Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to Gare du Nord train station is by taking the Orlyval automated shuttle to Antony station, then transferring to the RER B train directly to Gare du Nord. This route is fast, reliable, and well-signposted.
Total Journey Time: Approximately 45 to 55 minutes.
Total Cost: A combined ticket costs â¬13.30 (as of 2024).
Key Transfer Point: Antony station (seamless, same-platform transfer between Orlyval and RER B).
By Train & RER: The Fastest and Most Efficient Route
This is the preferred method for most travelers due to its speed and direct access to the heart of Paris. The journey involves two integrated rail systems.
Step-by-Step Guide: Orlyval + RER B
- Locate Orlyval at the Airport: Follow signs for "Paris by Train" or "Orlyval" from your terminal arrivals hall. The station is accessible via free shuttle (Orly Internal Shuttle) between terminals if needed.
- Purchase Your Ticket: Buy the combined "Orlyval + RER" ticket (â¬13.30) at the automated kiosks. This single ticket covers your entire rail journey to any Paris RER B station, including Gare du Nord. Pro Tip: If you have a Navigo Découverte weekly/monthly pass loaded with zones 1-4, the Orlyval supplement is only â¬9.30.
- Board the Orlyval: Trains run every 4-7 minutes from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM. The ride to Antony station takes exactly 8 minutes.
- Transfer at Antony: This is a seamless, cross-platform transfer. Get off the Orlyval and walk a few steps to the RER B platform on the opposite side.
- Board the RER B Train: Ensure you board a train heading towards "Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV" or "Mitry-Claye" (not the ones terminating at Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse). The journey from Antony to Gare du Nord takes about 25-30 minutes.
- Arrive at Gare du Nord: Disembark at "Paris Nord" station. Follow signs for the SNCF Grandes Lignes (mainline trains) or Eurostar if you are connecting to another service.
Key Advantages & Considerations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Excellent (Every 4-7 min for Orlyval, Every 10-15 min for RER B) |
| Luggage Space | Moderate. Orlyval trains have dedicated luggage areas. RER B can be crowded during rush hour. |
| Accessibility | Good. Elevators and escalators are available at Orly Sud/Ouest, Antony, and Gare du Nord. |
| Best For | Solo travelers, couples, and those with manageable luggage seeking the optimal balance of speed and cost. |
| Potential Drawback | Not ideal for those with very heavy/multiple bags or mobility issues due to station walking and potential stairs at Gare du Nord. |
Alternative Rail Route (Slower but Scenic via Tram): For a slightly cheaper and less crowded (but slower) alternative, take Tram T7 from Orly to Villejuif-Louis Aragon (â¬2.10, 20 min), then switch to Metro Line 7 directly to Gare du Nord (additional ~35 min). Total cost: ~â¬4.20 with a Metro ticket.
By Shuttle Bus & Public Bus: The Budget-Friendly Options
Buses offer the lowest cash fares and can be a good choice if you're not in a hurry or your hotel is near a drop-off point.
1. Orlybus (Public Bus - Recommended Budget Choice)
Operated by RATP, this dedicated express bus links Orly to the Denfert-Rochereau metro/RER station in central Paris.
Journey: Orly â Denfert-Rochereau (approx. 30 minutes).
Cost: â¬11.20 (Ticket t+ not valid).
Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes, from approx. 5:35 AM to 12:30 AM.
Then to Gare du Nord: At Denfert-Rochereau, take Metro Line 4 (direction Clignancourt) directly to Gare du Nord (approx. 15 minutes, requires a separate â¬2.10 Ticket t+). Total time: ~50-60 mins. Total cost: â¬13.30.
2. Le Bus Direct / Shared Shuttles
While the classic "Le Bus Direct" brand has ceased, similar shared shuttle services operate. They typically drop off at major hubs like Gare Montparnasse or Opéra, not directly at Gare du Nord.
Considerations:
- Cost: Around â¬15-â¬22 one-way.
- Time: Highly variable (45-90 mins) due to multiple stops and traffic.
- Booking: Often required online in advance.
- Verdict: Less convenient for Gare du Nord as it requires a final taxi/Metro ride. Better suited for travelers staying near the shuttle stops.
Night Bus Option: Noctilien N22
For flights arriving very late, the N22 night bus runs from Orly to Châtelet (near the center) from approximately 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM. From Châtelet, it's a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride to Gare du Nord. Cost is a standard Ticket t+ (â¬2.10).
By Taxi & Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
This is the most straightforward, hassle-free option, ideal for families, groups, or those with heavy luggage.
Official Paris Taxis
Follow the official taxi rank signs outside each terminal. Only use the designated ranks.
Fixed Fare: Trips from Orly to destinations on the Right Bank (which includes Gare du Nord) have a fixed price of â¬37 (as of 2024) for up to 4 passengers. This fare covers all charges (luggage, tolls). Confirm the fare with the driver before departure.
Journey Time: 30 to 60 minutes, entirely dependent on traffic.
Best For: Late-night/early-morning arrivals, groups of 3-4, travelers with mobility issues or excessive luggage.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
Services like Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers, or KiwiTaxi offer pre-paid, meet-and-greet services.
Cost: Typically â¬45 - â¬65 for a standard car.
Advantages: Driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, assists with luggage, provides a fixed price paid in advance, and offers child seats if requested. Ideal for first-time visitors or stressful trips.
By Ride-Sharing App (Uber, Bolt, Free Now)
Uber, Bolt, and local apps like Free Now operate at Orly. The pickup point is at the dedicated "Rideshare and VTC" area (follow signs).
Cost: Dynamic pricing. Typically â¬30 - â¬50, but can surge dramatically during peak hours, bad weather, or strikes. Often similar to or slightly cheaper than a taxi, but not fixed-fare.
Comparison vs. Taxi: Taxis have a fixed fare and can use dedicated bus lanes, potentially making them faster during congestion. Ride-share prices are variable but offer upfront estimates and cashless payment.
Cost & Time Comparison: Orly Airport to Gare du Nord
Use this table to quickly decide based on your priorities of budget, speed, and convenience.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Cost (One Way) | Approx. Total Time | Transfers / Complexity | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlyval + RER B Train | â¬13.30 | 45 - 55 min | 1 (Seamless at Antony) | Speed & Value Balance | âââââ (Best Overall) |
| Orlybus + Metro Line 4 | â¬13.30 | 50 - 70 min | 1 (Bus to Metro) | Lowest Cost (cash) | ââââ (Best Budget) |
| Tram T7 + Metro Line 7 | â¬4.20* | 60 - 75 min | 1 (Tram to Metro) | Absolute cheapest (with Navigo/ticket book) | âââ |
| Official Taxi (Fixed Fare) | â¬37 (fixed) | 30 - 60 min | None (Door-to-Door) | Convenience, Groups, Late Night | ââââ (Best Convenience) |
| Ride-Sharing App (Uber/Bolt) | â¬30 - â¬50+ | 30 - 60 min | None (Door-to-Door) | Tech-savvy travelers, Non-cash payment | âââ |
| Private Transfer | â¬45 - â¬65+ | 30 - 60 min | None (Meet & Greet) | First-time visitors, Families, Stress-free travel | ââââ |
*â¬2.10 Ticket t+ used twice. Cheaper if using a carnet (book of 10) or weekly Navigo pass.
Traveler Tips & Insider Advice
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Beware of Rush Hour: Avoid traveling between 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM on weekdays if possible. The RER B and Metro will be extremely crowded, and road traffic will be heavy, significantly increasing taxi/bus travel times.
- Validate Your Ticket! If using paper RER/Metro tickets, you must validate (composter) them at the green or yellow machines before entering the platform for the first time. Failure to do so can result in a fine. Tickets from airport kiosks are often pre-validated.
- Navigo vs. Paper Tickets: If staying in Paris for several days and making many trips, a Navigo Découverte weekly pass (zones 1-5, ~â¬30 + â¬5 card fee) is exceptional value and covers the Orlyval + RER B journey with just the Orlyval supplement (â¬9.30).
- Safety & Vigilance: Gare du Nord and the RER B line are generally safe but are known hotspots for pickpockets. Keep your luggage close, wallets in front pockets, and be wary of distractions.
- Planning for Strikes (Grèves): Check for transport strikes before you travel via apps like RATP or SNCF. During major strikes, the RER may be severely disrupted, making taxis or buses your only reliable option.
- Connecting to Eurostar/Thalys: Allow at least 90-120 minutes between your estimated arrival at Gare du Nord and your departing high-speed train's check-in closure. The station is vast, and security/boarding lines for international trains can be long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fastest way to get from Orly Airport to Gare du Nord?
The fastest public transport is the Orlyval + RER B combination, taking 45-55 minutes. The absolute fastest method is a taxi or private car during low-traffic periods (30 minutes).
What is the cheapest way to travel from Orly to Gare du Nord?
The cheapest single-journey cash fare is the Orlybus + Metro Line 4 at â¬13.30 total. If you have a validated Navigo pass or a carnet of Metro tickets, the Tram T7 + Metro Line 7 can cost as little as â¬2.10 per leg.
Is there a direct train from Orly Airport to Gare du Nord?
No. There is no single direct train service. All rail options require at least one transfer. The most efficient connection is Orlyval to RER B at Antony station.
How much is a taxi from Orly to Gare du Nord and how long does it take?
A licensed Paris taxi has a fixed fare of â¬37 for destinations on the Right Bank (Gare du Nord is included). The journey takes between 30 to 60 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic conditions.
Can I use the Paris Metro to get from Orly to Gare du Nord?
Not directly. You must first take a connecting service (like Orlybus or Tram T7) to a Metro station in the suburbs, then switch to the Metro network (Lines 4 or 7) for the final leg into the city center.
What should I do if I arrive at Orly Airport very late at night?
After public transport ends (~12:30 AM), your options are the Noctilien N22 night bus or a taxi/ride-share. For safety and certainty, pre-booking a taxi or private transfer is highly recommended for late-night arrivals.
Is there a shuttle bus from Orly to Paris city center that stops at Gare du Nord?
No direct shuttle bus terminates inside Gare du Nord station. Shared shuttles typically stop at major hubs like Opéra or Gare Montparnasse, requiring a final short taxi or Metro ride to reach Gare du Nord.
What is the best way with a lot of luggage or for a family?
For families or travelers with multiple/large bags, a pre-booked private transfer or an official taxi is the best choice. It provides door-to-door service, space, and avoids the hassle of navigating stations and trains with luggage.