Paris Airports: Organize your group shuttle transfers

The ultimate guide to group shuttle transfers in Paris: comfort, logistics and peace of mind with Francebus

Paris is not just a destination; it's a global experience. Whether it's for a corporate event, wedding, tourist trip or international conference, Arriving in the French capital as a group requires flawless organization. The first challenge, and a significant one, is the transfer from the airport to the city center or your place of residence.

In this article, Francebus continues to support you in organizing your group trips and today deciphers a key step in your journey: the Transfers from Parisian airports.

1. Paris: global crossroads and city of lights

The economic, cultural, and political capital of France, Paris enjoys a strategic location in the heart of Western Europe. A major air hub thanks to its international airports, the city is the preferred entry point for millions of visitors each year.

Why go to Paris? Paris is a global city that fascinates for many reasons:

• Its unparalleled heritage : The Eiffel Tower, THE Louvre, Our Lady, Montmartre, THE Palace of Versailles Nearby… The density of historical monuments is staggering.
• Its cultural and event life From world exhibitions to the Olympic Games, via Fashion Week and major trade fairs (Maison&Objet, SIAL…), Paris is in perpetual turmoil.
• The art of living Gastronomy, café terraces, luxury shopping on the Champs-Élysées or the charm of the boutiques in the Marais.
• A major business center Along with the La Défense district, Paris is a vital economic hub for international businesses.

However, Paris's appeal has a downside: its density and the complexity of its transport system. Arriving in this megalopolis with 20, 50, or 100 people requires careful planning.

2. RER, taxi or private coach: the comfort battle for groups

When you arrive with a group, choosing the right mode of transport to Paris is crucial. Let's analyze the options from the perspective of comfort and convenience.

🚆 A. The RER B (public transport)

The observation This is the most economical option on paper. The RER B connects Roissy CDG and Orly (via Orlyval) to the center of Paris.

For a group It's a logistical nightmare. Imagine managing 30 people with suitcases in often overcrowded trains during rush hour. You have to deal with stairs, keep an eye on luggage, manage line changes (subway), and the high risk of the group getting separated. Comfort is minimal, stress is maximal.

Learn more about Parisian RER traffic. 

🚗 B. Parisian taxis or standard private hire vehicles

The observation A comfortable solution for a solo traveler or a couple, offering a door-to-door service.

For a group It's inefficient and expensive. A standard taxi takes a maximum of 3 to 4 passengers. For a group of 40 people, you need to order and coordinate at least 10 to 13 vehicles simultaneously. Costs are skyrocketing, arrivals are scattered, and the administrative burden (multiple expense reports) is heavy. Furthermore, the Prices may vary depending on traffic congestion..

 🚌 C. The coach or private bus

The observation A vehicle dedicated exclusively to your group, led by a professional driver, who will be waiting for you at the scheduled time.

For a group The big winner in terms of comfort.

• Team spirit: Everyone travels together, so the team spirit or the party starts at the airport.
• Serenity: Zero stress related to navigation, connections, or the loss of a group member. You get on, you relax.
• Equipment: Modern coaches (such as "Francebus Wedding" or touring coaches) offer the air conditioning, reclining seats, sometimes Wi-Fi and toilets, transforming the transfer into a moment of rest.

3. Focus on Parisian airports: understanding the terrain

Paris is served by several airport platforms, each having its own specific characteristics that must be mastered for a successful transfer.

✈️ A. Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG – Roissy)

The Profile It is the "International Mastodon". Main hub for Air France and the SkyTeam alliance, it is one of the busiest airports in the world. Gigantic and complex, composed of three main terminals (T1, T2 AG, T3) linked by an automated metro (CDGVAL).

Location : 25 km northeast of Paris.

Annual attendance : Approximately 70.3 million passengers (2024 figures).

Flight volume : More than 460,000 aircraft movements per year.

Types of flights Mainly long-haul flights (Americas, Asia, Africa) and European connections. It accommodates the largest aircraft (A380, B777).

Dominant companies : Air France, Delta, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa.

Benefits : Maximum global connectivity, capacity to accommodate very large aircraft.

Challenges Its immense size makes navigation difficult for novices. The journey to Paris via the A1 motorway is often very congested in the morning.

💡 More info for groups It's a veritable "city within a city." Allow extra time for your departure (customs and baggage claim can take 45 minutes to an hour). The meeting point with your driver must be very precise (e.g., "Exit Gate 8, Terminal 2E").

Learn more about bus rentals at CDG airport. 

✈️ B. Paris-Orly (ORY)

The Profile This is the "Historic Regional" airport. Closer to Paris, it has modernized (merging of terminals into Orly 1-2-3-4). It is subject to a strict nighttime curfew, which limits very late-night flights.

Location : 14 km south of Paris.

Annual attendance : Approximately 33.1 million passengers (2024 figures).

Flight volume : Approximately 204,000 movements per year (traffic capped by decree).

Types of flights : Heavily oriented towards domestic flights (Shuttle), Southern Europe, the Maghreb and Overseas (Antilles, Reunion).

Dominant companies Transavia (low-cost), Air France, Vueling, Corsair, Air Caraïbes. Additional information for groups: Ideal for arrivals from Europe or the Mediterranean. Baggage claim is generally faster here than at Roissy.

Benefits His proximity to Paris theoretically makes transfers shorter, and it is "human-sized" compared to CDG.

Challenges : The A6 motorway and the southern ring road are notoriously congested during office hours.

💡 More info for groups Ideal for arrivals from Europe or the Mediterranean basin. Baggage claim is generally faster here than at Roissy.

Learn more about bus rentals at Orly airport. 

✈️ C. Paris-Beauvais Tillé (BVA)

Profile: It's the "Low-Cost Champion." Located 80km from Paris, it's a point-to-point hub with no transfers, highly sought after for its unbeatable fares. Annual ridership: A historic record has been broken with approximately 6.7 million passengers (2024/2025 estimate).

Location : Approximately 80 km north of Paris, in the Oise department.

Flight volume : Approximately 39,000 movements per year.

Types of flights Exclusively Low-Cost medium-haul.

Dominant companies : Ryanair (which accounts for the majority of traffic) and Wizz Air. 

The profile : This is the airport for "low-cost" airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air).

Benefits Airfares are often very cheap.

Challenges : THE The transfer is very long (minimum 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes drive without traffic). The cost of the transfer can sometimes negate the savings made on the plane ticket if poorly organized. Hiring a private shuttle is almost essential for a group here.

💡 More info for groups Beware of the logistical trap! While the plane ticket may be cheap, the transfer is long (1 hour 30 minutes). A private coach is the most cost-effective solution here: public shuttles require going to Porte Maillot and then taking the metro, which is exhausting with luggage.

Learn more about bus rentals at Paris-Beauvais airport. 

✈️ D. Paris-Le Bourget (LBG)

The Profile : This is "The Business Exclusive". The first business aviation airport in Europe, it does not host any regular commercial flights (no tickets sold to the general public).

Location : 7 km northeast of Paris, near CDG.

Annual attendance We don't count passengers here, but movements.

Flight volume : Approximately 57,000 movements per year (2024 figures).

Types of flights : Private jets, business aviation, medical flights, state delegations and officials.

Benefits Luxury, rapid security checks, absolute confidentiality. This is the airport for VIPs and delegations. It has 3 runways capable of accommodating all types of aircraft and numerous private terminals (FBOs) offering absolute luxury. 

Challenges : Inaccessible to conventional commercial flights.

💡 More info for groups Used for executive committees, VIPs, or touring artists. The Francebus driver will meet you directly on the tarmac (if authorized) or at the exit of the private terminal (FBO) for complete discretion. Shuttle hire is therefore the most suitable solution upon arrival at this destination. 

Learn more about bus rental at Paris-Le Bourget airport. 

4. Where to meet your driver at Roissy and Orly airports?

The classic worry for group organizers: "Where's the driver?" With a professional private transfer, this question is solved by the "Meet & Greet" service (personalized welcome).

The standard procedure:

1. Your flight lands. The driver tracks your arrival in real time via a dedicated app. They adjust their arrival time if your flight is delayed or early.
2. The group collects their luggage and goes through customs.
3. The meeting point The driver waits for the group leader directly at the exit of the customs area, in the arrivals hall, holding a sign (tablet or paper) with the name of the group or company.
4. He then guides the group to the parking area reserved for coaches (drop-off or professional parking), located in the immediate vicinity of the terminals.

5. Handling bulky luggage: a critical point

For groups, luggage is often the grain of sand that jams the machine.

• Groups of musicians with instruments
• Sports teams with equipment (skis, golf bags, bicycles)
• Trade fair participants with exhibition materials (banners, product crates)
• International tourists with 2 large suitcases each.

Taxis and the RER (suburban train) are unable to handle this. tourist coach has spacious holds designed to accommodate large volumes.

Key tip : When making your reservation, it is imperative to specify the nature and approximate volume of "oversized" luggage so that the company can provide the appropriate vehicle (for example, a high-roof coach with very large luggage compartments).

6. The overall advantages of renting shuttles and coaches

Beyond physical comfort, choosing to rent a dedicated vehicle for a group offers strategic advantages:

• Budget control The price is fixed and known in advance. No meter running in traffic jams. For large groups, the cost per person is often lower than that of a fleet of taxis.
• Safety and reliability The drivers are professionals trained in driving heavy vehicles and are thoroughly familiar with the intricacies of Parisian traffic. The vehicles undergo strict technical inspections.
• Time saving One vehicle, one departure, one arrival. Your event schedule is respected.
• Brand image For a company hosting clients or partners, a transfer by premium private coach conveys an image of seriousness, organization and careful hospitality.

7. Why choose Francebus for your transfers?

You have understood the need for a private transfer.

But why entrust this mission to Francebus? Francebus positions itself as the trusted partner for seamless group logistics in Paris and the Île-de-France region.

• A adapted and modern fleet Whether you are 15 people (requiring a luxury minibus) or 60 people (requiring a grand touring coach), Francebus has a range of recent vehicles, combining top-of-the-range safety and comfort (as seen in the "Francebus Wedding" visuals for prestigious events, or executive coaches for corporate clients):

– Minivans: 8 seats

– Minibus: 19 seats

– Midibus: 35 seats

– Coaches: 49 seats and more

– «High-end» sedans»

• Parisian expertise Knowledge of the terrain is fundamental. The Francebus teams are familiar with the specificities of each terminal at CDG, Orly or Beauvais, and know how to anticipate traffic conditions to guarantee punctuality.
• A tailor-made service Francebus doesn't just sell a journey from point A to point B. They offer a comprehensive solution: real-time flight tracking, personalized welcome with a sign, assistance with baggage management (even bulky), and flexibility to adapt to last-minute unforeseen events.
• Clear pricing No unpleasant surprises. Quotes are transparent and all-inclusive (airport parking fees, any tolls, chauffeur service).

To ensure a successful arrival of your group in Paris, don't leave it to chance. Choose the peace of mind of a transfer organized by professionals.. With Francebus, your Parisian event begins as soon as you step off the plane.

Choosing Francebus means to make sure : 

✅ comfort 

✅ reliability 

✅ punctuality 

✅ safety 

✅ peace of mind 

Request your free quote online. 

Don't hesitate any longer and travel with Francebus! 

Here are some pricing ideas (no-obligation pricing), from : 

*Prices exclude parking surcharge.

Read more: 

Coach hire in Paris: estimate the costs of your trips. 

The 5 most visited monuments in Paris.