Air Travel: Montmartre

Airports and Connections

Major Airports

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Main international airport, handles most long-haul and intercontinental flights. One of Europe's busiest.
Paris Orly Airport (ORY): Second-largest, serves mainly domestic, European, and North African routes.

Flight Information

All major international airlines fly to CDG. Orly handles European budget airlines and traditional carriers.
CDG direct flights from major global hubs (North America, Asia, Africa, Europe). Orly offers many direct connections within Europe and North Africa.
Flight prices are highest during summer (June-August) and major holidays (Christmas, Easter). Shoulder seasons offer better value. Booking in advance is recommended.

Airport Facilities & Services

All Parisian airports offer a range of facilities for travelers. Expect duty-free shopping, a variety of restaurants and cafes, car rental desks, currency exchange services, and Wi-Fi access. Both CDG and ORY have hotels within or very close to the airport complex, good for early departures or late arrivals.

Transfer Options from Airports to Montmartre

From CDG: RER B train to Gare du Nord (~30-35 mins, €11.80), then Metro Line 4 to Barbes-Rochechouart, Line 2 to Anvers/Pigalle.
From CDG: Roissybus to Opéra (~60-75 mins, €16.60), then Metro Line 7 to Cadet, Line 12 to Abbesses.
From CDG: Taxis/Ride-Share have flat rates to Right Bank (Montmartre) ~€55-€62. From Orly: ~€35-€41. Pre-book a Private airport transfer service.

Orlyval + RER B

From Orly, take Orlyval light rail to Antony station, then RER B to Gare du Nord (~35 mins total, ~€14.50).

Orlybus

From Orly, express bus to Denfert-Rochereau (~30 mins, ~€11.20), then Metro Line 4 to Barbes-Rochechouart, Line 2 to Anvers/Pigalle.

Paris Beauvais Airport

Serves low-cost carriers (e.g., Ryanair). Located ~80km (50 miles) north of Paris.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

France has an extensive high-speed rail network, the TGV.
National connections to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg.
International connections to London (Eurostar), Brussels/Amsterdam (Thalys) at Gare du Nord.
Major train stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, etc.) all connect to the Metro.

Bus Options & Self-Driving

Long-distance bus companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer budget-friendly services.
Driving in central Paris, including Montmartre, is not recommended due to heavy traffic, limited/expensive parking, and complex navigation.
Paris has low-emission zones (ZFE) requiring Crit'Air stickers. Rental cars usually have them.
A GPS device for Europe is useful for regional travel outside Paris.

Road Conditions & Safety

Well-maintained Roads

French roads are generally in good condition, supporting comfortable travel.

Strict Speed Limits

Be aware of and adhere to strict speed limits. Numerous speed cameras exist across the country.

Urban Driving Complexity

Avoid driving in the city center; public transport is a better option.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

Montmartre and Paris are inland, so direct sea or river arrivals are not relevant for international travel into the city.

Coastal Ports

Major ferry ports like Calais and Le Havre serve routes from the UK.
Marseille serves Mediterranean cruise lines.
These ports require onward land travel to Paris.

River Transportation Options

River cruises on the Seine operate within Paris for sightseeing purposes. They do not serve as a means of arrival into the city from outside.

Within Paris

Scenic river cruises on the Seine are available.
They offer views of Parisian landmarks from the river.
These cruises are for tourism, not for inter-city travel.

Departure Information

Prepare for your departure from Paris to support a smooth and efficient exit.

Departure Procedures & Timing

For international flights, arrive at CDG or ORY at least 2-3 hours before departure. For long-haul outside Schengen, allow 3+ hours.
Allocate extra time for security checks and passport control, especially during peak seasons.
If eligible for VAT refund, arrive earlier to process detaxe forms at the airport.

Airport/Station Facilities

Parisian airports and major train stations offer a range of facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities

Lounges (airline and independent) for relaxation.
Duty-free shopping, fashion boutiques, souvenir stores.
Wide selection of restaurants and cafes.
Baggage services (wrapping), and VAT refund counters.

Reminders for Departure

No separate exit fees or taxes for air travel; they are included in ticket price.
Confirm your flight/train departure terminal and gate well in advance.
Keep all travel documents readily accessible during departure.

Allow sufficient time for unexpected delays at security or customs.
Ensure all valuables are secure before passing through security.
Check flight status before heading to the airport.

Smooth Departure Checklist

Before Leaving Accommodation

A final check ensures nothing is left behind and your departure is hassle-free.

Final Checks

Confirm luggage is packed and within airline weight limits.
Unplug all electronics and turn off lights.
Return any borrowed items or keys.

Travel to Airport/Station

Choose the most appropriate and efficient transport option to reach your departure point.

Transport Planning

Consider RER B or Orlyval + RER B for airport transfers.
Roissybus or Orlybus are express bus options.
Taxis or ride-sharing apps offer direct convenience, with flat rates from airports.

Passport & Visa

Have your passport and any visa documents ready for inspection at customs.

Tickets & Boarding Pass

Confirm your flight/train ticket and boarding pass are accessible, either printed or on your device.

Baggage

Ensure luggage tags are correct and consider baggage wrapping for extra protection.

Final Preparations

Customs & Security

Be ready for customs and security checks by having all necessary documents and items correctly presented.

Checklist

Declare any goods as required.
Place liquids and electronics in separate bins for screening.
Follow all security personnel instructions.

VAT Refund Processing

If you are eligible, allow ample time to process your VAT refund before departure.

Refund Steps

Locate the detaxe kiosk or customs office at the airport.
Scan your tax-free forms or present them to an agent.
Be ready to show purchased items if requested.

Departure Checklist Summary

Document Check

Passport, visa, tickets, travel insurance, emergency contacts.

Baggage & Personal Items

All packed, within limits, valuables secured, carry-on ready.

Airport Arrival

Arrive early, confirm terminal/gate, plan transport.

Final Reminder

Enjoy your memories of Montmartre!

Air Travel