How far is the airport from the Eiffel Tower? It depends on which airport you use. Paris Orly is the closest, roughly 15 km south of the tower, while Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is about 25 to 30 km to the north-east. Beauvais is much further, around 80 to 90 km north of Paris. Journey times depend on traffic, time of day and the transport you choose.
Key takeaways
- Orly is the nearest major airport to the Eiffel Tower, followed by Charles de Gaulle, with Beauvais far outside the city.
- Travel time varies hugely with traffic, so allow extra time for road journeys, especially at rush hour.
- Trains, RER lines, trams and buses are often more predictable than taxis during busy periods.
- Check official operator websites for current routes, fares and timetables before you travel.
How far is the airport from the Eiffel Tower? A comparison
Paris is served by three main airports used by international travellers. The figures below are approximate road distances and typical travel times, and real journeys vary.
| Airport | Approx. distance | Typical journey | Common ways to travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Orly (ORY) | About 15 km | Roughly 30 to 60 minutes | Tram, metro, RER, bus, taxi |
| Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | About 25 to 30 km | Roughly 45 to 90 minutes | RER B, bus, taxi |
| Beauvais (BVA) | About 80 to 90 km | Roughly 70 to 100 minutes by shuttle | Coach shuttle, taxi |
These are guides only. Traffic around the Paris ring road, known as the Périphérique, can add a significant amount of time. If you have a flight to catch, build in a generous buffer.
Getting from Orly to the Eiffel Tower
Orly is on the south side of the city and is the nearest option. You can read about it on the Orly Airport Wikipedia page. Public transport here has improved over the years, with a metro line extension and tram connections.
Common routes
- Metro and RER: a metro link and nearby RER connections can bring you into central Paris. Change to a line serving the Eiffel Tower area, which is on the Left Bank.
- Tram and RER: a tram connection links the airport to RER lines, which can then take you towards the tower.
- Bus: several city buses and airport shuttles operate. Check current routes, since lines change.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: usually the most direct choice, but traffic dependent.
Getting from Charles de Gaulle to the Eiffel Tower
CDG is the biggest and busiest airport, to the north-east of Paris. See the Charles de Gaulle Airport Wikipedia page for background. It is further away than Orly, but it has good rail links.
- Follow signs to the RER station inside the airport.
- Take the RER B towards central Paris, then change at a major interchange station for a metro or RER C line towards the Eiffel Tower area.
- Alternatively, take an airport bus or coach service that stops closer to central landmarks, if you are carrying heavy luggage.
- For a door-to-door option, use a licensed taxi from the official taxi rank, not from touts in the arrivals hall.
Always check the operator or Île-de-France Mobilités website for the right route and ticket type, because fares and zone systems change. A flight tangent: if you are interested in why aircraft sometimes shake or glide on approach, our simple guide to laminar vs turbulent flow explains the airflow behind turbulence.
Beauvais: the budget airport that is not really near
Beauvais-Tillé airport is used by some low-cost airlines that market flights as going to “Paris”. In reality it is far north of the city, in the Oise department. The usual connection is a dedicated coach shuttle to Paris, timed to match flights. These coaches commonly run to a stop on the western side of Paris, from which you can switch to metro lines. Because shuttles are timed to flights, check the schedule and book if required.
Choosing the best way to travel
The right choice depends on your budget, luggage and time of day.
- Trains and trams: predictable and cheap, but may involve changes and stairs with luggage.
- Buses and coaches: simple and direct, but affected by traffic.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: convenient with luggage and groups, though the price depends on distance and traffic. Official taxis often display a clear fare structure, so check current rules on official sites.
- Pre-booked transfers: useful for early or late flights, as long as you book with a reputable company.
Tips for a smooth trip
- Travel outside rush hours if you can, usually early morning and late afternoon are slowest on the roads.
- Watch your bags on crowded trains, since pickpockets target tourists in busy areas.
- Buy tickets from official machines or apps, not from strangers.
- Leave extra time for security and passport control when flying home.
- Check for strikes or engineering works on the transport network before your journey.
Planning your day around the tower
Once you arrive in central Paris, the Eiffel Tower is on the Left Bank, close to the Champ de Mars park and the River Seine. The surrounding area is well served by metro and RER stations within a short walk. If your flight lands early and your hotel will not let you check in, ask about luggage storage rather than carrying bags to the tower. Tickets for the tower itself are best bought from the official operator’s website, since unofficial sellers often charge more. Allow time for security checks and queues, especially in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is closest to the Eiffel Tower?
Paris Orly is the closest of the main airports, at roughly 15 km from the tower.
How long does it take from CDG to the Eiffel Tower?
Often between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the route and traffic. The RER B plus a change is a common public transport option.
Is Beauvais close to Paris?
No. It is around 80 to 90 km from Paris, so allow plenty of time for the shuttle coach and check the timetable.
What is the cheapest way to get to the Eiffel Tower from the airport?
Public transport is usually the cheapest, using trains, trams and buses. Check official fare information, since prices change.
Should I take a taxi from the airport?
A taxi is convenient, especially with luggage, but it may be slower in heavy traffic. Use official taxi ranks and ask about the fare before you set off.
Conclusion
So, how far is the airport from the Eiffel Tower? About 15 km from Orly, 25 to 30 km from Charles de Gaulle and 80 to 90 km from Beauvais. Choose the route that fits your budget and luggage, give yourself a time buffer, and confirm schedules on official transport sites before you set off.
Key takeaways about how far is the airport from the eiffel tower
Here is a short summary of how far is the airport from the eiffel tower so you can find the main points quickly.
- How far is the airport from the Eiffel Tower?
- Paris is served by three main airports used by international travellers.
- Orly is on the south side of the city and is the nearest option.
- CDG is the biggest and busiest airport, to the north-east of Paris.
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