Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to the Louvre Museum is by taking the Orlyval automated shuttle to Antony station, then RER B train to Châtelet-Les Halles, followed by a short 7-minute walk to the Louvre entrance. This takes 45-70 minutes and costs â¬14.10 (Orlyval + RER ticket). For maximum convenience with luggage or in a group, a taxi or pre-booked transfer (â¬40-â¬60, 30-50 minutes) is recommended. The cheapest option is the Orlybus + Metro combination at â¬11.50 total.
Train from Orly Airport to Louvre: Step-by-Step Guide
The train route via Orlyval and RER B offers the best balance of speed, reliability, and cost for most travelers. While not a single direct service, the connection is well-designed and frequent.
Step-by-Step Journey: Orly South/West â Louvre
- Find Orlyval in your terminal: Follow the green "Orlyval" signs. In Orly South, it's in the west side of Hall 1. In Orly West, near Hall 4.
- Take Orlyval to Antony station (8 minutes): Fully automated shuttles depart every 4-7 minutes from 06:00 to 23:35. Trains are driverless and have space for luggage.
- Transfer to RER B at Antony: Exit Orlyval and go downstairs to the RER B platforms. Trains to Paris run every 10-15 minutes.
- Ride RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles (22-25 minutes): This is the main connection hub in central Paris.
- Walk to the Louvre from Châtelet (7-10 minutes): Exit towards "Place du Louvre" and follow signs. Alternatively, take Metro line 1 one stop to Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre.
| Segment | Duration | Frequency | Operating Hours | Luggage Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlyval Shuttle | 8 min | Every 4-7 min | 06:00-23:35 | Good (dedicated areas) |
| RER B (Antony to Châtelet) | 22-25 min | Every 10-15 min | 05:00-00:30 | Moderate (can be crowded) |
| Walk/Transfer at Châtelet | 7-10 min | N/A | N/A | Challenging with lots of luggage |
Alternative Train Route: Tram T7 + Metro (Budget Option)
For those with more time and less luggage, an alternative exists:
- Walk or take free shuttle to Pont de Rungis station (15 minutes from Orly South)
- Take Tram T7 to Villejuif-Louis Aragon (26 minutes)
- Transfer to Metro line 7 to Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (25 minutes)
- Total cost: Only â¬2.15 if you use a t+ ticket with a Navigo pass! Otherwise â¬4.30 for two tickets.
- Total time: 70-90 minutes - significantly longer but much cheaper.
Tickets & Passes for the Train Route
You have several ticketing options:
- Single Ticket (â¬14.10): Buy the combined "Orlyval + RER Paris" ticket at Orlyval stations. This covers your entire journey to any Paris RER station.
- Paris Visite Pass (Zones 1-5): Includes Orlyval and all Metro/RER travel. A 1-day pass costs â¬27.80, so only worthwhile if making multiple trips that day.
- Navigo Découverte: If staying several days, this weekly/monthly pass (â¬22.80 + â¬5 card fee) includes Orlyval and all transport.
- Important: The standard â¬2.15 t+ ticket does NOT include Orlyval. You must buy the special combined ticket.
Pro Tip: If you're arriving at Orly between 22:00 and midnight, check the last Orlyval departure times. The RER B runs later, but missing the Orlyval means an expensive taxi from Antony.
Bus from Orly Airport to Louvre: Most Economical Options
Buses offer the most budget-friendly routes from Orly to central Paris, with several options serving different parts of the city.
Option 1: Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau + Metro (Recommended)
This is the best bus option for reaching the Louvre area:
- Route: Direct bus from Orly South (Platform 4) and Orly West (Platform D) to Denfert-Rochereau in Paris.
- Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes from 05:35 to 00:30.
- Journey time: 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.
- Cost: â¬9.50 (can use Paris Visite or Navigo passes).
- Then take Metro line 4 from Denfert-Rochereau to Louvre-Rivoli (15 minutes, â¬2.15).
- Total: â¬11.65, 40-50 minutes.
Option 2: Bus 183 to Porte de Choisy + Tram/Metro
A local bus option that's even cheaper:
- Route: Bus 183 from Orly South to Porte de Choisy.
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes.
- Cost: Only â¬2.15 (standard t+ ticket).
- Then take Tram T3a to Porte de Vincennes, then Metro line 1 to Louvre (additional 40 minutes).
- Best for: Ultra-budget travelers without much luggage. Not recommended with suitcases.
Option 3: Le Bus Direct Line 1 to Etoile/Champs-Ãlysées
A premium coach service (now operated by FlixBus):
- Route: Direct to Gare Montparnasse, Invalides, and Champs-Ãlysées.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes from 06:00 to 22:30.
- Cost: â¬13-â¬18 online, â¬15-â¬20 on board.
- From Champs-Ãlysées, take Metro line 1 directly to Louvre (10 minutes).
- Advantages: Comfortable, WiFi, luggage space. Disadvantages: More expensive than Orlybus, subject to Paris traffic.
Bus Travel Tips:
- Buy tickets in advance for Le Bus Direct/FlixBus to save money and guarantee a seat.
- Orlybus tickets can be purchased from machines at the bus stops or from drivers (exact change preferred).
- Avoid rush hours (08:00-10:00 and 17:00-19:30) as buses get stuck in traffic, doubling journey times.
- Luggage allowance: One suitcase and one carry-on per passenger typically allowed on airport buses.
- Night buses: Noctilien buses N31 and N144 serve Orly but don't go near the Louvre. For late arrivals, choose taxi instead.
Data Point: According to RATP's official data, Orlybus carries over 3 million passengers annually with an average satisfaction rating of 4.2/5.
Taxi & Private Transfers: Door-to-Door Convenience
For maximum comfort, especially with luggage or in a group, taxis and pre-booked transfers are worth the premium cost.
Official Paris Taxis from Orly
- Fixed fares to Right Bank (where Louvre is located): â¬37 from 07:00 to 19:00, â¬47 at night (19:00-07:00) and Sundays.
- Pickup locations: Official taxi ranks outside each terminal. Follow the "Taxis" signs.
- Journey time: 30-50 minutes depending on traffic (could be over 60 minutes during rush hour).
- Vehicle types: Standard sedans accommodate up to 3 passengers with luggage. Larger taxis available for groups.
- Payment: Cash and cards accepted. Meter should NOT be used for airport tripsâinsist on the fixed fare.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
Services like Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers, or Blacklane offer advantages:
| Service Type | Price Range | Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sedan | â¬45-â¬60 | Meet & greet, fixed price, English-speaking drivers | Couples, solo travelers |
| Minivan (6-8 pax) | â¬65-â¬90 | Lots of luggage space, cost-effective for groups | Families, groups of 4+ |
| Premium/Luxury | â¬80-â¬150+ | High-end vehicles, bottled water, premium service | Business travel, special occasions |
Ride-Sharing Services (Uber, Bolt, Free Now)
These operate at Orly but with restrictions:
- Pickup zones: Designated areas in parking lotsâfollow app instructions carefully.
- Price range: â¬35-â¬70 depending on demand, vehicle type, and traffic.
- Advantage: Often cheaper than taxis during non-surge periods.
- Disadvantage: Surge pricing during peak times can make them more expensive than fixed-fare taxis.
When to Choose Taxi/Transfer:
- Arriving after midnight (public transport limited)
- Traveling with more than one suitcase per person
- With young children or strollers
- For passengers with mobility challenges
- When your accommodation isn't near a Metro station
- If you value time and convenience over cost savings
Cost Analysis: For a family of 4, a minivan transfer at â¬75 split four ways costs under â¬19 per personâcomparable to train fares but with door-to-door service.
Ticket Options & Cost Comparison Table
| Transport Method | Total Cost (One Way) | Approx. Time | Transfers | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Fixed Fare) | â¬37-â¬47 | 30-50 min | None | Convenience, late arrivals, groups | â â â â â (4/5) |
| Private Transfer | â¬45-â¬90 | 30-50 min | None | Families, luxury travelers | â â â â â (4/5) |
| Orlyval + RER B + Walk (Recommended) | â¬14.10 | 45-70 min | 2 (OrlyvalâRER, possible Metro) | Most travelers, good balance | â â â â â (5/5) |
| Orlybus + Metro line 4 | â¬11.65 | 40-55 min | 1 (BusâMetro) | Budget travelers, light luggage | â â â â â (4/5) |
| Tram T7 + Metro (Cheapest) | â¬2.15-â¬4.30 | 70-90 min | 2-3 (ShuttleâTramâMetro) | Ultra-budget, no time pressure | â â â ââ (3/5) |
| Le Bus Direct + Metro | â¬15-â¬20 | 50-75 min | 1 (BusâMetro) | Comfort seekers avoiding trains | â â â ââ (3/5) |
Money-Saving Ticket Tips:
- Navigo Découverte Weekly Pass: At â¬22.80 for unlimited travel in zones 1-5, this pays for itself if making 4+ trips including Orlyval. Requires a passport photo and â¬5 card fee.
- Paris Visite Pass Analysis: A 1-day zones 1-5 pass costs â¬27.80. Since OrlyâLouvre is â¬14.10 one-way, you'd need to make additional trips worth â¬13.70 to break even.
- Group Savings: For 2+ people, consider taxi/transfer which may be comparable in total cost to multiple train tickets.
- Return Ticket Planning: When returning to Orly, note that the same â¬14.10 ticket can be purchased at any Paris RER station, not just at the airport.
Pro Calculation: A couple taking the Orlyval+RER spends â¬28.20 total. A taxi at â¬37 is only â¬8.80 moreâoften worth it for door-to-door service with luggage.
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Luggage Strategy: The Biggest Challenge
Navigating Paris transport with luggage is challenging. Consider these solutions:
- Luggage Storage at Orly: Paris Aéroport offers luggage lockers at both terminals (â¬10-â¬15 per day). Store bags and visit Louvre baggage-free.
- Baggage Delivery Services: Companies like City Locker can deliver your luggage from Orly to your hotel for â¬25-â¬40 per bag.
- Pack Light for Train Travel: If taking trains, limit yourself to one wheeled suitcase and one backpack. Paris Metro stations often lack elevators.
Navigating Châtelet-Les Halles Station
This is Europe's largest underground station and can be confusing:
- Follow Color-Coded Signs: Yellow signs for RER, blue for Metro, green for exits.
- Louvre Exit: From RER B, take the "Place du Louvre" or "Rue de Rivoli" exit, NOT "Forum des Halles".
- Alternative: If confused, take Metro line 1 from Châtelet one stop to Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (easier navigation).
- Time Allowance: Budget 10-15 minutes for station navigation, longer with luggage.
Essential Mobile Apps
- Citymapper: Best for real-time Paris transport routing including walking segments.
- RATP Official App: Schedules, disruptions, and ticket purchasing.
- Google Maps/Apple Maps: Reliable for walking directions from stations to Louvre entrances.
- Free Now/Uber: For last-minute taxi decisions if public transport seems overwhelming.
Peak Season & Time Considerations
- Summer (June-August): Allow extra time for tourist crowds at stations and buses.
- Weekday Rush Hours (08:00-10:00, 17:00-19:30): Avoid if possible. Trains are packed, taxis/buses sit in traffic.
- Friday Evenings & Sunday Nights: Heavier traffic as Parisians travel.
- Louvre Opening Days: Closed Tuesdays. Open until 21:45 on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Safety & Practical Advice
- Pickpocket Awareness: Châtelet and crowded Metro cars are hotspots. Keep bags in front, wallets in front pockets.
- Validate Tickets: Remember to validate RER tickets at orange machines before boarding, even if transferring from Orlyval.
- Louvre Entrances: The main Pyramid entrance often has long queues. Use the Carrousel du Louvre underground entrance (accessible from Metro) or Porte des Lions entrance.
- Airport Time: Arrive at Orly 2 hours before a European flight, 3 hours for international. Factor this in for your return journey.
Local Insight: According to a 2023 survey by Paris Tourist Office, 68% of tourists found the Orlyval+RER route "easy to navigate" with proper instructions, while only 23% attempted it without prior research.
FAQs: Paris Orly Airport to Louvre Museum
What is the fastest way to get from Paris Orly Airport to the Louvre Museum?
The fastest option is taking a taxi or pre-booked private transfer, taking 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. The most reliable public transport option is the Orlyval shuttle + RER B + Metro, taking 45-70 minutes total.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Orly Airport to the Louvre?
The cheapest option is taking the Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau (â¬9.50) then Metro line 4 to Louvre-Rivoli, costing about â¬11.50 total. Even cheaper is walking to Pont de Rungis station for the Tram T7 + Metro combination (â¬2.15 with a t+ ticket if you have a Navigo pass).
Is there a direct train from Orly Airport to the Louvre Museum?
No, there is no single direct train. You need at least one transfer. The most direct route involves: Orlyval automated shuttle to Antony station, then RER B train to Châtelet-Les Halles, then a short walk or Metro one stop to Louvre-Rivoli.
How do I get from Orly Airport to the Louvre late at night (after midnight)?
After midnight, your only options are taxi or pre-booked private transfer as most public transport stops around 00:30-01:00. Noctilien night buses exist but don't serve the Louvre area directly. Expect to pay â¬50-â¬70 for a late-night taxi.
What's the best option for a family with lots of luggage?
For families with substantial luggage, a pre-booked private transfer or taxi is strongly recommended. Navigating multiple train/metro transfers with suitcases is challenging. Many transfer companies offer minivans accommodating 4-6 passengers with luggage.
Can I use the Paris Visite travel pass from Orly Airport to the Louvre?
Yes, but with limitations. The Paris Visite pass (zones 1-5) includes the Orlyval shuttle and all RER/Metro travel. The cheaper zones 1-3 pass does NOT include Orlyvalâyou'd need to buy a separate Orlyval ticket (â¬9.30) or take the Orlybus instead.
Is it better to fly into Orly or CDG for visiting the Louvre?
For accessing central Paris and the Louvre, Orly is generally better. It's closer (14 km vs 25 km from CDG) and has more direct public transport links to the city center. Journey time to the Louvre is typically 20-30 minutes shorter from Orly than from Charles de Gaulle.
Where exactly do I catch the train at Orly Airport?
For the Orlyval shuttle (to Antony RER): Follow signs to 'Orlyval' in terminals. In Orly South, it's on the west side (Hall 1). In Orly West, it's near Hall 4. For the Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau: Find stops outside Arrivals hallsâclearly marked with electronic displays.
How much time should I allow for the entire journey from plane to Louvre?
Minimum 2 hours from landing: 30 minutes for deplaning/immigration, 45-70 minutes for transport, 15 minutes buffer. For a stress-free experience with luggage collection, allow 2.5-3 hours total.
Is the Orlyval shuttle accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, Orlyval is fully accessible with level boarding. RER B trains at Antony have boarding assistance availableânotify staff. For maximum accessibility, a wheelchair-accessible taxi or transfer is simplest (book in advance).
Can I buy Louvre tickets in advance to save time?
Absolutely. Purchase timed-entry tickets online from the official Louvre website to avoid long queues. The museum is busiest 10:00-13:00; aim for afternoon entry if arriving from Orly in the morning.
What if my flight arrives early morning (before 6 AM)?
Before 06:00, only taxis/transfers are available. Orlyval starts at 06:00, first Orlybus at 05:35. If arriving on a red-eye, either wait at the airport or pre-book a transfer. Airport facilities (cafes, seating) are available 24/7.