As the saying goes, Paris is a never bad idea. We’re here to make your dream trip to Paris even easier with cheap student flights to Paris. See our current best deals below!
Have you ever dreamed of spending a semester abroad in Paris, doing homework in quaint cafes and wandering European streets? That doesn’t just have to be a dream! With our cheap flights to Europe, your study abroad trip or summer vacay is closer than ever. Paris, possibly the most romanticized and legendary city in Europe, is a must-see, whether you stay for a weekend or an entire semester. Scroll down for more info on how to find cheap flights to Paris, the best time to visit Paris, and more—then get ready for delicious croissants and views of the Eiffel Tower. With these prices, you’ll be in France faster than you can say bon voyage.
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There are two main airports in Paris: Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY). Paris-Charles de Gaulle is the primary international hub for flights to Paris, and thus is busier but also has more options. Paris Orly is smaller, a bit closer to the city center (though with less public transit options) and often has cheap options if you’re flying to/from somewhere else in Europe.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle / CDG
Paris-Charles de Gaulle is the main international airport in France, with plenty of international flight options. Many direct international flights land at CDG. The easiest way to get to Paris from CDG is by taking the subway RER B line (blue line). It’s only about 10€ and it’s a 45-minute ride. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, although it’ll cost 60€.
Paris Orly / ORY
The Paris Orly airport is smaller, but offers good (and cheap!) flight options, especially if you’re connecting in or flying to somewhere else in Europe. It’s actually closer to Paris that CDG is, but there aren’t direct public transit options. To get to the city from Orly, you’ll need to take a combination of buses and trains, or you can opt for a taxi, which costs about 30€.
Flights from the US to Paris generally take between 7-11 hours, depending on which coast you’re flying from. Connecting flights, of course, take a bit longer. Good news though: there’s lots of cities all across the US that offer direct flights to Paris! If you’re flying from a major US city like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta (or others), you can usually score a direct flight to Paris. There’s plenty of airlines to choose from too, although American Airlines, Air France, and United are some of the most popular choices.
The best time to visit Paris is between March-May or September-October. These months just before and after summer are what’s known as “shoulder season” and offer fewer crowds, cooler weather and cheaper prices. It’s a win-win-win! Summer is a popular time to visit Paris, but be prepared for higher prices and bigger crowds—you’ll need to plan ahead a bit more to get a good deal. Springtime in Paris is particularly romantic, although it can be a bit rainier, so be prepared.
Although perhaps you want to visit Paris for a special event? Bastille Day (July 14) is a popular holiday to celebrate in the city. Foodies may want to opt for Salon du Chocolat in October (a chocolate-themed exhibition with tons of tastings and workshops) or Fete de la Gastronomie in March (a three-day festival celebrating all things French food).
What’s not to love about Paris? The City of Lights is home to stunning parks and museums, classic European architecture and cathedrals, plenty of cozy cafes and shops and delicious foods, wines, cheeses, pastries and more. Whatever your reason for heading to Paris, there’s a lot to love—and a reason why it’s one of the most-visited cities in the world. American students love Paris for studying abroad, a jumping-off place for backpacking Europe or just a leisurely vacation.
Paris universities and campuses
Paris is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for US students, which is no surprise considering the amazing universities and opportunities to study just about anything! Study at the famous University of Paris or the prestigious Sorbonne University, or check with your home university to see what options are available to you. Many US universities have exchange programs or other study abroad programs in Paris, so it’s worth checking out what might be easily available for you first!
Paris lifestyle and culture
Paris has an incredible amount of culture and history! Known as a hub for fashion, food, art and architecture, Parisians love to enjoy the finer things in life, whether that’s a stroll down the Seine or a delicious dinner out. Parisians—as you might expect—tend to be quite fashionable, so pack accordingly! Wearing cargo shorts will definitely mark you as a tourist immediately. In France, greeting people properly is very important, so make sure to greet someone first with a polite “Bonjour Madame/ Monsieur” before asking a question or just when you’re entering a room. And it’s always polite to ask someone if they speak English (Parlez-vous anglais?) before trying to ask for help in English.
Exploring Paris on a student budget
Although Paris is known as a fancy and expensive city, it’s definitely possible to explore on a student budget if you know where to go! Take the Metro or just walk instead of relying on taxis for getting around—it’s much easier and cheaper. Plus, many of the best things to see and do in Paris are free! Explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sacre Coeur and the Luxembourg Gardens, snap some pictures at the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, or wander along the River Seine. Many museums have student discounts as well, so don’t forget your student ID card!