โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Paris Orly is arranged into two connected terminal zones: Orly 1-2-3 forms a combined building for most Schengen traffic, while Orly 4 (the former South Terminal) handles a mix of Schengen and long-haul leisure flights. The buildings are linked landside and airside by wide corridors, making it possible to walk between all gates without exiting security.
From the central security areas in Orly 1-2-3, walks to the farthest gates generally run 8โ12 minutes; the passage to Orly 4 adds another 5โ7 minutes, aided by moving walkways. Landside, Orlyval and shuttle buses connect the terminals with the RER B and tram stops, and elevators are present at each level change.
Security and passport control are grouped by departure zones, with dedicated Family/Priority and PARAFE biometric eGates to speed flows. Waits average 10โ25 minutes depending on time of day; peak holiday charter waves in Orly 4 can create longer lines, so arriving early is prudent for non-Schengen flights that require both security and immigration.
Arriving non-Schengen passengers clear immigration and customs in their arrival zone before exiting to baggage reclaim; Schengen arrivals proceed directly to baggage claim. Airside transfers between Schengen and non-Schengen gates within Orly require passing through passport control but typically do not need a second security check if you remain in the sterile corridor.
Amenities span multiple lounges (Air France lounges in Orly 3 and Orly 4, Icare Lounge in Orly 1-2-3), extensive dining from Paul bakeries to French bistros, and duty-free shopping in both zones. Family rooms and baby-changing facilities sit near most restrooms, Orly Play areas are located near Gates A and E, and the terminals provide wide corridors, tactile paving, and reserved seating for reduced-mobility travelers.
๐ Connection Tips
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is exceptionally well-connected to central Paris. The most direct connection is the 'OrlyBus,' which departs every 10-15 minutes and reaches the Denfert-Rochereau station (Metro lines 4/6, RER B) in approximately 30 minutes for โฌ11. 20. For rail users, the 'OrlyVal' light rail connects all terminals to the Antony RER B station in 8 minutes.
A significant tip: ensure you have enough time for the transfer between Terminal 1-2-3 and Terminal 4, which are connected by an automated walkway. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Free Now are plentiful at the designated commercial curbs. Arrive at least 2.5 hours early for European flights and 3.
5 hours for international departures to French territories or North Africa. The terminal features world-class dining and extensive duty-free The airport is strongest when the transfer is already tuned to the airport city's traffic and timetable. That makes the airport useful for both the city's business traffic and the coast-side leisure market. For Paris transfers, the OrlyBus, OrlyVal, or a taxi should be chosen before landing, not after baggage claim, because terminal changes and road traffic are what make the airport feel busy on a tight city schedule every time there.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Altiport L'Alpe d'Huez - Henri Giraud (AHZ) is one of the most iconic mountain airfields in the French Alps, situated at an elevation of 1,860 meters within the Isรจre department. Named after the legendary alpine aviation pioneer Henri Giraud, the altiport serves as a specialized gateway for the Alpe d'Huez ski resort. It is famous worldwide for its short, 448-meter asphalt runway which features a significant uphill gradient, requiring pilots to land uphill and take off downhill with no possibility of a go-aroundโa maneuver that demands specialized mountain flight training and certification.
The terminal at the Henri Giraud Altiport is a charming, chalet-style building that perfectly integrates with the surrounding alpine architecture. While compact, the facility provides essential services for private pilots and high-end travelers, including a comfortable lounge area and a professional briefing room for flight planning. Given its location near the Les Bergers Commercial Centre, the altiport offers immediate access to the resortโs extensive amenities, including high-end dining, retail shops, and ski equipment rentals. The layout is designed for maximum convenience, with the terminal building situated immediately adjacent to the aircraft apron, allowing for a seamless transition from ground transport to the airside.
Operational activity at AHZ is dominated by private charters and luxurious helicopter transfers that connect the resort with major international hubs like Geneva, Lyon, and Grenoble. These services provide a time-efficient and scenic alternative to the winding mountain roads, offering travelers breathtaking views of the Oisans massif. The airfield also serves as a critical base for mountain rescue operations and occasionally hosts special events, including arrivals for the Tour de France. For visitors, the terminal represents a unique intersection of extreme aviation and mountain luxury, where the technical prowess of alpine flying meets the world-class hospitality of one of France's premier ski destinations.
๐ Connection Tips
Alpe d'Huez Altiport is not a normal airport connection at all; it is a highly specialized mountain altiport where aviation access depends on weather, daylight, aircraft type, and operator capability. Travelers typically reach the ski area by road from larger airports such as Geneva, Lyon, or Grenoble, while helicopter and specialist fixed-wing movements are the exception rather than the standard public option. That means AHZ should be viewed as a niche alpine access point, not as a dependable connection hub.
The main planning issue is operational fragility. Mountain fog, snow, wind, and visibility can close or restrict alpine flying quickly, and when that happens the fallback is almost always a road transfer, not simply the next airline departure. If you are relying on a helicopter or specialist alpine charter, you should have the road option arranged in advance and avoid building a chain that depends on a flawless weather window. This matters even more if the trip is linked to an international departure at a larger airport on the same day.
In practical terms, the safest way to use AHZ is to treat it as an optional final access segment for experienced operators, not as the backbone of the itinerary. Keep your main airline booking anchored at Geneva, Lyon, or Grenoble, and let the mountain transfer be the adjustable part. For ordinary travelers heading to Alpe d'Huez, the best connection advice is simple: expect the resort road journey to be the reliable plan and treat any flight into AHZ as a weather-sensitive upgrade, not a guaranteed link.
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