How to Get to Roland-Garros from Paris Airports

Welcome to Paris! If you are heading to the legendary Stade Roland-Garros to witness some world-class clay-court tennis, you’ve picked a fantastic time to visit. However, navigating from the airport to the 16th Arrondissement can feel a bit like a marathon if you don’t have a game plan.

Whether you’re landing at the massive Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the convenient Orly (ORY), or the budget-friendly Beauvais (BVA), this guide will walk you through every step of the journey. Let’s get you to the stadium with plenty of time to grab a panama hat and find your seat!

1. Arriving at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

Distance: ~35 km | Estimated Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours

As the primary international hub, CDG is likely where you’ll land if you’re flying from overseas. It’s located northeast of the city, while Roland-Garros is in the southwest. You’ll essentially be crossing the entire city of Paris.

The “Pro” Route: RER B + Metro Line 10

This is generally considered the most efficient way to travel.

1. From the Terminal: Follow the signs for “Paris par Train” to find the RER B station.
2. The Train: Board the RER B (blue line) heading toward Robinson or Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse.
3. The Transfer: Get off at Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. From there, follow the signs to connect to Metro Line 10 (yellow line) at the Odéon station (a short underground walk).
4. The Arrival: Take Line 10 toward Boulogne-Pont de Saint-Cloud and get off at Porte d’Auteuil. This station is just a stone’s throw (about a 2-minute walk) from the “PPO Auteuil” (Mandatory Checkpoint).

The Scenic Route: RER B + Bus 32

If you prefer seeing a bit of the city streets:

1. Take the RER B to Gare du Nord.
2. Exit the station and find the stop for Bus 32.
3. Ride it to the terminus at Porte d’Auteuil. It’s a longer ride, but you’ll get a feel for the Parisian neighborhoods along the way.

Taxis and Rideshares

Expect to pay between €80 and €100 for a taxi. While it sounds convenient, remember that Paris traffic—especially during the tournament—can be brutal. If you choose this route, allow at least an hour.

2. Arriving at Paris-Orly (ORY)

Distance: ~18 km | Estimated Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes

Orly is much closer to the stadium than CDG, making it the preferred choice for many European travelers.

The Fastest Route: Metro Line 14 + Line 9

The recently extended Line 14 has made Orly much more accessible.

1. The Airport Metro: Board Metro Line 14 directly at the airport.
2. The Transfer: Get off at Saint-Lazare. From there, transfer to Metro Line 9 (mustard yellow line) heading toward Pont de Sèvres.
3. The Arrival: Get off at Michel-Ange Molitor. From here, it’s about a 9-minute walk to the stadium’s Molitor entrance.

The Bus Alternative: Bus 1755 + Bus PC

For a more budget-friendly (though slightly more complex) trip:

1. Take the Aérobus or Bus 1755 toward Paris.
2. Transfer at Porte Maillot to the PC Bus (Petite Ceinture).
3. The PC bus drops you off right at Porte d’Auteuil or Porte Molitor.

Taxis and Rideshares

Since Orly is closer, a taxi or Uber is more affordable here, usually ranging from €30 to €45. On a good day with no traffic, you can be at the stadium gates in about 25 minutes.

3. Arriving at Paris-Beauvais (BVA)

Distance: ~90 km | Estimated Time: 2 hours to 2.5 hours

Beauvais is the “low-cost” airport, located quite far north of Paris. If you fly Ryanair or Wizz Air, this is likely your landing spot. Because of the distance, you’ll need to factor in significantly more travel time.

The Standard Route: The Aérobus Shuttle

1. The Shuttle: Take the official Aérobus from the airport to Paris Porte Maillot. This takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
2. The Local Link: Once you arrive at Porte Maillot, you have two great options:
   • Bus PC: This is the most direct link to the stadium gates.
   • Metro Line 1: Take Line 1 to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, then switch to Line 6 toward Nation, then finally to Line 10 or Line 9 at Trocadéro/La Motte-Picquet. (Honestly, sticking to the PC bus is much easier!).

4. Navigating the “Last Mile” (The Stadium Gates)

Once you arrive in the vicinity of Roland-Garros, things work a little differently than a normal stadium. Because of security, you cannot walk directly to the stadium doors. You must enter through one of the three Mandatory Checkpoints (PPO):

1. PPO Auteuil: Best if arriving via Metro Line 10 (Porte d’Auteuil) or Bus 32, 52, or PC.
2. PPO Molitor: Best if arriving via Metro Line 9 (Michel-Ange Molitor) or Bus 123.
3. PPO Boulogne: Best if arriving via Metro Line 10 (Boulogne Jean-Jaurès).

Pro Tip: If you are leaving the stadium after a night session, the Michel-Ange Molitor station is often closed after 10:00 PM for safety/crowd control. Always check the Bonjour RATP app for real-time updates!

5. Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Download the “Bonjour RATP” App: This is the “gold standard” for Paris travel. It provides real-time route planning specifically updated for the Roland-Garros tournament.
• Buy Return Tickets in Advance: The queues at metro ticket machines after the matches are legendary (and not in a good way). Buy your return “Ticket t+” or top up your Navigo Easy pass as soon as you arrive at the airport.
• Travel Light: Roland-Garros has strict bag policies. Only bags smaller than 15 liters are allowed inside. If you’re coming straight from the airport with a suitcase, you must drop it off at a luggage locker (there are many near the main train stations like Gare du Nord or Saint-Lazare) as there are no lockers at the stadium.
• The “Roland-Garros” Shuttle: During the tournament, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) often operates free shuttles for ticket holders between the checkpoints and the various gates. Look for the friendly staff in orange vests!
• Alternative Transport: If it’s a beautiful day, consider the Vélib’ (city bikes). There are several temporary bike docking stations set up specifically for the tournament near the PPOs.

Summary of Best Options

Getting to Roland-Garros is part of the adventure. By following this guide, you’ll navigate the Parisian transit system like a local. Enjoy the tennis, the atmosphere, and that unmistakable red clay! Bon voyage!