Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Guide

Charles de Gaulle, often just called CDG or Roissy, is laid out differently from most major airports, with a design that puts terminals and satellite buildings in separate structures connected by shuttle trains and walkways. That layout is efficient once you understand it, but confusing on a first visit if you're rushing.

Here's a rundown of how the airport is organized, how to move between its parts, and how to get from CDG into the city center.

CDG opened its first terminal in the early 1970s and has expanded in stages ever since, which explains why the layout feels more like a collection of connected districts than one single building. That gradual growth is common among older major hubs, and it rewards travelers who take a moment to study the terminal map before setting off.

Three terminals, several satellites

CDG has three main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is by far the largest and is actually split into multiple lettered halls (2A through 2G roughly), each serving different airlines or alliances. Several halls also have satellite boarding areas reached by an automated shuttle train called CDGVAL, so a gate number alone doesn't tell you everything about how far you'll need to travel.

Terminal 1 has a distinctive circular design with satellite buildings connected by moving walkways and tunnels. Terminal 3 is smaller and mostly used by low cost and charter carriers.

Moving between terminals

The free CDGVAL shuttle train links all three terminals along with the parking areas and the RER train station, running frequently through the day. If your connection involves changing terminals, this shuttle is usually the fastest way to do it, faster than trying to walk long distances between separate buildings.

As with most large hubs, if your connecting flight is in the same terminal and you stay airside, the transfer is usually straightforward. Moving between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, or reaching Terminal 3, generally requires the CDGVAL and sometimes a fresh security check, so build in extra time for those combinations.

Getting to Paris

The RER B suburban train line runs directly from CDG into central Paris, stopping at useful stations like Gare du Nord and Chatelet-Les Halles, and it's usually the fastest and most predictable way into the city, especially during peak traffic hours. Trains run frequently through the day.

The Roissybus offers a direct coach connection to the Opera area of central Paris, useful if you'd rather avoid stairs and transfers with luggage. Taxis are available at clearly marked ranks outside each terminal and typically charge a flat rate for trips into central Paris zones, which makes budgeting simpler than a metered fare. Private transfer and ride-hailing pickups are also common, usually from a designated pickup zone rather than right outside arrivals.

Arriving and clearing passport control

Passport control lines can be lengthy at peak arrival banks, particularly for non-EU passport holders, so it helps to have documents ready before reaching the booth. Baggage claim areas are generally close to the arrivals gates in each terminal, with screens overhead showing which carousel serves your flight. Customs exits are marked in the usual two-channel format for travelers with or without goods to declare.

Practical extras

CDG has a wide range of shops, cafes and restaurants, particularly in Terminal 2's various halls, which function almost like their own mini-airports. Baggage storage, pharmacies and currency exchange counters are available in most terminals, though hours and exact locations vary by hall.

Tips for CDG

• Check not just your terminal but your specific hall, especially in Terminal 2, since 2A and 2G can be a genuine trek apart.
• Use the CDGVAL for terminal changes rather than attempting to walk between distant buildings.
• RER B is usually the quickest route to central Paris outside of unusual disruptions.
• If taking a taxi, ask about the flat rate zones for central Paris before setting off.