Paris travel guide: cheaper flights, airports and getting around
Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities and one of Europe’s busiest air hubs. With two main airports, a low-cost airport further out, and excellent high-speed train links, there are plenty of ways to get there — and to save money once you arrive.
Which Paris airport?
- Charles de Gaulle (CDG) — north-east of the city, the main long-haul hub and the base of Air France.
- Orly (ORY) — south of the city, with many European, domestic and some long-haul flights.
- Beauvais–Tillé (BVA) — much further north, used by some low-cost airlines. Despite the “Paris” branding it is a long coach ride from the city.
Search the city code PAR to compare CDG and Orly together. If a fare into Beauvais looks cheap, add the cost and time of the coach transfer before booking.
Getting into the city
From CDG, the RER B suburban train runs to central Paris, and there are buses and taxis. Paris taxis from the airports have operated with fixed fares to the left and right banks. From Orly, the Orlyval shuttle connects to the RER B, metro line 14 has been extended to the airport, and buses and taxis are available. Fares and services change, so check the official RATP and airport websites for the current options before travelling.
When to visit
Summer is peak season, with long days and the largest crowds at major sights; many Parisians take holidays in August, when some smaller businesses close. Spring and early autumn are often considered the most pleasant times to visit. Winter is generally quieter and cheaper outside the Christmas period, though days are short and cool.
Finding cheaper flights to Paris
- From North America: compare nonstops with one-stop itineraries via other European hubs; it is common to find meaningful differences.
- Open-jaw trips: fly into Paris and home from another city, such as Lisbon or Rome, using multi-city search.
- From the UK: compare flying with the Eurostar train from London St Pancras, which arrives at Gare du Nord in the centre.
- From elsewhere in Europe: France’s high-speed TGV network can compete with flights on time once you count airport transfers.
Saving money in Paris
- Museum passes can be worthwhile if you plan to visit several major museums; compare against individual tickets for your actual plans.
- Free days: many national museums offer free entry on certain days or to certain visitors, such as EU residents under 26 — check each museum’s official site.
- Public transport is the cheapest way around; look at the current ticket and pass options on the RATP site or app.
- Eat like a local: bakeries, markets and fixed-price lunch menus (formules) are often good value.
- Tap water is safe to drink, and you can ask for a free carafe d’eau in restaurants.
Day trips
Versailles is reachable by suburban train. Giverny, home of Monet’s gardens, is a popular spring and summer trip. Further afield, high-speed trains make cities such as Lyon, Lille, Reims (for Champagne) or even Brussels possible in a day. Booking guided tours or tickets ahead often lets you skip lines at the busiest sights.
Neighbourhoods and where to stay
Paris is divided into 20 numbered districts (arrondissements), spiralling out from the centre. Where you stay shapes your trip as much as your hotel.
- Le Marais (3rd/4th): historic lanes, museums, cafés and shops; very central and popular.
- Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain (5th/6th): classic Left Bank streets, bookshops and gardens.
- Montmartre (18th): hilltop village feel with the Sacré-Cœur; often better value, but hilly.
- Canal Saint-Martin and the 10th/11th: younger, lively and generally more affordable, with good metro links.
- Near the Eiffel Tower (7th/15th): quieter in the evenings and convenient for the tower and river.
Staying near a metro or RER station matters more than being in the very centre. Paris hotel rooms are often small, so check room sizes if space is important.
Visiting the big sights without the stress
The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay and Sainte-Chapelle are among the most visited sights in the world. Many use timed-entry tickets, and popular slots can sell out, especially in summer. Booking ahead on the official sites or through trusted ticket sellers saves queueing.
- Visit the most popular museums early in the day or on late-opening evenings, where offered.
- Check which day each museum closes — several close one day a week.
- Combine nearby sights: the Louvre, the Tuileries and the Orangerie are close together, as are Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and the Latin Quarter.
- A river cruise on the Seine is an easy way to see many landmarks in an hour.
Safety and etiquette
Paris is generally safe for visitors, but pickpocketing is common in crowded places such as the metro, major sights and busy train stations. Keep valuables in a zipped bag in front of you and be cautious of distraction tricks, such as petition clipboards or “found” rings.
A simple “Bonjour” when you enter a shop or café goes a long way. Service is included in restaurant bills in France; leaving a little extra for good service is appreciated but not expected in the way it is in the U.S.
Paris with children or on a tight budget
Paris has plenty for families and budget travelers. Parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Tuileries have playgrounds and space to relax, and picnics are a cheap and very Parisian way to eat. Many museums offer free or reduced entry for children and young people, depending on age and residency — check each museum’s official site. Walking is often the best way to see the city: a route along the Seine from Notre-Dame towards the Eiffel Tower passes many landmarks for free. Climbing to the top of Montmartre or relaxing along the Canal Saint-Martin costs nothing at all.
Department store rooftops and some public viewpoints offer views over the city without an entry fee; opening policies change, so check before you go.
Getting from Paris to elsewhere in Europe
Paris is a rail hub. High-speed trains leave from several main stations — Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare de l’Est and Gare Montparnasse among them — so check which station your train uses. Booking well ahead often gives better rail fares on popular routes.
Arriving by train
If you arrive in Paris by train rather than by air, you will usually land right in the city, with metro and RER connections from each main station. Allow time to buy a transport ticket at busy stations, or set up the official transport app in advance where available. Keep a close eye on bags in crowded station halls.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beauvais really a Paris airport?
It is marketed for Paris but is a long coach ride from the city. Include that cost and time when comparing fares.
Do I need to book the Eiffel Tower ahead?
It is strongly recommended in busy periods, since timed tickets can sell out.
What entry rules apply?
France is in the Schengen Area. Entry requirements depend on your nationality, and the EU has been introducing new digital border systems — check official EU and French government sources before you travel.
Flights to Paris
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