Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport · CDG
Located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris, Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (IATA code: CDG) is the largest airport in France and one of the main aviation hubs in Europe.
History, terminals, key figures, transport options and practical tips: here is everything you need to know about Roissy airport before your trip.
Built across the towns of Roissy-en-France, Tremblay-en-France and Mauregard, about twenty kilometers northeast of the capital, Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport is named after former French President Charles de Gaulle. Inaugurated in 1974, it has gradually become the main air gateway to the Paris region and ranks among the busiest airports in Europe, alongside London-Heathrow, Frankfurt and Amsterdam-Schiphol.
The airport is organized around three terminals: Terminal 1, recognizable by its circular architecture designed by architect Paul Andreu; Terminal 2, the largest, divided into seven sub-terminals (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G) that notably host Air France and its SkyTeam alliance partners; and Terminal 3, dedicated to low-cost airlines and charter flights. Each terminal has its own check-in, security, boarding and arrival areas.
Beyond air travel, Roissy CDG is a true multimodal crossroads. It is home to the Aéroport-Charles-de-Gaulle 2 TGV station, which connects it directly to many French and European cities, as well as an RER B station linking the center of Paris in about thirty minutes. An automated metro, the CDGVAL, serves all terminals, stations and car parks free of charge.
A few essential markers to better understand the location and scale of Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport.
The airport has three main terminals. As the largest, Terminal 2 is subdivided into several halls (2A to 2G) connected to one another by walkways and by the CDGVAL automated metro.
Historic terminal with its iconic circular architecture, designed by Paul Andreu. It hosts many international airlines, including several members of the Star Alliance.
Halls dedicated to medium and long-haul flights, operated notably by Air France and SkyTeam partner airlines.
Halls mainly handling flights within the Schengen area and European routes from various airlines.
The largest complex at the airport, geared towards long-haul flights (North America, Asia, Africa, South America) operated by Air France and SkyTeam, as well as European routes.
Regional terminal dedicated to short-haul European flights. It is connected to the rest of Terminal 2 by a dedicated shuttle.
A more compact terminal hosting low-cost airlines and charter flights. It is directly connected to the stations and other terminals by the CDGVAL.
Several options are available to reach or leave Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, depending on your starting point, your budget and the amount of luggage you carry.
The RER B connects the airport to central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Denfert-Rochereau) in about 30 to 35 minutes. The TGV station, located at Terminal 2, offers direct connections to many French and European cities.
RER B – official RATP lineThe Roissybus, which connected Opéra to CDG, was permanently discontinued in March 2026. Noctilien night bus lines still provide connections from Paris. Regional bus lines also serve the airport from various towns across Île-de-France.
Airport tickets & fares – RATPThe airport is accessible via the A1 and A3 motorways and the Francilienne. Taxis, private hire vehicles, car rental and short- and long-stay car parks are available right next to the terminals.
CDG access & transport – Paris AéroportFor international and long-haul flights, it is generally advisable to arrive at the airport about three hours before departure to comfortably handle check-in, baggage drop-off and security checks.
The CDGVAL automated metro connects the terminals, stations and some car parks free of charge, 24 hours a day. Allow a few extra minutes if your connection involves changing terminals.
Shops, dining, lounges, Wi-Fi, ATMs, pharmacies and assistance services are spread throughout the terminals. Remember to check the exact terminal of your flight, shown on your ticket.
The airport is located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris, mainly in the town of Roissy-en-France, in the Val-d'Oise department. It is often called "Roissy" and carries the IATA code CDG.
The airport is organized around three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (subdivided into halls 2A to 2G) and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is the largest and notably hosts Air France and its partners.
By RER B, the journey to central Paris takes about 30 to 35 minutes. By car, travel time generally ranges from 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic on the A1 and the ring road.
The airport is served by the RER B, the TGV station at Terminal 2, the Roissybus, several bus lines, and the A1 and A3 motorways. Taxis, private hire vehicles, car rental and car parks complete the offer.
The CDGVAL automated metro connects the three terminals, the RER and TGV stations and some car parks free of charge, 24 hours a day. Shuttles complement service to certain halls, such as Terminal 2G.
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