Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG)
Meet the Third Busiest International Aviation Hub in EuropeIs CDG Airport the Main Airport in Paris?
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, or Roissy Airport, as it is often called after its location (Roissy), is the main airport in Paris. Thus, it also goes simply by the name of Paris Airport, pointing out loud and clear that it is the major airfield serving the Paris area. Charles de Gaulle Airport opened its doors in 1974, receiving its name as a tribute to the famous French statesman, and replacing the old airport, known as Paris North Airport (Aéroport de Paris Nord). Today, it lies approximately 25km/15.5 miles north of Paris city center.
Verily, CDG Airport is the busiest airport in France, but it also occupies the third position among European airports and the ninth among the airports globally. After a massive fall in passenger numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems to be back on track. As a matter of fact, in 2024, it welcomed 70,290,260 lion passengers, becoming the third busiest European airport in terms of passenger flow. Moreover, it is also an important cargo aviation hub.
Besides CDG Airport, two other airports are also located in proximity to Paris. Orly Airport is to be found 17km/10.5 miles from Paris, on its south side and serves mostly low-cost and domestic flights, whereas Paris Beauvais Airport is situated 100km/62 miles away from Paris downtown, handling budget airlines and private jets.
Note: Besides CDG, Orly, and Beauvais Airports, two more airports are theoretically serving Paris as well, raising the total number of Paris airports to 5. However, Paris-Le Bourget Airport (once the primary Paris airport) hosts only business flights and air shows, while Paris-Vatry Airport lies 165km/102 miles from Paris city center.
Airport Name: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
IATA Code: CDG
ICAO: LFPG
Location: Roissy-en-France, France
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+2)
Airport Map: Paris Airport at Google Maps
Paris Airport’s History
The construction of Aéroport de Paris Nord (Paris North Airport) began in 1966. The airport finally opened eight years later (March 8, 1974 ), under the name Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, as a tribute to the French president and leading figure during World War II. At that time, it consisted of the pioneering terminal 1, a circular, ten-level building with an innovative design, along with seven satellite buildings. In 1976, the first Concorde flight to Rio de Janeiro departed from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Around that time, the airport was connected to Paris via the RER B as well. In 1982, terminal 2 was built. It was originally a single terminal, gradually expanded with several sub-terminals. Thus, it became the airport’s main terminal. Over the years and until 2008, new terminals and facilities were added to the airport’s complex to meet the ever-increasing passenger traffic. In 1994, the airport inaugurated the TGV Railway Station, connecting it to France’s major high-speed train networks as well as to other European destinations. Moreover, in 2000, a fourth runway was constructed, marking another innovative step in Europe by forming two runway pairs: one to the south and one to the north.
Currently, the airport aims not only to be a leading aviation hub but also to play a pioneering role in the railway sector, serving as a major train hub as well. Apart from the existing railway connections, the CDG Express is expected to begin operations in 2027, linking Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport with Paris-Gare de l’Est, while Paris Metro Line 17 is planned to provide connections to the city by 2030.
Last but not least, the airport is dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact. Therefore, it has adopted various environmentally friendly policies, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Paris Airport’s Layout
Paris Roissy Airport actually resembles an aviation village. It is expanded into an enormous area, consisting of three terminals. Terminal 1 is the oldest building, while terminal 2 was originally constructed to serve Air France. That being said, it has been considerably extended over the years, serving other airlines as well. Nowadays, it is divided into 7 sections, basically being 7 terminals in 1 place. On the other hand, terminal 3 is dedicated to low-cost airlines. In fact, it earned the title of Best Low-Cost Terminal in the world by Skytrax in 2024. Despite the airport’s dimensions, a fourth terminal was planned to be added to the complex to serve the substantial airport passenger traffic. The project was canceled, though, due to its environmental impact.
Flights
Charles de Gaulle Airport isn’t just the main airport in Paris and the busiest French aviation hub. Additionally, it ranks among the top three busiest European airports and the most occupied airports in the world. Housing numerous airlines—it is the world’s second airport in terms of airlines served—CDG Airport handles flights to domestic, international, and many intercontinental destinations. In fact, it is a hub for Air France, Air France Cargo, and FedEx Express, and a focus city for Air France Hop, easyJet, and Norse Atlantic Airways.
Domestic Departures from CDG Airport
Are you flying from CDG Airport to a domestic destination? Charles de Gaulle Airport handles flights to numerous French cities, such as Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, and more.
Domestic travelers typically arrive at the airport about 1.5 to 2 hours before the departure of their flight. Once they reach the airport, they must check in at their departing terminal, proceeding to the check-in counter of their airline. Most airlines offer web check-in services, while online check-in is obligatory for some airlines, with a fee applied to passengers without a printed boarding pass. Self-service check-in and luggage drop-off kiosks are also available. Afterward, they must go through security screening to reach their terminal’s airside area. Lastly, they must arrive at their boarding gate with their identification documents and boarding passes ready to present.
Our Tip: Your departure gate may change unexpectedly. Therefore, you must always check the flight information screens for any last-minute updates.
International Departures from CDG Airport
Charles de Gaulle Airport also handles flights to many international destinations. From European cities to intercontinental connections, numerous flights depart daily from the airport heading to destinations such as Rome, Madrid, Munich, and London, but also New York, Toronto, Beijing, Tehran, and Phuket.
International travelers must be at the airport at least three hours before their flights. They must check in, using the check-in counters, or the self-service check-in kiosks and baggage drop-off areas. The majority of airlines allow online check-in as well. In fact, it is the only option provided by some air carriers, which charge extra fees to passengers with no printed boarding passes. Once they check in, they must proceed to the security control. Passengers heading to a non-Schengen destination must also present their ID or passports to the French border control. As soon as they enter the airport’s airside zone, they must access their departure gate and show their identification documents and boarding passes during the boarding process.
Our Tip: Departure gates often change without prior notice. Please check the flight information boards for updates.
Domestic Arrivals at CDG Airport
Travelers arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport from a domestic destination need to reach the baggage claim area of their terminal once they disembark their plane. There are information screens displaying the baggage claim belt for each flight. Once they retrieve their luggage, they must proceed to the Arrivals hall of their terminal and exit the building to find their way to Paris or their final destination.
International Arrivals at CDG Airport
Passengers who arrive at CDG Airport from an international destination may need to go through border control (if their departure country is a non-Schengen destination) before reaching the baggage reclaim area to collect their luggage. Moreover, once they retrieve their personal items, they may need to go through customs. Afterward, they can exit the airside area of their terminal and proceed to the Arrivals hall, where all modes of transport are conveniently located nearby.
Connecting Passengers at CDG Airport
Are you a transit passenger at CDG Airport? What is the procedure for connecting passengers at Charles de Gaulle Airport?
- If you have a boarding pass to your final destination, you’ll need to find the departure gate for your upcoming flight and wait for the boarding process. However, if you travel with hold luggage, which isn’t checked through to the final destination, you must collect your baggage and check in, dropping it off for the next flight.
- If you don’t have a boarding pass, you’ll need to retrieve your baggage and go through the check-in process again, including dropping off your baggage, for your next flight.
Our Tip: Please check your arriving and departing terminal. If you don’t fly from the same terminal building, you’ll need to make your way between terminals.
Luggage at Paris Airport
Passengers must follow rules and restrictions regarding their luggage. Overall, the rules are stricter for hand luggage, while there are also restrictions for checked luggage.
- Hand Luggage: Passengers traveling with hand luggage must check their airline’s policy regarding the permitted bag size to ensure it fits in the aircraft’s overhead compartments. Additionally, there is a list of restricted items, as well as limits on the quantity of liquids allowed in carry-on luggage.
- Hold Luggage: Each airline sets certain weight limits on checked luggage. Thus, it has its own policy concerning bulky and oversized baggage. Moreover, a smaller list of prohibited and banned items applies in that case as well.
CDG Airlines
Apart from being the busiest airport in the European Union, Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport is one of the most occupied air hubs in the world, both in terms of passenger traffic and cargo volume. Thus, it comes as no surprise that CDG Airport serves a vast number of airlines, from international to domestic air carriers and from conventional providers to budget airlines. It should be noted that the airport hosts the second-highest number of airlines worldwide. Expectantly, Paris Airport is a hub for Air France, the flag carrier, and a focus city for easyJet.
The Necessary Documents
Travelers flying from Charles de Gaulle Airport must present certain documents. Specifically, these are:
- A Boarding pass
- Valid ID/Passport (depending on the destination)
- Visa (required depending on the destination)
- Proof of vaccination (needed for certain destinations)
- Additional documentation (e.g., when traveling with a minor or for an ESTA (US)
An Overview of Paris Airport Services and Amenities
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. Moreover, it constantly invests in environmentally friendly policies and adopts new technologies aimed at optimizing travelers’ experience. The provided services and amenities are varied and top-rated, ensuring hassle-free airport procedures and pleasant stays. Thus, CDG passengers have access to numerous services, including lounges, shopping, dining, business facilities, baggage assistance, and family-friendly zones.
The CDG Airport Shops
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport features an attractive shopping scene, with various retail stores located at all three terminal buildings. Luxurious brands and low-cost shops, as well as local facilities and international chains, are available at CDG Airport, offering a wide range of products at various prices and catering to all travelers’ needs and budgets. Here are just a few of the most popular ones:
- Discover Paris Sport
- Guerlain
- Boss
- Burberry
- Cartier
- Celine
- Chanel
- Dior
- Ferragamo
- Gucci
- Galeries Lafayette – Royal Quartz Paris
- Lacoste
- Longchamp
- Louis Vuitton
- Moncler
- Prada
- Rolex
- Victoria’s Secret
The CDG Airport Dining Options
French cuisine is a must, and the CDG Airport facilities are the perfect opportunity to experience it. Moreover, there are restaurants serving international dishes, several fast-food chains, and options for quick bites. Cafés and bars are also available for passengers who need a rejuvenating coffee, a refreshing beverage, or a drink. Among the most popular are:
- Byzance Gourmet Food Bar
- Café Eiffel
- Le Bar
- Brioche Dorée
- Gontran Cherrier
- La Table de Michel Roth
- McDonald’s
- Miyou
- Naked
- Paname Tap House
- Pret a Manger
- Starbucks
- The French Taste by Guy Martin
- Sushi Shop
The Duty-Free Facilities
Travelers flying to Paris from a non-EU destination, or passengers who fly from CDG Airport to a non-EU country, have access to the airport’s duty-free facilities. Thus, they can buy luxury products, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, beauty products, and more without paying the taxes. All the Duty-Free facilities are located at the airside zones of the CDG terminals, and passengers are required to present their boarding pass during the payment process.
The CGD Lounges and Hotels
Charles de Gaulle Airport houses an airside hotel at T2E, while a hotel can also be found near terminal 2, yet not within its premises. On the other hand, travelers who want to relax before their flight or unwind from the hustle and bustle of the airport typically use one of the lounge facilities:
- Air France Lounges (located at T2G, T2E, and T2F)
- American Airlines Lounge
- Emirates Lounge
- Extime Lounges (T1 and T2BD)
- La Première Air France
- Lufthansa Airlines Lounge
- Paris Lounge
- Paul Maxence Lounge
- Prime Class Lounge
- Salon Paul Maxence Sports Bar
- Star Alliance Lounge
Family Services at Paris Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle takes good care of families traveling with children. Thus, there are family restrooms scattered around the airport, along with baby changing rooms. Additionally, terminal 2E houses two baby rooms, equipped with cribs, low lighting, feeding chairs, comfortable sofas, and microwave ovens to heat baby milk or children’s food. Apart from practical services, Paris Airport also offers various entertainment options. Hence, it features gaming areas with PS5 consoles, arcade zones, table football, and chess boards. Moreover, five pianos are available at terminals 1 and 2.
Paris Airport Accessible Services
Paris Airport is dedicated to providing a seamless experience to travelers with reduced mobility or any kind of disability, whether physical or intellectual. Thus, it offers a range of specialized services to passengers with permanent or temporary disabilities. Mobility assistance services are available, tailored to each passenger’s needs, to facilitate airport procedures and make their time at the airport more comfortable. Accessible changing rooms can also be found within the terminals, while self-service wheelchairs are provided for passengers who need them.
Services and Amenities
Even though it is regarded as a complex airport (especially due to its vast T2), CDG Airport is overall considered a passenger-friendly air hub, as it offers top-rated services and amenities. Here are some of them:
- Baggage wrapping
- Luggage storage
- Meeting rooms
- Pharmacies
- Medical center
- Banks
- ATMs
- Currency exchange areas
- Relaxing chairs
- Reading zones
- Cultural exhibitions
- Lost & Found offices
- Chapels / Synagogues / Mosques
- Spa facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
Pet Services at CDG Airport
The pet-friendly Paris Airport welcomes its furry passengers and offers several amenities to meet their needs. Thus, it features two pet relief areas, at T2E and T2F, equipped with benches and water fountains. That being said, all pets must be fully vaccinated and travel with their passports and health certificates. Moreover, owners must comply with certain conditions, including keeping pets with them at all times and ensuring dogs are always on a leash.
Contact Info
Official Name: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Address: 95700 Roissy-en-France, France
Phone Number: 3950 / +33 1 70 36 39 50
Mail : Paris Aéroports de Paris – Customer service – 1 rue de France – BP81007 – 95931 Roissy Charles de Gaulle Cedex – FRANCE
Official Website: https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/
Transit Options
Paris airport’s ground transportation is extensive and well-connected. Indeed, there are various ways to travel from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris, including airport taxis, private airport transfers, or even autonomous car rentals. Alternatively, passengers on a budget can catch one of the public buses departing from the airport or the RoissyBus, while the RER B train also connects the airport to the city of Paris.
Paris Airport Taxis
Paris airport taxis are a convenient way to reach your destination in Paris. They operate around the clock, offering door-to-door, reliable services. Official taxi ranks can be found outside all terminals, close to the baggage claim zones. Taxis in Paris charge according to their taximeter. However, airport taxi rides to the right side of the Seine cost a flat price of 56€/56$, while journeys to the left side are priced at 65€/65$.
Our Tip: Travelers looking for a premium door-to-door transfer to their final destination often consider booking a private airport transfer from Paris Airport.
Paris Airport Car Rentals
Car rentals at Paris Airport are a popular option for travelers who value independence and plan to explore destinations beyond the city, in France or even across neighboring European countries. Numerous car hire companies operate at the airport, with their desks located at terminal 1 and the PEF Car Park, lying a 4-minute walk from T2E and T2F. Overall, the services provided are reliable and the prices are competitive, while several offers are available for travelers who book early.
Paris Airport Train Lines
CDG Airport enjoys efficient train connections not only to Paris but also to intercity destinations. The RER B Train departs from the two railway stations (Aéroport Charles de Gaulle, located at Roissypôle near terminal 3, and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2, lying between TGV T2C/D and T2E), reaching Paris in about 50 minutes. Intercity trains serve the airport as well, running from Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 to several French and even international destinations.
Buses at Paris Airport
Several public bus lines link the airport to many parts of Paris, while Roissybus is one of the most popular lines, connecting the airport to Opéra in downtown Paris in about 60 minutes. Additionally, the Night Buses 140 and 143 serve the airport during the night, and several intercity lines offer connections to long-distance destinations. Finally, there are two special bus lines available, traveling to Disneyland and Parc Astérix, respectively.
Transfer Between Terminals
The CDGVAL automated train and several shuttle buses provide connections between the Paris airport terminals. All services are provided free of charge. Overall, the CDGVAL is the fastest way to travel between terminals, while Buses N1 and N2 provide links between the sub-terminals of the vast terminal 1. Finally, the LISA Shuttle runs airside, linking the three halls of T2E (Halls K, L, and M).
Parking Facilities
Each one of the 3 CDG terminals offers adequate short-term parking services to its passengers. Hence, T1 and T3 have one close-to-terminal parking facility each, whereas the vast T2 has 4 car parks, serving its 7 sections. Moreover, 3 long-stay parking lots are also to be found inside the Paris airport complex. Last but not least, the pick-up and drop-off areas can also be found within the CDG premises.
The City of Paris
What can anyone say about Paris? The “City of Light” is a unique destination, a marvelous blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and a thriving nightlife. From its countless sites and attractions (Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Louvre, Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame, Sacré-Coeur, Jardin du Luxembourg … the list is endless) to the French capital’s legendary shopping scene, and from the highly-reputed French gastronomy to the scenic cafes, the idyllic bars and the vivid night clubs, Paris radiates an ambiance like no other. All in all, if you are planning a journey to Paris, there’s one thing that can’t be questioned: “Paris is always a good idea”!
FAQs
How many airports are in Paris?
Paris and its nearby areas are served by three airports. Paris Charles de Gaulle is located 25km/15.5 miles north of Paris city center and serves the vast majority of incoming and outgoing flights, whereas Orly Airport, 17km/10.5 miles away, handles low-cost air carriers and domestic flights, and Paris Beauvais Airport, lying 100km/62.1 miles north of Paris at the city of Beauvais, welcomes some budget airlines as well as charters and private jets.
What is the main airport in Paris?
CDG Airport is undoubtedly the main airport in Paris. In fact, it is the primary international airport in France and the second most important, when it comes to passenger traffic, in Europe.
How early should I get to the airport CDG?
If your upcoming flight is domestic or medium-distance, arriving at the airport 1.30 hours before your flight guarantees an unstressed check-in. On the other hand, international, long flights require a 2-3-hour period before the flight arrives at CDG.
How long does security take at CDG?
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport serves thousands of travelers daily. Thus, the lines for security and passport control can be really long. Luckily, they tend to move fast. In any case, especially if your flight is international, you should be early at the airport, as the total procedures may last 1-2 hours.
How big is Charles de Gaulle Airport?
Roissy Airport is a large airfield. It actually looks like a small village, spreading over a 32-square-kilometer distance. It consists of three terminals. However, terminal 2 is divided into 7 sections, being used as separate sub-terminals.
How many runways does Charles de Gaulle Airport have?
Paris Airport has 4 runways. In fact, it is equipped with 2 pairs of runways, constructed so as to be used simultaneously.
What are the transportation options from Paris CDG Airport to the city center?
Passengers landing at CDG Airport find plenty of choices for their transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center. Thus, apart from the always-around airport taxis, the luxurious private transfers, and the handy car rentals, the airport is connected to Paris downtown via the fast Roissybus and the local buses, as well as with the Regional Trains RER B.