Flights

Most major airlines fly to Paris.  After all, the Charles de Gaulle airport handles more passengers than any other airport in Europe.

Paris is served by two major airports: Charles de Gaulle to the north, and Orly to the south.  (There is also the Beauvais airport, located an hour from Paris, which is used by certain discount airlines, such as Ryan Air.)

The vast majority of flights from the UK and the USA arrive at Charles de Gaulle (airport code CDG).  Most transatlantic flights arrive in Paris in the early to late morning.  Ticket prices can vary dramatically according to the season and the airline, so it makes sense to compare prices extensively using an online agency such as www.expedia.com, www.orbitz.com, or www.kayak.com.  Some of these search engines allow you to set flexible dates; if you can leave a day or two earlier or later, it can result in savings of a hundred dollars or more.

For student travelers, special rates on airfare are often available at STA Travel, and at Student Universe.

Train

If you're traveling from the UK, consider taking the EuroStar.  This high speed train takes you from central London (St. Pancras station) directly to the Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris.  The entire trip, including the stretch through the underwater "chunnel" that stretches under the English Channel, takes about two and a half hours, and it often costs less than a flight.  Sales of EuroStar tickets are handled by EuroStar.

What's next?

Once you arrive (by plane or by train) you'll need to figure out how to get into the city -- and how to get around the city once you're there.  For that information, check these additional articles:

• Getting in from the airports
• Subway and RER
• Buses
• Cycling
• Taxis