Although most flights from Paris to North America fly into Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris-Orly Airport is still widely used for a large number of domestic and European flights. It is situated in a similar part to the north of the city of Orly, a few miles outside Paris itself. Although closer to CDG than CDG entering the city, visitors are slightly confused. This article serves to explain the best methods of entering Paris.
First: Avoid taxis altogether. There are many other options (public transport, private shuttle companies, etc.) cheaper, safer; and more convenient. The comb company (for example the airport) allows you to book online, simply call toll-free from the airport once you arrive, and then many in the case of your hotel. Rates run at 20€ (about $25) for one person and 39€ ($48) for two (check cash and prices on their website).
If you prefer travel bus, there are two main options. The first is “Cars Air France” which runs two lines from Orly to Paris (and another from Orly to CDG if the unfortunate, but still possible, task of connecting through Paris from two separate airports). There are coaches from Orly to Montparnasse every 30 minutes from 6:15 to 11:15 AM and €11.50 ($14). The other line, which runs at the same price, stops at Montparnasse, Invalides and Etoile and runs every 30 minutes as well.
Another bus option is the Orlybus which runs from Paris (from Denfert-Rochereau on metro lines 4 & 6 or RER B) to Orly every 15-20 minutes for a 30 minute journey. This bus would only cost you €6.40, or about $7.90.
If traveling by train is more your thing, again, two options. Unlike CDG, there are no trains that go directly to the terminals, but instead require some kind of connection. For the RER B (marked blue on the transport maps), take the ORLYVAL shuttle train from the airport to Antonio where you can make a connection to the RER. This is by far the most expensive option public transport as it costs 7.40€ ($9.10) for an 8-minute ride to ORLYVAL and then another 6.10€ ($7.50) for a 25-minute RER trip to Paris.
Acceptance of RER C is also a possibility. From the airport, public transport will take you to the Pont de Rungis for €2.50 ($3.08) and from there you can take the RER into the city for just €3.60 ($4.43). Note that the RER C has many different terminals, so be sure to take the train to either Pontoise, Versailles, or Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelin. Although cheaper, this option is slightly more complicated.
To ensure that your vacation gets off to a stress-free start, be sure to plan ahead and establish before you land how you will get from the airport to Paris!
Sources:
http://www.airport-connection.com/
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-GB/Passagers/Access-maps-car-parks/Paris-Orly/Access/public-transport/
http://www.airfrance.com/FR/en/common/guidevoyageur/aeroport/car_airfrance.htm
