Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
October departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY) combine comfortable fall weather with steady transatlantic schedules. Travelers should prioritize early arrival (3 hours recommended), use BART or rideshares to reach SFO, and confirm baggage allowances with airlines before travel. October often features promotional fares for shoulder-season travel; monitor fare alerts for cheaper transatlantic options and flexible ticket policies. Nearby points of interest—downtown San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Oakland, Berkeley, and Napa Valley—are popular pre-flight stops, but always allocate time for traffic and security. Book refundable or changeable fares if your trip is time-sensitive and set up airline notifications for gate changes and delays.
For international departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY), arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure in October. October can bring moderate passenger volumes with business travel picking up after summer; early arrival helps with check-in, security, and any last-minute bag checks. Use online check-in and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry (if eligible) to speed up your airport experience.
The fastest options to reach San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from downtown in October are BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), airport shuttle services, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), or driving via US-101/I-280 depending on traffic. BART provides a reliable, cost-effective route directly to the SFO International Terminal; rideshares are convenient for groups or heavy luggage. Consider leaving extra time for morning or evening commute traffic, and check BART service advisories before travel.
Direct nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY) are limited; most transatlantic nonstops serve Charles de Gaulle (CDG) rather than ORY. In October, travelers should expect one-stop or connecting services via European hubs or domestic US connections. Check airlines like Air France, Delta, and major alliance partners for seasonal routings or code-share options that route to Orly.
Baggage allowances depend on the airline and the fare class; most international economy fares include one carry-on and one personal item, while checked bag policies vary. In October, check your carrier's published weight and size limits as well as fees for the transatlantic sector. For smooth processing at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), tag checked luggage at curbside or airline kiosks and keep essential documents and prescriptions in your carry-on.
Plan for layovers when routing through major hubs like Amsterdam (AMS), London (LHR), or domestic gateways; airlines will advise minimum connecting times but allow extra buffer to account for delays. If your itinerary connects at a different U.S. airport, remember customs and recheck procedures can add time. In October, weather-related delays are less common than winter, but always enable notifications from your airline and consider travel insurance for missed connections.
Before departing San Francisco International Airport (SFO), travelers often visit nearby destinations such as downtown San Francisco, Silicon Valley (Palo Alto, Mountain View), Oakland, Berkeley, and Napa Valley for wine excursions. October offers pleasant fall weather ideal for quick sightseeing or vineyard visits; just factor in travel time back to SFO and security screening when planning same-day activities. Consider leaving extra time if returning from popular weekend spots like Napa or Sonoma.
October arrivals at Paris Orly Airport (ORY) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) benefit from cooler weather and thinner tourist crowds than summer months. Expect routine immigration procedures and use Orlyval, Orlybus, tram T7, taxis, or rideshares to reach Paris, Versailles, and nearby suburbs. ETIAS authorizations and valid passports are essential—confirm requirements before flying. For a smoother arrival, prebook airport transfers if arriving late, carry printed or digital copies of hotel reservations, and allow time for baggage collection and customs clearance.
Arrivals at Paris Orly Airport (ORY) typically involve immigration checks, baggage claim, and customs. In October, passenger flows are moderate, so expect wait times that are usually shorter than peak summer months but longer than low season; have your passport and customs forms ready. Once through ORY, travelers can access Paris via Orlyval + RER, buses, taxis, and rideshares to central Paris, Versailles, and southern suburbs.
In October, Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is well served by Orlyval light rail to Antony station (RER B), Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau, tram T7 to Villejuif, regional buses, taxis, and rideshares. For destinations like Versailles and Disneyland Paris, connecting via RER and regional trains or pre-booked transfers is efficient. Check schedules for Orlyval and buses in advance, as weekend engineering works can occasionally affect service.
October features multiple cultural highlights for travelers on the SFO to ORY route. In Paris, October showcases the Nuit Blanche contemporary art night (early October some years), the Montmartre Harvest Festival, Autumn Paris Jazz festivals, and fewer crowds at major museums. San Francisco hosts Fleet Week (early October some years), food and wine events in Napa/Sonoma through the fall, and tech conferences in Silicon Valley that can affect SFO traffic. When booking October flights, check event calendars in both cities as large conferences or festivals may raise fares and occupancy.
October is among the best months to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY) for cooler weather, manageable crowds, and competitive fares. For lowest prices and fewer tourists, choose mid-week departures and avoid French public holidays or major Paris events that increase demand. If you prefer warmer weather and long days, late spring or early summer is best, but October provides a comfortable compromise with fall foliage and cultural events. For business travelers, early-week departures with return later in the week often align with corporate schedules and may offer better availability.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically serve Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) rather than Orly; explicit nonstop service to Orly is rare. Choosing a connecting flight that arrives directly into Paris Orly Airport (ORY) can reduce ground transfers but may lengthen air travel time due to additional stops. Direct nonstops to CDG reduce total travel time in the air but require a separate transfer (train, bus, taxi) to ORY. In October, weigh ticket price, total door-to-door time, number of connections, and baggage handling convenience when deciding between direct and connecting itineraries.
Air France, Delta, United, and partner carriers commonly serve the San Francisco to Paris market with a mix of nonstops to CDG and one-stop options to ORY via partner hubs. Air France often offers the most seamless connections within France and may provide codeshare options to ORY; Delta and United provide strong transpacific and transcontinental networks with partner transfers to Orly. Compare seat comfort, premium cabin availability, baggage fees, frequent flyer benefits, and onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and meal service when choosing an October itinerary. Read recent customer reviews and review class-specific offerings before booking.
October travel between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY) calls for layered clothing and flexible plans. Pack light rain gear and a medium-weight jacket for Paris, as temperatures can range from cool mornings to mild afternoons. At SFO, mornings are often foggy but clear quickly; leave additional time for traffic if traveling from Napa or Silicon Valley. Bring printed and digital travel documents, carry essential medicines in your carry-on, and verify international plug adapters for electronics. Consider refundable or changeable fares in case of last-minute itinerary shifts and enroll in airline alerts for real-time schedule updates.
The total flight time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY) varies by routing. Nonstop flights (typically to CDG) take about 10–11 hours; one-stop itineraries via European hubs add 2–6 hours of connection time. Because Orly is primarily a regional hub, many itineraries route to CDG or a European gateway such as Amsterdam (AMS), London (LHR), Madrid (MAD), or Frankfurt (FRA), with onward flights or ground transfers to ORY. In October, schedule reliability is generally high, but check for seasonal frequency changes and daylight-saving-time transitions that can affect local arrival times.
To secure cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY) in October, compare itineraries that arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and then transfer to ORY by train or internal flight, as this can reduce fares. Search mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) for lower prices and use flexible-date search tools. Sign up for airline newsletters and fare alerts from Google Flights and Skyscanner, and consider one-stop routes via Amsterdam (AMS), London (LHR), or Madrid (MAD) for competitive pricing. October shoulder season often yields discounts on long-haul transatlantic tickets and business-class sale fares.
U.S. citizens traveling from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY) for short stays (tourism or business under 90 days) do not need a visa but will need to comply with Schengen entry requirements. From 2024 onward, U.S. visitors will need to apply for ETIAS authorization before travel when the system is active. Always verify passport validity (recommended at least six months) and check the French government or embassy site for current entry rules in October.
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) offers baggage services, including lost-and-found, on-site baggage claim offices and airline service desks. If your luggage is delayed or missing after arriving from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), contact your airline's baggage service immediately and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). ORY also provides porter services and luggage storage for short-term needs; check official terminal maps for precise locations.
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) gives good access to central Paris neighborhoods (Latin Quarter, Montparnasse), Versailles (Palace of Versailles), the southern suburbs, and business districts like La Défense via quick transfers. Though Disneyland Paris is more accessible from Charles de Gaulle (CDG), you can still reach it by RER and regional trains. October is ideal for exploring Versailles gardens, Paris museums with fewer crowds, and day trips to nearby wine regions like the Loire (longer travel) or Champagne with rail and car options.
