✈️ Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Airport Overview
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport, is France's largest and busiest international airport and Europe's third-busiest after London Heathrow and Istanbul. Located 23 kilometers northeast of Paris in Roissy-en-France, it serves as the primary hub for Air France and the SkyTeam alliance.
Terminals Guide
CDG Airport features three main terminals, with Terminal 2 subdivided into seven distinct sub-terminals (2A through 2G). Understanding the terminal layout is crucial as each serves different airlines and destinations.
Terminal 1
Design: Iconic circular futuristic architecture (1974)
Capacity: 10 million passengers/year
Structure: 7 satellite buildings connected by underground walkways
Key Features:
- 5 floors with distinct functions
- Recently modernized (€250M renovation)
- Central circular structure
Main Airlines:
Star Alliance members (United, Lufthansa, Air Canada), Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Oneworld carriers
Transport:
RER B Station: Aéroport CDG 1 | CDGVAL Station: Terminal 1
Terminal 2 (2A-2G)
Opened: 1982-2008 (various phases)
Size: Europe's largest terminal complex
Design: Linear layout spanning 2+ km
Sub-Terminals:
- 2A: International long-haul
- 2B: European flights
- 2C: European & international
- 2D: Regional & domestic
- 2E: Air France hub (main terminal)
- 2F: Schengen flights
- 2G: Regional (shuttle bus access only)
Main Airline:
Air France and SkyTeam alliance (Delta, KLM, China Eastern, Korean Air)
Transport:
RER B: Aéroport CDG 2 | TGV Station: High-speed trains | CDGVAL: Terminal 2
Terminal 3
Opened: 2008 | Purpose: Charter and low-cost carriers
- Smallest terminal
- Budget-friendly operations
- Close to hotel area
Transport to Paris City Center
CDG Airport offers numerous transport options to reach central Paris, from budget-friendly trains and buses to comfortable taxis and private transfers. Your best choice depends on your destination, budget, time of arrival, and luggage situation.
RER B Train - Most Popular Option
The RER B suburban train is the fastest and most reliable public transport option to central Paris. It connects CDG directly to major stations including Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint-Michel, and Denfert-Rochereau.
- Price: €11.80
- Duration: 30-35 minutes to city center
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
- Operating Hours: ~4:50 AM - 12:50 AM
- Two Stations: Aéroport CDG 1 (for T1 & T3) and Aéroport CDG 2 (for T2)
- Key Stops: Gare du Nord (25 min), Châtelet (34 min), Saint-Michel (36 min)
- Note: Can be crowded during peak hours; watch for pickpockets
Roissybus - Direct to Opéra
Dedicated express bus service connecting all terminals to Opéra Garnier in central Paris.
- Price: €16.60
- Duration: 60-75 minutes
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
- Operating Hours: 5:15 AM - 12:30 AM
- Route: All terminals → Opéra (Rue Scribe/Rue Auber)
- Traffic dependent: Journey time varies 60-90 minutes
Local Buses 350 & 351 - Cheapest Option
- Bus 350: CDG → Porte de la Chapelle (Metro Line 12)
- Bus 351: CDG → Nation (Metro Lines 1, 2, 6, 9, RER A)
- Price: €2.50 (T+ ticket)
- Duration: 70-90 minutes
- Operating Hours: 6:05 AM - 10:30 PM
Taxis
- Right Bank: €56 flat rate (30-45 min)
- Left Bank: €65 flat rate (35-50 min)
- Available: 24/7
Hotels Near CDG Airport
CDG offers a wide range of accommodation from hotels inside terminals to budget-friendly options in the Roissypole district, all connected by free CDGVAL shuttle.
Inside the Airport
Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel (Terminal 2)
- 📍 Located at Terminal 2, near TGV/RER station
- 💰 €290-320 per night | Day rooms: €220 (8am-6pm)
- 🏨 252 soundproof rooms, 4-star
- ✨ 24/7 gym, French brasserie, Galaxy Bar
- 🚌 Free shuttle to all T2 sub-terminals
- 📞 Marriott Bonvoy property
YotelAir (Terminal 2E - Airside)
- 📍 Inside T2E security area, Gate L
- 💰 €250 for 4 hours minimum
- 🏨 80 compact cabins
- ✨ Airside only - boarding pass required
- 🚿 Shower cabins: €20-30
Roissypole District (CDGVAL Access)
Free CDGVAL shuttle connects these hotels to all terminals in 5-10 minutes:
- CitizenM Paris CDG: €120-180/night - Modern, compact luxury, 3-min walk from T3
- Hilton Paris CDG: €150-250/night - Full-service, business facilities
- Pullman Paris CDG: €130-220/night - 4-star French style
- Novotel CDG: €100-180/night - Family-friendly
- Ibis Paris CDG: €80-120/night - Budget-friendly, reliable
- Moxy Paris CDG: €90-150/night - Trendy Marriott brand
- Courtyard by Marriott: €100-170/night - Business-oriented
Airport Parking
CDG provides over 28,000 parking spaces across multiple facilities, serving all terminals with various options from short-stay to long-term economy lots.
Terminal 1 Parking
- P1: Multi-story, close to terminal
- P3: Medium-term parking
- CDGVAL access: Direct connection
Terminal 2 Parking
- PAB: Between 2A and 2B, short-stay
- PCD: Between 2C and 2D, short-stay
- PEF: Between 2E and 2F, short-stay
- P2 Galerie: Connected to terminals
Remote/Economy Parking
- PR (Roissypole): Long-term, CDGVAL shuttle
- PW: Economy parking, shuttle service
- PX: Long-term economy, shuttle to terminals
Pricing Guide (Indicative)
| First Hour | €4 - €6 |
| 24 Hours | €35 - €45 |
| 3 Days | €70 - €90 |
| 1 Week | €150 - €200 |
| 2 Weeks | €250 - €350 |
| Economy (PX/PR) | 20-30% cheaper |
Services & Facilities
✈️ Essential Services
- ℹ️ Information Desks: All terminals, multilingual staff
- 🏥 Medical Services: 24/7 medical centers, pharmacies
- 🚔 Police & Security: 24/7 police stations in all terminals
- 📦 Luggage Storage: T2 near TGV station, up to 90 days
- 🔍 Lost & Found: Contact airline first, then airport service
- 📱 Free WiFi: "Airport Free WiFi" throughout airport
💼 Business Facilities
VIP Lounges (10+ locations):
- Air France Lounges (multiple in T2E)
- Star Alliance Lounge (T1)
- Oneworld lounges
- Features: WiFi, food, drinks, showers, workspace
Business Services:
- Meeting rooms and conference facilities
- Business centers with computers and printers
- Fast Track security (book in advance)
- VIP services and private terminals
🍽️ Dining & Shopping
Restaurants & Cafes (100+): French cuisine, international chains, fast food, bistros, bars
Shopping (150+ stores): Duty-free, luxury boutiques, fashion, electronics, books, French specialties
♿ Accessibility Services
- Special Assistance: Book 48 hours in advance through airline
- Wheelchair Access: All terminals fully accessible
- Elevators & Ramps: Throughout all facilities
- Reserved Parking: All car parks
👨👩👧 Family Services
- 🧒 Play areas for children in terminals
- 🍼 Baby care and changing facilities throughout
- 👪 Family lounges and quiet spaces
- 🎮 Entertainment and games available
Airlines & Destinations
CDG is served by 105 airlines—the second-highest number globally—connecting to over 300 destinations across six continents. Major hub for Air France and SkyTeam alliance.
Hub & Base Airlines
- Air France (Hub): 180+ destinations from T2E - Largest operator at CDG
- Air France HOP: Regional carrier - Domestic & European
- easyJet (Base): Low-cost operations - European network
- Norse Atlantic (Base): Long-haul low-cost - Transatlantic routes
Major Airlines by Alliance
SkyTeam (Terminal 2): Delta, KLM, China Eastern, Korean Air, Aeroméxico, Vietnam Airlines
Star Alliance (Terminal 1): United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Ethiopian
Oneworld (Terminal 1): Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, British Airways
Top Destinations
European: London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Madrid, Brussels, Munich
North America: New York, Los Angeles, Montreal, Toronto, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago
Asia: Dubai, Doha, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong
Africa: Casablanca, Cairo, Johannesburg, Abidjan, Dakar, Nairobi
South America: São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago
Distance & Travel Times to Paris Landmarks
| Destination | Distance | By Taxi/Car | By Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gare du Nord | 25 km | 30-40 min | 30 min (RER B direct) |
| Châtelet-Les Halles | 27 km | 35-45 min | 34 min (RER B) |
| Opéra Garnier | 26 km | 35-45 min | 60-75 min (Roissybus) |
| Eiffel Tower | 32 km | 40-50 min | 55 min (RER B + Metro 6) |
| Louvre Museum | 28 km | 35-45 min | 45 min (RER B + walk) |
| Champs-Élysées | 30 km | 35-45 min | 50 min (RER B + Metro 1) |
| Notre-Dame | 28 km | 40-50 min | 36 min (RER B) |
| Versailles | 50 km | 45-60 min | 90 min (RER B + RER C) |
| Disneyland Paris | 42 km | 40-50 min | 50 min (TGV from T2) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Statistics & Records
Contact Information
Pro Tips for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Terminal 2 is HUGE - walking from one end to another takes 10-15 minutes
- CDGVAL is free and runs frequently - use it to move between terminals
- Terminal 2G requires shuttle bus - allow extra 15 minutes
- Free WiFi: "Airport Free WiFi" - no registration needed
- RER B has 2 stations: CDG 1 (for T1/T3) and CDG 2 (for T2)
- Security can be slow during peak hours (7-9am, 5-8pm)
- Verify your terminal (especially T2 sub-terminals: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, or 2G)
- Download the Groupe ADP app for live updates and terminal maps
- Book RER B tickets via SNCF Connect app for convenience
- Consider Paris Visite pass (zones 1-5) if making multiple journeys
- Pre-book parking online for 30% discount
- Going to wrong Terminal 2 sub-terminal (check carefully: 2A≠2E!)
- Not allowing enough time to change terminals (minimum 90 min for connections)
- Missing last RER B train at midnight (use night bus or taxi instead)
- Assuming you can walk between all terminals (T2G requires shuttle)
- Not validating RER tickets before entering platform