Paris CDG Airport Departures

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

CDG Airport is the main airport serving Paris and its surrounding areas, despite the five air hubs located within a relatively close distance of the French capital. It opened its doors in 1974 and was named after the memorable former president. Located in Roissy-en-France, 25km/15.5 miles from downtown Paris, Paris CDG Airport is also known as Roissy Airport. It is a busy aviation hub, ranking among the three busiest in Europe and the ten most active in the world. As expected, during peak periods of the year (summer, long weekends, public holidays), the airport can be crowded, adding time to the procedures. Therefore, passengers departing during those times should keep this in mind.

The CDG Terminals

Charles de Gaulle Airport is a vast hub, spanning three terminal buildings. Terminal 1, the oldest building in the complex, serves international flights. The check-in area and ticket offices are located on Level 3, while Level 4 houses the duty-free zone and provides access to the seven satellite buildings that host the boarding gates. Terminal 2 is primarily dedicated to Air France and other airline members of the SkyTeam alliance. It is divided into seven sub-terminals, which makes it a rather complex building. Terminals T2A to T2D house Departures on their First floor, while T2E and T2F feature check-in areas and boarding gates on their Second level. Finally, Departures can be found on T2G’s Ground floor. Lastly, terminal 3 handles charter and low-cost flights. It hosts Departures on its south side.

The three terminals of Paris Airport are interconnected. Specifically, T1 and T3 are linked via the free automated CDGVAL train, which also serves some sub-terminals of T2 and the car parks. On the other hand, six of the seven sections of T2 are within walking distance. Still, complimentary airport shuttles operate between them, as well as to T2G, which is located farther away and accessible only via these shuttles.

Airlines Present at Each Terminal

How Early to Arrive at Paris Airport

Planning your ride to the airport for your flight? Wondering how early you should get to CDG Airport to enjoy a stress-free travel experience, even if the airport is congested and waiting lines might delay you during the procedures? The general airport guideline is to allow a 2-hour time frame for short air journeys, such as flights within the Schengen zone. Conversely, for destinations beyond the Schengen zone, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure, as they must go through border control (passport control) in addition to check-in and security screening.

The Departure Procedures at Paris CDG Airport

First and foremost, make sure to arrive at the correct terminal for your departure. Although the terminals are connected via the CDGVAL train or the airport shuttles, transferring between them adds extra time to the airport procedures and may disrupt your schedule.

Once you access the Departures hall of your terminal, you’ll need to check in for your flight. You have three options for doing so. The most popular and time-saving method is to check in online or via the mobile app. Online check-in is available a few days before the scheduled flight departure and can save you considerable time, especially if you don’t have checked luggage to drop off. In that case, you can proceed directly to security screening. Please keep in mind that the majority of airlines prioritize web check-in. In fact, some air carriers impose an extra printing fee on passengers who don’t have a printed boarding pass. Alternatively, check-in counters can be found at the Departures halls of all terminals. Each airline operates at specific desks, assigned by the airport and displayed on information screens throughout Departures. Travelers can check in and have their luggage weighed and dropped off at the counters. However, long waiting lines may form during the airport’s busy hours, slowing down the procedure. Lastly, self-service check-in and bag-drop machines are also available near the check-in desks. Passengers can print their boarding passes and luggage tags and drop off their bags at the designated points. Overall, it is a speedy service, highly recommended if you haven’t checked in online. It is generally available approximately 5 hours before the flight departure. Still, this time frame may vary depending on the airline and the destination airport.

Once you check in and drop off your luggage, you’ll need to go through security control. All passengers undergo security screening, regardless of their nationality and destination. You’ll be asked to present your passport or ID and boarding pass, place your personal belongings in trays for X-ray scanning, and pass through metal detectors yourself. There are strict regulations regarding liquids and prohibited items. Make sure to follow them to speed up the procedure and avoid having any items confiscated.

While travelers to Schengen destinations access the post-security part of their terminal as soon as they complete security screening, international passengers to non-Schengen countries must also go through border control (passport control). Passports and other required documents, depending on the destination (visas, residence permits, etc.), must be presented to the Border Police. It’s the last step before accessing the airside zone. Nationals of specific countries who are older than 18 and hold a biometric passport can benefit from the PARAFE system. Thus, they can use the automatic e-gates, significantly reducing waiting time at border control.

The majority of the airport’s dining and shopping options, along with numerous services and amenities, are located in the post-security area. You can spend your free time there exploring these options. That being said, you should know the location of your departing gate to ensure you have enough time to reach it before departure. Some terminals are vast, while some gates, especially the ones located at their remotest parts, can take considerable time to reach. In any case, remember to frequently check the flight information screens, as departing gates often change without prior warning. Once your gate opens, you’ll stand in line to present your passport or ID and boarding pass before being guided to board the plane.

Our Tip: Make sure to check the regulations of the country you’re flying to from Paris Airport. For example, some countries require passports to be valid for several months beyond the scheduled departure from their territory.

How to Spend Your Free Time at the Airport

Have you completed the departure procedures and have some free time before your flight? You’ll find plenty of options to make the most of it. To begin with, CDG Airport features a satisfying shopping scene, with T2E being undoubtedly the highlight of CDG airport shopping. Additionally, various dining options, including fast-food chains, fancy restaurants, facilities serving international dishes, and local eateries, are available for passengers at Paris Airport. Playgrounds can also be found, along with PlayStation areas, retro gaming zones, and interactive touchscreen tables. Moreover, the airport offers prayer rooms, spa facilities, rest zones, and numerous lounges, while housing an airside airport hotel near Gates L of T2E. Last but not least, passengers can explore the airport’s cultural offerings, such as the Espace Musées and various temporary exhibitions.

Transit Options to Paris CDG Airport

When planning your journey to the airport, make sure to take the transfer time according to the selected mode of transportation into account to ensure you arrive at the airport on time. Overall, taxis and private airport transfers are the most convenient options. A car ride from Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport takes around 45-50 minutes under normal traffic conditions, while taxis offer fixed fares for airport rides from downtown Paris. Alternatively, the RoissyBus and two public buses link Paris to CDG Airport. The RoissyBus departs from the Opéra in Paris city center, Bus 350 begins its route from Porte de la Chapelle, and Bus 351 travels from Paris Nation to the airport. Night buses also serve the route to the airport. Finally, RER B Trains run from Gare du Nord to the two airport railway stations: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1, located at Roissypôle, and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2, situated at T2, between sections C/D and E/F.

Parking at Charles de Gaulle Airport

If you arrive at Paris Roissy Airport with your own vehicle, you’ll need to park it before reaching your departure terminal. All terminals feature parking facilities located within a short distance of their entrances, ideal for short stays (P1, PAB, PCD, PEF, PG, and P3 RESA Car Parks). Additionally, long-term parking lots are available, and premium and valet services are also provided. Do you travel with a motorcycle? CDG parking lots include designated motorcycle parking zones. Overall, online reservations are recommended, especially for extended stays. This way, travelers can ensure availability, save time searching for a parking space on-site, and benefit from lower rates.

The airport has three terminal buildings. Make sure to book or choose the parking facility closest to your departure terminal.

The Drop-Off Zones

Are you driving to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to drop off passengers? Stopping in front of the CDG Departures is forbidden, regardless of the terminal. Instead, the airport provides dedicated drop-off zones located near the departure doors of each terminal. Open from 3:30 am to 12:30 am, these zones allow up to 10 minutes of free parking. Fees apply after that. Please keep in mind that the use of these zones can’t exceed 90 minutes. Otherwise, vehicles may be towed. Rates are generally high, so if you plan to park beyond the 10-minute free period, it’s better to use one of the car parks located near the terminals. They also provide free parking for the first 10 minutes, along with lower rates.

Keep an Eye on Your Flight Time

Is your flight departing on time? It’s important to stay informed about any delays or cancellations so you can head to the airport with enough time for departure procedures, without wasting your valuable time waiting longer than needed. The official airport website provides continuous updates on flight departures. Select your flight to find useful information, including waiting times at security and border control, the assigned check-in desk and boarding gate, any public transport delays to the airport, and the recommended arrival time for your specific flight. In some cases, you can also sign up to receive WhatsApp or email notifications about flight delays, gate changes, etc.

Alternatively, our departures status table can also help you track the Paris airport flight timetable. Search for your flight by number, airline, destination, or departure time. Check for any delays and plan your journey to the airport according to the updated departure time. In case of a cancellation, contact your airline as soon as possible.

Which terminal is International Departures at CDG?

Terminal 1 handles international flights and some Schengen destinations, with boarding gates spread across seven satellite buildings and check-in areas located in its circular central zone. Terminal 2, divided into seven sub-terminals, is primarily dedicated to Air France and SkyTeam member airlines, handling departures operated by these carriers. Finally, terminal 3 mainly serves international flights operated by low-cost airlines.

How early should I be at Paris Airport for an international flight?

If you are flying from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to an international destination, you should plan to arrive at the airport around 3 hours before your flight departure. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off any checked luggage, go through security screening and passport control, and reach your boarding gate.

Where to get dropped off at CDG?

There are designated zones near the departure entrances of all terminals. They offer free parking for 10 minutes, with rates applying from the 11th minute onward. Parking in these zones is allowed for up to 90 minutes. Alternatively, the car parks located close to the terminals, which serve the short-term parking needs of CDG passengers, are also free for the first 10 minutes and offer more affordable rates for stays exceeding that time.