Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) Flights & Information

The airport serving one of the world’s most beloved cities, Paris Charles de Gaulle International (CDG) is a certified four-star airport, according to Skytrax rankings. However, some passengers don’t have such glowing reviews. CDG’s staggering size, confusing layout, sometimes-long security lines, and far-flung location about 15 miles northeast of Paris are among the most common complaints.

Yet, once airside, some French delights await: shops famous for their macarons, for one, and free mini-facials in a certain airport lounge. Here, my top tips on navigating CDG, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Terminal overview and general tips

Simply put, CDG is massive, spanning nearly 13 square miles – nearly one-third the size of the city it serves. It has three main terminals, some offering a significantly better passenger experience. If you’re a CDG newbie, I highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the layout and downloading the Aeroport Paris app. The website also is generally helpful.

Terminals 1, 2, and 3: What to know

Terminal 1, the oldest, serves international flights. (Fun fact: Its circular structure has earned it the nickname of “Le Camembert,” a moniker that’s still in use.) Airlines include Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

Terminal 2, meanwhile, is the biggest – and some passengers’ least favorite, thanks in part to its perplexing designations. With seven separate sub-terminals – 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G – are additional sub-designations (K, L, and M, for example). Air France, whose primary hub is CDG, operates out of T2E, T2F, and T2G – the latter of which is a separate building and is only reachable via Terminal 2F by using the N2 shuttle bus. All of this can be confusing, even for seasoned travelers.

Terminal 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F are linked landside with pedestrian corridors. But because each subterminal has its own security checkpoint, once you’re airside, you can’t access other sub-terminals for shopping or dining. (However, an airside shuttle bus connects 2G to 2F.) Finally, Terminal 3 serves budget airlines, including Jet2, Tunisair, Vueling, XL Airways, and others.

Tips for connecting flights at CDG

CDG has traditionally been notoriously puzzling for connecting passengers. However, the airport has added easily identifiable yellow signage to make the process easier and smoother. Even so, prepare for a lot of walking, moving walkways, and escalators. And you may need to pass through security again, so keep that in mind when considering layover times.

If for some reason you must change main terminals, you can easily walk between T1 and T3. But if you need to reach T2 from either of the other terminals, you’ll need to use the CDGVAL airport shuttle, which connects all three terminals (and two parking areas) and runs every five minutes.

Getting to and from CDG

Passengers can reach CDG by train, bus, shuttle, and taxi (locally known as G7) or car service. Many CDG regulars prefer taxi (for the convenience) or train (to avoid Paris’s notorious traffic and saving some money). CDG also has excellent connectivity to other French regions, thanks to a high-speed train station serving an impressive 50 cities.

If you opt for public transportation, stay alert for pickpockets, which unfortunately is an ongoing issue in Paris. Thieves often target obvious tourists, especially those who are distracted while trying to navigate. So keep an eye on your luggage, stay off your phone as much as possible, and keep wallets, phones, and other valuables close to your body to avoid starting (or ending) your trip on a bad note.

Getting to and from CDG via RER train

RER B is the main north-south line serving Paris, and the trip to and from CDG takes about 45 minutes. The express train skips many downtown stops (but make sure you’re on the right one headed to CDG). RER also connects the airport to Gare du Nord (Paris’s main train station) and other metro stations near tourist landmarks. There are two stations at CDG, so be sure to get off at the right one to avoid backtracking. There’s also a free CDGVal shuttle to easily change terminals.

Connectivity to regional and high-speed trains

One big plus to flying into CDG if your final destination is outside Paris: connectivity to 50 cities via the airport station. For example, you can hop aboard a speedy SNCF TGV train and be in the world-famous Champagne region within an astonishing 30 minutes (a trip I’ve done in reverse that was equally fast). Two types of SNCF trains are available: the TGV Inoui, which is the standard service, and the TGV Ouigo, the low-cost option.

Via RoissyBus or G7 taxi

The RoissyBus can be a fairly simple option for reaching CDG (and costs a fraction of taxi fare). It departs every half-hour from Paris-Opéra to CDG in about 60 minutes (though sometimes longer). Meanwhile, G7 taxis are the most convenient and easily bookable via app.

Navigating security lines at CDG

My top tip for clearing security checkpoints at CDG with your sanity intact: arrive early. The recommended time for domestic flights (which can change depending on the current security level) is currently two hours ahead of departure and three hours for international flights. But I advise giving yourself more, especially if you’re unfamiliar with CDG and are flying out of T2 gates.

CDG airport staff do a commendable job of fast-tracking passengers who are in jeopardy of missing their flights. They call out flight numbers and let those passengers to the front of security lines. (This shouldn’t be a tactic to rely on, of course. But if you do find yourself in this predicament, be sure to pay attention to your flight number being called out.)

Take advantage of concierge services

CDG offers a unique paid service called Le Meet and Greet by Extime, which includes personalized assistance upon arrival, departure and connecting flights. For a fee, you’ll enjoy the assistance of a concierge who will help you through security or even greet you upon deboarding your flight.

This can be an extremely handy service if you’re traveling with young children or elderly family members and need the help of a pro to navigate CDG. (In addition, Extime also has several passenger lounges.) I haven’t personally used the service, but I’ve heard positive reviews.

Follow a French custom

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with small children (or have mobility issues), you can typically move to the front of the line at Paris airports – a French custom that can make the experience smoother. Just look for an airport worker and explain the situation (gestures also work if your French is negligible). People will generally make way for you.

Things to do during a layover at CDG

In my humble opinion, CDG’s shopping is better than its food, though there are a few decent options for sit-down meals and take away spots for coffee and pastries. Check the Aeroport Paris app for an interactive list of restaurants as well as shops.

Recommended spots for shopping

CDG’s Duty Free is full of designer brands and luxury French labels like Celine, Chanel, and Hermes; there are also a few outposts of the famous Galeries Lafayette Royal Quartz where you can snag luxury watches and jewelry. For beauty products, pharmacies located at T1, T2E, and T2F are great for stocking up on products like Nuxe, Caudalie, and Eau Thermale Avène (whose thermal spray is excellent for air travel). And for a tres chic souvenir for foodie friends, a box of macarons at one of 11 Ladurée shops at CDG is hard to beat.

Find the video games

For the gamers, there are PS5 gaming consoles available for free in all terminals (check the app for specific areas, or ask an airport employee). Even more unique: vintage, 1980s-style arcade classics – Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and more – in Terminals T2 (Gate 82) and Terminal 2E (Gates K36 and K49).

Lounges at CDG: What to know

As anyone who’s well-versed in CDG knows, many gate areas have a dearth of nearby dining or shopping options. So there’s not much reason to show up at your gate extra early. This is where an airline lounge can really come in handy. If you have a long layover but don’t have lounge access through your airline or a membership program, it might be worth it to pay the fee (if available).

Good news for Priority Pass members: CDG has a Priority Pass-affiliated lounge, called YotelAir, in T2E. Members can enter the lounge up to three hours prior to departure and hour stay; children under two are free.

If you’re flying in an Air France premium cabin, take advantage of the chance to enjoy one of the airline’s lounges at CDG, but keep in mind that some are notably better than others. Air France has three non-Schengen lounges in Terminal 2E (in Concourses K, L, and M). In Terminal 2F and 2G, Air France has two Schengen lounges. The 2F lounge, which opened in 2021, is particularly lovely, with a curving staircase linking its two levels. The menu was created by notable French chefs, and one of its most quintessentially French amenities is complimentary facials in the Clarins spa – an ooh-la-la experience, indeed.

Alternate airports to CDG

Compared to some other European airports, CDG can be expensive. If possible, check flights into Paris-Orly (ORY), an international airport just 11 miles from the city center. Another Paris-area alternative is Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA), where flights may be cheaper (though the airport has overwhelmingly bad reviews). Options further afield include Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Brussels Airport (BRU), where international flights can be significantly cheaper.