If you’re flying to Paris, you’ll most likely be arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, or CDG for short. This is Paris’s main international airport, and it’s also France’s busiest, with about 1.6 million travelers going through it every DAY. This number might sound totally huge, but I’ve flown through CDG dozens of times and find it pretty easy to navigate. However, if it’s your first time flying into it, you probably have all kinds of questions about your upcoming arrival. You’ll find the answers to ALL of them in my super detailed guide to Paris CDG Airport.
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CDG Paris Essentials: where it’s located and how it’s organized
CDG Airport is located north of Paris
CDG Airport is located 23 kilometers (13 miles) northeast of Paris, next to a suburb called Roissy, so you might see this name occasionally linked to the airport and its transit options. There’s a pretty fast highway linking the airport to the city, as well as public transport options, which I tell you all about in a section further along in the article.
CDG has three terminals (and many sub-terminals)
CDG has three terminals, simply called Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Each terminal is used by different airline groups instead of being split up into one for domestic and another for international flights, like at some other airports.
This is why, when you’re departing from Paris, it’s VERY important to check your terminal in advance, because you definitely don’t want to end up at the wrong one and have to backtrack and waste precious time. This will cause you a lot of stress, and you might even miss your flight, but hopefully you won’t risk that thanks to all the tips in my guide to Paris CDG Airport.
Here’s a rough overview of which airlines use which terminal:
- Terminal 1: This is the oldest terminal at CDG. It’s round and made of concrete, so I think it kinda looks like a giant spaceship. At least the inside has been refurbished and is more modern than its rather ugly 1970s exterior. It’s used mainly by the airlines of the Star Alliance group (Lufthansa, United, ANA, Turkish, Swiss, and others).
- Terminal 2: This is the newer terminal, and it has a nice, airy feel with lots of glass. But it’s good for you to know that it’s REALLY spread out and has sub-terminals, from 2A to 2G. So, in addition to just knowing that your flight is from Terminal 2, you also need to know which sub-terminal it leaves from, or else you’ll have to do a LOT of walking or waiting for shuttle buses to reach the right sub-terminals. The sub-terminal will usually be listed in your booking confirmation email or on your boarding pass. Terminal 2 is the base of Air France, SkyTeam airlines (Delta, KLM and others), Air Canada, Easyjet and other international airlines.
- Terminal 3: This is a very small terminal that’s only used by a few airlines. It’s been spruced up in recent years, but it still feels more like the airport of a small town. It’s only used by low-cost airlines that mostly travel around Europe and North Africa, but it’s also used by the Canadian low-cost airline Air Transat.
If you’re unsure of which terminal you need to reach, check the website of your airline or the website of Aéroports de Paris. Don’t rely on ChatGPT– it could tell you the wrong info.
Image Courtesy of Bonjour RATP
There’s a free shuttle train and buses between terminals
If you’re flying into one terminal and transiting to another flight at a different terminal, you can take the free automatic shuttle train called CDG-Val. It leaves from each terminal every 5 minutes and operates 24/7.
As I mentioned above, Terminal 2 is HUGE. If you need to go from one sub-terminal to another, these two free shuttle bus lines go between them:
- Line N1 travels between 2A (outside door 5), 2C (door 12), 2E (door 16), 2F (door 2), 2D (door 6), and leaves every 7-8 minutes.
- Line N2 goes to 2F (door 2), 2E (only from 9:30 pm and 11 pm), and the very small 2G, and it leaves every 5 minutes.
How to get to and from Paris’s CDG Airport
There are several transport options to get between CDG and Central Paris, including the RER suburban train, buses, taxis, and private transfers. I’ve actually brought all the details on each option together in this guide to traveling from the Paris airports to the city center, but I’ll give you a brief outline below.
How to decide which type of transport you’ll take to and from Paris’s CDG Airport
Before you fly, I highly recommend you use Citymapper or Google Maps to see the best way to get from the airport to your Paris accommodation. That way, you’ll be able to compare prices and how long each way will take. It’s better to do this in advance because you’ll be all tired and jet lagged when you arrive at the airport and might not have a clear head for figuring this out on the spot.
Something you should keep in mind is that the Paris transport system has TONS of stairs and few elevators and escalators. So if you’ve got lots of luggage, a few travel companions, small kids, or any mobility issues, I really think you should NOT take public transit.
Taking taxis or private transfers between CDG and Paris’s city center
If you fit the above cases, then you can get a taxi or private transfer. There are set rates from the airport depending on which side of the city you’re traveling to. It’s €56 for Right Bank destinations and €65 for the Left Bank.
Whatever you do, ONLY take a taxi at the official taxi stands. These are located outside each terminal, and there are plenty of signs showing you how to reach them. Some illegal drivers are waiting outside the arrivals doors offering rides. NEVER take a ride with them as they’ll rip you off, and that’s definitely not how you want to start off your Paris holiday.
If you’d like to be met inside the terminal and have help with your bags, consider booking a pre-book private transfer, we recommend this company. The cost isn’t that much more than a taxi, and you’ll have a smoother journey.
Rideshare apps, like Uber or Bolt, do pick up customers at the airport, but I personally think you should avoid these. Even speaking French fluently, I’ve had tons of problems finding the drivers, as the meeting point isn’t clearly labeled. Drivers often try to call you, which will also be a problem if you don’t speak French. This all might lead to a stressful situation for you, another one that’s best to avoid when you’re tired and fresh off the plane.
Taking public transit between CDG and Paris’s city center
When it comes to your public transit options, most Parisians use the RER suburban train, which connects to the subway (le métro) at many stations within the city. This costs €13 and you can get tickets through the Bonjour RATP app, or at the machines and ticket counters in the airport’s RER stations. There are two separate RER stations for the airport: a station called “Terminal 1,” which is for both Terminal 1 and 3, and a station for Terminal 2.
There’s also an airport express bus, which also costs €13, but I don’t think it’s worth taking it unless you’re staying near its end station, which is behind the Opéra Garnier. If you’re on a budget, the best option is a regular city of Paris bus that only costs €2.50.
Like I said above, I go into all the nitty-gritty of this in my complete guide to traveling between CDG and Paris’s city center.
How early should you get to CDG Airport?
Everyone’s a little different regarding their “timing preferences”. Some people like being very early for flights, and others arrive just in the nick of time – I’m somewhere in the middle, but I’ve also almost missed flights a few times because of traffic or public transit delays. It can be super stressful, so I’ve started arriving a tad earlier than my “risk-taking internal clock” suggests.
The time you need to arrive also depends on whether you’re checking a bag or not, because this usually takes a minimum of 20 minutes, and can take up to 45 minutes around Christmas or in peak summer season.
As a general rule, if you’re taking a short-haul flight (within the Schengen zone, therefore you don’t need to go through Border Control), you should arrive around two hours before your flight’s departure time. For long-haul flights, and ones outside the Schengen zone), you should get there two and half to to three hours before, since you will need to go through Border Control before you’ll be allowed to your gate (more on this in a bit).
If you’re traveling around Christmas, give yourself extra time; the airport is ALWAYS really busy at that time of year. It’s also a time when you absolutely do not want to miss your flight, as you likely have special holiday plans you don’t want to miss out on. Plus, it’s really challenging and really expensive to book a new, last-minute flight at that time of year. So play it safe, and you should be totally fine.
What you need to know about Border Control
Border Control procedures are actually pretty easy at CDG, but the length and formalities vary a little depending on whether you’re landing or departing.
What’s Border Control like arriving at CDG
If you’re arriving in the morning, or if several flights have landed at the same time, the lines at Border Control can be VERY long (like an hour or more). However, they’ve recently added more processing machines where you scan your passport yourself (for certain nationalities), so those should help speed up wait times.
The good news is that there’s no arrival form to fill in. A Border Control agent might ask you a few questions or want to see your departure information, so it could be a good idea to have it handy, just in case. If you come from a country that requires a travel visa to enter the Schengen zone, you will need to show this to the Border Control agent.
After the Border Control agent scans and passes back your passport, you’re not given a receipt or anything like that, you can keep moving towards the exit or baggage claim.
What’s Border Control like flying out of CDG
Leaving France, you’ll have to go through Border Control again. The lines leaving are never very long and usually take only about five minutes, but you should leave yourself extra time just in case it’s longer, especially if it’s around the Christmas travel period. The agent will scan your passport, and as long as you didn’t stay longer than what’s allowed, you likely won’t be asked any questions, you’ll be given back your passport and can go off to find your gate.
What you can expect from baggage claim at Paris’s CDG airport
Upon arrival, after you go through Border Control, there’ll be signs showing you how to get to the baggage claim area. Once you get there, there are TV screens telling you the luggage carousel for your flight. The bags usually come out pretty quickly, unless a few big flights arrive at the same time, in which case, it might take 20 minutes or so. There are also toilets in the luggage carousel area, in case you need one before leaving the airport.
Once you can get your suitcase, you can look for the SORTIE/EXIT signs. Now, very, very occasionally, there are customs agents (called les douanes in French) at the exit who stop passengers to inspect their bags. This is very rare, but I’ve seen it happen, and I’ve only had my suitcase searched one time.
You probably won’t be bringing in any forbidden items, so you won’t have anything to worry about. But if you’d like to see what items you can and cannot bring into France, see this list.
If you’ve booked a private pickup transfer, drivers aren’t allowed to wait in the baggage area, but they’ll be right outside the exit holding a sign with your name on it.
You can access a range of services in the check-in areas
Once you enter the airport for your departure flight, or exit the baggage claim area upon arrival, you’ll be in a zone called the “check-in area”. Here are the various services that could come in handy in this area.
There are VAT refund offices in all terminals
If you’ve done some VAT refund shopping while you’re in Paris, you need to have your forms validated at the airport before you leave. There are offices in each terminal and sub-terminal. It should be pretty fast and only take five minutes, but if the office is busy, it could be longer. So it’s a good idea to make sure you come early to do this.
Learn all about this in our guide to VAT tax refund shopping in Paris.
There’s free wifi at CDG Airport
This is REALLY helpful to know in advance of your arrival and your departure, especially if you don’t have data. You’ll see “aéroports de Paris” or “CDG free wifi” come up as an option in your wifi options on your phone, computer, or tablet.
After you click on it, a browser window should pop up (or open a new internet page), and you’ll just have to click a few buttons to accept the terms, watch a very short ad and voilà, you’re online.
It isn’t unlimited, but it should be enough to last until you board. There’s also an option to purchase extra time, or you can try using a different email address to log in. That’s a trick that’s worked for me in the past.
You can store luggage at Paris’s CDG airport
There’s a luggage storage service at CDG, which could be useful if you’ve just got a long layover in Paris and want to go into the city or if you’re traveling elsewhere after Paris and have a lot of luggage.
The luggage storage office, called Bagages du Monde, is located in Terminal 2 near the TGV/RER train station, on level 4, opposite the Sheraton Hotel.
Here’s some other essential info about the luggage storage at CDG:
- It has 100% secure lockers
- The storage room is video-monitored
- It’s open from 7 am to 9 pm daily (including public holidays)
- Rates are €3-€8 for up to 3 hours, €10-€34 for 24 hours (fee based on luggage weight)
There are tourist information centers within the airport
If you’re arriving at CDG and would like to get some information about Paris activities or a free city map, there are tourist information centers in Terminal 1 and 2. Here’s where and when you can find them:
- Terminal 1: The office is found at the arrivals level, next to gate 4. It’s open Monday to Sunday from 7:15 am to 8:45 pm (except for December 25th, January 1st, and May 1st).
- Terminal 2: There are four different offices spread among the sub-terminals. 2B/D at the arrivals level, 2C at the Arrivals/Departures level, Gate 5, 2E at the arrivals level, near door 7, and 2F near gate 11. The 2B/D, 2E, and 2F offices are open daily from 7:15 am to 8:45 pm, and the 2C office is only open from 7:15 am to 2:30 pm (except for December 25th, January 1st, and May 1st).
There are a few pharmacies and healthcare facilities in CDG airport
If you’re not feeling well before, on your way, or when you arrive at the airport, there are a few pharmacies at CDG. These are all situated BEFORE security/border control, so if you need some over-the-counter meds or last-minute French beauty products, seek one out before going through security.
In Terminal 1, you’ll find one on level 3, then in Terminal 2, there’s one at 2A-2C on level 1, at 2E level 2, and at 2F level 2. Their hours are roughly 6 or 7 am to 8 or 9 pm, and you can find further details here.
There’s also a first-aid center if you have a little accident while you’re at the airport or in transit. If you need to get any vaccines for onward travel, there’s an International Vaccine Center (advance appointment required).
There are luggage wrapping machines
If you’re concerned about the safety of the goods in your suitcase, you could stop by one of the luggage wrapping stands before checking your bag in. Called “Bag Wrap,” there’s one in Terminal 3, three in Terminal 1, and one in virtually all the sub-terminals of Terminal 2. The price starts from €15-€25, depending on whether you want tracking and insurance.
Image Courtesy of Bistrot Benoit via Paris Aeroport
Everything you need to know about food and beverage options at CDG
There are lots of food options at CDG, but these vary greatly per terminal, so I’ll outline what’s available in each below. Like anywhere around the world, things cost more at the airport, so if you would like to save some euros and possibly get better quality items, you might want to pick up some snacks in Paris before traveling out to the airport.
Unfortunately, you still can’t take liquids in bottles over 100 milliliters through security check, but there are free water fountains, shops, and restaurants after security control. Keep reading to find out more about all of those things.
Terminal 1: There are a few takeaway places before security, then after security, you’ve got more selection. There are some casual places that sell sandwiches, salads, and beverages, like Paul and Ezki, and a few sit-down venues, like Bistrot Benoit, where you can get a classic French meal, and Kirei, a fusion Japanese-Mediterranean restaurant.
Terminal 2: Since it’s the largest terminal at CDG, there is actually a lot of choice here and in every subterminal. For something casual, there’s Paul, Ezki, Starbucks, McDonald’s, and others. Terminals A and C don’t have much besides takeaway places, but here are some other options for larger meals and drinks in the other sub-terminals:
- Terminal 2B/D: Before security, there’s Carl’s Jr, a place that sells burgers and other fast food items. Within the check-in zone, there’s the Paname Tap House, where you can get a drink and pub fare, and the classier La Table de Michel Roth, which serves bistronomic cuisine.
- Terminal 2E: Before security, there’s Café Eiffel, a stylish restaurant by two-star Michelin chef Michel Rostang. Within the check-in zone, you can get a drink at Le Bar or a gourmet meal at I Love Paris by Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin.
- Terminal 2F: You can get a posh breakfast or lunch at Laduree Tea Salon, try some Mediterranean snacks at Byzance Gourmet Food Bar, or some healthy sandwiches and salads at Naked.
- Terminal 3: Unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot of choice at this budget terminal, but there’s one sandwich/snack venue before security and two within the check-in zone, as well as a bar.
There are free water dispensers throughout the Paris airport
I’m a big fan of reusable water bottles, and if you’ve brought one with you, you’ll be able to refill it outside most of the restrooms, both before and after security. Although if you fill it up before security, you’ll have to drink it all quickly, but if you’re really thirsty (or if you’ve just landed), it’s good to know your options.
What you need to know about the boarding area at CDG
You can do duty-free shopping at CDG
If you’re taking an international flight and didn’t get a chance to do all your shopping in Paris, there are a whole bunch of duty-free shops at CDG. The best of these are within Terminal 2, but Terminal 1 has a good amount of boutiques.
There are large “classic” duty-free shops that sell cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, and food items, but there are also dozens of shops for specific brands, as well as food shops (like Ladurée macarons), and Relay, which is sort of like a convenience store, selling books, magazines, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Terminal 3 doesn’t have a lot since it’s pretty small and doesn’t have many international flights, but there is a decent-sized duty-free shop with beauty and food items, and a Relay convenience store.
Find the full list of shops in this CDG airport shop directory.
It can take a long time to get to your gate
I told you above that you can do some shopping, but you’ll want to keep an eye on the time because some of the gates can be a little far. So before you start browsing, you might want to see how far your gate is. There’s pretty good signage, and for the further gates, they even put how long it’ll take on foot to reach them.
This is more of an issue with Terminal 2, as it’s so big and very, very long. Plus, there are a few gates that require you to take a small shuttle train, and this takes a little more time. You may have to take a bus from the gate to your plane, which isn’t so common in the US. But in general, this is mostly for the low-cost airlines, but if you’re taking Easyjet or Air Transat, you’ll want to keep this in mind.
There are phone charging boxes and work stations at CDG
If your phone battery is running low, you can charge it at one of the free ChargeBox stations. These are spread out in the boarding lounges in Terminal 1, Terminal 2D, Terminal 2E (Hall L and M), and Terminal 3.
If these are full, look around along the walls, and you might be able to find some outlets. I’ve also seen some USB ports built into some of the tables at restaurants, so this could be another option for you.
If you’ve got some work to do, there are also some workstations with electrical outlets built into them. They tend to be long tables that you share with other passengers. I’ve seen more in Terminal 2, but you might also find some in Terminal 1.
There are some family-friendly facilities
I wouldn’t say that CDG is amazingly family-friendly, but there are a couple of helpful facilities geared towards kids.
If you’re traveling with babies or smaller kids, you can use the priority line at the security checkpoints. All restroom areas have a family bathroom that has changing tables and toilet seats for kids. There are also a few special baby rooms with individual alcoves that have cribs, seats, high chairs, bottle warmers, and microwaves. These are free and open 24/7. You’ll find these after security in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2E (gates L).
Kids of all ages will also love the arcades, Sony PlayStation 5 stations, and foosball tables that are in all departure lounges. There are even some cheese boards and pianos. These facilities are a great way to keep the kids entertained before boarding that long flight. See where you can find all of these at this link.
There are some shower facilities
If you’re transiting through CDG, then you might like to freshen up. Some premium lounges have showers that are free of charge, but if you don’t have lounge access, you can pay €20 to use a shower cabin at the Yotel, found in Terminal 2E.
There’s a variety of airport lounges
Each major airline group and Air France have their own private lounges, which can be used by certain types of passengers. They are usually free for members of their point systems’ higher tiers, or if you’re flying business or first class. You can sometimes use your airline loyalty points to purchase lounge access.
You might also have lounge access as part of your credit card points. I’ve also bought access to a lounge through my card, so that might be another option for you. If you don’t have a credit card with travel perks, you might want to consider applying for one of these best credit cards for travelers.
There are also Extime lounges in Terminal 1 and 2. This is a private lounge for which you can buy access. It starts at €95 (for adults), which I think is a little pricey, but it does come with a lot of perks. Learn more about them here.
There are special services for travelers with reduced mobility
Like most major airports around the world, CDG has special services and assistance for visitors with reduced mobility. I’ve actually used these before, when I had a knee injury and was worried about straining it with all the walking that you usually have to do at the airport.
You usually arrange this through your airline when you book your ticket. If you forget to do this, call your airline to set this up.
When you arrive at your terminal, you need to track down the assistance offices, which are usually near the entrance and well-indicated. At the counter, you’ll give your flight info, then you’ll be asked to take a seat until your name is called. When I used the service, I was a little nervous about the time ticking by, but their team is well organized, and you don’t wait in line at all at security and border control. So it goes pretty quickly once you’re on the move.
Depending on your needs, a staff member can help you directly onto the plane. The airport has created these great resources for travelers with reduced mobility.
Image Courtesy of YOTEL via Booking.com
There are various hotels at the airport
There are a good handful of hotels at CDG Airport, but I think it’s more worth your while to stay in Paris the last night and head out to the airport early in the morning. There’s usually not a lot of traffic in the direction of the airport (it’s the way into the city that’s worse). This way, you can savor a little bit more of Paris and enjoy a last delicious meal instead of being stuck at an airport hotel, as most are pretty bland.
But I do realize that it can be a little nerve-racking for some people to go in the morning, or if you have a super early flight. So if you really feel like you’d prefer to stay next to the airport, here are your best choices for hotels at CDG. I’ve organized them into which are closer to each terminal area, but ALL of them have shuttle buses that go to all terminals.
Right inside the airport:
YOTEL: If you’ve got a long layover, there’s actually this one “hotel” right inside Terminal 2E, within the check-in zone. You can book a room for an hour or overnight and bring hand luggage only. It’s nothing fancy, but if you’re simply transiting through Paris CDG Airport and need to rest and get cleaned up, this is a decent option.
Sheraton CDG: This is the only hotel within the airport building at CDG, but outside the boarding area. It’s conveniently located above the RER/Train station at Terminal 2. Rooms are simple, but comfy and you can watch planes take off out your window while you’re getting ready for your flight.
Hotels near the RER Station 1 & 3 and the CDGVal shuttle train
CitizenM CDG: Found a short walk away from the RER station, and where the CDGVal terminal shuttle is. This is a fun hotel with funky decor, especially in the large open lounge. Rooms are compact, but have everything you need for a solid sleep before your flight.
Hilton Paris CDG: This large hotel has an ultra-modern feel with plenty of glass. It’s got a sauna and plusher amenities, so if you don’t mind splurging a bit, this is among the most luxurious hotel options at CDG. It’s walking distance to the RER Station and the CDGVAL shuttle, so that’s definitely a plus.
Hotels near the Parking PR CDGVal shuttle train
Moxy: If I had to stay at an airport hotel at CDG, I’d likely pick this cooler boutique hotel. One of the few CDG hotels with some personality, you’ll find eclectic decor items and friendly vibes. It’s got rooms with sofa beds, which are a good match for families.
INNSiDE by Mélia: This hotel actually isn’t too bad for an airport hotel. It’s found only 200 metres from the free CDGVal shuttle train, so you have the freedom to go to your airport terminal whenever you like. The rooms have a nice contemporary feel, as does the spacious lounge. It also has a fitness centre, terrace, and bar.
Holiday Inn Express: As you might expect from this international chain, the rooms don’t have a lot of personality, but you’ll get a good and convenient night’s sleep here.
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