Arriving at Orly and heading for Disneyland Paris, many travellers first look at Orlyval, the airport shuttle train. It is a useful piece of infrastructure, but on its own it does not reach the resort. To get all the way to Disneyland by rail you have to combine Orlyval with two RER lines, and that is where a seemingly cheap journey turns into a fiddly one with luggage and tired children.
This guide explains exactly how Orlyval works, what the full rail route to the resort looks like, and why a fixed-price private transfer often wins on time, comfort and total cost once you account for the whole party. The aim is to help you choose with the real journey in mind, not just the train ticket price.
What Orlyval actually is
Orlyval is a short automated shuttle train that links the Orly terminals to Antony station on the RER B line. It is quick and runs frequently, but it only covers the first hop out of the airport. By itself it takes you towards central Paris, not towards Marne-la-Vallee, so it is the start of a multi-leg journey rather than a direct link to the resort.
The full rail route to the resort
To reach Disneyland Paris from Orly by rail you ride Orlyval to Antony, change onto RER B heading into the city, then change again onto RER A towards Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy. That is two changes, each with steps, crowds and limited luggage space. On a smooth day it works, but with cases, a buggy and children the changes add real stress and the total time often exceeds an hour.
Why a private transfer is simpler
A fixed-price private transfer removes both changes. The driver meets you at Orly, helps with the bags and drives you straight to your hotel door in around 45 minutes to an hour. There are no platforms, no transfers and no working out which line goes where. Our fixed fare from Orly starts at 90 euros for the whole car, so a family or group often pays little more than separate train tickets once everyone is counted. See our Orly to Disneyland Paris transfer for full detail.
Skip the changes, ride straight from Orly
Book a fixed-price transfer from Orly with no meter and no surge — door to door to your Disneyland hotel, with flight tracking, meet & greet and free child seats.
Comparing time and cost
On paper, Orlyval plus the RER is the cheaper headline option for a solo traveller carrying little. But the comparison changes fast with each extra person and each suitcase. Two rail changes also mean two chances for delays or missed connections. A private car gives a known fare, a known route and a known arrival, which for families is usually worth far more than a few euros saved at the ticket machine.
When the rail route still makes sense
If you are travelling solo with a small bag, are comfortable navigating the RER and are not in a rush, the Orlyval and rail combination is a perfectly valid budget choice. For everyone else, especially groups arriving late or leaving early, the private transfer is the calmer call. Whichever you choose, knowing how the pieces fit together means no nasty surprises at the airport.
Frequently asked questions
What is Orlyval and how does it work?
Orlyval is an automated shuttle train linking Orly airport to the RER B line at Antony. From there you change onto the rail network to continue across Paris towards the resort.
How do you get from Orly to Disneyland Paris by rail?
Take Orlyval to Antony, switch to RER B, then change again onto RER A towards Marne-la-Vallee. It involves two changes and is awkward with luggage and children.
Is a private transfer better than Orlyval and the RER?
For most families a private transfer is far simpler. It removes both rail changes and runs door to door, with a fixed fare from Orly starting at 90 euros.
How long does the Orly transfer take by car?
A private car from Orly usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic, compared with a rail trip that can exceed an hour once changes are added.
How much is a private transfer from Orly to Disneyland Paris?
Our fixed fare from Orly starts at 90 euros for the whole car, with no meter and no surge. Free child seats and flight tracking are included.
