Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Complete Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport for your trip to Paris and the surrounding region, including transportation options, terminal maps, and practical tips to plan your journey.
General Overview of the Airport
Location and Quick Access
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) sits about 25 km northeast of Paris, sprawling across the communes of Roissy-en-France and Tremblay-en-France. It functions as the main airport in France and ranks among the largest aviation hubs in Europe.
- Address: BP 20101, 95711 Roissy Charles de Gaulle Cedex, France
- Distance from Paris: 25 km
- Average travel time to Paris: 30 to 60 minutes depending on the transportation mode
Driving and Parking
You can reach the airport via the A1 highway (exit for "Aéroport Charles de Gaulle") and the N2 national road. Several parking facilities offer short- and long-term options.
3 types of on-site parking:
- Covered parking: Located near the terminals
- Economy parking: Set farther away with a complimentary shuttle
- Express parking: Designed for quick drop-offs
Long-Term Parking Best Rates
Pro tips: you can book your parking space in advance to cut down on day-of travel stress. If you need to leave your car at the airport for a few days during your trip, keep an eye on rates since costs can ramp up quickly. We recommend using specialized platforms to book your spot at CDG parking. You can also pick a lot located in the surrounding area to keep expenses down.
A Major Hub for European Air Travel
Opened in 1974, CDG stands today as the second-busiest airport in Europe by passenger traffic. It plays a critical role in international transit and serves as the primary hub for Air France alongside other global carriers.
CDG Terminals
The airport houses three main terminals:
- Terminal 1: Primarily handles international flights outside the Schengen Area, operated by airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and other major carriers. Check-in takes place on level 4, featuring self-service kiosks and standard desks. Baggage claim is located on level 2.
- Terminal 2: The largest terminal, split into 7 halls (2A through 2G), welcoming Air France, its SkyTeam alliance partners, and other carriers.
- Terminal 3: The smallest terminal, dedicated to low-cost and charter airlines like Vueling or EasyJet.
CDG Map
How to Get to Paris from the Airport
RER, Metro, and Trains
- RER B: The airport connects to Paris via the RER B train line, making the trip in roughly 35 minutes. Fare: 11,45€.
- CDGVAL: An automated shuttle connecting the terminals to each other.
Buses and Shuttles
- RoissyBus: Connects CDG to Opéra in 45-60 minutes. Fare: 16,20€.
- RATP Buses: Lines 350 (headed to Gare de l'Est) and 351 (headed to Nation).
- Private Shuttles: A more comfortable and direct alternative.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
- Official Taxis: Flat rate: 55€ for the Right Bank, 62€ for the Left Bank.
- Uber and Bolt: More flexible options with rates shifting based on demand.
Driving and Car Rentals
Several car rental agencies operate here (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, etc.), with desks located inside the terminals.
What Other Cities Can You Reach from the Airport?
Rail Connections (TGV, Ouigo, etc.)
The Aéroport CDG 2 train station connects to several cities via TGV and Ouigo: Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Strasbourg, Bordeaux.
Long-Distance Buses
- FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus: Routes heading to other major cities such as Rennes, Nantes, Brussels, London.
Domestic Flight Connections
CDG runs domestic connections to Nice, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nantes, smoothing out travel between Paris and the regions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to leave CDG Airport after landing?
The time needed to leave the airport after touchdown depends on several factors, notably where the plane parks on the tarmac, taxi time to the gate, immigration lines (for international flights), baggage claim, and customs clearance.
On average, plan for 30 minutes to 1 hour for domestic flights and 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes for international flights.
How do I get from Gare Montparnasse to CDG Airport?
To go from Gare Montparnasse to Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can take metro line 4 to Châtelet station, then switch to the RER B heading toward "Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 - TGV". The trip takes about 1 hour. Alternatively, taxi or rideshare services are available with a travel time of around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
How long does it take to travel between CDG Airport and the nearest TGV train station?
CDG Airport has its own TGV train station located at Terminal 2. Traveling between the terminals and the station takes between 5 and 15 minutes.
How long does it take to travel between CDG Airport and the nearest TGV train station?
CDG Airport has its own TGV train station located at Terminal 2. Traveling between the terminals and the station takes between 5 and 15 minutes.
Are there shuttle services between the terminals at CDG Airport?
Yes, CDG Airport operates the CDGVAL automated shuttle service, which connects Terminals 1, 2, 3, parking lots, and the RER/TGV stations for free. Shuttles run roughly every 4 minutes, from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
What services are available for connecting passengers at CDG Airport?
For passengers in transit, the airport offers several services:
- VIP Lounges: Access to relaxation areas equipped with food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and showers.
- Rest zones: Designated spots to unwind between flights.
- Dining options: A wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Shops: Numerous stores for duty-free shopping.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the entire airport.
How can I get to Disneyland Paris from CDG Airport?
To reach Disneyland Paris from CDG Airport:
- TGV: Direct trains connect the airport station to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station in about 10 minutes.
- Magical Shuttle: Dedicated bus service running regular departures, taking about 45 minutes.
- Taxis/Rideshares: Available for a roughly 40-minute ride, depending on traffic.