Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LBG): the 2026 guide

Updated 12 August 2026 · by DRIVIGO, private chauffeur service in Paris

Where Le Bourget is

Le Bourget lies north-east of Paris, in Seine-Saint-Denis, about 12 km from the city centre. It opened in 1919 and was the capital's main airport until Orly and then Roissy took over commercial traffic; since 1974 it has been dedicated to business and general aviation.

The spread between off-peak and peak times is the single most useful figure on this page. A transfer from the 16th arrondissement can take twice as long at 8 a.m. as it does at 2 p.m., which is why departure timing matters more here than the distance itself.

Getting to and from the airport

By road. The A1 motorway from Porte de la Chapelle towards Roissy and Lille serves the airport directly; take exit 5, Le Blanc-Mesnil — Aéroport du Bourget. The A3 connects to the same network via the Boulevard Périphérique at Porte de Bagnolet.

By rail. Le Bourget station is on RER line B, roughly 325 metres from the airport perimeter — about a five-minute walk — with bus 152 towards Gonesse serving the field itself. The station also connects to tram line T11 Express and bus lines 133, 143, 146, 703 and Noctilien N42.

In practice, passengers arriving by private jet do not use the RER. The relevant question is not how to reach the airport but how quickly a car can be at the aircraft, which depends on the ground handler rather than on the road.

The seven FBOs

Seven fixed-base operators share the field. Each has its own terminal, opening hours and working habits, and the handler — not the airport — decides where a vehicle may present itself for a given movement.

Universal Aviation France

The established handler for many American operators and for diplomatic missions. Open 08:30–20:30, 24 hours on request. Radio frequency 131.785 MHz, 9 avenue de l'Europe, 93350 Le Bourget. Customs and immigration are processed either on the aircraft or in the terminal.

Signature Flight Support

Two separate terminals at Le Bourget and the largest parking capacity on the field, with hotel-standard lounges. Part of the world's largest FBO network.

Jetex Flight Support

A recent terminal with direct airside access, a 1,400 m² lounge, private workspaces and an extensive concierge offer.

Dassault Falcon Service

The only handler on the field owned by an aircraft manufacturer. A Falcon specialist, combining VIP passenger handling with maintenance on site.

Advanced Air Support

Tailored handling for high-end clients, and the only prayer room on the airport.

Sky Valet

Direct airside access, and part of a network that also covers Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez — the routes that matter most during the summer season.

Aston Sky

The seventh operator on the field. Landmark Aviation has been announced as relocating to another position on the airport.

Customs and immigration

Customs and immigration are available 24 hours a day on advance notice. Processing is typically around fifteen minutes between arrival and departure from the terminal, and officers can clear passengers either on the aircraft or in the FBO.

Le Bourget has no airport slots, which is one of the practical reasons operators prefer it to Charles de Gaulle for short-notice movements.

Runways and aircraft

Two parallel runways, 2,835 m and 2,680 m. The field accepts everything from light turboprops to ultra-long-range jets, which is what allows a transatlantic aircraft and a light twin to operate from the same apron.

Night operations

Movements are permitted between 23:00 and 06:00 local time, subject to noise level restrictions. For ground transport this matters: a 05:30 arrival is a normal working movement at Le Bourget, not an exception, and crew rotations regularly fall outside standard hours.

Le Bourget, CDG or Orly

Le Bourget is the closest of the three to central Paris at 12 km, against 27 km for Charles de Gaulle and 18 km for Orly. Combined with the absence of slots and a fifteen-minute customs process, that is what makes the difference on a same-day return: the time saved is measured on the ground, not in the air.

What else is on the field

Le Bourget hosts the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, one of the oldest aviation museums in the world, and the Paris Air Show, held on the site in odd-numbered years. During the show, road access and parking around the airport change substantially and journey times should be planned accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

What is the IATA code for Paris-Le Bourget?

LBG for IATA, LFPB for ICAO.

How far is Le Bourget from central Paris?

About 12 km. Allow 25 to 40 minutes by road depending on traffic, and up to an hour from the west of Paris at peak times.

Can aircraft operate at night?

Yes, between 23:00 and 06:00 local time, subject to noise level restrictions.

How long do customs take?

Customs and immigration are available 24/7 on advance notice, and processing is typically around fifteen minutes.

Are there airport slots at Le Bourget?

No. That is one of the reasons operators favour it for short-notice movements.

How many FBOs are there?

Seven: Universal Aviation, Signature Flight Support, Jetex, Dassault Falcon Service, Advanced Air Support, Sky Valet and Aston Sky.

The best way into Paris

There is no rail link from the aircraft, and taxi ranks are not how business aviation works. A car is booked in advance, against the aircraft registration rather than a flight number, and waits at the point the handler designates.

Official sources: Paris Aéroport · Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace · RATP