A Paris airport transfer is the first impression of your stay. After a long flight, the last thing you want is to queue for a taxi, work out the train network with heavy luggage or negotiate a fare in a language you don’t speak. Paris has three main airports for international travellers: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to the north-east, Orly to the south and Beauvais, about 85 kilometres to the north, used mainly by low-cost airlines. This guide explains how a private Paris airport transfer works, from landing to the door of your hotel, and what to share when you book.
How a private Paris airport transfer works
Before you fly
When you book, you give us your flight number, your hotel and the number of passengers and bags. The day before, you receive your driver’s details. If someone else is booking for you, such as an assistant, a travel agent or your hotel concierge, the confirmation can be sent to both of you.
When you land
Your driver tracks your flight and adjusts to the actual landing time, so a delay does not cost you anything extra in stress. After passport control and baggage claim, you meet your driver in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name, or at a meeting point agreed by message. Your driver helps with the luggage and walks you to the car.
On the road
Depending on traffic and your hotel’s location, the drive from CDG to central Paris usually takes between 45 minutes and over an hour; from Orly, often a little less. From Beauvais, allow around an hour and a half. The price of your Paris airport transfer is fixed before you confirm: there is no meter running in traffic jams.
Choosing the right airport guide
Each airport has its own layout. We have written detailed guides for each:
- Charles de Gaulle: terminals 1, 2 (halls A to G) and 3, with meeting points that vary by terminal. See our CDG guide (in French).
- Orly: a single connected terminal with several zones.
- Beauvais: compact, with two terminals close together, but far from the city; see our Beauvais guide.
- Le Bourget: for private and business aviation.
Arriving from outside the Schengen area
The European Entry/Exit System (EES), rolled out progressively at Schengen external borders from October 2025, registers non-EU travellers on their first entry, which can add time at passport control. We explain what changes for travellers in our EES arrival guide. Your Paris airport transfer is not affected: the driver waits in the arrivals hall, and a quick message once you have your bags is all it takes.
Which vehicle for your Paris airport transfer
- Business sedan (Mercedes E-Class or similar): up to 3 passengers and 2 large bags.
- Prestige sedan (Mercedes S-Class or similar): more space and comfort for a quiet ride.
- Business van (Mercedes V-Class): up to 7 passengers and 7 bags, ideal for families and small groups.
If in doubt, choose the larger vehicle. An extra suitcase that doesn’t fit is the most common problem with airport pick-ups.
Travelling with children
French law requires a child restraint suited to each child’s height and weight. Tell us the age of each child when you book and the right seats will be installed before pick-up.
Hotel arrival tips
Early arrivals
Many transatlantic flights land early in the morning, long before the usual check-in time. Ask your hotel in advance whether early check-in is possible, or whether you can leave your luggage and freshen up. Some travellers book an hourly service instead of a simple Paris airport transfer: the driver takes them for breakfast or a first drive through the city while the room is being prepared.
Arriving late at night
For late-night arrivals, give the hotel your expected arrival time so that reception is ready. Your driver will drop you at the entrance and bring the luggage to the door.
Staying outside the centre
If your hotel is in La Défense, near Disneyland Paris or in Versailles, the journey time and price will differ. Mention the exact address so that the quote is accurate.
Getting the timing right for departures
For the return journey, work backwards from the time your airline closes check-in or bag drop, not from the departure time. Add the time needed for security, which varies with the season and the terminal, then the drive with a margin for traffic. Weekday mornings and Friday afternoons are the busiest on the motorways leading to CDG and Orly. When you book, we suggest a pick-up time that takes all of this into account, and your driver confirms it the day before.
Very early flights
For a departure before 8am, a pick-up between 4am and 5:30am is common. Roads are clear at that hour, but it helps to have your bags ready the night before and to settle your hotel bill in the evening. Many hotels can prepare a breakfast box on request.
Connecting between two airports
Travellers sometimes land at Orly and fly out from CDG on the same day, or arrive by Eurostar and continue by plane. A direct transfer between the two is often the simplest option: one pick-up, luggage loaded once, and a driver who knows the terminals at both ends.
Booking for guests and clients
Companies, event organisers and hotels often book a Paris airport transfer for their guests. Give us the guest’s name as it should appear on the sign, their phone number with country code, the flight number and the destination. One contact person for billing is enough.
Frequently asked questions
What if my flight is cancelled or diverted?
Let us know as soon as possible so that we can adjust the booking.
Can the driver stop on the way?
Yes, if it is arranged when booking, for example to pick up a colleague.
Do you also do the return trip?
Yes. Book both directions at once; for departures, we suggest a pick-up time with a safe margin before check-in closes.
In short
A private Paris airport transfer means a name board in the arrivals hall, a driver who follows your flight, the right car for your luggage and a fixed price. Discover our airport transfers and book your Paris airport transfer online.
