How to Reach the Musée d’Orsay — Directions & Tips (2025)

Find the easiest ways to get to the Orsay Museum from central Paris and the airports. Compare RER C, Metro, bus, walking routes, taxis/ride-shares, and accessibility options—plus practical tips.

Plan Your Visit

Quick Overview

The Musée d’Orsay sits on the Left Bank at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, overlooking the Seine. Most visitors arrive by the RER C to Musée d’Orsay station (right by the museum), or via Metro Line 12 (Solférino / Assemblée Nationale). You can also walk from Line 1 (Tuileries) across the river, use central bus routes, or take a taxi/ride-share.

Closest Rail Stop

RER C — Musée d’Orsay: exits onto Quai Anatole-France beside the museum (≈2–3 min walk).

Nearby Metro

Line 12: Solférino (≈5–7 min walk) • Assemblée Nationale (≈8–10 min). Line 1: Tuileries (≈12–15 min via bridges).

Option 1 — RER C (Fast & Direct)

Best if you’re near the Seine or central RER C hubs: Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Invalides, Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel.

  • Board RER C (yellow line) toward central Paris branches that stop at Musée d’Orsay.
  • Travel time: ≈5–15 minutes from nearby central stations (longer from outer branches).
  • Tickets & zones: Within Paris, a standard t+ ticket or passes covering zone 1 work on the RER.
  • At arrival: Exit at Musée d’Orsay, then follow signs up to the riverfront—the museum is just outside.

Tip

Check the train’s stopping pattern; some RER C services skip stations. Confirm “Musée d’Orsay” on platform screens.

Option 2 — Paris Metro (Line 12 & Connections)

Line 12 → Solférino

Walk ≈5–7 minutes along Rue de Bellechasse to the museum entrance.

Line 12 → Assemblée Nationale

Walk ≈8–10 minutes via Boulevard Saint-Germain and side streets toward the Seine.

Line 1 → Tuileries / Concorde

Cross the river via Pont Royal or the pedestrian Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor (≈12–15 minutes).

Tickets

Use a t+ ticket or day passes (Navigo Easy/Day/Weekly). Transfers between Metro/RER inside Paris are included.

Option 3 — Bus & Scenic Walks

Several central bus lines stop within a few minutes of the museum (e.g., along Quai Anatole-France and Boulevard Saint-Germain). Walking along the Seine from the Louvre/Tuileries area is flat and scenic (≈12–20 minutes).

  • Use bus routes serving the 7ᵗʰ arrondissement and the river quays; check live maps for the closest stop.
  • For walks, the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor footbridge delivers some of the best views.

Tip

On busy days, buses can be slower than RER/Metro—allow extra time or choose rail for punctual arrivals.

From the Airports

From CDG (Charles de Gaulle)

RER B → change at Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame → RER C to Musée d’Orsay. Allow ≈60–75+ minutes plus transfer time.

From ORY (Orly)

Orlyval → Antony → RER B to Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame → RER C to Musée d’Orsay. ≈50–70+ minutes.

With Luggage?

Consider a taxi/ride-share from the airport for door-to-door convenience, especially with kids or bulky bags.

Driving & Ride-Share

By Car

Central Paris traffic and one-way streets can slow arrivals. Aim for the 7ᵗʰ arrondissement near the river quays.

Parking

Street parking is limited; use nearby paid car parks in the 7ᵗʰ. Check height limits and opening hours.

Ride-Share/Taxi

Set destination to Musée d’Orsay (1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur). Drop-off zones line the Quai Anatole-France.

Cycling

Cycle lanes run along the Seine; Vélib’ stations sit within a few blocks. Use secure racks near the entrance.

Practical Tips

Tickets & Passes

Within Paris (zone 1), a t+ ticket works on Metro, buses, trams, and RER for city-center trips and transfers.

Peak Times

Arrive early or late afternoon for calmer travel and shorter museum lines; weekends and rainy days are busiest.

Accessibility

RER/Metro include step-free routes at selected stations; the museum provides lifts and accessible entrances. Check route maps before you go.

Weather & Walking

River breezes can be cool—carry a light layer. Comfortable shoes help for museum floors and riverside walks.

Getting There Cheatsheet

Closest Stop

RER C — Musée d’Orsay • Exit to Quai Anatole-France • Walk ≈2–3 min.

Nearby Metro

L12 Solférino (≈5–7 min) • L12 Assemblée Nationale (≈8–10 min) • L1 Tuileries (≈12–15 min via bridges).

Typical Times

RER C from Saint-Michel: ≈5–7 min • From Invalides: ≈3–5 min • From Eiffel area: ≈7–10 min.

Zones

Central Paris zone 1. t+ tickets and most day/weekly passes apply.

With Kids/Luggage

Prefer RER C (few stairs) or taxi for a simpler approach.

Map & Apps

Use RATP, Citymapper, or Google Maps to check live routes, platforms, and disruptions.

Make the Journey Easy

Secure your tickets in advance and choose the route that fits your schedule—RER C, Metro, bus, or a scenic walk along the Seine.

Book Orsay Tickets