Charles de Gaulle International Airport

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is France's largest airport and a major European hub, located 25 km northeast of Paris. Serving over 75 million passengers annually, it is the primary hub for Air France and SkyTeam alliance carriers.

The airport has three terminals with distinct characteristics:

• Terminal 1: Circular design built in 1974, primarily serves Star Alliance and international carriers (Lufthansa, United, Turkish Airlines). The iconic central structure has satellite gates connected by underground tunnels.
• Terminal 2: The main hub with seven halls (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G). Air France and SkyTeam partners operate from here. Terminals 2E and 2F handle long-haul international flights; 2G is a remote satellite for regional flights.
• Terminal 3: Budget carriers terminal (easyJet, Vueling, Transavia), located near Terminal 1.

Critical note: Terminals are spread across a large area. There is no direct walking connection between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The free CDGVAL automated train connects all terminals.

Paris Orly Airport (ORY)

Paris has two major airports, and some itineraries require connecting between them. This is not a quick transfer—plan accordingly.

Orly (ORY) is located 35 km south of CDG (13 km south of central Paris). It handles primarily domestic, European, and some medium-haul international flights.

Airlines at Orly:

• Air France (domestic and Europe)
• Transavia (Air France's low-cost subsidiary)
• easyJet, Vueling (European budget)
• TAP Portugal, Iberia (Iberian routes)
• Air Caraïbes, Corsair (French Caribbean)

When you might connect between CDG and Orly:

• Transatlantic arrival at CDG, domestic connection to French provinces
• Regional European flight into Orly, long-haul departure from CDG
• Separate bookings on Air France (which operates from both)

Connecting between CDG and Orly:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
RER B + Orlyval	75-90 min	€25	Most reliable
Le Bus Direct Line 3	60-80 min	€24	Direct, but traffic-dependent
Taxi/Uber	45-75 min	€70-100	Traffic dependent

Step-by-step RER route:

1. From CDG: Take RER B toward Paris (direction Saint-Rémy)
2. Exit at Antony station
3. Transfer to Orlyval automated train
4. Orlyval terminates at Orly terminals

Minimum connection time: Allow 4-5 hours between separate bookings. Parisian traffic is unpredictable, and RER B can experience delays. For early morning Orly departures, consider staying near Orly overnight.

Pro tip: If you have checked bags on separate tickets, you must collect them at CDG, take ground transport to Orly, and re-check. Air France may offer through-check for their own flights—ask at check-in.

CDG is located 25 km (15 miles) northeast of central Paris. Journey times vary significantly by transport mode and traffic:

Method	Time to Paris Center	Cost
RER B train	35-50 min	€13
Roissybus	60-75 min	€16.60
Taxi	30-60 min	€56-65 (flat rate)
Uber	30-60 min	€50-80

Traffic can be severe during rush hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM). The RER B is generally the most reliable option for timing.

Uber is available at CDG. Pickup points are located at each terminal:

• Terminal 1: Level 2, Arrivals
• Terminal 2: Follow signs to "VTC" pickup zones
• Terminal 3: Outside arrivals

Typical Uber fare to central Paris: €50-80 depending on traffic and destination. Surge pricing applies during peak periods.

Official Taxis use regulated flat-rate pricing (as of 2024):

• Right Bank (Rive Droite): €56 flat rate
• Left Bank (Rive Gauche): €65 flat rate

These rates cover the entire taxi, not per person. Taxis queue outside all terminals 24/7. Journey time: 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Note: Flat rates only apply to destinations within Paris proper. Trips to La Défense, suburbs, or other areas use the meter.

RER B Train (Recommended)

The RER B is the fastest and most reliable transit option to central Paris.

Fare: €13 one-way (Paris Region Airports ticket, as of January 2025)

Journey time: 35-50 minutes to central Paris stations

Stations at CDG:

• CDG Terminal 2 - under Terminal 2
• CDG Terminal 1 - between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 (use CDGVAL from T1)

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. Purchase ticket at machines or use the Bonjour RATP 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

Operating hours: Approximately 5:00 AM to midnight. First/last trains vary slightly.

Roissybus

Direct bus service between CDG and Paris Opéra:

• Fare: €16.60 (€14.50 with Navigo app)
• Duration: 60-75 minutes (longer in traffic)
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
• Operating hours: 5:15 AM to 12:30 AM
• Paris stop: 11 rue Scribe, near Opéra Garnier (9th arrondissement)

Stops at CDG: All terminals (Terminal 1, Terminal 2A/2C, 2D, 2E/2F, Terminal 3)

Roissybus is included in Navigo passes for zones 1-5.

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