Flying to Disneyland Paris: which airport is the best?

Flying to Disneyland Paris is the start of an amazing adventure, but for many families, the “airport part” feels like a puzzle. With three different airports around Paris, it is easy to get confused about which one is the best for your trip. If you choose the wrong one, you might spend three hours on a bus instead of meeting Mickey Mouse. So which airport is the best to visit Disneyland Paris?

The good news is that once you know the secrets of the Parisian airport system, you can pick the one that fits your budget and your schedule perfectly. Whether you want to save money for extra souvenirs or you want the fastest route to your hotel, there is a right way to do it. This guide is here to show you exactly how to fly into France and get your Disney vacation started without any stress.

Charles de Gaulle: The gateway for speed seekers

Charles de Gaulle, often just called CDG, is the biggest airport in France. Most people flying from big international cities will land here. It is a massive place with many terminals, but it has one secret that makes it the king of Disneyland Paris airports: its own high-speed train station.

Most people walk off their plane and look for a bus. But if you are smart, you will follow the signs for the “Gare SNCF” (the train station) located in Terminal 2. From here, you can hop on a TGV train. This is not a regular slow train; it is a “bullet train.” It only takes about 10 minutes to travel from the airport to the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, which is the station right at the entrance of Disneyland Paris.

Because CDG is so big, it can be a little overwhelming. There are lots of shops and restaurants, which is nice if you have a long wait, but the walking distances can be long. If you land in Terminal 1 or 3, you will need to take a small, free automated train called the CDGVAL to get to the main train station in Terminal 2. It sounds complicated, but it is very well-labeled with blue signs.

Why Charles de Gaulle might be your first choice

• Unmatched speed. No other airport allows you to reach the magic in under 15 minutes. The TGV train is like a pre-Disney ride that gets the vacation started fast.
• Flight variety. Because it is so large, you have the most choices for flight times. If one flight is delayed, there is usually another one leaving shortly after.
• Disney Express luggage service. This is a special service you can book where you drop your bags at the train station, and Disney takes them to your hotel for you. This means you can go straight into the theme parks the moment you get off the train.

Orly: The hidden gem for families

Orly is the second-largest airport, located south of Paris. While it doesn’t have a high-speed bullet train like CDG, many experienced Disney fans prefer it. Why? Because it is much smaller and less “chaotic” than Charles de Gaulle. When you land at Orly, you don’t have to walk for miles to find your bags or your exit.

For families with young children or a lot of strollers, Orly feels more manageable. You can get through security and customs faster, and the airport layout is much simpler to navigate. The distance to Disneyland Paris is about the same as CDG by road (roughly 45 to 60 minutes), but because the airport is smaller, the “airport time” is much shorter.

The best way to get to the magic from Orly is usually the Magical Shuttle bus or a private car. The bus is painted with Disney characters and plays Disney music, which gets the kids excited the moment they board. It leaves frequently and stops at all the major Disney-owned hotels and many partner hotels near the parks.

The best things about choosing Orly

• Less walking. You won’t feel like you’ve run a marathon just getting out of the airport. This is a huge plus if you are carrying tired toddlers.
• Better road connections. Sometimes the traffic from CDG can be very heavy because it shares a road with people commuting into the center of Paris. Orly’s route to Disney is often a bit clearer.
• Modern terminals. Orly has recently been renovated, so it feels very clean, bright, and easy to use.

Beauvais: The budget choice for savvy savers

Beauvais is the “wildcard” of Paris airports. It isn’t actually in Paris; it is about 80 miles away in the countryside. This is where the low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air land. If you find a flight that is €50 cheaper per person than flying to CDG or Orly, Beauvais starts to look like a great deal.

However, you must be careful. Because it is so far away, you will spend more time and money on transportation once you land. There is no direct train to Disneyland Paris from here. Most people take the official airport shuttle bus to the center of Paris and then take a different train to Disney, but that can take 3 hours and is very tiring with luggage.

A better option for Beauvais is to book a private shuttle or a shared van specifically for Disney guests. It will still take about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to get there, but it is door-to-door. If you are a big family, the money you save on the cheap flights can pay for a nice private van, and you might still have money left over for an extra character dinner!

What to consider with Beauvais

• Significant flight savings. If you are flying on a tight budget, the savings here can be massive, especially during school holidays when the big airports are expensive.
• Small and simple. There are only two terminals, and they are tiny. You won’t get lost, and you can see the exit the moment you step off the plane.
• The time trade-off. You are trading time for money. If you only have two days at Disney, don’t fly to Beauvais. If you have a week, the 2-hour drive isn’t such a big deal.

How to choose your best airport transport

Once you have picked your airport, you need to decide how to get to your hotel. Here is a breakdown of the most popular ways to travel so you can pick the one that fits your family’s style.

1. The TGV high-speed train (From CDG only). This is the fastest method. It takes you from the airport to the park gates in about 10 minutes. It is best for couples or families who want to maximize every second of their park time. Just remember to book your tickets in advance because they get more expensive if you buy them on the day.
2. The Magical Shuttle bus. This is a dedicated bus service for Disneyland Paris. It runs from both CDG and Orly. It is great because it is easy—you just walk out of the terminal, get on the bus, and it takes you straight to your hotel. You don’t have to worry about train stations or navigating the metro.
3. Private transfers. This is like having your own personal chauffeur. A driver meets you at the arrivals hall with a sign with your name on it. They help with your bags and drive you directly to your hotel. For a group of 4 to 8 people, this is often the most comfortable and cost-effective choice.
4. Uber or Bolt. You can use ride-sharing apps in Paris. This is often cheaper than a traditional taxi. It works well if you land at a time when the buses aren’t running as often, but be aware that during busy traffic times, the price can go up.
5. The RER train. This is the local commuter train. It is the cheapest way to get from CDG or Orly, but it is not recommended for tourists with lots of bags. You have to change trains in the middle of Paris, which involves a lot of stairs, crowds, and potential confusion. It is better to stick to the shuttle or the high-speed train.

Making the most of your arrival day

No matter which airport you choose, you can make your first day magical by planning ahead. Many people think they have to check into their hotel first, but that isn’t always true. If you use the Disney Express luggage service at the CDG train station, you can drop your bags and be riding Space Mountain within 30 minutes of landing.

If you are landing late at night, consider staying at an airport hotel for your first night. Hotels at CDG or Orly are often much cheaper than Disney hotels. You can get a good night’s sleep and then take the first shuttle to the park in the morning, feeling refreshed and ready to meet your favorite characters.

Flying to Disneyland Paris doesn’t have to be a chore. By picking the airport that matches your needs—whether it’s the lightning-fast TGV from CDG or the easy-going vibe of Orly—you are setting yourself up for a perfect vacation. The magic starts the moment you touch down in France, so choose the path that makes you the happiest!

Alternative to flying to Disneyland Paris

If you’re coming from the UK, you might also want to consider using the Eurostar to enter the magical world of Disneyland Paris. Find out how easy it is!