Airport · CDG
Charles de Gaulle International Airport
Paris (Roissy-en-France, Val-d'Oise), France
Syced — CC0
IATA
CDG
ICAO
LFPG
Continent
Europe
Country
France
Transport
Getting To & From Charles de Gaulle International Airport
Paris-Charles de Gaulle is connected to central Paris via the RER B suburban rail line, which takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes to reach key stations like Gare du Nord or Châtelet–Les Halles. Dedicated airport bus services, including the 9517 route connecting to Saint-Denis Pleyel (Metro Line 14), offer alternative road transit. Official taxis operate on fixed flat-rate fares between the airport and the Left and Right Banks of Paris, while private VTC rideshares and national TGV high-speed rail lines provide direct links to other French cities from the Terminal 2 TGV station.
Navigate
Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
CDG is structured into three primary terminal zones. Terminal 1 is a circular building handling various international non-Alliance and Star Alliance carriers. Terminal 2 is a massive complex split into sub-terminals (2A through 2G) serving as the main hub for Air France and SkyTeam partners. Terminal 3 handles low-cost and charter traffic. The free CDGVAL automated train runs every four minutes between Terminals 1, 2 (central stations), and 3, taking 8 to 12 minutes end-to-end. Note that Terminal 2G is physically isolated and requires a dedicated landside or airside shuttle bus transfer.
Hours of Operation
Paris-Charles de Gaulle operates 24 hours a day for aircraft movements, though certain terminal landside areas and public transport links quiet down overnight. Dedicated airport hotels are integrated directly into the Roissypôle and Terminal 2 zones for overnight transits.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Allow generous connection buffers: Because CDG requires clearing security or immigration changes between disjointed terminals, self-connect itineraries or inter-terminal transfers often demand a minimum of 90 minutes to two hours.
- Verify your terminal strictly: With sub-terminals spread across vast distances under Terminal 2, check your specific boarding hall (e.g., 2E vs. 2G) ahead of time to avoid misdirected taxi drop-offs.
- Utilize free transit: Always look for the CDGVAL automated shuttle to move between main terminal complexes rather than paying for external transport.
Comfort
Lounges
Charles de Gaulle Airport offers an extensive network of carrier-specific and paid lounges, though access policies are strictly enforced. Air France operates major flagship business and first-class lounges across its core hubs—most notably in Terminal 2E (Halls K, L, and M) and Terminal 2F. These spaces feature regional French dining curated by culinary names like François Adamski and Yves Camdeborde, Clarins spa treatment zones, and shower facilities. Independent options exist too, such as the Extime Lounges found across multiple terminals. However, travelers should note that popular multi-access programs like Priority Pass have highly restricted utility here; Priority Pass does not grant entry to Air France lounges, leaving options like the YOTELAIR lounge in Terminal 2E (airside) or specific partner spaces as the independent alternatives.
Staying Online
Wi-Fi & Charging
Internet access across CDG is built around the complimentary WIFI-AIRPORT (or #CDGFreeWifi) network, which blankets all terminals, boarding gates, and public check-in halls without requiring a paid subscription. While general web browsing and messaging are reliably supported, network congestion during peak bank departures can drag down speeds. For power needs, secure free-of-charge charging stations known as ChargeBox units—featuring locked compartments to safeguard devices while they replenish—are positioned throughout the post-security departure zones of Terminal 1, Terminal 2D, Terminal 2E (Halls L and M), and Terminal 3. Traditional USB slots and AC power sockets are also scattered across gate seating rows, though availability varies heavily depending on the terminal age.
Eat & Drink
Food & Dining
Terminal architecture dictates the culinary spread at CDG, with Terminal 2 offering the highest concentration of notable sit-down concepts and quick-service French boulangeries. In Terminal 2E, upscale options include Caviar House & Prunier and chef-driven concepts like Alain Ducasse’s I Love Paris, alongside everyday staples like Ladurée. Across almost all terminals (including T1, T2A through T2F, and T3), ubiquitous French chains like Paul and Brioche Dorée provide reliable espresso, fresh baguettes, and viennoiserie. Health-conscious flyers frequent Exki locations in Terminal 2A and 2E for organic soups and salads, while international fast-food brands maintain a sparse footprint.
Driving In
Parking
Official parking at CDG is managed directly by Paris Aéroport under the Extime brand, split between terminal-adjacent multi-level structures and remote economy lots. Short-term and terminal-linked multi-story spaces—such as P1 for Terminal 1, PAB and PCD for Terminals 2A–2D, and PEF for Terminals 2E/2F—sit within immediate walking or elevator distance of check-in halls, with drive-up standard rates scaling up to roughly €60 per day. Budget-conscious travelers lean on economy alternatives like PW ECO, PR ECO, PX ECO, and P3 ECO, which require a short ride on complimentary 24/7 shuttle buses running every 12 to 20 minutes. Pre-booking online via the airport's official portal is strongly advised to secure lower promotional tariffs.
Staying Nearby
Nearby Hotels
Lodging options directly connected to the airport infrastructure are heavily concentrated around Terminal 2 and the Roissypôle transit hub. The Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel is physically integrated directly into Terminal 2 above the TGV/RER station, allowing guests to walk straight to security. Inside the secure international zone of Terminal 2E, YOTELAIR provides compact cabin-style rooms for transit passengers without clearing customs. A short ride away via the automated, free CDGVAL airport train brings passengers to the Roissypôle zone at Terminal 3, which houses major names within a 3-to-5 minute walk of the station, including the citizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle, Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Novotel Paris Roissy CDG.
Sources: Paris Aéroport Official Website, Wikipedia - Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Priority Pass CDG Lounges, Paris Aéroport Official Lounges Guide, Air France CDG Lounges Overview, Paris Aéroport Wi-Fi & ChargeBox, Paris Aéroport Bars & Restaurants, Paris Aéroport Official Parking & Rates, Paris Aéroport Airport Hotels Guide