Fontainebleau is one of the simplest destinations to include in a trip to Paris for those who prefer something quieter than the capital; it is famous for the Château de Fontainebleau, its historic town centre and the large Fontainebleau Forest, and is a favourite among couples, families, business travellers and tourists seeking a short stay outside Paris.
Getting from Paris airport to Fontainebleau is a bit different from getting into central Paris since Fontainebleau has no airport of its own and is not served by a direct airport train. The mode of transport you need to take will depend on your point of arrival and may involve combining an airport train or metro with a regional train from Paris, taking a taxi, hiring a car or arranging a private door-to-door transfer.
The right choice for you will depend on what airport you are arriving at, how many people are travelling with you, the amount of luggage you have and the level of convenience you desire after your flight.
This guide explains the main ways to get to Fontainebleau from Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais airports.
Where Is Fontainebleau?
Fontainebleau lies in the Île-de-France region to the south-east of Paris and is about 55 to 70 km from central Paris by road, the distance depending on the route taken.
The town is most famous for the Château de Fontainebleau, a site listed by UNESCO, which functioned as a home for the French monarchs for many centuries. The Fontainebleau Forest as well is well known for hiking, cycling, climbing and other outdoor activities.
If you are getting there by train, the main railway station is Fontainebleau-Avon. Since it is not located next to the château or in the centre of Fontainebleau, you will usually have to take a local bus, a taxi or some other short transfer after arriving at the station.
The trains running between Paris and Fontainebleau-Avon run on the Transilien Line R from Paris Gare de Lyon.
Which of the Paris airports is nearest to Fontainebleau?
Paris Orly Airport
Orly is usually the most convenient of the major airports in Paris since it is situated to the south of the city.
Going directly by road means that you don't have to go through central Paris, which in turn greatly simplifies the journey.
The time it takes to travel by road from Orly to Fontainebleau usually ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the traffic and your specific destination.
An airport that is practical for travellers can be Orly when their destination is Fontainebleau.
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Charles de Gaulle Airport is situated to the north-east of Paris and is much further from Fontainebleau.
A road trip usually lasts between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, though the time taken can be longer due to heavy traffic near Paris.
CDG's main benefit is that it provides a considerably greater variety of international and European flights.
Paris Beauvais Airport
Of the three principal airports, Beauvais is the most inconvenient for getting to Fontainebleau since it is situated a long way north of Paris and Fontainebleau is located to the south-east of the city.
Usually, when you travel by public transport you take an airport coach heading for Paris and then proceed through the city before boarding a further train bound for Fontainebleau.
Getting a private transfer is simpler yet more expensive because of the distance when compared to a transfer from Orly or CDG.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Fontainebleau
The main international airport for Paris is Charles de Gaulle, and people arriving in the country from the UK, Ireland and other European nations usually land here.
There are a number of ways of going on to Fontainebleau.
Option 1: RER and Train via Paris
For many people travelling on their own, the most economical feasible choice is to use public transport.
A typical journey involves:
- Take the RER B line from Charles de Gaulle Airport heading towards central Paris.
- Change trains in Paris. Then go to Gare de Lyon.
- Take the R train on the Transilien Line heading for Fontainebleau-Avon.
- You can take a local bus or a taxi from the Fontainebleau-Avon station to your hotel or to the château area.
The R route of the Line R runs directly from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon.
This approach will work just fine as long as you are travelling with only light luggage and you arrive during the day.
The drawback is the amount of changing involved. It isn't very pleasant to have to transfer suitcases between trains, platforms and stations after a flight.
People who have pushchairs, older passengers and visitors with a number of large bags might find it better to choose a simpler option.
Option 2: Taxi
You can get a taxi at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Taking a taxi directly will eliminate the necessity of passing through the railway stations and will take you straight to Fontainebleau.
The amount that has to be paid may vary according to the circumstances of the journey and the kind of taxi service chosen; traffic is also a factor since the route from CDG to Fontainebleau includes some of the busy roads in the Paris metropolitan area.
A taxi is convenient when travelling spontaneously, especially if you haven't organised transport beforehand.
Option 3: Private Transfer
Getting a private transfer from Paris airport to Fontainebleau is one of the simplest options available after a long flight.
A driver will be available at the airport to take you straight to your hotel, apartment, château accommodation or to another address in Fontainebleau.
There is no need to:
- Understand the Paris rail network after landing
- Carry luggage between several trains
- Travel into central Paris unnecessarily
- Find transportation from Fontainebleau-Avon station
- Wait for several members of your group to navigate different connections
Private transfers can be very useful for couples, business travellers, families and small groups because of the convenience.
Paris Orly Airport to Fontainebleau
Getting to Fontainebleau is generally easier if you are arriving at Orly.
Option 1: Public Transport
Orly is part of the Paris transport network, which includes Metro Line 14.
People who use public transport can go from the airport towards Paris and then transfer to the services which finally arrive at Gare de Lyon before taking the R line towards Fontainebleau-Avon.
The airport transfer ticket in Paris includes journeys from Orly by means of the approved metro and rail system, though passengers should always verify the most up-to-date ticket conditions before travelling.
Public transport is generally something that appeals to people who are trying to keep their costs low.
The route may seem to take a roundabout way since Fontainebleau is situated to the south of Paris and part of your journey could initially involve the Paris transport system.
Option 2: Taxi from Orly
A taxi offers a much more direct route.
Rather than going to Paris and changing trains, you leave the airport and travel in a south-easterly direction towards Fontainebleau.
This can make a great deal of effort unnecessary, especially when it comes to baggage.
The greatest source of uncertainty relates to road traffic, since journey times could increase during weekday rush hours and on busy holiday periods.
Option 3: Pre-Booked Private Transfer
It is especially convenient to have a private vehicle that has been booked in advance from Orly since the road route is fairly direct.
After you have arrived, your driver will be able to meet you and take you straight to your destination.
This option is worth considering if you are:
- Travelling with young children
- Carrying several suitcases
- Arriving late in the evening
- Staying outside central Fontainebleau
- Visiting for a wedding or special event
- Travelling as a group
It is also worthwhile for three or more passengers to compare the total cost and inconvenience of using public transport with the cost of hiring one vehicle for the whole group.
Beauvais Airport to Fontainebleau
Traveling from Beauvais needs more planning.
Beauvais Airport is primarily used by low-cost European airlines and is located well north of Paris.
Airport Shuttle and Train
A waiting area is provided for passengers to take the Aérobus service from Beauvaitort to the Paris area.
The official Aérobus service of the airport offers links between Beauvais Airport and a number of stops in the Paris area, the journey times on certain routes being as short as about one hour and fifteen minutes before one can continue on with their travel.
From there, you still need to cross Paris to reach Gare de Lyon and take Line R to Fontainebleau-Avon.
This creates a journey with several separate stages:
Beauvais Airport → airport coach → Paris transport → Gare de Lyon → Fontainebleau-Avon → local transfer
It is generally the less expensive method, though it may start to feel boring after a flight.
Private Transfer from Beauvais
A private direct transfer eliminates those connections.
The journey is longer than from CDG or Orly, so it will generally cost more. However, for a family or group splitting the price of one vehicle, the difference may be easier to justify.
It is also very useful for people who arrive late, since public transport connections become less convenient.
Travelling by Train to Fontainebleau
The station you should remember if you're using public transport is Paris Gare de Lyon.
The Transilien Line R runs to Fontainebleau-Avon, Montereau ,and Montargis, one of which is Fontainebleau-Avon.
For airport passengers the journey does not come to an end when they arrive at Fontainebleau-Avon.
The station is in Avon, beside Fontainebleau, and you will still have to get to your final place of accommodation or your destination.
Depending on where you are staying, you can continue by:
- Local bus
- Taxi
- Pre-arranged hotel transportation
- Walking, if your accommodation is reasonably close and you have light luggage
It is important to check the most recent Line R timetable a short time before your journey, in particular when travelling in the evening, during weekends or when engineering work is planned.
Is there a direct train available from Paris Airport to Fontainebleau?
Not at all; there is usually no direct train available from either Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport to Fontainebleau-Avon.
You must establish at least one connection.
From CDG, it usually involves entering the Paris rail system before proceeding towards Gare de Lyon.
At Orly, you have the option of taking the metro and rail system before switching to Line R.
Beauvais Airport also does not have a direct train connection to Fontainebleau.
For those travellers who are used to the public transport systems in Europe, the routes are feasible; all they need is a bit more time and some planning.
Paris Airport to Fontainebleau for Families
Arranging a trip from Paris airport to Fontainebleau for families is a bit different from travelling on your own.
The fact is that the Chen't ticket necessarily results in the easiest overall journey.
Picture yourself having arrived from an early-morning flight, accompanied by two adults, two children, a number of suitcases and a pushchair. A journey that includes airport transfer, a change of train in central Paris, another train ride and finally a bus or taxi could very quickly turn exhausting.
Families should take the following points into account.
Child Seats
When travelling by private vehicle, request the appropriate child seats or booster seats at theat the time of booking, if needed.
It would be wrong to suppose that every standard taxi will have the particular child seat that your family requires.
Luggage Space
A family of four might well have four suitcases, four backpacks and a pushchair.
Before you book, check the capacity of the vehicle since a slightly larger minivan could be more comfortable than fitting everybody into a standard saloon.
Flight Delays
It is not the case that flights always arrive on schedule.
When you are booking a private transfer, try to select a company that keeps an eye on your flight. In this way, the driver can modify the time for picking you up if your arrival is delayed.
Door-to-Door Travel
The greatest advantage for families is usually just this: there are no changes.
It is possible for children to go into the vehicle at the airport and remain there until the hotel is reached.
Given that the day had included waiting at the airport, going through security checks and taking the plane, such simplicity is worth paying for.
Private Transfer vs Public Transport
Both options have advantages.
Public Transport Is Best When:
- You are travelling alone or as a couple
- You have only light luggage
- You arrive during normal daytime hours
- You are comfortable navigating Paris transport
- Keeping the cost low is your main priority
Private Transfer Is Best When:
- You are travelling as a family
- You have young children
- You have several suitcases
- You are travelling with elderly relatives
- Your flight arrives late
- You want direct door-to-door transportation
- You are staying outside the town centre
- You are travelling in a group and can share the vehicle cost
There isn't a single correct option; the best one to choose will vary according to the kind of trip you're having.
Book your private transfer Now.
Hiring a Car at Paris Airport
Another option would be to rent a car, in particular if Fontainebleau is just the first destination on a longer journey.
A rental car can make sense if you plan to explore:
- Fontainebleau Forest
- Barbizon
- Moret-sur-Loing
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Other towns in Seine-et-Marne
- The wider French countryside
You'll have greater freedom and won't have to plan your day according to the train timetables.
Getting a car for use only at an airport is seldom the most straightforward option since you'll have to collect it, get to know the local driving rules, find your way along unfamiliar roads and make arrangements for parking at your destination.
If you plan on spending the majority of your time in Fontainebleau then a direct transfer combined with local transport might be simpler.
What is the best method for getting to Fontainebleau?
For the majority of travellers the decision has to be between convenience and cost.
For a traveller working with a limited budget, taking public transport from Paris through Gare de Lyon is usually the best option.
For two people travelling with only light luggage: the train remains a reasonable choice, especially during the day.
For families with children, a private transfer arranged directly is usually the better option.
For a group of four to eight people, it is worth comparing the price of a larger vehicle with the total cost and inconvenience of taking multiple public transport tickets.
When you arrive late at night, direct transport is usually safer in terms of planning since the frequencies of rail services and the connections available may be more restricted.
A business traveller gets predictable door-to-door travel and is able to avoid having to deal with a number of transport connections when the transfer has been pre-booked.
Tips for a Smooth Airport Transfer to Fontainebleau
A bit of preparation will make the journey a lot easier.
Check Your Arrival Airport Carefully
There are several airports in Paris, and the journeys to CDG, Orly and Beauvais all require quite different arrangements.
Before booking a flight to Paris, you should check which airport you are using.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
The road conditions around Paris can change a great deal during the day.
Journey times can be longer during the morning and evening rush hours, at public events, and on holidays.
Check Train Services on Your Travel Date
When you are taking public transport, it is advisable to use the official journey planner a short time before your trip.
Since engineering work may impact the evening and weekend services on Line R, do not place your complete faith in an itinerary that was saved weeks in advance.
Keep Your Hotel Address Available
Instead, save the full address on your phone rather than depending just on the hotel's name.
It is especially useful in the case of taking a taxi or a private transfer.
Book Larger Vehicles When Necessary
You shouldn't select a vehicle simply on the basis of how many passengers it can carry.
Six people, each carrying a large suitcase, might need considerably more luggage capacity than six passengers travelling with backpacks.
Visiting Fontainebleau After Your Arrival
When you have got to Fontainebleau, the town is not very difficult to explore.
Although the Château de Fontainebleau is the principal attraction, one should allow time for the streets, the cafés and the gardens around it.
Other outdoor enthusiasts might also like to spend a day in the Fontainebleau Forest since the area is world-famous for walking and bouldering and has a completely different atmosphere to that of central Paris.
If your timetable permits, Barbizon is another popular place to go to. The village has come to be linked with the Barbizon school of painters and still has a pleasant historic atmosphere.
Fontainebleau is especially suitable as a day trip from Paris or as a more tranquil place to stay for a number of nights.
Final Thoughts
Once you know the main routes, travelling from a Paris airport to Fontainebleau is simple.
Public transport is usually the more economical option; the Transilien Line R from Paris links Gare de Lyon with Fontainebleau-Avon and so the train is a reasonable choice for people who are comfortable with making several connections.
For anyone arriving in Paris with children, having a lot of luggage or travelling in a large group, passing through the centre of the city may not be very attractive. In such cases, taking a taxi that has been booked in advance or using a pre-booked private transfer can turn what would otherwise be a journey involving several stages into a simple airport pickup.
Orly is usually the most convenient of the airports when travelling by road, whereas Charles de Gaulle has very good flight options but involves a longer journey. Because of its position north of Paris, Beauvais demands the most planning.
When choosing your means of transport, you should take into account not just the price of the ticket but also your arrival time, the luggage you are carrying, the number of passengers, and how much energy you would like to expend on navigating the transport after your flight.
For many visitors, particularly those travelling in families or in groups, paying for a direct trip to Fontainebleau is a convenient way of beginning a relaxing stay outside Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Fontainebleau from Paris airports?
The distance varies according to the airport; Orly is usually the nearest of the major Paris airports to Fontainebleau, Charles de Gaulle is the one farthest to the north and Beauvais is the most distant of the three common airports.
Is there a direct train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Fontainebleau?
By no means do you usually need to go from CDG into the Paris transport system, change your connection at Gare de Lyon and then take the Transilien Line R as far as Fontainebleau-Avon.
What airport is the best one for Fontainebleau?
Orly is generally the most convenient option when travelling by road without any transfers since it is situated south of Paris; nevertheless, CDG might provide a much wider variety of flights according to your departure city.
How long does it take to make a private transfer from Paris Airport to Fontainebleau?
The trip from Orly usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, and from Charles de Gaulle it will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Travel times can increase considerably when there is heavy traffic.
What is the train station for Fontainebleau?
Fontainebleau-Avon is the principal station and is served by the Transilien Line R from Paris Gare de Lyon.
Is Fontainebleau-Avon station close to the Château de Fontainebleau?
The station is not directly next to the château; once you have arrived, you can take a local bus, a taxi or another form of local transport.
What is the simplest kind of airport transfer for families?
For families travelling with children and having several suitcases, taking a private transfer that has been booked in advance is usually the simplest solution since it offers transportation directly from the airport to the accommodation without the need to change trains.
Is it possible for me to get from Beauvais Airport to Fontainebleau by public transport?
Yes, but the route requires several stages. You can take an airport coach to the Paris area, cross Paris to Gare de Lyon, then take Line R to Fontainebleau-Avon.
Should I book my Fontainebleau airport transfer in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for families, larger groups, passengers needing child seats and anyone arriving late in the evening. It also gives you time to choose a vehicle with enough space for your luggage.
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