Which Airport is Closest to the Paris Eiffel Tower? A Complete Guide for Travelers

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, attracting millions of tourists each year. Whether it’s your first time marveling at the charm of the Eiffel Tower or your fifth return to enjoy Parisian art, fashion, and food, one question remains the same for almost every traveler: which airport is closest to the Eiffel Tower?

This guide dives deep into answering which airport in Paris is closest to the Eiffel Tower, while also providing you with practical travel tips, estimated distances, transportation choices, and cost-effective options for your journey.

Understanding Paris Airports

Paris is served by three main airports:

1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – The largest and busiest airport in Paris, handling most international long-haul flights.
   
2. Orly Airport (ORY) – A smaller but busy airport, catering to European and domestic routes.
   
3. Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) – Located farthest from Paris, mainly used by low-cost carriers.
   

While all three can be used to reach central Paris, not all of them are equally close to the Eiffel Tower. Let’s break it down step by step.

Which Airport is Closest to the Paris Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement, near the Seine River, right in the heart of Paris. To reach it quickly, the airport’s distance and connectivity both matter.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Orly Airport (ORY): Approximately 18 km (11 miles) away.
  
• Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Approximately 31 km (19 miles) away.
  
• Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA): Approximately 85 km (53 miles) away.
  

So, to answer which airport in Paris is closest to the Eiffel Tower, it’s Orly Airport (ORY).

Orly Airport to the Eiffel Tower

Since Orly is the closest, let’s explore it first.

Distance:

• Roughly 18 km from the Eiffel Tower.
  

Travel Time:

• By taxi/private transfer: Around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
  
• By train + metro: Around 45–60 minutes.
  

Why choose Orly?

• Closest airport to central Paris.
  
• Easy access to taxis, buses, trams, and private transfer services.
  
• Less crowded compared to Charles de Gaulle.
  

For travelers landing at Orly, getting to the Eiffel Tower is quick, convenient, and cost-efficient.

Charles de Gaulle Airport to the Eiffel Tower

Although CDG isn’t the closest, it’s the main international gateway into Paris. Most long-haul travelers land here.

Distance:

• Around 31 km from the Eiffel Tower.
  

Travel Time:

• By taxi/private transfer: Around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
  
• By RER B train + metro: Around 1 hour 10 minutes.
  

Why choose CDG?

• Handles the majority of international flights.
  
• Multiple transportation options (RER train, taxis, private transfers).
  
• Directly connected to the Paris Metro system via RER.
  

So, while CDG is not the closest airport to the Paris Eiffel Tower, it is often the most practical choice for international visitors.

Beauvais-Tillé Airport to the Eiffel Tower

If you’re flying with budget airlines, you might land at Beauvais. But keep in mind:

Distance:

• Around 85 km away.
  

Travel Time:

• By taxi/private transfer: Around 1.5 to 2 hours.
  
• By bus + metro: Around 2.5 hours.
  

Why choose Beauvais?

• Affordable flights with low-cost carriers.
  
• Ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
  

But given the distance, it’s definitely not the answer to which airport is closest to the Paris Eiffel Tower.

Comparing the Airports – Which is Best for You?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Airport	Distance from the Eiffel Tower	Average Travel Time (Taxi)	Best For
Orly (ORY)	18 km	30–40 min	Closest to the Eiffel Tower, great for short trips
Charles de Gaulle (CDG)	31 km	45–60 min	Major international hub, best for long-haul travelers
Beauvais (BVA)	85 km	90–120 min	Budget airlines, cheapest flight options

So if your main concern is proximity, Orly Airport wins.

Transportation Options from Airports to the Eiffel Tower

Now that you know which airport in Paris is closest to the Eiffel Tower, the next step is choosing your transportation.

1. Taxi or Private Transfer

• From Orly: ~€35–45.
  
• From CDG: ~€50–60.
  
• From Beauvais: ~€120–160.
  

Private transfers through services like Rydeu are a comfortable, reliable choice, especially after a long flight. You get door-to-door service without the hassle of public transport.

2. Trains and Metro

• From Orly: Orlyval → RER B → Metro → Eiffel Tower. (~€12)
  
• From CDG: RER B → Metro → Eiffel Tower. (~€11)
  
• From Beauvais: Shuttle Bus → Metro. (~€17 + metro ticket)
  

3. Buses

• Orlybus (from Orly) to Denfert-Rochereau, then metro.
  
• Roissybus (from CDG) to Opera, then metro.
  
• Beauvais Shuttle to Porte Maillot, then metro.
  

Tips for Travelers Visiting the Eiffel Tower

1. Time your arrival – The Eiffel Tower is best enjoyed in the evening when the lights sparkle.
   
2. Pre-book tickets – Lines can be long; book online to save time.
   
3. Choose the right airport – If you value convenience, Orly is best. If your flight is international, CDG is more practical.
   
4. Consider private transfers – A service like Rydeu ensures stress-free travel after your flight.
   

Why Choosing the Right Airport Matters

When planning your Paris trip, knowing which airport is closest to the Paris Eiffel Tower can save you:

• Time – Shorter commute means more sightseeing.
  
• Money – Reduced taxi or transfer fares.
  
• Stress – Avoid long and tiring journeys after your flight.
  

For example, if you’re visiting Paris for just a weekend, landing at Orly instead of Beauvais could save you nearly 3–4 hours of travel time.

Final Verdict – Which Airport in Paris is Closest to the Eiffel Tower?

• The Eiffel Tower is around 18 km from Orly Airport (ORY), making it the closest airport to the Paris Eiffel Tower.
  
• Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the second-best option, especially for long-haul flights.
  
• Beauvais (BVA), while budget-friendly, is farthest away and requires long transfers.
  

So, if you’re flying to Paris and your top priority is staying close to the Eiffel Tower, Orly Airport is your best bet.

Book Your Airport Transfer with Rydeu

No matter which airport you land in Orly, Charles de Gaulle, or even Beauvais choosing a smooth transfer service makes all the difference. With Rydeu, you can:

• Book private transfers directly from the airport to the Eiffel Tower or your hotel.
  
• Choose from a wide range of vehicles according to your group size and comfort.
  
• Avoid language barriers, hidden fees, or the uncertainty of last-minute taxis.
  

With Rydeu, your Paris journey starts stress-free, ensuring you have more time to enjoy the city’s charm.

So, which airport in Paris is closest to the Eiffel Tower? The answer is simple, Orly Airport. Just 18 km away, it offers the fastest and most convenient way to reach one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. However, Charles de Gaulle is the main international gateway, and Beauvais, while cheapest, is the least convenient.

Plan wisely, choose the right airport based on your itinerary, and book your transfers with Rydeu for a seamless Paris experience. After all, Paris deserves your time for strolling along the Seine, sipping wine at a café, and standing in awe beneath the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower, not wasting hours commuting from a faraway airport.