Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Paris Orly Airport to Gare de Lyon is a combination of the Orlyval automated shuttle and the RER B then A trains. This route takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs a fixed â¬14.20. For the cheapest option, take public bus line 183 (â¬2.10) + Metro, totaling around â¬2.10ââ¬4.20 but taking closer to 1.5 hours. For maximum convenience with luggage or a group, a pre-booked private transfer is recommended, costing â¬50-â¬70 for a 30-50 minute door-to-door ride.
The Train Route: Orlyval Shuttle + RER (Recommended)
This is the most efficient public transport method, balancing speed, cost, and frequency. It involves a seamless, well-coordinated transfer between three systems: the airport shuttle, the regional express train (RER), and potentially the Metro.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Find the Orlyval Station: Follow signs for âParis by Trainâ or âOrlyvalâ in your terminal (South Terminal 1-3 or West Terminal 4). The stations are located within the airport complex.
- Take the Orlyval to Antony: Board the fully automated Orlyval shuttle. The ride to Antony station takes exactly 8 minutes, with trains departing every 4-7 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:35 PM.
- Transfer to RER Line B at Antony: At Antony, exit the Orlyval and immediately enter the RER B platform. Take any train in the direction of âAéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGVâ or âMitry-Clayeâ (all go into central Paris).
- Change to RER Line A at ChâteletâLes Halles: After a 20-25 minute ride, disembark at ChâteletâLes Halles, Europe's largest underground station. Follow clear signs for âRER Aâ (direction Marne-la-ValléeâChessy or Boissy-Saint-Léger).
- Arrive at Gare de Lyon: The journey on RER A is just 2 minutes. Get off at âGare de Lyonâ. The RER station is directly beneath the mainline train hall.
Tickets & Passes
You must purchase a combined âOrlyval + RERâ ticket (â¬14.20) for this journey. Buying separate tickets is more expensive. Options include:
- Single Combined Ticket: Buy from machines at Orlyval stations. Covers Orlyval + entire RER/Metro journey to Paris.
- Navigo Easy Card: Load the Orlyval fare (â¬14.20) onto this rechargeable card.
- Paris Visite Travel Pass: If you have a 1-5 day Paris Visite pass for zones 1-5, it includes the Orlyval and RER. Check your zone coverage.
Important: Keep your ticket until you fully exit the RER network at Gare de Lyon, as you'll need it to pass through exit gates.
Bus: The Budget-Friendly Options
Buses offer the lowest cash fare and are excellent if you have time and want to avoid train transfers. There are two primary types: the dedicated airport shuttle (Orlybus) and standard public buses.
1. Orlybus (Dedicated Airport Shuttle)
The Orlybus provides a direct connection to Denfert-Rochereau, a major transport hub in southern Paris.
- Route: Direct from Orly South & West terminals to Denfert-Rochereau.
- Travel Time: 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes, from ~5:35 AM to ~12:30 AM.
- Cost: â¬11.50 (ticket purchasable on board, at machines, or via app).
- To Gare de Lyon: At Denfert-Rochereau, take Métro line 4 (direction Porte de Clignancourt) directly to Gare de Lyon station (approx. 15-20 mins).
- Pros: Dedicated luggage racks, direct to Paris, fewer stairs than RER.
- Cons: Subject to Paris traffic delays.
2. Public RATP Bus Line 183 (The Cheapest)
This is the true budget champion, using the standard city bus fare.
- Route: From Orly (all terminals) to Porte de Choisy (a Parisian entrance gate).
- Travel Time: 35-50 minutes (highly traffic-dependent).
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes.
- Cost: A single t+ ticket (â¬2.10). You will need a second t+ ticket for the Metro.
- To Gare de Lyon: At Porte de Choisy, take Métro line 7 (direction La Courneuve) directly to Gare de Lyon (approx. 15 mins).
- Critical Tip: Your standard t+ ticket is valid for this bus ONLY if you purchase it before boarding from a machine at the airport bus stop. Drivers do not sell tickets.
Taxi & Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
This is the most straightforward, hassle-free option, ideal for those with heavy luggage, families, or travelers arriving late at night. However, it comes at a significantly higher cost.
Official Taxis
Follow the official âTaxisâ signs to the ranked taxi stands outside each terminal. Fares are regulated by the French government.
- Fixed Fare to Gare de Lyon: Since Gare de Lyon is on the Right Bank (Rive Droite), the fixed rate is â¬47. This covers all passengers (up to 4) and luggage.
- What's Included: The meter will not run. The fare includes baggage and supplements. A tip is not mandatory but rounding up to â¬50 is customary for good service.
- Travel Time: 30 to 50 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic. Avoid during Paris rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:00-7:30 PM).
Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Bolt, Free Now)
Services operate at Orly. Designated pickup areas are slightly further from terminals than taxi ranks (follow app instructions).
- Cost: Often comparable to or slightly below official taxi fares during off-peak times. However, surge pricing during peak hours, bad weather, or high demand can make them more expensive than taxis.
- Advantage: Upfront pricing and cashless payment.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers (Highly Recommended)
Booking in advance with a reputable company (like Welcome Pickups or Viator partners) offers key benefits:
- Fixed Price & No Surprises: Agreed price locked in, regardless of traffic.
- Meet & Greet: Driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
- Availability Guaranteed: Crucial for late-night/early-morning flights.
- Vehicle Choice: Options for large groups (vans) or luxury vehicles.
- Typical Cost: â¬55 â â¬75 for a standard sedan.
Ticket & Cost Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all options and decide based on your priority: speed, budget, or comfort.
| Option | Total Travel Time | Approx. Cost (per person) | Transfers / Changes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlyval + RER B/A | 1h 10m â 1h 20m | â¬14.20 (combined ticket) | 2 (Antony, Châtelet) | Best Overall (Balance of speed & cost) |
| Orlybus + Metro 4 | 1h â 1h 15m | â¬11.50 + â¬2.10 = â¬13.60 | 1 (Denfert-Rochereau) | Travelers with luggage avoiding RER stairs |
| Bus 183 + Metro 7 | 1h 20m â 1h 40m | â¬2.10 + â¬2.10 = â¬4.20 | 1 (Porte de Choisy) | The Cheapest (Ultimate budget travel) |
| Official Taxi (Fixed Fare) | 30m â 50m | â¬47 (for the car, up to 4 people) | 0 (Direct) | Groups of 3-4, late arrivals |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | 30m â 50m | â¬55 â â¬75 (for the car) | 0 (Direct) | Most Convenient (Families, luxury, guaranteed service) |
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Navigate like a pro with these practical insights beyond the basic schedules.
Luggage Strategies
- Pack Light for Public Transport: The RER at Châtelet involves long corridors and often stairs. Elevators exist but can be hard to find or out of service. A backpack is easier than a rolling suitcase.
- Consider Left Luggage: If you arrive hours before your train departure, use the left luggage facility at Gare de Lyon to explore the area hands-free.
Navigating the Stations
- ChâteletâLes Halles Transfer: This is a vast, busy station. Don't panic. Follow the color-coded signs (Yellow for RER A, Blue for RER B). Allow a calm 5-10 minutes for the transfer walk.
- Arriving at Gare de Lyon: When you exit the RER A platforms, you'll emerge into the lower level of the main station. Look for signs to your train's departure hall (Grandes Lignes for TGVs, Hall 1/2 for other trains).
Timing & Avoiding Crowds
- Avoid Rush Hour (Métro/RER): 8:00-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM on weekdays. Trains are packed, making travel with luggage stressful and slow.
- Check for Strikes & Maintenance: French public transport, especially RER lines, occasionally face strikes (grèves) or weekend maintenance. Always check the last-minute alerts on the official RATP website before you travel.
- Buffer Time: If catching a train from Gare de Lyon, aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your train's departure. This accounts for potential traffic, transfer delays, and time to find your platform.
FAQs: Paris Orly to Gare de Lyon
Is there a direct train from Paris Orly Airport to Gare de Lyon?
No, there is no single direct train. The most efficient public transport route involves a combination: first, take the Orlyval automated shuttle to Antony station, then transfer to the RER B line towards Paris, and finally change at ChâteletâLes Halles to RER line A (direction Marne-la-ValléeâChessy or Boissy-Saint-Léger) which stops directly at Gare de Lyon. The entire journey requires two transfers but is well-signposted.
What is the cheapest way to travel from ORY to Gare de Lyon?
The cheapest option is by public bus. The Orlybus (direct to Denfert-Rochereau in Paris) costs â¬11.50, from where you can take the Métro line 6 to Bercy and walk, or line 4 directly to Gare de Lyon. Alternatively, the public RATP bus line 183 goes to Porte de Choisy (â¬2.10 with a t+ ticket), followed by Métro line 7 to Gare de Lyon. Total cost can be as low as â¬2.10ââ¬13.60.
How long does the taxi take from Orly to Gare de Lyon and what's the cost?
A taxi or ride-hailing service (Uber, Bolt) takes approximately 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. The fixed official taxi fare from Orly to any address on the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) is â¬37, and to the Right Bank (Rive Droite, which includes Gare de Lyon) is â¬47. Ride-hailing apps may offer comparable or slightly lower prices during non-peak hours, but expect surge pricing during rush hours, weekends, or bad weather.
I arrive late at night. What are my options?
After public transport stops (around 00:30â01:00), your only practical options are taxi, pre-booked private transfer, or ride-hailing apps. Night buses (Noctilien) exist but involve complex, slow routes with multiple changes and are not recommended for travelers with luggage. Booking a private transfer in advance is highly advisable for late-night arrivals to ensure availability and a fixed price.
Which option is best with a lot of luggage or for a family?
For families or travelers with heavy/multiple bags, a pre-booked private transfer is often the best choice. It offers door-to-door service, fixed pricing, and assistance with luggage. The RER+Metro option involves stairs, crowds, and carrying bags on/off trains. Taxis are good but may not fit larger groups or excessive luggage. The Orlybus has dedicated luggage space, making it a good mid-ground between cost and convenience.
Where do I buy tickets for the Orlyval and RER?
You can buy a combined 'Orlyval + RER' ticket (â¬14.20) from automated machines or ticket counters in the Orlyval stations at terminals 1-3 and 4. This single ticket covers the entire journey to any Paris RER/Metro station. You can also use a Navigo Easy card or a contactless bank card (for pay-as-you-go) if you have one. Avoid buying separate tickets as it will be more expensive.
Is there a luggage storage facility at Gare de Lyon?
Yes, Gare de Lyon offers secure left-luggage services (consignes). The main facility is run by SNCF and is typically located near the Grand Hall. Prices and opening hours vary, so it's recommended to check the official SNCF Gares & Connexions website for the latest information if you wish to store bags before check-in or after arriving early.
Should I choose the train (RER) or the Orlybus?
Choose the RER (via Orlyval) if: you prioritize speed to central Paris, are comfortable with 2 quick transfers, and are traveling outside peak rush hours. Choose the Orlybus if: you have more luggage (it has storage), prefer a direct bus to a Paris hub (Denfert-Rochereau) with only one subsequent Metro change, or are traveling during RER line B's frequent maintenance periods (check RATP alerts).