How to get from Paris Orly Airport to Eiffel Tower

This is the most efficient public transport route, combining speed and reasonable cost. Unlike Charles de Gaulle, Orly Airport does not have a mainline RER station on-site. You must first take a dedicated light rail link.

Key Route: Orly Terminals → (Orlyval) → Antony Station → (RER B) → Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame → (Metro Line 6) → Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro (for the Eiffel Tower).

Detailed Step-by-Step Journey

1. Find the Orlyval Station: Follow signs for “Paris by Train” or “Orlyval” inside your terminal (South or West). The station is located airside, accessible via elevators and moving walkways.
2. Purchase Your Ticket: Buy the “Orlyval + RER” combined ticket (€18.75 as of 2024) from the yellow ticket machines or counters. This single ticket covers your entire journey on Orlyval and RER B to any station in central Paris. Pro Tip: If you have a valid Paris Visite (zones 1-5) or weekly Navigo pass, you can use it for the entire journey. A standard T+ Metro ticket is NOT valid for Orlyval.
3. Board Orlyval: Trains run every 4-7 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:35 PM. The ride to Antony station takes exactly 8 minutes.
4. Transfer to RER B at Antony: At Antony, exit Orlyval and follow clear signs downstairs to the RER B platforms heading towards Paris (“Direction Aéroport Charles de Gaulle” or “Direction Mitry-Claye”). This is a cross-platform transfer and takes 2-3 minutes.
5. Ride RER B into Paris: The journey from Antony to central Paris (e.g., Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame) takes about 25-30 minutes.
6. Final Transfer to Metro Line 6: At Saint-Michel, follow signs for Métro Line 6 (“Direction Nation”). Purchase a standard T+ Metro ticket (€2.10) if you don't have one. Take Line 6 for 2 stops to Bir-Hakeim (closest walk to the base) or 3 stops to Trocadéro (for the famous panoramic view). The Metro ride takes about 5 minutes.

Alternative Train Route via RER C (Less Common)

From Orly South, you can take the Orlybus to Pont de Rungis – Aéroport d'Orly station and catch the RER C. However, RER C trains are less frequent, and the route to central Paris is slower and more winding. It is not recommended for first-time visitors heading to the Eiffel Tower unless specific disruptions affect RER B.

Train Route Comparison & Key Data

Route Segment	Service	Frequency	Travel Time	Key Notes
Orly → Antony	Orlyval	Every 4-7 min	8 min	Dedicated airport link. Must buy specific ticket.
Antony → Paris Centre	RER B	Every 6-15 min	25-30 min	Often crowded. Mind your luggage and belongings.
Paris Centre → Eiffel Tower	Metro Line 6	Every 3-6 min	5 min	Above-ground section offers nice views of the Seine.

Total Estimated Journey Time: 65-75 minutes (including transfer waits). Total Cost: €18.75 (Orlyval+RER) + €2.10 (Metro) = €20.85.

Bus services offer significant savings, especially for solo travelers, but are subject to Parisian traffic. The direct shuttle to the Eiffel Tower no longer operates, so a Metro transfer is required.

1. Orlybus (Official RATP Shuttle)

The Orlybus is a dedicated express bus connecting both Orly terminals to the Denfert-Rochereau Metro/RER station in central Paris.

• Route: Orly South/West → Denfert-Rochereau.
• Cost: €11.20 (standard ticket purchasable on board or at machines).
• Travel Time: 25-40 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic.
• Frequency: Every 8-20 minutes from 5:35 AM to 12:30 AM.
• Final Leg: At Denfert-Rochereau, transfer to Metro line 6 (direct to Bir-Hakeim/Trocadéro) or line 4 to change again. Add €2.10 and 20 minutes.
• Best For: Travelers going to the Left Bank or those prioritizing cost over speed.

2. Public Bus 183 (The Cheapest Option)

This is a standard Île-de-France public bus, not an airport express.

• Route: Orly South → Porte de Choisy (Metro line 7/T3 tram).
• Cost: Only a standard T+ ticket (€2.10) is required.
• Travel Time: 40-60+ minutes in traffic.
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes.
• Major Drawback: The bus can be very crowded, has limited luggage space, and requires a more complex transfer (Metro line 7 to Place d'Italie, then line 6).
• Best For: Ultra-budget travelers with minimal luggage traveling outside peak hours.

3. Night Bus N22 & N31

For arrivals between 12:30 AM and 5:30 AM, when Orlyval and Orlybus have stopped.

• Service: N22 goes to Châtelet. N31 goes to Gare de Lyon.
• Cost: Standard night bus fare (€2.10).
• Warning: These routes are long, infrequent (every 30-60 min), and require navigating night Metro services (which run limited lines) for the final leg to the Eiffel Tower. Not recommended unless necessary.

Source: Schedules and fares are managed by RATP, the Paris transit authority.

This is the most straightforward, luggage-friendly option, but also the most expensive. Understanding the pricing structure is crucial to avoid surprises.

Official Paris Taxis

Find the official taxi rank (FILES) outside each terminal. Follow the “Taxis” signs.

• Fixed Rate to Left Bank (Rive Gauche): The Eiffel Tower is in this zone. The legally fixed fare is €37 (Terminal West) or €42 (Terminal South) for trips between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
• Variable Rate: Outside these hours (nights, early mornings, Sundays), the meter runs based on time and distance. The fare can easily reach €55 to €65, especially in heavy traffic.
• What's Included: The fare covers all passengers (up to 4) and standard luggage. There is no mandatory tip, but rounding up is customary.
• Scam Alert: Only use the official rank. Decline offers from solicitors inside the terminal.

Ride-Share Apps (Uber, Bolt, Free Now)

These can be cheaper than taxis during off-peak times but are subject to surge pricing.

• Pick-up Points: Designated zones exist at Orly (follow app instructions). They are often in the same general area as taxis but in specific lanes.
• Price Range: Expect to pay between €30 and €50 for a standard car, depending on demand and traffic.
• Advantage: Upfront pricing and cashless payment.

Pre-Booked Private Transfers

Ideal for large groups, families, or those seeking a guaranteed meet-and-greet service.

• How it Works: Book online in advance. A driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign and assists with luggage.
• Cost: Starts around €65-€80 for a standard sedan. More for vans.
• Providers: Reputable companies include Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers, and Blacklane.

Source for Taxi Rates: Paris Aéroport official taxi information.

This table summarizes all key data to help you make an informed decision at a glance.

2024 Transport Comparison: Orly Airport to Eiffel Tower

Transport Mode	Total Approx. Cost (One Way)	Total Door-to-Door Time	Transfers Required	Best For	Key Consideration
Orlyval + RER B + Metro	€20.85	65-75 min	2 (Train, Metro)	Balanced budget & speed	Manageable with luggage; fixed cost.
Orlybus + Metro	€13.30	50-70 min	1 (Bus to Metro)	Budget-conscious travelers	Subject to road traffic delays.
Public Bus 183 + Metro	€4.20*	70-90+ min	1-2 (Bus to Metro/Metro)	Absolute lowest cost	Very slow, crowded, poor luggage space.
Taxi (Official, Fixed Day Rate)	€37 - €42	30-50 min	0	Convenience, groups of 3-4	Price soars at night/in traffic.
Ride-Share (Uber/Bolt)	€30 - €50	30-50 min	0	Tech-savvy users, off-peak	Surge pricing during high demand.
Private Transfer	€65+	30-50 min	0	Luxury, large groups, families	Pre-booked, driver meets you.

*Assumes use of two T+ tickets (one for bus, one for Metro). A carnet (pack of 10) reduces the per-ticket cost.

Ticket Purchasing Tips

• Combined Orlyval+RER Ticket: The €18.75 ticket is the only valid option for that specific route from the airport machines. Do not buy separate tickets.
• Navigo vs. Paris Visite: If staying several days, calculate if a Paris Visite pass (zones 1-5) or a weekly Navigo Découverte (valid Monday-Sunday) is cost-effective. They both cover the entire Orlyval+RER+Metro journey.
• Beware of Scams: Only purchase from official RATP/SNCF machines, ticket offices, or the Bonjour RATP app.

Beyond schedules and fares, these practical insights will save you time and stress.

• Luggage Strategy: If you have heavy suitcases, the multiple transfers on the train route can be challenging. The RER B often has narrow doors and steep steps. Taxi/ride-share is worth the splurge if you have more than one large bag per person.
• The "Walk to the Tower" from Metro: From Bir-Hakeim station, it's a 10-minute scenic walk across the Seine on the Passerelle Debilly footbridge. From Trocadéro, it's a 12-minute walk downhill with the best photo opportunity of the tower framed by the gardens.
• Traffic is Unpredictable: Between 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:30 PM, road traffic in Paris is heavy. Add at least 20-30 minutes to any bus, taxi, or ride-share estimate during these times.
• Validate Your Ticket! For Orlyval, RER, and buses, you must validate (composter) your paper ticket at the yellow machines before boarding. Failure to do so can result in a fine. Navigo/Visite passes just need to be tapped.
• Stay Alert for Pickpockets: The RER B from Antony and the Metro lines are prime areas for pickpockets. Keep bags zipped and in front of you, and be wary of distractions.
• Early Morning/Late Night Flights: Check the operating hours of your chosen transport. For flights landing after ~11:30 PM, have a backup plan (taxi money or a pre-booked transfer).
• Free Airport Wi-Fi: Use Orly's free "PARIS Aéroport" Wi-Fi to check live traffic on Google Maps, call an Uber, or download your Metro map before you leave the terminal.