Paris Airport Guide

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the main international airport for Paris, about 25 km northeast of the city. It is a major Air France hub, but the useful thing to know before you arrive is simpler: CDG does not behave like one terminal.

• Terminal 1 is the circular building with satellite gate areas.
• Terminal 2 is a large complex of halls 2A through 2G; your hall letter matters as much as the terminal number.
• Terminal 3 is a separate, smaller terminal beside the Roissypôle transport area.

The catch: a terminal change can add a train or shuttle ride plus another security or passport check. Check both flights in the Paris Aéroport app or with your airline before assuming that “Terminal 2” means a short walk.

Paris Orly Airport (ORY)

Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is on the other side of the city. Changing between CDG and ORY is an airport transfer, not an ordinary flight connection.

Best public-transport route: take RER B from CDG into Paris and change to Metro 14 for Aéroport d'Orly. The Paris Region Airports ticket covers the RER, metro, and airport stations; it costs €14 in 2026. RER B plus Orlyval via Antony is another valid rail route, so check the live Île-de-France Mobilités planner on the day.

Leave this much time: for separate tickets, our planning floor is five hours, and more is sensible if you have checked bags, need immigration, or are travelling at a busy time. You normally need to collect and re-check bags on separate bookings unless the airline confirms otherwise.

Direct answer: follow the yellow Correspondances / Flight Connections signs and the route shown for your actual departure gate. CDG's transfer path can include walking, an airside shuttle, passport control, security, or a combination of them.

Do not choose the terminal shuttle too early

The free CDGVAL links Terminals 1 and 2, Roissypôle/Terminal 3, the airport rail stations, and long-stay car parks. It is a public, landside airport train. If the connection signs keep you in the secure area, follow those signs instead of leaving to find CDGVAL; exiting can create an unnecessary security check.

Within Terminal 2, do not estimate the transfer from the hall letter alone. Gates in 2E can be in different boarding areas, while 2G requires a shuttle connection. Use the live gate and journey instructions on the airport screens.

How much connection time to allow at CDG

An airline-issued through itinerary uses the applicable minimum connection time, but that number is not a comfort target. Our practical preference is at least 90 minutes for a straightforward same-terminal connection and two hours or more when changing terminals or crossing the Schengen border. Choose a longer layover if you need mobility assistance or are travelling on separate tickets.

For a non-Schengen-to-Schengen connection, expect passport control at CDG. You may also need another security screening depending on your origin and route. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready, and check the departure gate again after each control point.

Separate tickets: assume you must enter France, collect checked baggage, travel landside, check in again, and clear security. A protected through connection is much less risky at this airport.

Best default: take RER B when your destination is near its Paris stops or an easy metro connection. It avoids road traffic and serves both airport rail stations. A taxi is simpler with heavy luggage, children, or a destination that is awkward by rail.

Roissybus stopped operating on 1 March 2026, so older guides that send you to the Opéra bus stop are out of date.

For the least friction: follow the terminal signs to the official taxi rank. Direct taxi trips between CDG and Paris proper use a regulated flat fare for the vehicle; destinations outside Paris use different pricing. Check the posted current fare before joining the line.

Uber and other app-based rides use signed VTC pickup areas rather than the taxi rank. Confirm the exact pickup point in the app only after you have reached the correct terminal exit—Terminal 2 has several widely separated arrivals doors.

RER B Train (Recommended)

The RER B is the most useful public-transport link between CDG and central Paris. Trains normally run every 6 to 15 minutes, from about 04:50 until midnight; check live service before you travel because engineering work and disruptions can change the route.

Fare: the Paris Region Airports ticket is €14 per journey in 2026. It can be loaded on a Navigo Easy pass or a compatible phone and includes onward metro, RER, and train connections within its two-hour validity, provided you do not exit the network.

Stations at CDG:

• CDG Terminal 2 - under Terminal 2
• Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 — serves Terminal 1 via CDGVAL and Terminal 3 via the Roissypôle walk

Key Paris stops: Gare du Nord (35 min), Châtelet-Les Halles (40 min), Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (45 min)

How to take the RER B from Terminal 2:

1. Follow signs to "Paris par Train" or RER
2. The station is located between halls 2C/2D and 2E/2F
3. Load the airport ticket at a machine or with a supported transit app
4. Take any RER B train toward Paris (direction: Robinson or Antony/Saint-Rémy)
5. Validate ticket before boarding

From Terminal 1 or 3:

1. Take CDGVAL to "Terminal 3 - Roissypole" station
2. The RER station is a short walk from CDGVAL stop
3. Follow signs to RER B

Watch out for: not every RER B departure from Paris runs to the airport. On the return trip, check that the destination display says Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV.

CDG offers multiple parking options with varying proximity and pricing:

Premium Parking (Closest to Terminals)

Lot	Location	24-hour rate	Notes
P1	Terminal 1	~€50	4-minute walk, covered
PAB	Terminal 2A/2B	~€42	Direct access
PCD	Terminal 2C/2D	~€42	Direct access
PEF	Terminal 2E/2F	~€42	Direct access

Economy Parking

Lot	24-hour rate	Access
PW ECO	From €12-40/day	Free shuttle, 20 min to T2
PR ECO	From €15/day	CDGVAL connection

Tips:

• Book online in advance for significant savings (up to 60% off drive-up rates)
• PW ECO requires reservation
• First 10 minutes free in terminal parking

CDG offers extensive dining options across all terminals:

Terminal 1:

• Ladurée (French pastries and macarons)
• Caviar House & Prunier
• Quick-service options in the main circular hall

Terminal 2E (best for international travelers):

• Ladurée
• Café Pouchkine (Russian-French cuisine)
• Exki (healthy, organic options)
• Multiple brasseries and cafés

Terminal 2F:

• Paul (bakery and café)
• Brioche Dorée
• Various quick-service restaurants

Terminal 2G:

• Limited options; eat before taking shuttle if possible

Terminal 3:

• Basic fast food (McDonald's, Pret A Manger style options)
• Limited compared to Terminal 2

Tip: Terminal 2E has the best variety for airside dining. For the best French pastries, seek out Ladurée locations.

Free WiFi is available throughout all CDG terminals.

Network name: "WIFI-AIRPORT" or "WIFI-AIRPORT-STANDARD"

How to connect:

1. Select "WIFI-AIRPORT" network
2. Open browser - you'll be redirected to Paris Aéroport portal
3. Accept terms to connect

Details:

• Free session duration: 240 minutes (4 hours)
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email; variable for streaming
• Premium upgrade available for faster speeds

Tip: Use a VPN for security on public networks. Lounge WiFi is typically faster and more reliable.

SIM cards are available at multiple locations:

Airside:

• Relay stores in all terminals
• Electronics and travel shops

Landside:

• Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom shops
• Tabac shops in the public areas

Major French carriers:

• Orange: Best coverage nationwide
• SFR: Good urban coverage
• Bouygues Telecom: Competitive pricing
• Free Mobile: Budget option (limited airport presence)

Typical costs: Prepaid tourist SIMs with data start around €20-30 for 10-20GB. EU roaming included for travel within Europe.

Tip: Order an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) before departure for immediate connectivity on arrival.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals, both landside and airside.

Major banks with ATMs at CDG:

• BNP Paribas
• Société Générale
• CIC
• Crédit Agricole

Currency exchange: Travelex and other bureaux de change are available but offer poor rates (up to 10% markup). Use ATMs for better rates, or exchange currency before arrival.

Tips:

• French ATMs may ask "with or without conversion" - always choose without to get your bank's rate
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted throughout France

CDG offers extensive duty-free and retail shopping:

Duty-free (operated by Extime/Lagardère):

• Available in all terminals after security
• French wines, spirits, perfumes, and luxury goods
• Buy France specialties like champagne, cognac, and French cosmetics

Notable stores:

Terminal 1:

• Hermès, Cartier, Bulgari
• French Connection wine bar

Terminal 2E/2F:

• Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior
• Ladurée macarons (great gifts)
• L'Occitane en Provence
• Longchamp

Terminal 2:

• The largest concentration of luxury boutiques
• Buy Paris (French specialty products)

Terminal 3:

• Basic shops only

Tip: Terminal 2E has the best luxury shopping. Prices are competitive with Paris boutiques, tax-free for non-EU residents.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 1:

• Star Alliance Lounge: Open 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM. Business lounge access with Priority Pass. Outdoor terrace available. Can be crowded.
• Icare Lounge: Basic amenities, limited food selection. Often crowded during peak times.

Terminal 2E:

• YotelAir Paris Charles de Gaulle: 24-hour access, max 3-hour stay. Located pre-security in the L gates area. Only two complimentary beverages; not a traditional lounge but offers rest area. Non-Schengen passengers only.

Terminal 2D:

• Sheltair Lounge: Schengen departures only. Near gate D56. Basic amenities - bread, pastries, cold items. No hot food.

Airline Lounges

Air France Lounges (SkyTeam/Flying Blue status or Business Class):

• Multiple locations in T2E, T2F, T2G
• Air France Business Lounge and La Première (First Class)
• High quality with French cuisine, champagne

Note: Air France lounges do not accept Priority Pass.

Pay-Per-Use

Several lounges offer day passes (€40-60) bookable online through LoungeBuddy or the airport website.

At the Airport:

• Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel: Only hotel inside Terminal 2, directly above the TGV station. Walk to check-in counters in minutes. Premium pricing (~€250-400/night).

• YotelAir Paris CDG: Compact cabin-style rooms in Terminal 2E. Bookable by the hour (from €40/4 hours) or overnight. Perfect for short layovers.

Near Terminal 3 (Roissypole zone) - all accessible via short walk or CDGVAL:

• Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: 3-minute walk from Terminal 3/CDGVAL. Full-service hotel (~€150-250/night).

• citizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle: Modern, tech-forward design. Connected to T3 by covered walkway (~€100-180/night).

• ibis Paris CDG Airport: Reliable budget option. Walking distance to T3 (~€80-120/night).

• Pullman Paris Roissy CDG Airport: Upscale option with pool (~€150-220/night).

Tip: For early morning departures, the Sheraton (T2) or YotelAir are most convenient. For budget stays, ibis offers good value with easy CDGVAL access.

Paris is one of the world's great cities. From CDG:

Central Paris attractions (35-50 min by RER B):

• Eiffel Tower: RER B to Saint-Michel, then walk or transfer to RER C
• Louvre Museum: RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles
• Notre-Dame: RER B to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
• Champs-Élysées: RER B to Châtelet, transfer to Line 1

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Montmartre: Sacré-Coeur, artist quarter (Metro Line 12)
• Le Marais: Historic Jewish quarter, trendy shops, great food
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Classic cafés, bookshops, Left Bank atmosphere
• Latin Quarter: Student area near the Sorbonne, affordable dining

Day trips from Paris:

• Versailles: 1 hour by RER C (~€15 round trip)
• Disneyland Paris: 45 min by RER A from central Paris
• Champagne region: 1.5 hours by TGV from Gare de l'Est

Transport tips:

• Buy a carnet (book of 10 Metro tickets) for savings, or use Navigo Easy card
• Paris Metro runs 5:30 AM to ~12:30 AM (later on weekends)
• Walking is often the best way to experience central Paris