Paris is served by three international airports:
Charles de Gaulle International Airport http://www.paris-cdg.com/ (airport code CDG; also known as Roissy) is located to the northeast of the city, and serves as one of Europe’s main hubs. It’s big, it’s confusing and it’s French, so give yourself plenty of time for transfers. There are three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (which is humongous and subdivided into 2A through 2F), and Terminal 3. Chances are that you’ll come into Terminal 2 (whether you’re flying in from the U.S. or another European city. But if you have to connect to another flight, you may find that getting from one point to another in Terminal 2…well, frustrating. The free CDGVAL shuttle train connects the terminals together.
Orly International Airport http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/Adp/en-GB/Passagers/ (airport code ORY), is found to the southwest of the city, and is closer than Charles de Gaulle/Roissy. That said, if you’re flying in from an international destination, chances are you won’t be flying into Orly. It’s now used mainly by Air France for national lines, and only a few international carriers in Europe.
Beauvais http://www.aeroportbeauvais.com/index.php?lang=eng (airport code BVA) is a smaller regional airport that’s being used by some of Europe’s low-cost carriers, including RyanAir.
This is definitely not the fastest or cheapest way to get into Paris, but if you’re a first time visitor or have burdensome baggage (and we don’t mean the emotional type), a taxi is your best bet. On a good day, the trip will take you about 45 minutes and cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 55 euros, but keep in mind that if you’re trying to get in during rush hour, you’ll sit in traffic for up to an hour. Taxis are available at visibly marked queues outside each terminal. Follow the signs from baggage claim (or throughout the terminal) the queues. You’ll find plenty of “taxi” offers inside the terminal. Don’t do it. You’ll seriously be taken for a ride. Another key thing to keep in mind: most taxi drivers don’t speak much English (or at least claim not to), so it might be a good idea to have the address of your destination written clearly on a piece of paper and give it to the driver.
There are a few companies that offer shuttle services between the airports and Paris. Airport Shuttle http://www.airport-shuttle.com charges 27 euros a person (19.90 euros per person for two or three people traveling together). Airport Connection http://www.airport-connection.com offers similar rates, as does Shuttle Paris http://www.shuttle-paris.com. Please keep in mind that all shuttles need to be booked ahead of time.
RER-B has stations in T1 and T2. Trains into Paris (specifically to Châtelet-Les Halles) leave every 15 minutes, cost €8,50 each and take around 40 minutes. From there, you can take the Metro to your destination. (This option works best if you’re already familiar with Paris, and don’t have a lot of luggage.
The Roissybus service connects CDG terminals directly to Opéra Garnier in central Paris, but keep in mind that you’ll have to deal with traffic getting in, so your trip could take up to 60-90 minutes, even on a good day.
Orly is only about forty minutes from Paris via the OrlyBus, which takes you to Métro/RER Denfert-Rochereau; the price is only €6, with departures every 15 minutes
In addition to public transportation, Air France operates shuttles between Charles de Gaulle and Paris (€10 - €12), Orly and Paris (€7.5) and between the two airports (€15). Please note that if you have connecting Air France flights that land and depart from different airports, you still need to claim your luggage after landing, catch either the Air France shuttle or a taxi to the other airport and check-in again. This could take up to 2 hours, particularly if traffic is at its worse. Check with Air France (http://www.airfrance.us) for specific information.
