements (13th, 14th) or inner suburbs such as Montrouge or Rungis, from which both Orly and central Paris are manageable by public transport.
Budget travelers may find chain hotels in the nearby business district of Rungis (home to the major wholesale food market MIN de Rungis) competitively priced compared to central Paris, while still offering reasonable transport connections. Always verify transit times from any potential hotel to the airport before booking, particularly if you have an early-morning flight.
Things to See & Do
Orly itself is not a visitor destination in the traditional sense, and the commune of Orly offers little in the way of conventional tourism attractions. Travelers with time between connections are best served by venturing into the Île-de-France region.
Nearby Day Trips from Orly
- Central Paris: The RER B connection makes Paris's main museums, monuments, and neighbourhoods easily accessible. The Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame de Paris (exterior; restoration ongoing — verify current access), and the Latin Quarter are all reachable within 45–60 minutes.
- Palace of Versailles: Accessible by combining Orly transport links with RER C toward Versailles-Château-Rive Gauche. Check current opening hours and advance ticket requirements on the Château de Versailles official website (chateauversailles.fr).
- Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse: Accessible by regional transport south of Orly, this protected natural area offers walking and cycling for those wanting outdoor activity.
For travelers with several hours in transit, Orly's terminals have a reasonable range of shops, cafés, and seating areas, though they are not designed as leisure destinations.
Food & Drink
Within the terminals, food and beverage options range from quick-service cafés and brasseries to sit-down restaurants. The selection has improved considerably following the terminal refurbishment. Expect airport-level pricing; French staples such as croissants, sandwiches, and café au lait are widely available.
In the surrounding area, Rungis — home to the Marché International de Rungis, the world's largest wholesale fresh-produce market — is served by several functional brasseries and bistros catering to market workers and local professionals. These are not tourist-oriented establishments but offer straightforward French food at reasonable prices.
For travelers willing to go a little further, the southern Paris suburbs (Villejuif, Kremlin-Bicêtre, L'Haÿ-les-Roses) have local restaurants reflecting the multicultural character of the inner southern banlieue, with North African, West African, and Vietnamese options alongside traditional French eateries. These areas are easily accessible by Métro line 7 or bus from the Orlyval connection point.
Practical Information
Airport Facilities
Orly has the standard facilities expected of a major European airport: ATMs, currency exchange (rates vary — compare before exchanging large amounts), left-luggage storage, pharmacies, and medical assistance points. Wi-Fi is available in all terminals; check current access conditions with the airport operator.
Emergency Numbers
- General emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 112 (pan-European) or 15 (SAMU medical), 17 (police), 18 (fire brigade)
- These are verified standard French emergency numbers.
Accessibility
Orly has accessibility facilities including adapted toilets, assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility, and designated parking. Travelers requiring assistance should pre-notify their airline at least 48 hours before departure. Verify specific services with the airport operator (groupe-adp.fr).
Lost Property
Report lost items to the airport's lost-property office located in the terminals. For items lost on public transport, contact the relevant operator (RATP or SNCF) directly.
Language
French is the official language. English is widely spoken by airport, airline, and public-transport staff, but some patience may be required outside the main terminals.
Safety
Paris-Orly Airport operates with a substantial security and law-enforcement presence, including French police (PAF — Police aux Frontières) and military personnel under France's ongoing Vigipirate national security plan. Travelers should expect thorough security screening and should not leave baggage unattended at any point.
The surrounding Orly commune and the wider southern inner suburbs are normal urban French areas. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of pickpocketing in crowded transport and market areas, keep valuables secured, and stay alert in busy public spaces. The French government's travel safety advice is available at diplomatie.gouv.fr; travelers should also check their own government's travel advisory for France before departure.
In the event of any security incident within the terminal, follow instructions from airport and security personnel immediately.
