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
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
65
minutes
International โ Domestic
65
minutes
International โ International
80
minutes
Interline Connections
105
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA/LFKJ), formerly Campo dell'Oro Airport named after the historic "Field of Gold" plain where it was established in 1938, operates as Corsica's busiest aviation gateway located 5 kilometers east of Ajaccio. Named after Napoleon Bonaparte who was born in Ajaccio, this Air Corsica hub processed over 1.67 million passengers in 2023 through its single 17,000-square-meter terminal building capable of handling 1.5 million travelers annually.
The compact, modern terminal efficiently unifies all passenger services within a single level, eliminating inter-terminal transfers while maintaining intuitive navigation for both domestic and international travelers. Dining options include a restaurant, cafรฉ, and bar offering local Corsican specialties, complemented by limited shopping facilities featuring a newsstand in the public area plus duty-free and souvenir shops beyond security. Essential amenities include free Wi-Fi, multiple charging stations near departure gates and in the terminal bar area, plus vending machines and basic passenger services.
Operational design prioritizes efficient passenger flow through Air Corsica's main base operations, connecting Corsica with 15 airlines serving destinations across France, UK, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Norway. Ground transportation integrates through Muvistrada bus Route 8, operating every 30-60 minutes between the airport and Ajaccio's Place Diamant/Charles de Gaulle, completing the 7-kilometer journey to city center in 20-30 minutes for โฌ8-10. The terminal's strategic position provides immediate access to Corsica's Mediterranean beauty, serving as the primary entry point for tourists exploring the island's landscapes and Napoleon's birthplace.
๐ Connection Tips
Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) is one of the easier Corsican airports to use for connections because it operates from a single terminal, so you do not lose time moving between buildings. That said, summer traffic can be intense, especially on French mainland routes and seasonal leisure flights, so a compact terminal does not automatically mean a stress-free short connection. If you are holding a through-ticket, follow the airline's transfer instructions and still check the departure screens after landing because gate use can change quickly during peak periods.
If you are making a self-transfer, give yourself more time than the building size suggests. You may need to collect baggage, walk back to check-in, clear security again, and in some cases pass through different passenger flows for Schengen and non-Schengen service. A two-hour gap can work on a quiet day, but many travelers will be more comfortable with extra margin in summer or on weekend rotation days when Corsica-bound traffic surges.
AJA is also close enough to Ajaccio that some travelers deliberately use a longer connection as a city-access buffer. If you do that, remember that leaving the terminal means treating the next flight as a fresh departure, with normal cutoffs for bag drop and security. The airport bus link and taxis make the city practical, but road traffic along the coast can slow the return trip.
For onward travel after arrival, make your rental car or hotel transfer plan before landing, especially in peak holiday months when Corsican transport capacity tightens. If your final destination is elsewhere on the island, a generous buffer at AJA is sensible because road journeys in Corsica often take longer than they look on a map.
โ Back to Paris Orly Airport