Charles de Gaulle International Airport Paris — Gateway to Europe and the World
Located in Roissy-en-France, approximately 25 km northeast of central Paris, Charles de Gaulle International Airport (IATA: CDG) is France's largest airport and one of the busiest in all of Europe. Commonly known as Paris CDG airport, it is the primary hub for Air France and SkyTeam carriers.
Europe's Premier Hub
CDG consistently ranks among the top 10 busiest airports in the world, handling over 67 million passengers annually. It connects Paris to every major global destination across all continents.
Air France and SkyTeam Base
Paris Charles de Gaulle airport is the global headquarters of Air France and a major SkyTeam alliance hub. Delta, Korean Air, KLM, and dozens of SkyTeam partners operate extensive networks from here.
RER B Direct to Paris City
The RER B train connects CDG directly to central Paris in 35 to 45 minutes. Stops include Gare du Nord, Chatelet les Halles, Saint-Michel, and Luxembourg. Fare: €11.80 one way.
Three Terminal Complexes
CDG operates through Terminal 1 for Star Alliance, Terminal 2 (2A through 2G) as the main Air France and SkyTeam hub, and Terminal 3 for low-cost and charter airlines.
World Class Shopping and Dining
CDG features luxury boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and Dior alongside world-renowned French dining from Paul bakery, Le Grand Comptoir, Ladurée macarons, and Caviar House Prunier.
Strategic Paris Location
CDG is 25 km from central Paris, 31 km from the Eiffel Tower, and only 15 km from Disneyland Paris. Connected via RER B, Le Bus Direct coaches, fixed-rate taxis, and Roissybus.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Map — Location and Terminal Layout
Paris CDG airport is in Roissy-en-France, 25 km northeast of Paris. The CDGVAL automated shuttle connects all terminals every 4 minutes. Use the map below to understand the airport's location and nearby access routes.
| Terminal | Primary Airlines | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | United, Swiss, TAP, Copa, Star Alliance | International | Star Alliance hub, renovated retail, CDGVAL access |
| Terminal 2E (Halls K L M) | Air France long-haul, Delta, Korean Air | Long-haul International | Best terminal, luxury shopping, top lounges, YOTELAIR |
| Terminal 2F | Air France medium-haul, easyJet, Transavia | European | Airside link to 2E, French brand shops |
| Terminal 2A and 2C | Air France Schengen, Corsair | Schengen European | Walkable connection, shorter queues |
| Terminal 3 | Vueling, Ryanair, Wizz Air | Low-Cost Budget | Basic facilities, CDGVAL access to Terminal 1 |
Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminals — Complete Guide by Airline and Hall
CDG has three main terminal complexes. Terminal 2 is the largest, split into seven sub-terminals (2A through 2G). Always confirm your specific terminal and hall on your boarding pass before arriving at Paris CDG airport.
Paris CDG Airport Arrivals and Departures — Live Flight Information
Paris Charles de Gaulle airport handles over 1,500 flights daily. Always check live CDG airport arrivals and departures before heading, especially during French public holidays, summer peak, and winter fog disruptions.
Winter Disruptions (Dec to Feb)
Fog and occasional snow cause delays at CDG. Most common on early morning long-haul departures. Check status the night before.
Summer Peak (Jul and Aug)
Busiest months at CDG. Security queues at Terminal 2E and 2F can exceed 45 minutes. Arrive 3 hours early for all international departures.
French Public Holidays
Bastille Day, All Saints, and Christmas generate peak traffic. Book transfers and parking in advance during these dates.
ATC Strikes
France has periodic ATC and airport staff strikes causing significant disruption at CDG. Monitor parisaeroport.fr near announced strike dates.
Paris Airport Transfers — RER Train, Taxi, Bus and Private Transfer Options
Every option for getting to and from Charles de Gaulle International Airport — from the RER B train to fixed-rate taxis, Le Bus Direct, Uber, and private transfers. Compare cost, travel time, and the best option for your Paris destination.
Search Transfers
| Transport Mode | Time to Paris | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 RER B Train | 35 to 45 min | €11.80 | Budget travelers, solo passengers, light luggage |
| 🚌 Roissybus | 60 min to Opera | €13.70 | Right Bank destinations near Opera Garnier |
| 🚌 Le Bus Direct | 60 to 75 min | €17 to €18 | Eiffel Tower, Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse areas |
| 🚖 Fixed-Rate Taxi | 45 to 75 min | €55 to €62 | First-time visitors, families, heavy luggage |
| 🚗 Uber and Rideshare | 45 to 70 min | €50 to €80 | Groups, door-to-door convenience |
| 🚐 Private Transfer | 45 to 60 min | €70 to €140 | Business travelers, families, VIP arrivals with meet and greet |
Parking at Charles de Gaulle Airport — Rates and Options
CDG offers multiple official parking areas connected to all terminals via CDGVAL and covered walkways. Book in advance online for significant discounts during peak travel periods.
Short-Term Parking (PR)
Daily max ~€65. Adjacent to Terminal 2. Ideal for drop-offs and collections.
Medium-Term Parking (PX)
Covered multi-storey garages connected via CDGVAL. Book online for pre-arrival discounts.
Economy Long-Term
Open-air lots further from terminals. Shuttle to CDGVAL. Best for multi-week stays.
Valet Parking
Curbside drop-off at Terminal 2. Premium service for business travelers.
EV Charging
EV charging in PX parking garages near Terminal 2. Book EV-specific bays in advance.
Kiss and Fly Drop-Off
Free short-stop zones at all CDG terminal entrances for drop-off and collection.
Rent a Car at Charles de Gaulle Airport — Companies and Travel Routes
All major car rental companies operate from Terminal 2 at Paris CDG airport. Rental cars are ideal for exploring destinations outside Paris — Loire Valley, Normandy, Champagne, and the French Riviera are all on excellent French motorways.
Hertz
Wide selection including luxury and premium vehicles.
Avis
Business and family vehicles. Reliable selection.
Enterprise
Flexible plans, good for extended rentals.
Europcar
French operator with excellent local knowledge.
Sixt
Premium European fleet. Sports cars available.
Budget
Affordable daily rates for cost-conscious travelers.
Hotels Near CDG Airport France — On-Site and Roissy Area Picks
From the airside YOTELAIR pod hotel inside Terminal 2E to full-service properties in Roissy, here are the best hotels near Charles de Gaulle airport. Most offer free shuttle service or direct CDGVAL connections.
🏨 YOTELAIR Paris CDG Airport
The only hotel inside CDG's secure airside zone at Terminal 2E. Compact premium cabins available from 4 hours — perfect for layovers without passing immigration. Day-use rooms available.
🏨 Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Flagship full-service airport hotel directly connected via CDGVAL. Full-service restaurant, business centre, fitness room, and premium rooms. Most searched hotel at Paris CDG airport.
🏨 Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle
Premium hotel connected directly to the CDG TGV-RER train station. Upscale rooms, fine dining, indoor pool, and spa. Excellent for business travelers and TGV passengers.
🏨 Novotel Paris Charles de Gaulle
Reliable Accor mid-scale hotel with family-friendly rooms, restaurant, outdoor terrace, and swimming pool. Especially well-rated for families and couples on overnight layovers.
🏨 Ibis Paris CDG Airport
Best budget option near CDG airport. Clean modern rooms, 24-hour reception, bar, and free shuttle. Ideal for short stays and early morning departures without overspending.
🏨 Pullman Paris CDG Airport
4-star lifestyle hotel with contemporary design, rooftop bar, swimming pool, and premium restaurant. Popular with Air France cabin crew and international business travelers.
🏨 CitizenM Paris CDG Airport
Stylish affordable-luxury concept at CDG. King-size beds, mood lighting, and rain showers. Ideal for design-conscious travelers wanting comfort without full-service hotel pricing.
🏨 Moxy Paris CDG Airport
Marriott's Moxy brand at CDG. Playful, modern budget-luxury rooms for younger travelers and couples. Social lounge and bar. Strong value for short overnight stays near CDG.
Restaurants in Charles de Gaulle Airport — French Dining, Cafes and International Food
Dining at Paris CDG airport reflects French culinary culture. From boulangeries and champagne bars to international chains and fine dining, CDG offers one of the best airport food scenes in Europe — particularly in Terminals 2E and 2F.
Paul Bakery
French Bakery · All Major TerminalsFrance's iconic bakery chain. Fresh croissants, pain au chocolat, baguette sandwiches, artisan pastries. Available in Terminals 1, 2A, 2C, 2E, and 2F.
La Maison du Chocolat
French Patisserie · Terminal 2ELegendary Parisian chocolatier in Terminal 2E. Premium handcrafted chocolates, macarons, and hot chocolate. Top gift stop for luxury French souvenirs before boarding.
Le Grand Comptoir
French Brasserie · Terminals 2E and 2FBest sit-down dining at CDG. Croque monsieur, French onion soup, steak tartare, quiches, and a curated wine and champagne list. Ideal before long-haul flights.
Caviar House and Prunier
Fine Dining · Terminal 2EOne of the finest airport dining experiences in the world. Caviar tastings, smoked salmon, oysters, and champagne pairings in Terminal 2E. Premium treat for long-haul travelers.
Starbucks and Pret A Manger
Coffee and Quick Bites · Multiple TerminalsMultiple Starbucks in Terminals 1, 2A, 2E, and 2F. Pret A Manger offers organic sandwiches and fresh juices in Terminal 2E. Reliable for quick pre-boarding meals.
EXKi — Healthy International
Healthy and Vegan · Terminal 2FSalads, vegan bowls, gluten-free options, and organic juices. Best choice for health-conscious travelers looking for nutritious meals before long-haul flights from CDG.
McDonald's and KFC
Fast Food · Terminals 2E and 2FMcDonald's at Terminal 2F and KFC at Terminal 2F. KFC offers Halal-certified options — one of the few fast food choices meeting this requirement at CDG airport.
France Gourmet Bar
Wine and Champagne · Terminal 2FFrench wine bars in Terminal 2F serving regional wines, champagne, cheese platters, and charcuterie boards. A uniquely French airport experience before boarding.
Lounges at Charles de Gaulle Airport — Terminal by Terminal Access Guide
Paris CDG has some of the finest airline lounges in the world, particularly in Terminal 2E. Economy passengers can access several lounges via Priority Pass, credit card membership, or paid day passes.
Charles de Gaulle Airport Shops — Duty Free, Luxury Brands and French Specialties
Paris CDG airport shopping is among the finest in the world, especially in Terminals 2E and 2F. From Louis Vuitton to French macaron shops and duty-free champagne, CDG is a destination for shopping in itself — with prices 15 to 25% lower than Paris city boutiques for departing international passengers.
Buy Paris Duty Free
Main duty-free operator at CDG. Perfumes (Chanel, Dior, YSL, Hermès), cosmetics, French wines, champagne (Moët, Veuve Clicquot), and premium spirits. 15 to 25% below Paris retail prices.
Luxury Fashion Boutiques
Terminal 2E hosts Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Hermès, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Cartier, and Rolex. Some boutiques offer airport-exclusive products unavailable in Paris stores.
French Gourmet Specialties
Ladurée macarons, La Maison du Chocolat, Fauchon, and Comptoirs de la Gastronomie. Vacuum-packed regional cheeses, foie gras, regional wines, and Parisian pastries — perfect travel souvenirs.
VAT Refund at CDG Airport
PABLO VAT refund kiosks at CDG for travelers who shopped in Paris. Validate receipts at PABLO kiosks before check-in. Non-EU residents can claim back French VAT on eligible purchases over €100.
Charles de Gaulle Airport Facilities and Services for Travelers
Paris CDG offers a comprehensive range of passenger facilities across all terminals — from free WiFi and ATMs to medical centres, baby care rooms, and accessibility support for passengers with reduced mobility.
Free WiFi at CDG
Connect to "WIFI-AIRPORT" throughout all terminals. Unlimited free internet — no registration required. Charging stations and USB ports near all gates.
Luggage Storage at CDG
Left luggage services near the TGV-RER station in Terminal 2. Luggage wrapping available at departure levels in all major terminals.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Travelex and other exchange booths in all terminals. ATMs accepting all major international cards available throughout. Exchange in Paris city if possible for better rates.
Medical Centre and Pharmacy
24-hour medical centre in Terminal 2F. Pharmacies in Terminals 2A, 2E, and 2F with over-the-counter medications and travel health items.
Prayer and Multifaith Rooms
Christian chapels, Muslim prayer rooms, and interfaith meditation spaces available before and after security in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Baby Care and Family Services
Baby changing tables, nursing spaces, and child-friendly waiting zones across all terminals. Priority family queues at some terminals. Stroller-friendly ramps throughout.
Accessibility and PRM Assistance
Dedicated PRM assistance teams, reserved parking, wheelchair elevators, priority boarding, adapted restrooms, and hearing assistance devices. Book through your airline in advance.
Sleeping Options at CDG
YOTELAIR Terminal 2E offers airside sleep cabins by the hour. Air France lounges have dedicated rest areas. Quiet seating zones available throughout the night in all terminals.
Airports in Paris — CDG, Orly and Beauvais Compared
Paris France is served by three airports. Understanding which Paris airport serves your airline is important — CDG, Orly, and Beauvais are in very different locations and serve very different types of flights.
Charles de Gaulle International Airport
Location: Roissy-en-France — 25 km north of Paris
Primary for: Air France hub, all major international long-haul, Star Alliance and SkyTeam carriers, TGV direct train connections
Best for: International travelers, business class passengers. France's busiest and most connected airport.
Paris Orly Airport
Location: Orly, Val-de-Marne — 14 km south of Paris
Primary for: Air France domestic and Schengen routes, Transavia, Vueling, easyJet, Corsair, and French Overseas Territory flights
Best for: Domestic France travelers, French Caribbean routes. Closer to southern Paris. Served by Orlyval shuttle from RER B at Antony.
Paris Beauvais Airport
Location: Tille, Oise — 85 km north of Paris
Primary for: Ryanair and Wizz Air only. No other airline options at Beauvais.
Note: Not in Paris — allow 1.5 to 2 hours travel to central Paris by dedicated shuttle bus.
Paris Le Bourget Airport
Location: Le Bourget — 13 km northeast of Paris
Primary for: Private aviation and corporate jets only. No commercial passenger flights.
Famous for: Paris Air Show held in odd-numbered years — world's largest aviation event.
| Route | Travel Time | Cost | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDG Airport to Paris Orly (ORY) | 45 to 75 min | €20 to €90 | RER B to Antony then Orlyval shuttle |
| CDG Airport to Beauvais (BVA) | 90 to 120 min | €17 to €30 | Ryanair shuttle bus from Paris Opera — pre-book online |
| Paris Orly to CDG Airport | 60 to 90 min | €25 to €100 | Taxi or private transfer — no direct public transit |
| CDG Airport to Paris City Centre | 35 to 75 min | €12 to €80 | RER B fastest at 35 min — taxi at €55 most comfortable |
Weather at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport — Season by Season Guide
Paris has a temperate oceanic climate — mild and rainy year-round. Winter fog and summer thunderstorms can occasionally disrupt schedules at Paris CDG airport, but extreme weather is rare compared to tropical airports.
Cold and grey. Fog common in mornings — can cause short delays. Lowest tourist volumes. Best hotel rates near CDG.
Warming up with occasional rain. Comfortable travel weather. Spring break brings higher passenger volumes at CDG.
Pleasant and sunny. Excellent travel window. Roland Garros (French Open) drives peak June traffic at CDG.
Peak summer. Occasional thunderstorms cause short delays. CDG at maximum capacity. Arrive very early for all flights.
Comfortable autumn. Crowds thin after August. Excellent travel window with manageable queues at CDG.
Cold and wet. Christmas market season drives high December traffic. Book hotels near CDG well in advance.
Essential Tips for Traveling Through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
CDG is one of the largest and most complex airports in the world. These tips help you navigate efficiently, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your time at Paris airport.
Know Your Terminal and Hall Before Arriving
Always check your boarding pass for your specific terminal (T1, T2A, T2E, etc.) and hall (K, L, or M for Terminal 2E). The difference between halls at T2E can mean 15 minutes of extra walking distance to your gate.
Arrive Early — CDG Is Large and Complex
International flights: 3 hours early. Schengen European flights: 2 hours early. During July and August, add 45 to 60 minutes. Security queues at Terminal 2E and 2F regularly exceed 30 to 45 minutes during peak hours.
Use the CDGVAL Shuttle Between Terminals
The free CDGVAL automated shuttle connects Terminal 1, Terminal 3, and Terminal 2 every 4 minutes, 24 hours. Always faster than road transport for any inter-terminal transfer at CDG. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the full journey.
Watch Your Belongings on the RER B
The RER B train is efficient but known for pickpockets, especially at Gare du Nord. Keep bags zipped, place luggage between your feet, and avoid placing items near carriage doors. Use a taxi or Le Bus Direct for late-night travel with valuables.
Use PARAFE Gates for Faster Passport Control
EU passport holders and eligible biometric passport holders can use automated PARAFE gates at CDG — significantly faster than staffed lanes during peak hours. Register once at any PARAFE kiosk and use the automated gate on every visit.
Pre-Book Your Paris Transfer Before Landing
Decide your ground transport before your flight lands. Arriving without a plan at CDG leads to long queues at taxi ranks. Private transfers with meet-and-greet are especially recommended for first-time Paris visitors arriving late at night.
Terminal 2G Needs Extra Transfer Time
Terminal 2G is a satellite building not walkable from Terminal 2F and requires a dedicated shuttle bus. Always allow at least 25 to 30 minutes for any journey to or from Terminal 2G. Many travelers miss connections here by underestimating the time needed.
Take Advantage of Air France Fast-Track Lanes
Business Class, SkyPriority, and Flying Blue Elite holders can use dedicated fast-track lanes at check-in, security, and boarding in Terminals 2E and 2F — especially valuable during summer peak when standard queues can be 45 minutes or longer.
Buy Duty-Free After Security in Terminal 2E
The best duty-free at Paris CDG is airside in Terminal 2E Halls K, L, and M. Prices 15 to 25% below Paris retail. Always keep your boarding pass ready — required for duty-free pricing as a departing international passenger.
Charles de Gaulle International Airport FAQs — Most Asked Questions About Paris Airport
Quick and complete answers to the most searched questions about Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.