Orly Airport to Gare du Nord: Every Transfer Option Compared (2026 Guide)
When you arrive at Orly, go through the terminal and then realise that Gare du Nord is on the other side of Paris and that your Eurostar or Thalys doesn't stop for you. The two locations are about 18 km apart and, depending on the traffic conditions and the mode of transport you choose, the trip takes anywhere from 25 minutes to more than an hour. This guide is for people who need to make that connection—whether they are business travellers with a train to catch, families managing suitcases, or first-time visitors who want the least stressful option. Booking a private transfer in advance removes most of the uncertainty, but it isn't the only way to get there—here's a straightforward explanation.
Quick Answer: The Best Way from Orly Airport to Gare du Nord
For the majority of travellers, Metro Line 14 is currently the quickest public transport option (€), offering a direct service from Orly to Châtelet with a change onto the RER B or Métro 4. The most comfortable choice is by private transfer (€€), particularly when travelling with luggage or when you have a train to catch. If you prefer not to worry about transfers, a taxi (€€€) is the simplest option.
| Distance | Fastest option | Cheapest option | Most comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~18 km | Metro Line 14 + one change | Metro Line 14 | Private transfer |
Understanding the Orly → Gare du Nord Route
Orly is located in the Val-de-Marne to the south of Paris, and Gare du Nord is in the 10th arrondissement on the Right Bank towards the top of the city; the journey therefore goes right through Paris in a north-south direction, rather than going round the city as one might do when travelling from Orly to the suburbs.
When taking the road, drivers generally take the A106 from the airport, join the A6a and then drive on the Boulevard Périphérique before leaving near either Porte de la Chapelle or Porte d'Aubervilliers for the final part of the journey into the 10th. The most problematic section is usually the Périphérique itself, not the roads leading from the airport—both Porte d'Italie and Porte de la Chapelle experience heavy backing up during the weekday rush hour.
There was no direct rail connection at all up to June 2024 – passengers had to change trains at least once. That situation has now been altered. Metro Line 14 now runs without stopping between Orly and central Paris, eliminating the previous route via Orlyval to Antony for most travellers.
Your Transfer Options, One by One
Here there is a fairly predictable compromise between price and comfort — while public transport is the cheapest, it requires the most from you and your luggage, whereas a private transfer or taxi costs more but returns to you the time you had lost.
Metro Line 14 (Direct to Châtelet)
The new setting, and for that very good reason.
The 14th line was extended to Orly in June 2024, which completely altered this route. The driverless metro runs without stopping from Orly Airport station to Châtelet-Les Halles in around 25 minutes; to get to Gare du Nord, you'll have to make one change—onto either the RER B or Métro 4—and this will add about 10 minutes, including the walk between platforms.
- Time: around 35–40 minutes door-to-door, traffic-independent
- Price: € per person, single-ticket fare (free with a Navigo Zones 1–5 pass)
- Luggage: fine for a carry-on or one suitcase; escalators exist but expect stairs at some interchanges
Pros:
- Genuinely fast and frequent, even during rush hour
- No exposure to Périphérique traffic
- Runs later than the old Orlyval — last trains leave Orly close to 00:30 (01:30 on Fridays and Saturdays)
Cons:
- Still one change required, not fully direct to Gare du Nord
- Stations can be a hike from arrivals at busier terminals
- Not ideal with three or four large suitcases and kids in tow
For a single traveller who is carrying only a backpack, this really is the simplest way to go—there's no need to think about it too much.
You can check official train schedules and connections on the SNCF timetable page
Private Transfer with Top Paris Transfer
There's no need for changes, no waiting in a queue, and no need to guess which platform it is.
A private driver will meet you at the arrivals hall—whether you have an international or a domestic flight, in the case of international flights it will be Orly 4 and for domestic flights Orly 1-2-3—having your name on a placard and then taking you straight to the forecourt of Gare du Nord on either Rue de Dunkerque or Rue de Maubeuge, depending on which route suits your next connection.
- Time: 25–45 minutes depending on traffic
- Price: €€, quoted per vehicle rather than per person
- Luggage: as much as fits — the vehicle is sized to your group before you book
Pros:
- Fixed price agreed before you land, whatever the traffic does
- Flight tracked, so a delayed landing doesn't cost you the booking
- One vehicle for the whole group, which usually beats stacking train tickets for a family of four
Cons:
- Costs more than public transport for a solo traveller
- Still subject to road traffic, unlike the metro
- Requires booking ahead rather than walking up
For a family who have to catch a Eurostar, this is the choice which eliminates the most risk – you don't risk your connection on an RER interchange.
Taxi
The price is predictable, but the cost for waiting in the queue is your patience.
Paris taxis charge a fixed rate which is regulated and applies to this type of journey, so you know the price before getting in—there are no surprises due to traffic or a longer route. Since Gare du Nord is on the Right Bank, this trip is subject to the higher of the two fares applicable to the Orly zone, and this sometimes catches travellers out when they compare their experience with a friend going to a hotel on the Left Bank.
- Time: 25–45 minutes, longer at peak hours
- Price: €€€, flat rate regardless of traffic (Right Bank rate applies)
- Luggage: generally two to three suitcases per standard taxi
Pros:
- Fixed, regulated fare — no metering surprises
- Available on demand at the rank, no app or booking needed
- Straightforward if you land exhausted and just want a car
Cons:
- Costs more than a private transfer for the same door-to-door service on this specific route
- Taxi queues at Orly can run long during peak arrival banks
- No flight tracking, so a delay is your problem, not the driver's
Orlybus + RER B or Métro 4
Is okay when carrying a backpack but not when carrying a suitcase.
The Orlybus goes from the airport to Denfert-Rochereau, where you can transfer to the RER B or Métro line 4 toward Gare du Nord; this is the standard cheap option and was established long before the extension of line 14.
- Time: around 55–70 minutes including the change
- Price: €, cheapest multi-leg option
- Luggage: manageable for one bag; the stairs at Denfert-Rochereau are not fun with a large suitcase
Pros:
- Cheap and runs frequently
- No dependency on Périphérique traffic for the bus leg
- Direct bus connection avoids Orlyval altogether
Cons:
- Two changes make it the slowest realistic option now that Line 14 exists
- Denfert-Rochereau's connecting corridors involve real stairs
- Not recommended with young children and multiple bags
Ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt)
In practice, an Uber or a Bolt from Orly is similar to a taxi since it picks up passengers in the airport's designated ride-hailing area rather than at the taxi rank.
- Time: 25–45 minutes, traffic-dependent
- Price: €€, though surge pricing can push it toward taxi levels during busy periods
- Luggage: depends on the vehicle class you select
Pros:
- Price shown upfront in the app before you confirm
- No taxi rank queue
- Choice of vehicle size for groups
Cons:
- Surge pricing during rush hour or big arrival waves can erase the savings
- Pickup point can be a longer walk than the taxi rank
- No fixed regulated fare the way official taxis have
Orlyval + RER B via Antony
It still functions, but line 14 has mostly taken over.
For many years the standard rail route has been the automated Orlyval shuttle to Antony, followed by a direct RER B train all the way to Gare du Nord; it remains a valid alternative, especially as it departs from a different section of the terminal than Line 14.
- Time: around 45 minutes including the change at Antony
- Price: €, similar to Line 14
- Luggage: manageable, though Antony's platforms involve stairs
Pros:
- Reliable, long-established route
- RER B runs straight through to Gare du Nord without a second change
- Useful if your terminal is closer to the Orlyval station than the Line 14 platform
Cons:
- Orlyval stops running at 23:35 — noticeably earlier than Line 14's last trains
- One more change than the Line 14 route for most travellers
- No longer the fastest option now that Line 14 exists
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Option | Door-to-door time | Price level | Luggage | Transfers needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 14 | 35–40 min | € | Moderate | 1 change | Solo travellers, light packers |
| Private transfer | 25–45 min | €€ | Generous | None | Families, Eurostar connections |
| Taxi | 25–45 min | €€€ | Good | None | Travellers wanting simplicity |
| Orlybus + RER B/M4 | 55–70 min | € | Limited | 1 change | Budget solo travellers |
| Ride-hailing | 25–45 min | €€ | Depends on car | None | Travellers with the app already set up |
| Orlyval + RER B | ~45 min | € | Moderate | 1 change | Backup after Orlybus queues, daytime only |
Which of the options is right for you? (Select according to your type of traveller)
If you are connecting with Eurostar or Thalys, make sure to include a real buffer since the Eurostar check-in at Gare du Nord is not immediate. Should your connection time be less than two hours, it is best to arrange a private transfer with flight tracking.
For families with young children travelling with luggage: skip the Orlybus and the RER. Instead, choose a private transfer that includes a child seat so the whole group can travel in a single vehicle, rather than moving pushchairs through Denfert-Rochereau.
As for people on a tight budget: Metro Line 14 is hard to beat nowadays since it's fast, cheap, and requires only one change.
If you're considering four or more people, work out the figures before concluding that the train is cheaper. The cost of four Line 14 tickets can end up being almost equal to the per-vehicle rate for a private transfer, and the transfer bypasses the interchange altogether.
For business travellers: the Line 14 is a good option when you're travelling with only light luggage and know the city; if your call goes on until the plane touches the ground, then a transfer will allow you to continue working in the car.
For arrivals between late at night and early in the morning: since Orlyval closes at 23:35, you will have to use line 14 or a taxi/transfer if you arrive after that time – make sure you arrange your travel accordingly.
The Case for Booking a Private Transfer with Top Paris Transfer
When looking at the cost on a per-person basis, the option of transfer is generally the more favourable one once the total has been calculated; buying four Line 14 tickets separately is nearly equivalent in cost to what a private car would cost for the same four people — and that's not even taking into account the trouble anyone would have in dragging a suitcase down a flight of stairs at a Paris interchange.
The driver will track your flight, so if there is a delay at Orly, your booking won't be cancelled, and you won't have to pay for a missed flight. They will be waiting in the arrival hall—international flights at Orly 4 and domestic ones at Orly 1-2-3—with a name board so they can take your luggage and drive off immediately. Child seats are available upon request; the car is entirely yours, and available day and night, including during the early hours when Orlyval has already ceased operation.
Envision a family of four arriving at Orly 4 at 21:00, having booked a Thalys ticket to Brussels for 22:45; the Orlybus-RER combination would use up all of their buffer time, whereas if they had booked a transfer in advance they would be at the forecourt of Gare du Nord with some extra time to spare and their bags already out of the boot.
👉 Book a private transfer from Orly Airport to Gare du Nord with Top Paris Transfer: the price is fixed, and the driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall.
When to Travel: Traffic & Timing on This Route
The morning peak (approximately between 07:30 and 09:30) has the greatest effect on the Périphérique around Porte d'Italie and Porte de la Chapelle, increasing travel time on any road route. During midday the situation is generally smooth—this is therefore the ideal time if your timetable permits. The evening peak (from 17:00 to 19:30) is exactly the reverse of the morning peak, the same bottlenecks operating in the opposite direction.
There is also a problem that occurs at certain times of the year: during late July and continuing into August, the changeover between holidays known as "chassés-croisés" causes a heavy volume of traffic to use the A6a corridor as people from Paris head south for the summer, which can considerably slow down that section of the road even outside of normal rush hours.
What This Route Really Costs (Including the Costs Nobody Mentions)
When it comes to price per person, public transport (€) comes out ahead, but this benefit disappears quickly when travelling in a group—since you're charged per person rather than per vehicle, four tickets end up costing more than most people anticipate. With a private transfer (€€), the fare is charged per vehicle, and this becomes the better value when three or more of you are travelling. A taxi (€€€) is the most expensive option here because Gare du Nord is subject to the Right Bank flat rate, which is the more expensive of the two Orly zone rates.
There are some hidden costs to be aware of: an additional charge may apply to certain services if you have extra luggage, there is a call-out charge when arranging a taxi on the spot (rather than booking it in advance), and Eurostar's own check-in and security queue at Gare du Nord takes up more time than most people allow for. These charges don't appear in headline fare comparisons.
For an average group of four, a private transfer is generally cheaper per person than purchasing four individual train tickets when you take into account the convenience of not having to change trains with your bags.
Mistakes to Avoid on the Orly → Gare du Nord Journey
Supposing that there is still no direct train. This was the case before June 2024; although Line 14 has altered the situation, you will still have to make one change if you want to get specifically to Gare du Nord—do not expect a continuous journey.
Since you are catching a late flight and planning to go to Orlyval, it should be noted that the service stops at 23:35; if your arrival is after that hour you will have to use Line 14, a taxi, or make a transfer — not the previous rail route.
If we're taking a Eurostar or Thalys connection, booking international check-in at Gare du Nord isn't quick, and delays will build up if the journey from Orly to Paris is delayed.
Taking someone's terminal for pickup. Orly 1-2-3 and Orly 4 are different buildings — make sure you have confirmed which one applies before booking any transfer or setting up a meeting point.
If you are taking the Orlybus-RER combination and have a lot of luggage, the stairs at Denfert-Rochereau are really awkward when using a large suitcase; it's a suitable route for a backpacker but not for a family's amount of bags.
While ride-hailing is usually cheap, surge pricing during busy arrival periods or rush hour can bring an Uber or Bolt fare up to—or even beyond—the regulated taxi rate.
FAQ
Is there a direct train running from Orly Airport to Gare du Nord?
It's not completely direct, but it's pretty close: the Metro Line 14 goes continuously from Orly to Châtelet-Les Halles, after which you can make a quick change onto the RER B or Metro 4 to get to Gare du Nord.
What is the fare for a taxi from Orly Airport to Gare du Nord?
For this route, official taxis in Paris charge a regulated fixed fare (€€€), since the Right Bank rate applies because Gare du Nord is situated north of the Seine and therefore the fare is more expensive than the Left Bank rate given for other central addresses.
How can one get from Orly Airport to Gare du Nord most quickly?
The 14th metro line is the quickest public transport option, taking about 35 to 40 minutes door to door; outside rush hour, a private transfer or taxi can match or beat this time, since neither requires a change of stations.
Is the Metro Line 14 an improvement on the old Orlyval route?
Yes, for most travellers. It is quicker, operates later at night, and omits the Antony junction—although Orlyval to RER B remains a reasonable alternative during the day.
What is the time taken to travel from Orly Airport to Gare du Nord?
Allow 35 to 45 minutes for Line 14 or a private transfer, up to 70 minutes for the Orlybus-RER combination, and be prepared for road options to be slower during rush hour.
Is a private transfer worth it for a solo traveller?
Honestly, not always. If you're travelling light and comfortable with one change, Line 14 does the job for less. Transfers earn their price with groups, luggage, or a tight onward connection.
What time does Orlyval stop running?
23:35. If you land later than that, you'll need Line 14, a taxi, or a pre-booked transfer instead.
