Charles de Gaulle International Airport

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport sits 25 kilometres northeast of central Paris in the commune of Roissy-en-France, serving as the primary international gateway to France and one of the busiest airports in Europe. With three main terminals, two runways, and a dedicated high-speed rail station, CDG handles over 70 million passengers annually. The airport is a hub for Air France and a major connection point for travellers arriving from Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Despite its size, the airport is well-organised, with a free automated shuttle train (CDGVAL) linking terminals, parking areas, and the RER station. Understanding the layout and transport options can save time and reduce stress, especially during peak hours when the airport is busiest.

Getting There

Reaching CDG from central Paris is straightforward, with several reliable options. The RER B train runs from stations like Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, and Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, taking about 30 minutes to reach Terminal 2 or 25 minutes to Terminal 3. Tickets cost around €11.30 (as of 2025) and trains operate from approximately 5:00 am to midnight, with reduced frequency on weekends. For direct service to the terminals, the Roissybus departs from Opéra station and drops passengers at Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3, with a journey time of 50–60 minutes and a fare of €13.70. Taxis are available from anywhere in Paris; the fixed fare to the airport is €53 for the left bank and €62 for the right bank (including up to four passengers). Private shuttles and ride-sharing services like Uber also operate, but expect higher costs during surge periods. By car, the airport is accessible via the A1 and A3 motorways, with ample paid parking lots located near each terminal. Parking reservations can be made online, often at lower rates than drive-up. For those arriving by TGV from other French cities, the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV station serves high-speed trains to destinations like Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Brussels.

Inside the Terminal

CDG’s three main terminals cater to different airlines and routes. Terminal 1 handles many international carriers, including Star Alliance members; its circular design means passengers move through concentric zones. Terminal 2, the largest, is divided into seven halls (2A to 2G) and serves Air France, SkyTeam partners, and many other airlines. Terminal 3 (formerly Terminal 9) is used by low-cost carriers and charter flights. All terminals are connected by the free CDGVAL train, which runs 24/7 and takes about three minutes between stops. The airport is wheelchair-accessible throughout, with entrance ramps, accessible toilets, and designated seating areas. Wi-Fi is free and available network-wide after a simple registration. Baggage storage services are located in Terminal 2 (near Hall F) and Terminal 1 (near the exit), with fees based on size and duration. Changing tables are present in most restrooms, and there are dedicated nursing rooms. Paid parking lots are within walking distance or reachable via shuttle buses. On-site services include currency exchange, ATMs, pharmacies, post offices, and a chapel. Security lines can be long, especially around 11:00 am on weekdays—the busiest time. Passengers are advised to arrive three hours before international departures and two hours for Schengen flights. The atmosphere is efficient but can feel impersonal during peak hours. Signage is clear, with English translations, but the sheer size means walking distances can be significant—allow extra time between gates, especially in Terminal 2.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Roissy-en-France

The commune of Roissy-en-France, home to the airport, is a small town with a population of around 3,000. Historically an agricultural village, it was transformed in the 1960s when the French government chose the site for Paris’s new international airport, which opened in 1974. The airport’s name honours Charles de Gaulle, the wartime leader and French president. Today, the area is synonymous with aviation, but Roissy-en-France itself retains a quiet, rural character. The village centre features a 12th-century church, Saint-Éloi, and a handful of bistros and bakeries. Just a few kilometres away, Parc Astérix offers a theme park based on the popular comic books, with roller coasters and historical shows. The Villepinte Exhibition Centre, located nearby, hosts major trade shows and conventions. For history enthusiasts, the nearby Château d'Écouen houses the Museum of the Renaissance, while the medieval town of Senlis offers cobblestone streets and a Gothic cathedral. The region of Val-d'Oise is known for its bucolic landscapes and the Oise River, a popular spot for walking and cycling. Despite the constant hum of aircraft, the area has preserved its French village charm, with local markets on weekends and traditional restaurants serving regional specialities like cream of mushroom soup and roast chicken. The airport employs thousands of workers, many of whom live in neighbouring communes, creating a diverse community. For travellers with a layover, the airport provides a free Tourisme station for information, but exploring the village requires a taxi or bus. The contrast between the ultra-modern terminals and the rustic surroundings is striking—a reminder that even a global hub can sit next to a quiet corner of rural France.

Practical Information

The airport is open 24 hours a day, but individual terminals and services—such as shops and lounges—operate on varying schedules, typically from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. The busiest times are Monday to Thursday around 11:00 am, when security lines can be longest. For up-to-date flight information and terminal maps, visit the official website: https://www.parisaeroport.fr/roissy-charles-de-gaulle. The main telephone for airport information is +33 (0)1 70 36 39 50. For parking, reserve online in advance to secure lower rates; the PAB lot near Terminal 2 is a popular option. If you have a mobility impairment, request wheelchair assistance from your airline at least 48 hours before travel; the airport provides ambulifts and accessible shuttles. One concrete piece of advice: if you have a connecting flight that requires changing terminals, use the free CDGVAL train instead of walking—it is faster and saves energy, especially in Terminal 2’s sprawling layout.