Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Essential Travel Information
Get the lowdown on Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to navigate your arrival in Paris and beyond. We have the details on ground transportation, terminal layouts, and practical tips to help you organize your trip.
Overview of the Airport
Location and Quick Access
Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) sits about 15 miles (25 km) northeast of Paris, straddling the towns of Roissy-en-France and Tremblay-en-France. It serves as the primary gateway to France and ranks among the most significant aviation hubs in Europe.
- Address: BP 20101, 95711 Roissy Charles de Gaulle Cedex, France
- Distance from Paris: 15 miles (25 km)
- Average travel time to Paris: 30 to 60 minutes depending on your mode of transport
Driving and Parking
You can reach the airport via the A1 motorway (take the "Aéroport Charles de Gaulle" exit) or the N2 national road. The airport provides several parking options ranging from short-term to long-term stays.
3 types of on-site parking:
- Covered parking: Located near the terminals
- Economy parking: Further away, served by a free shuttle
- Express parking: For quick drop-offs
Finding the best long-term parking
Pro tip: book your parking spot in advance to avoid any day-of travel stress. If you need to leave your car for a few days, watch out for standard rates, which can climb quickly. We recommend using specialized booking sites to secure a spot at parking CDG. You might also consider off-site lots nearby to keep costs down.
A Major European Aviation Hub
Opened in 1974, CDG is now the second-largest airport in Europe by passenger traffic. It is a critical node for international travel and serves as the primary base for Air France and various other global carriers.
CDG Terminals
The airport consists of three main terminal areas:
- Terminal 1: Primarily handles international flights outside the Schengen Area, operated by carriers like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa and others. Check-in is located on level 4, with both automated kiosks and traditional counters. Baggage claim is on level 2.
- Terminal 2: The largest, split into 7 halls (2A through 2G), hosting Air France, its SkyTeam alliance partners, and other airlines.
- Terminal 3: The smallest terminal, dedicated to low-cost carriers and charters like Vueling or EasyJet.
CDG Map
Getting to Paris from the Airport
RER, Metro, and Trains
- RER B: The airport is served by the RER B commuter train, which connects CDG to central Paris in about 35 minutes. Cost: 11.45€ (about $12.50).
- CDGVAL: An automated shuttle that connects the terminals to each other.
Buses and Shuttles
- RoissyBus: Connects CDG to the Opéra district in 45-60 minutes. Cost: 16.20€ (about $17.50).
- RATP Buses: Lines 350 (to Gare de l'Est) and 351 (to Nation).
- Private Shuttles: A more comfortable and direct alternative.
Taxis and Rideshares
- Official Taxis: Flat rates apply: 55€ (about $60) for the Right Bank, 62€ (about $67) for the Left Bank.
- Uber and Bolt: More flexible options, though pricing fluctuates based on demand.
Car Rentals
Several rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, etc.) operate at the airport, with desks located directly in the terminals.
Regional Connections
Rail Links (TGV, Ouigo, etc.)
The Aéroport CDG 2 train station provides high-speed TGV and Ouigo service to cities including Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Strasbourg, and Bordeaux.
Long-distance Buses
- FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus: Routes to other major cities such as Rennes, Nantes, Brussels, and London.
Domestic Flight Connections
CDG handles domestic transfers to Nice, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nantes, making regional travel easier.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to leave CDG after landing?
The time it takes to exit the airport depends on several factors, including where the plane parks, taxi time to the gate, immigration (if you are arriving internationally), baggage claim, and customs.
On average, expect 30 minutes to 1 hour for domestic flights and 1 hour to 1.5 hours for international flights.
How do I get from Gare Montparnasse to CDG?
To reach Charles de Gaulle from Gare Montparnasse, take Metro line 4 to "Châtelet" station, then transfer to the RER B train heading toward "Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 - TGV." The trip takes about 1 hour. Alternatively, taxis or rideshares are available, with a travel time of about 45 minutes depending on traffic.
How long is the commute between CDG and the nearest TGV station?
CDG has its own TGV station located at Terminal 2. The commute between the various terminals and the train station takes between 5 and 15 minutes.
Are there shuttle services between the CDG terminals?
Yes, CDG operates the CDGVAL automated shuttle service, which provides free connections between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, as well as the parking lots and RER/TGV stations. Shuttles run every 4 minutes from 4 AM to 1 AM.
What services are available for passengers in transit at CDG?
For transit passengers, the airport offers several services:
- VIP Lounges: Access to relaxation areas with food, Wi-Fi, and showers.
- Rest Zones: Dedicated quiet spaces to relax between flights.
- Dining: A wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Shopping: Numerous duty-free stores.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the airport.
How can I get to Disneyland Paris from CDG?
To reach Disneyland Paris from CDG:
- TGV: Direct trains connect the airport station to the Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station in about 10 minutes.
- Magical Shuttle: A dedicated bus service with regular departures, taking about 45 minutes.
- Taxis/Rideshares: Available for a trip of about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.