Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: The Complete Traveler's Guide

Getting there, at a glance

Amenities, at a glance

Paris-Charles de Gaulle (IATA: CDG) is France’s main international gateway and the second-busiest airport in Europe, handling more than 70 million passengers a year. It sits about 25 km northeast of central Paris and serves as Air France’s primary hub and the main SkyTeam gateway to Western Europe.

Overview

CDG is spread across three terminal complexes connected by CDGVAL, a free automated shuttle train. It’s one of the more sprawling major airports, so connections between terminals — especially between T1 and T3 — can take a while; always check your terminal and hall before heading out.

Terminals

• Terminal 1: A distinctive circular building mainly used by Star Alliance carriers.
• Terminal 2 (Halls 2A–2G): The largest cluster by far, home to Air France, SkyTeam partners, and most long-haul flights. Has its own RER B and TGV train stations. Always confirm which hall (2A through 2G) your flight uses — they’re spread across a significant distance.
• Terminal 3: The smallest terminal, mainly used by low-cost carriers.

Airlines

Air France dominates CDG as its home hub and the anchor of the SkyTeam alliance, alongside partners like Delta, KLM, and Korean Air. CDG also hosts a large number of long-haul international carriers, making it one of the best-connected airports in Europe for intercontinental routes.

How to Get There

• RER B Train: €14 one-way, with direct service from all terminals to central Paris stops like Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel, and Gare du Nord. About 35–50 minutes depending on stops and time of day.
• Taxi (flat rate): A regulated fixed fare applies regardless of traffic — €56 to destinations on the Right Bank of the Seine, €65 to the Left Bank, including luggage and up to four passengers. Booking via app or phone adds a small surcharge. About 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Bus (Lines 350/351): €2.50, the cheapest option, but slow — about 60–90 minutes depending on traffic and route.
• Ride-hailing: Uber and other apps operate from designated pickup zones, at prices generally comparable to or slightly below the flat taxi fare.

Prices above are indicative and can change — always check the operator’s site for the current fare: RATP, Paris Aéroport.

Getting Through Security and Passport Control

• Schengen flights: Security only, no passport control. Typically 15–25 minutes off-peak, up to 35–45 minutes during morning and early-evening departure waves.
• International (non-Schengen) flights: Security plus passport control. Typically 30–45 minutes off-peak, but can stretch to 60–90 minutes during peak international departure banks — CDG has a reputation for slower-than-average queues at Terminal 2E/2F during summer.
• Terminal 1’s older layout and Terminal 2’s sheer size both contribute to longer walking times between security and your gate — budget extra time beyond the security wait itself.

Parking

All three terminals have adjacent short- and long-stay car parks, plus more affordable off-site lots (PR and Orange Parks) connected by free shuttle. Pre-booking online is significantly cheaper than the walk-up rate.

Wifi

Free, unlimited wifi is available throughout CDG with no time cap — a traveler-friendly setup that makes it comfortable to work or stay connected during a layover.

Best Times to Arrive

• Schengen flights: 90 minutes before departure is typically enough outside peak hours.
• International flights: Arrive 3 hours ahead, especially for Air France long-haul departures from Terminal 2E, where queues build up fast during the evening departure bank.
• Given CDG’s size, add extra buffer time for walking between security and your gate, particularly in Terminal 2’s more distant halls.

Where to Eat

Terminal 2E and 2F have the strongest food selection, with French bistro-style restaurants alongside international chains. Terminal 1’s dining options are more limited but include solid French classics. Expect premium pricing typical of a major European hub.

Lounges

• Air France lounges (several across Terminal 2, including a flagship Business lounge) — accessible with eligible tickets, SkyTeam Elite Plus status, or paid access.
• Several Priority Pass-affiliated lounges are also available across the terminals.

Duty-Free Shopping

CDG’s duty-free areas, especially in Terminal 2E/2F, are known for an extensive selection of French luxury goods — perfume, wine, champagne, and fashion — making it one of the better airports in Europe for last-minute souvenir shopping.

Airport Map

This is a simplified layout to help you get oriented — for real-time, gate-by-gate wayfinding, use the official Paris Aéroport interactive map.

Useful Links

• Official airport site (Paris Aéroport) — terminal info, services, live flight status.
• RATP — RER B info — train times and fares.
• Interactive terminal map

Long Layover Tips

• With 6+ hours and a Schengen-eligible passport, central Paris is reachable via RER B in under an hour, making a short visit realistic — but factor in the return security queue.
• If staying airside, Terminal 2E/2F has the best mix of seating, food, and shopping for a long wait.
• CDG’s size means overnight layovers require some planning — check with your airline or terminal for rest area options, as free sleeping areas are limited.