Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Guide (CDG)

The Quick Overview

Charles de Gaulle is big, confusing, and sprawling. That's the honest truth. It's France's busiest airport, handling around 70 million passengers a year, and its layout has been the subject of traveler complaints for decades. But once you understand the structure, it's manageable.

CDG sits about 23 kilometers (14 miles) northeast of Paris, near a suburb called Roissy. You'll sometimes hear locals call it "Roissy" instead of CDG. Getting into Paris takes 30-50 minutes by train, or longer by taxi if traffic is bad.

The biggest challenge at CDG is its terminal layout. There are three terminals, but Terminal 2 is split into seven sub-terminals (2A through 2G), and they're not all connected to each other in obvious ways. Knowing exactly which sub-terminal you need is critical.

Terminal Breakdown

Terminal 1

The original terminal, built in the 1970s with a distinctive circular design. It handles various international airlines, including several Star Alliance carriers. It's been renovated but still feels older than Terminal 2. Airlines here include Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and several Asian carriers.

Terminal 2

This is where it gets complicated. Terminal 2 is actually seven separate buildings:

• 2A and 2C: Connected to each other. Home to Air France short-haul European flights and some partner airlines.
• 2B and 2D: Connected to each other. More Air France flights and SkyTeam partners.
• 2E and 2F: The main long-haul terminals. Air France intercontinental flights depart from 2E. Delta, other SkyTeam members, and some non-alliance carriers use 2E and 2F.
• 2G: The outlier. It's a small terminal used for regional flights and is separated from the rest of Terminal 2. A dedicated shuttle bus (Line N2) connects it.

Terminal 2 also houses a TGV/Eurostar train station, which is incredibly useful if you're connecting to other French cities or heading to London by rail.

Terminal 3

The budget terminal. Low-cost carriers like EasyJet, Vueling, and Spirit Airlines operate here. It's the most basic terminal at CDG with fewer amenities. Don't expect fancy lounges or dining options.

Getting Between Terminals

The free CDGVAL automated train connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3, plus the Roissypole area and the RER B train station. It runs every few minutes and is your primary way to move between the main terminal areas.

Within Terminal 2, free shuttle buses connect the sub-terminals:

• Line N1: Connects 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2D. Runs every 7-8 minutes.
• Line N2: Connects 2F, 2E, and the isolated 2G. Runs every 5 minutes.

Allow at least 30 minutes to get between any two terminals, and up to 45 minutes if Terminal 2G or Terminal 3 is involved.

Getting to Paris from CDG

RER B Train

The most practical option for most travelers. The RER B suburban express train connects CDG to central Paris stations including Gare du Nord, Chatelet-Les Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. The journey takes about 30-35 minutes to Gare du Nord. A single ticket costs around 11.50 euros.

Trains run every 10-20 minutes from about 5am to midnight. The RER B station is located at Terminal 2 (between 2C/2D and 2E/2F) and is accessible from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 via the CDGVAL train.

Important: Keep your ticket until you exit the station in Paris. You'll need it to pass through the exit gates. Losing your ticket means buying a new one or dealing with a fine.

Taxis

Paris airport taxis use flat-rate pricing, which eliminates meter anxiety:

• Right Bank (Rive Droite): 56 euros flat rate. This covers areas like the Champs-Elysees, Marais, Opera, and Montmartre.
• Left Bank (Rive Gauche): 65 euros flat rate. This covers Saint-Germain, Latin Quarter, Eiffel Tower area, and Montparnasse.

Only use taxis from the official taxi ranks outside each terminal. The flat rate applies only to official Paris taxis. Journey time is 45-75 minutes depending on traffic.

RoissyBus

Update: The RoissyBus shuttle that used to run between CDG and Opera was permanently discontinued in February of this year. It no longer operates. Use the RER B or a taxi instead.

Private Transfers

Numerous private transfer companies operate at CDG, with prices starting around 60-80 euros for a sedan. Book in advance through your hotel or a reputable service. Meet-and-greet service inside the terminal is usually included.

Ticketing and Transit Cards

Paris has gone fully digital with transit ticketing. The old cardboard Ticket t+ has been completely phased out. Your options now:

• Navigo Easy card: A reusable contactless card you can load with single tickets or passes. Buy one at any ticket machine at the CDG train station. This is the most reliable option since it doesn't depend on your phone.
• Ile-de-France Mobilites app: Buy digital tickets on your phone and tap to ride. Works well but requires mobile data and a compatible phone.
• Contactless bank cards: Some newer Metro and RER gates accept tap-to-pay directly, but coverage isn't complete yet. Don't rely on this as your only option.

Lounges

• Star Alliance Lounge (Terminal 1): For Star Alliance business and first class passengers. Open 6am-10pm. Schengen flights only.
• Air France Lounge (Terminal 2E): Excellent for SkyTeam elites and business class passengers. Good French wine selection and decent food.
• Qatar Airways Premium Lounge (Terminal 1): One of the best food offerings of any CDG lounge.
• Extime Lounge (Terminal 1): Pay-to-enter lounge starting at 95 euros (115 euros with shower). Comfortable and well-appointed.

Important tip: You generally can't buy lounge passes at the door at CDG. Book online in advance if you want guaranteed access to a pay-in lounge.

Dining

CDG's food is adequate but not spectacular. Terminal 2E has the best selection for international departures. You'll find chains like Pret A Manger, Eric Kayser bakeries, and Costa Coffee throughout. For sit-down options, Brasserie Flo and a few bistro-style restaurants offer passable French cuisine at airport prices.

Critical note: No food outlets at CDG operate 24 hours. If you're on a late-night or early-morning flight, buy food and water before restaurants close in the evening. Water fountains and bottle refill stations are available throughout the terminals.

Scams to Avoid

CDG has some well-known scams targeting tourists:

• Unofficial taxi drivers. People approach you inside the terminal offering rides. They'll charge 2-3 times the official rate. Always use the official taxi rank outside. An official Paris taxi will never solicit inside the terminal.
• Fake helpers at ticket machines. People offer to "help" you buy train tickets, then expect a tip or distract you while a partner pickpockets you. Use the machines yourself; they're in English.
• Petition scammers. Groups approach with clipboards asking you to sign a petition, then demand money or use the distraction to steal from you. Just say "non" and keep walking.

Practical Tips

• CDG is confusing. Know your sub-terminal. "Terminal 2" isn't specific enough. You need to know if you're in 2A, 2E, 2F, etc. This information is on your boarding pass.
• Allow extra time for connections. Minimum connection time at CDG is officially 90 minutes for international-to-international, but honestly, allow 2+ hours if your connection involves different terminals.
• Free Wi-Fi is available. Unlimited and free across all terminals.
• EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Non-EU travelers should be aware that biometric registration (fingerprints and facial scan) is being implemented at CDG. This can add time to the immigration process.
• Charge your devices. Power outlets are available but not abundant. Bring a portable charger.

Frequently Asked Questions