Charles de Gaulle Airport Guide (CDG) – Paris

Airport Overview

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest international airport in France and the second busiest in Europe, handling over 76 million passengers per year. Located approximately 25 km northeast of central Paris, it serves as the primary hub for Air France and a major transatlantic and intercontinental gateway for SkyTeam alliance carriers. The airport is named after French statesman and president General Charles de Gaulle and opened in 1974.

Terminals

CDG has three main terminal complexes — Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (with sub-terminals 2A through 2G), and Terminal 3. The terminals are connected by the free CDGVal automated people-mover shuttle.

• Terminal 1: Non-Air France international carriers including United Airlines, American Airlines, and various Asian and Middle Eastern carriers.
• Terminal 2 (2A–2G): Air France operates from multiple sub-terminals within T2; SkyTeam partners also depart from here. T2E and T2F handle long-haul Air France routes.
• Terminal 3: Low-cost carriers including easyJet and Transavia, as well as some charter flights.

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals under the network "Aeroports de Paris – CDG" or similar branded network name. Connect by selecting the network and completing a brief registration via your browser. The free service allows sessions of up to 1 hour, renewable. Premium paid WiFi is available for faster speeds. Coverage is generally good across public and departure areas.

Transport to City Center

RER B Train

The RER B commuter train is the most popular and cost-effective way to reach central Paris, taking approximately 35–45 minutes to reach Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, or Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame. Trains run roughly every 10–15 minutes from early morning until midnight. A single ticket costs around €11.80. The RER B serves terminals T1, T2, and T3 via the CDG airport stations (CDG 1 and CDG 2 TGV).

Bus Services

Roissybus provides a direct service from CDG to Opéra (Rue Scribe) in central Paris, taking approximately 60–75 minutes and costing around €16.60. Le Bus Direct (formerly Les Cars Air France) runs comfortable coach services to several Paris destinations including Arc de Triomphe and Gare Montparnasse, with tickets around €17–18.

Taxi and Rideshare

Official taxis operate on a fixed-rate system from CDG to Paris: €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank (inclusive of luggage). Journey times are typically 40–60 minutes but can extend to 90 minutes in heavy traffic. Uber is also available from designated pick-up zones and is often slightly cheaper than licensed taxis.

Airport Lounges

CDG offers a strong range of airline and independent lounges, particularly suited to Air France and SkyTeam passengers.

• Air France Salon Business (T2E, T2F): Premium lounges for Air France business class passengers, offering hot meals, showers, and quiet workspaces.
• Air France La Première Lounge (T2E): Exclusive first-class lounge regarded as one of the finest in the world, with personalized dining and private suites.
• Infinity Lounge (T1): Independent lounge accepting Priority Pass, offering food, beverages, and comfortable seating.
• No. 1 Traveller (T2E): Priority Pass-accessible pay-per-use lounge with a good buffet selection and Wi-Fi.
• Salon Les Carrés (T2F): Air France lounge accessible to Flying Blue Gold and Platinum members.

Hotels Near the Airport

• Hyatt Regency Paris Charles de Gaulle: Directly connected to Terminal 2 via covered walkway, with premium amenities and multiple dining outlets.
• Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: Located within the terminal complex, offering modern rooms and a swimming pool.
• Pullman Paris Roissy CDG Airport: 4-star hotel linked to CDG, with spa, pool, and French brasserie.
• ibis Paris CDG Airport: Budget-friendly option directly on the airport grounds with a free shuttle to terminals.
• Novotel Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: Well-located mid-range hotel with garden, pool, and easy terminal access.

Food and Restaurants

CDG offers a wide variety of dining options from French classics to international fast food, spread across all terminals and airside shopping areas.

• Brasserie du Grand Louvre (T2E): French brasserie serving classic dishes like steak frites and croque monsieur in an elegant setting.
• Paul Bakery (multiple terminals): Iconic French bakery chain with fresh baguettes, croissants, sandwiches, and coffee.
• Ladurée (T2F): Famous Parisian patisserie known for macarons, pastries, and fine teas — perfect for a French treat before departure.
• McDonald's (T1, T2): Standard fast food option for a quick, familiar meal across multiple terminal locations.
• Exki (T2A, T2C): Belgian healthy food chain offering fresh salads, warm dishes, and organic beverages.
• Sushi Shop (T2E, T2F): Fresh sushi, poke bowls, and Japanese-inspired snacks for a lighter meal option.

Travel Tips

• CDG is one of Europe's most complex airports — download the CDG airport app or pick up a terminal map on arrival to navigate effectively.
• The RER B train is significantly cheaper than taxis; validate your ticket before boarding and keep it for ticket inspection on exit.
• Passport control queues can be extremely long at peak times — EU/Schengen passengers can use automated e-gates to save time.
• Terminal 2 is a massive complex; sub-terminal gates can be 20–30 minutes apart on foot, so arrive at the gate area early.
• Duty-free shopping is available airside — French wines, perfumes, and luxury goods are popular purchases.
• If flying Air France in business or first class, the La Première lounge in T2E is an exceptional experience worth arriving early for.
• For overnight connections, several lounges and rest areas offer reclining seats; paid sleep pods are also available in the terminal.