Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Aéroport de Paris-Charles de Gaulle · Aéroport de Roissy
Paris, France · Since 1974
Last updated:
About CDG
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest international airport in France and one of Europe's busiest hubs. Located 23 km northeast of Paris, it serves as the primary hub for Air France and the SkyTeam alliance. The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1 (the original circular design), Terminal 2 (the massive Air France hub with sub-terminals 2A through 2G), and Terminal 3 (budget carriers). CDG handled over 67 million passengers in 2023 and connects to over 300 destinations worldwide.
Why "CDG"?
CDG is named after Charles de Gaulle, the French military leader and statesman who served as President of France from 1959 to 1969. He led the Free French Forces during WWII and was instrumental in founding the Fifth Republic. The airport opened in 1974.
Hub For
Airlines Operating
Air France, Delta Air Lines, KLM, easyJet, Transavia, Vueling, Norwegian, Ryanair, American Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, Air China, China Eastern, Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Canada, Aeroflot, LOT Polish Airlines, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Finnair
Terminals
Terminal 1
The original terminal, with its distinctive circular design by architect Paul Andreu. Serves Star Alliance carriers and other international airlines. Connected to T3 via a free shuttle bus (CDGVAL).
Terminal 2A
Part of the Terminal 2 complex. Primarily serves Air France regional and European flights. Connected to other T2 modules via walkways and shuttle.
Terminal 2B
Part of Terminal 2 complex, currently undergoing renovation and merged operations with 2D for some services.
Terminal 2C
Smaller terminal in the T2 complex serving European budget and regional carriers.
Terminal 2D
Terminal 2 satellite serving a mix of European and international flights.
Terminal 2E
The main long-haul terminal, home to Air France intercontinental flights and SkyTeam partners. Modern architecture with three departure halls (K, L, M). The busiest terminal at CDG.
Terminal 2F
Air France hub for European and domestic flights. The Schengen terminal with efficient connections within Europe.
Terminal 3
Budget terminal serving low-cost and charter airlines. Basic facilities. Connected to T1 via CDGVAL shuttle.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at CDG
Air France
Terminal 2E Hub
easyJet
Terminal 2C
Aegean Airlines
Aer Lingus
Aeromexico
Air Algerie
Air Arabia
Air Austral
Showing 8 of 109 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
RER B train to central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet) in 25-35 minutes for €11.45. Roissybus to Opéra in 60-75 minutes for €16.60. Le Bus Direct coaches to multiple Paris locations. TGV high-speed train station at Terminal 2 for direct connections to French cities. Taxis at fixed rates: €53 to Right Bank, €58 to Left Bank. Uber and Bolt available.
Taxi
55 EUR flat rate to Paris Right Bank, 62 EUR to Left Bank
35-60 minutes to city center
Public Transport
11.45 EUR (RER B train)
35-50 minutes to central Paris to city center
Parking at CDG
Short-stay from €5/30min, long-stay from €24/day. Booking online in advance offers significant discounts....
P Proche (Short Stay)
PW (Long Stay)
P Eco (Economy)
PCD (Premium Covered)
Airport Lounges
Air France La Premiere Lounge
Terminal 2E
The most exclusive lounge at CDG. Features Alain Ducasse-designed dining, Biologique Recherche spa, individual sleeping pods, champagne bar, and personalized service. Often rated among the best first class lounges globally.
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge
Terminal 2E
Elegant lounge with Middle Eastern and international cuisine, premium beverages, shower facilities, and comfortable seating with runway views.
Air France Business Lounge (Hall L)
Terminal 2E
Spacious lounge with Clarins spa area, hot buffet with French cuisine, wine bar featuring French wines, and relaxation area. Multiple locations in T2E.
Star Alliance Lounge
Terminal 1
Shared lounge for Star Alliance carriers in Terminal 1. Hot and cold buffet, bar, shower rooms, and work areas. Gets busy during peak connection times.
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Terminal 1
Turkish Airlines branded lounge in Terminal 1 with signature Turkish cuisine, pide, baklava, and a good selection of hot dishes.
Air France Lounge (Terminal 2F)
Terminal 2F
Lounge for European flights with French pastries, cheese selection, wine, and light meals. Smaller than T2E lounges but less crowded.
Icare Lounge
Terminal 2E
Independent lounge in Terminal 2E open to all passengers. French cuisine, wine selection, shower rooms, and quiet work zones.
Air France Lounge (Terminal 2A)
Terminal 2A
Compact lounge in T2A for Air France European departures. Continental breakfast, snacks, French wines, and coffee.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Connected to Terminal 2 via a covered walkway
Full-service Hilton connected to Terminal 2 by a walkway. Features restaurant, bar, fitness center, and business center. The most convenient hotel for T2 passengers.
Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
Located between Terminals 1 and 2, connected via CDGVAL shuttle
Upscale hotel between the terminals with direct access to RER B train station. Restaurant, bar, pool, and fitness center. Good views of runway from upper floors.
Nearby Hotels
Premiere Classe Roissy CDG
2 Allee du Verger, Roissy-en-France
Ultra-budget option for cost-conscious travelers. Basic but clean rooms with private bathroom. Free shuttle to terminals. Best booked for quick overnight stays.
citizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Within the airport complex, 5 minutes by shuttle from terminals
Design-forward hotel with compact smart rooms, mood lighting, and free movies. CanteenM serves 24/7 food and drinks. Modern, fun, and affordable.
Novotel Paris CDG Airport
Route de Roissy, 3 minutes from terminal by shuttle
Reliable Accor property with comfortable rooms, restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Free shuttle to all terminals. Indoor pool available.
Capsule Hotels
YOTELAIR Paris CDG
Airside in Terminal 2E, Hall M (no immigration needed for transit)
Compact premium cabins bookable by the hour, located airside in Terminal 2E. Each cabin has a SmartBed, monsoon shower, smart TV, and workspace. Perfect for transit passengers.
Food & Dining
Brioche Doree
French Cafe
Terminal 1 (Landside)
Traditional French chain bakery serving croissants, baguette sandwiches, quiches, and coffee. Quick, affordable, and authentically French.
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
McDonalds
Fast Food
Terminal 1 (Landside)
French McDonalds often surprise visitors with their quality. Try the Croque McDo or McBaguette - unique French menu items not found elsewhere.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sushi Shop
Japanese Sushi
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired bowls. A lighter alternative to heavy French airport fare. Takeaway boxes also available.
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Paul
French Bakery/Cafe
Terminal 2D (Airside)
Beloved French bakery chain with artisan bread, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. The baguette tradition sandwich is a classic choice.
5:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Eric Kayser Boulangerie
French Bakery
Terminal 2E (Airside)
Artisan French bakery with freshly baked bread, croissants, sandwiches on sourdough, quiches, and pastries. Excellent coffee. Multiple CDG locations.
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Exki
Healthy/Organic
Terminal 2E (Airside)
Belgian healthy fast-food concept with organic salads, soups, smoothies, and grain bowls. All ingredients are natural with no additives.
6:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
Car rental center accessible from all terminals via CDGVAL
Avis
Car rental center accessible from all terminals via CDGVAL
Europcar
Car rental center accessible from all terminals via CDGVAL
Sixt
Car rental center accessible from all terminals via CDGVAL
Enterprise
Car rental center accessible from all terminals via CDGVAL
Budget
Car rental center accessible from all terminals via CDGVAL
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
French Wine Tasting Airside
Several wine bars in T2E offer French wine tasting experiences. Sample Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. Buy Vignes boutique in T2E has an excellent curated selection.
CDG Airport Shopping
Terminal 2E has excellent duty-free shopping including French luxury brands: Hermes, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and an extensive wine and champagne selection.
YOTELAIR CDG Rest Stop
Book a YOTELAIR cabin in Terminal 2E for a few hours of rest. Private room with bed, shower, and entertainment. Book by the hour starting from 38 EUR.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Basilique de Saint-Denis
The Royal Basilica of Saint-Denis, burial site of French kings, is just 30 minutes by bus from CDG. A stunning Gothic cathedral and important piece of French history. Much less crowded than Paris attractions.
Instant Paris by Air France
Air France occasionally offers curated layover tours of Paris for connecting passengers. Check with Air France at the connection desk in T2E for availability and current offerings.
Visit the Eiffel Tower
Take the RER B to Saint-Michel (35 min), then walk or take the Metro to Trocadero for the best Eiffel Tower views. With 5+ hours, you can visit the tower and stroll along the Seine.
Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur
Take the RER B to Gare du Nord, then Metro line 4 to Chateau Rouge. Walk up to Sacre-Coeur for stunning Paris views, explore charming artist streets, and grab a crepe.
Louvre Museum Quick Visit
Take the RER B to Chatelet-Les Halles (30 min), walk to the Louvre. Focus on the highlights: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Pre-book timed entry to skip the line.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type C, Type E (French standard with grounding pin). USB ports at some gates.
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From 12 EUR/day at Bagages du Monde in Terminals 2A-2F
- Showers: Free in airline lounges. Yotel rooms from 38 EUR/4 hours include shower.
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: EUR (Euro)
- Exchange: Travelex and ICE in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. CIC bank branch in Terminal 2E.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (varies by location)
- Tipping: Service charge is included in French prices by law. Tipping is not expected but rounding up or leaving 1-2 EUR for good service is appreciated. No tipping at cafes for coffee.
ATMs offer the best exchange rates. Airport bureaux de change have poor rates. Most places in Paris accept contactless payment. Notify your bank before travel.
Smoking Areas
CDG is smoke-free indoors. Designated outdoor smoking areas outside terminal buildings before security. No smoking areas airside.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +33 1-48-62-13-34
Lost property offices in each terminal. Items can also be reported online via Paris Aéroport website.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
France is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of US, UK, Canada, Australia, and 60+ other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. ETIAS authorization will be required starting 2025 for visa-exempt travelers.
Valid passport (6 months validity recommended). Schengen visa for non-exempt nationalities. ETIAS will be required for visa-free nationals starting 2025.
When to Fly
Best time: April-June and September-October for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
Peak seasons: July-August (European summer holidays), Christmas/New Year, Easter
Insider Tips
CDG is enormous — allow at least 30 minutes to transfer between terminals. The CDGVAL automated train connects all terminals for free. Terminal 2 sub-terminals (2A-2G) can be confusing — check your exact sub-terminal. The RER B is the best value to central Paris but can be crowded. Buy your train ticket before boarding to avoid fines. Duty-free shopping is best in Terminal 2E.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free unlimited Wi-Fi. Yotel for transit sleep pods in Terminal 2E. Multi-faith prayer rooms and chapel. Play areas for children. Pharmacies and medical services. Extensive duty-free shopping. Art exhibitions and cultural displays. Left luggage by Bagages du Monde.
Official Website
Phone
+33 1-70-36-39-50
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