Getting to Opera Garnier from Orly Airport (2026): All Routes Explained
The easiest public transport route from Orly to Opera Garnier is the Orlyval shuttle to Antony, then RER B to Châtelet–Les Halles, then RER A one stop to Auber — total journey approximately 45–55 minutes, costing around €15.50. A taxi from Orly to the Right Bank has a fixed rate of €35, taking 30–45 minutes off-peak. Orly is closer to central Paris than CDG, which makes all options faster and generally cheaper.
Orly Airport sits about 14 km south of central Paris — closer than CDG and, as a result, cheaper and faster to travel from. For visitors arriving at Orly who are heading to Opera Garnier, the journey is manageable whichever option you choose, though the public transport route does require two connections.
Option 1: Orlyval + RER B + RER A — Cheapest Route
From Orly Airport, take the Orlyval automated shuttle from either terminal (Orly 1 or Orly 4) to Antony station. At Antony, board the RER B towards Paris (direction CDG or Mitry — either direction through central Paris). Ride to Châtelet–Les Halles (approximately 25 minutes from Antony). Change to the RER A and take one stop to Auber. Exit Auber onto Rue Auber and Opera Garnier is 2 minutes on foot. Total journey: 45–55 minutes. Cost: approximately €15.50 per person (2026 combined Orlyval + RER fare).
Step by step:
- From Orly Terminal 1 (Orly Ouest) or Terminal 4 (Orly Sud), follow signs for Orlyval / RER B. The Orlyval is an automated driverless shuttle; boarding points are clearly signed from both terminals.
- Purchase a combined Orlyval + RER B ticket to Paris. Cost: approximately €15.50 per person (includes both legs). Available at machines at the Orlyval station. Under-4s travel free.
- Take the Orlyval to Antony station (approximately 8 minutes).
- At Antony, board the RER B towards Paris (direction Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle or Mitry — any service passing through Paris centre is valid). Ride to Châtelet–Les Halles (approximately 25 minutes).
- At Châtelet–Les Halles, follow signs for RER A (red line). Board direction Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Cergy, or Poissy.
- Ride one stop to Auber.
- Exit Auber via the Rue Auber / Opéra exit. Opera Garnier’s facade is directly visible ahead — 2 minutes on foot.
Pros: Cheapest option. Reliable service, runs every 7–8 minutes during the day.
Cons: Requires two connections (Orlyval to RER B, RER B to RER A) and the Châtelet–Les Halles interchange. With heavy luggage or young children, the connections add friction. The Orlyval itself is fine — modern, automated, and clean — but the Châtelet transfer can be chaotic.
Frequency: Orlyval runs every 7–8 minutes (04:00–23:30 daily). The RER B from Antony runs every 10–12 minutes.
Option 2: Metro Line 14 Extension — Simpler Alternative (from 2024)
The Paris Metro Line 14 was extended south to Orly Airport in 2024, providing a direct connection from Orly into central Paris without the Orlyval connection. This route is increasingly the preferred option over the Orlyval for simplicity.
Route: Board Metro Line 14 at Aéroport d’Orly station (Terminal 1 or Terminal 4, connected by free shuttle within the airport). Ride north towards Saint-Denis Pleyel. For Opera Garnier, alight at Saint-Lazare and take Metro Line 3 (direction Gallieni) to Opéra — or continue to Châtelet and take RER A to Auber.
Cost: Standard zones 1–4 ticket, approximately €3.80. Significantly cheaper than the Orlyval combination.
Journey time: 40–50 minutes depending on interchange option.
Pros: Single line from the airport to central Paris, no Orlyval connection, lower cost than the classic route.
Cons: The Line 14 route to Opéra requires a change — it’s not a single ride all the way. Check live RATP maps on the day for the most efficient interchange.
Option 3: Le Bus Direct (Airport Coach) — No-Change Option
Le Bus Direct Line 1 runs from Orly Airport to central Paris stops including Opéra–Palais Royal (directly adjacent to Opera Garnier).
Cost: Approximately €13–€14 one-way per adult. Under-4s free.
Journey time: 50–70 minutes depending on traffic. The route runs through the southern and central Paris neighbourhoods with multiple stops.
Pros: Direct to Opéra stop, no metro changes, comfortable coaches with luggage hold. Good option for families or visitors with large bags who find metro connections stressful.
Cons: Traffic-dependent. Peak hours can add significant journey time. Slower than metro options in clear conditions.
Boarding: Le Bus Direct boards from designated stops at Orly Terminal 1 and Terminal 4. Follow airport signage for “Le Bus Direct / Cars Air France.”
Option 4: Taxi — Fixed Rate, Most Comfortable
Fixed-rate taxis from Orly to central Paris have applied since 2024:
- Right Bank (including 9th arrondissement / Opera Garnier): €35 daytime, €41 night rate (varies slightly by final destination within the Right Bank)
- Journey time: 30–45 minutes off-peak; up to 60 minutes in peak traffic
Finding taxis at Orly: Follow “Taxis” signage to the official rank at each terminal. As with CDG, do not accept private offers inside the terminal.
Uber/rideshare: Available from Orly from a designated pickup zone. Check the app for pickup instructions and current pricing. During surges or bad weather, prices can exceed taxi rates.
When taxis make sense: For two or more people, the taxi fixed rate divided per person is often comparable to two individual transport fares, and the stress reduction with luggage is significant. For a solo traveller, the public transport options are considerably cheaper.
Option 5: Private Transfer
A pre-booked private transfer from Orly meets you at arrivals, handles luggage, and delivers you directly to Opera Garnier or your hotel. For groups of three or more, families, or visitors arriving after a long-haul connection who simply want a stress-free start to their Paris trip, this is worth serious consideration.
Journey Time & Cost Comparison
| Option | Journey Time | Cost (per person) | Luggage Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlyval + RER B + RER A | 45–55 min | ~€15.50 | ⚠️ Manageable |
| Metro Line 14 + change | 40–50 min | ~€3.80 | ✅ Good |
| Le Bus Direct (Line 1) | 50–70 min | ~€13–14 | ✅ Easy |
| Taxi (fixed rate) | 30–45 min | €35–41 (vehicle) | ✅ Easy |
| Private Transfer | 30–45 min | €60–100 (vehicle) | ✅ Best |
Orly vs CDG: Which Airport Is Better for Opera Garnier?
Orly is the better airport for Opera Garnier visitors. It’s 11 km closer to central Paris, all transport options are faster and cheaper, and the fixed taxi rate (€35 vs €56 from CDG) makes the cab option considerably more accessible. If you have a choice of which Paris airport to use, Orly is the clear winner for this part of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Orly to Opera Garnier?
By public transport (Orlyval + RER B + RER A): approximately 45–55 minutes. By Metro Line 14 plus a change: approximately 40–50 minutes. By taxi: 30–45 minutes off-peak. By Le Bus Direct: 50–70 minutes. Orly is consistently faster to reach Opera Garnier from than CDG.
What is the cheapest way from Orly to Opera Garnier?
Metro Line 14 to central Paris and then a standard metro journey costs approximately €3.80 total — the cheapest option since Line 14 was extended to Orly in 2024. The classic Orlyval + RER route costs approximately €15.50 but remains widely used. A taxi costs €35–€41 for the whole vehicle.
Is there a direct bus from Orly to Opera Garnier?
Le Bus Direct Line 1 runs from Orly to the Opéra–Palais Royal stop, which is a 3-minute walk from Opera Garnier — no changes required. Cost approximately €13–€14. Journey time 50–70 minutes depending on traffic.
How much is a taxi from Orly to Opera Garnier?
The fixed rate from Orly to the Right Bank of Paris (where Opera Garnier is located) is €35 daytime and approximately €41 at night. This covers the whole vehicle. For two or more people, the per-person cost is competitive with or cheaper than public transport options.
Can I use my Paris Navigo card from Orly?
A standard zones 1–2 Navigo Day Pass or monthly card is not valid on the Orlyval. You need a separate Orlyval ticket (or the combined Orlyval + RER ticket) for the airport connection. Metro Line 14 from Orly requires a zones 1–4 ticket (approximately €3.80), which is valid on most Navigo configurations that include zone 4. Check your pass coverage before travel.
