What time should I leave Paris for a flight from CDG or Orly?
Short answer
Add three times together: how early to be at the airport (2 hours for short and medium-haul, 3 hours for long-haul), the drive (about 45 minutes to CDG, 30 minutes to Orly outside rush hour) and a margin of 15 to 30 minutes. The price does not change with the time of day: €115 to CDG in an E-Class.
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| Flight | Be at the airport by | Drive | Leave Paris |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDG, short or medium-haul | 10am (2 hours before) | about 45 min | around 9am |
| CDG, long-haul | 9am (3 hours before) | about 45 min | around 8am |
| Orly, short or medium-haul | 10am (2 hours before) | about 30 min | around 9.15am |
| Orly, long-haul | 9am (3 hours before) | about 30 min | around 8.15am |
How long before the flight should I be at the airport?
Paris Aéroport, which runs CDG and Orly, recommends arriving 2 hours before take-off for short and medium-haul flights and 3 hours before for long-haul; Air France gives the same guide (2 hours within France and Europe, 3 hours for international flights). These times cover bag drop, security and, outside the Schengen area, passport control. Your airline may ask for more: its check-in deadline, shown on your booking, always comes first. With children, someone with reduced mobility or a lot of hold luggage, add half an hour to these times. At CDG the terminals are far apart, so check yours before you leave: it is shown on your booking or in your airline's app, and your chauffeur needs it for the drop-off.
How long is the drive from Paris?
Between central Paris and CDG, allow about 45 minutes, longer at rush hour; between central Paris and Orly, about 30 minutes, or 40 to 50 minutes at rush hour (7–9am, 5–8pm). A very early start, before 7am, usually enjoys clear roads; a Friday late afternoon or the day before a long weekend needs more margin. From western Paris or La Défense, Orly and CDG are further than from the centre: give us your exact address and we will work out the time with you. The price stays fixed, tolls and fuel included, even if traffic makes the drive longer, so a generous margin costs you nothing extra.
How is the pick-up time set?
When booking, give us your flight number and departure time. We agree the pick-up time with you based on your address, the time of day and the deadline set by your airline. Your chauffeur is outside your address 15 minutes before the agreed time and waits 15 minutes free of charge; come down on time with your bags ready. You receive the chauffeur's name and phone number no later than 1 hour before pick-up. If anything changes, such as a new flight time or an extra suitcase, tell us before the chauffeur sets off and the time is adjusted free of charge. At the airport, your chauffeur drops you in front of your airline's terminal, as close as possible to the departures entrance, and helps unload your luggage.
Does a 5am departure cost more?
No. Transfers run at any hour at the same fixed price per vehicle: €115 between Paris and CDG and €95 between Paris and Orly in an E-Class; €159 and €135 in a V-Class. There is no surcharge at night, on Sundays or on public holidays. For a very early flight, book the day before at the latest: online booking closes 2 hours before pick-up; after that, call +33 (0)1 58 96 39 43 or message us on WhatsApp at +33 7 69 70 00 20. A booking made online during the night is recorded and confirmed by email as soon as it is paid.
Main page: CDG airport transfer
Frequently asked questions
Do I need more time for a flight outside the Schengen area?
Yes: passport control comes on top. Allow 3 hours before a long-haul flight, and always follow your airline's check-in deadline.
Does the price change if the roads are busy?
No. The price is set when you book: €95 between Paris and Orly in an E-Class, however long the drive actually takes.
Can I pay the chauffeur on the day?
No. The full fare is paid when you book, online by card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Companies can pay by bank transfer within 30 days of invoice. Any waiting beyond the free 60 minutes is charged after the ride, and your invoice is emailed to you.
What are the cancellation terms?
Under our terms and conditions (article 5): cancel more than 48 hours before pick-up and 80% is refunded; 24 to 48 hours, 50%; 6 to 24 hours, 25%; less than 6 hours or no-show, no refund. Changing the date, time or address is free as long as we hear from you before the chauffeur sets off.
Sources for the facts quoted
- Paris Aéroport: arrive 2 hours before take-off for short-haul flights, 3 hours for long-haul — https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/flight-preparation/check-in (checked on )
- Air France: 3 hours before an international flight, 2 hours before a flight within France or Europe — https://wwws.airfrance.fr/information/aeroport/quand-arriver (checked on )
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