Orlybus Is Dead: Your New Way Into Paris
The beloved shuttle ran for 60 years—now Metro Line 14 takes the wheel.
The Rise and Fall of a Paris Classic
Picture this: a long, accordion-style Orlybus rumbling through Paris’s southern ‘suburbs’, stuffed with sweaty, jet-lagged tourists and chatty locals, all bound for Orly Airport (ORY) or going the other way to the bustling Denfert-Rochereau square in the 14th arrondissement.
For over six decades, this budget-friendly shuttle was a rite of passage for visitors dodging the pricier trek from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) up north. Bus drivers, often fluent in broken English, answered passenger question, offering a warm Parisian welcome.
But times have changed. By January 2025, Orlybus was a ghost of its former self, carrying just 67,000 riders—barely 10 per trip—while over 800,000 flocked to the shiny new Metro Line 14. The metro’s swift 25-minute dash to metro Châtelet in central Paris, dodging traffic jams, left the old bus in the dust. As of March 3, 2025, Orlybus is officially retired, ending an era that once saw 150 passengers at a time cram aboard on peak days.
A Shutdown That’s Stirring Debate
Not everyone’s cheering. Locals loved Orlybus for its simplicity—no escalators, no crowded platforms, just a straight shot from street to terminal. Elderly travelers, especially, mourn the loss of a stair-free ride. “The metro’s fast, but try hauling a suitcase up those stairs,” one Parisian grumbled on Twitter last week.
The timing’s raised eyebrows too. Critics argue that the shutdown is premature. Metro Line 14 is still undergoing construction work and in August 2025, temporary replacement buses will be required during planned disruptions. Transport advocates have also called for Orlyval to be included in the Navigo pass to provide a more affordable alternative.
What’s Next for Orly’s Transport System?
With Orlybus now gone, attention turns to Orlyval. This small, automated train linking Orly to RER B at Antony is also seeing a decline in usage, with a 60% drop in ridership compared to 2024. Transport officials are now studying whether to keep Orlyval running long-term or replace it with a more integrated system.
Meanwhile, the Grand Paris Express Line 18, expected in 2027, will further improve airport access, connecting Orly to Massy and other key hubs.
What Are Your Best Transport Options Now?
If you’re arriving at Orly Airport (ORY) and wondering how to reach central Paris without Orlybus, here are your best alternatives:
1. Metro Line 14: Fast, Direct, and Now the Default Choice
Route: Orly Airport to metro station Châtelet (central Paris).
Time: About 25 minutes
Frequency: Trains run every 3-5 minutes.
Cost: A one-way ticket costs €13 for adults (Children 4-9, €6.50) plus €2 extra if you don’t have a Navio Easy card.
Pros: Fastest and most reliable option, avoids traffic.
Cons: Lugging bags up stairs or escalators can test your stamina.
2. Taxis: Best for Convenience
Time: 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Frequency: Plentiful, but lines during peak tourist times can be long.
Cost: Fixed fare of €36 (Left Bank) or €45 (Right Bank) for taxis.
Pros: Door-to-door service, ideal for groups or heavy packers.
Cons: Pricey, and rush hour can stall you.
3. Orlyval + RER B: A Backup Option
Route: Orlyval light rail to Antony station, then transfer to RER B to metro station Châtelet (central Paris)..
Time: About 35-40 minutes
Cost: €13 (Same as Metro 14).
Pros: Alternative if Line 14 is disrupted.
Cons: Two trains, one ticket, and a bit of a maze if you don’t speak French.
Parting Tips for Paris Newcomers
Orlybus may be a memory, but Paris’s transport web keeps spinning. Metro Line 14 is your safest bet—fast, reliable, and tourist-friendly. ALWAYS pack as lightly as possible. In Paris, you never know when you might have to schlep your bags up flights of stairs.
For me, I think it’s great that we can now take the “metro” to Orly Airport. For my French husband, he complains that we now only have one option: despite the fact that, before line 14’s extension to Orly, we only had one option. Alas, the French will complain about any/every thing. 🫢 🤠