Paris Airport Guide

Find your Way around Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport

General Airport Information

Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the primary aviation gateway to the French capital and the largest airport in France. Commonly referred to as CDG Airport or Roissy Airport, it is named after Charles de Gaulle, the former President of France, and is located approximately 25 km / 15.5 miles northeast of Paris city center, in Roissy-en-France.

Under normal traffic conditions, reaching central Paris from CDG Airport takes around 35–45 minutes, depending on the chosen mode of transport. CDG Airport serves as France’s main hub for international, intercontinental, and domestic flights and plays a crucial role in European and global air travel.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe and worldwide. Following a significant decline in passenger traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport has fully recovered. In 2024, CDG welcomed over 70 million passengers, reaffirming its position as one of Europe’s leading aviation hubs and a major center for passenger and cargo operations.

Terminals

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport consists of three main passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Each terminal serves different airlines and flight categories, making it essential for passengers to confirm their terminal in advance.

Terminal 1 is the airport’s oldest terminal and features a distinctive circular design. Terminal 2 is the largest and most important terminal, originally built for Air France and now divided into multiple sub-terminals (2A to 2G), handling the majority of domestic, European, and long-haul international flights. Terminal 3 is dedicated mainly to low-cost and charter airlines.

All terminals are connected via free shuttle buses and the CDGVAL automated train, allowing passengers to move easily between terminals and airport facilities.

Hotels

Travelers passing through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport have access to a wide range of accommodation options. Several hotels are located within or very close to the airport premises, making them ideal for overnight layovers, early departures, late arrivals, or business trips.

Paris city center also offers an extensive variety of hotels, from luxury five-star properties and boutique hotels to budget-friendly accommodations. Thanks to excellent transport links such as the RER B train, taxis, and private transfers, staying in central Paris is often a convenient option even for early or late flights.

Parking

CDG Airport provides numerous parking facilities designed to accommodate short-term, long-term, and premium parking needs. Each terminal has dedicated parking areas within walking distance, ensuring easy access for departures and arrivals.

For longer trips, several long-stay parking lots are available within the airport complex, offering more economical rates while remaining well-connected to the terminals via shuttle services.

Layover at the Airport

Layovers at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport can be both comfortable and productive. The airport offers a wide range of services and amenities, including lounges, restaurants, cafés, duty-free shops, business facilities, free Wi-Fi, and relaxation areas.

Passengers with longer layovers may even consider leaving the airport to explore Paris. With efficient transport connections to the city center, travelers with 6–7 hours or more can visit iconic landmarks, enjoy French cuisine, or take a short walk along the Seine before returning to the airport for their next flight.