Travel 101: Navigating Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris

This is the third article in a “Travel 101” series offering practical advice for your trip to Paris

One of the most daunting aspects of flying to Paris is navigating the airport upon arrival and departure. Charles de Gaulle Airport is a large and seemingly complex airport. It is considered one of Europe’s busiest airports, after Heathrow in London. However, navigating CDG isn’t as complicated as you think. This guide will give you a better grasp of what to expect. 

Terminals 

Getting through the terminals can be the hardest part of CDG. The terminals span from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2A-2F. An additional terminal, S4, is connected to 2E for long-haul flights with wider-bodied planes. Terminal 2 also has sub-terminals, such as 2F-1.

Flights from the United States arrive in both Terminal 1 (eg, United) and Terminal 2 (eg American in 2A, Delta and AirFrance in 2E). When arriving and departing from 2E, there is a mini train that connects the passport control area with gates such as M. There’s a lot of ground to cover walking in 2E, and services are available for passengers with reduced mobility. 

Terminal 1 is the famous circular terminal that’s said to resemble the shape of a Camembert cheese. When it was opened in 1974, the brutalist architecture had “futuristic” elements, such as moving walkways inside tubes, which remain today. Note that there is a quick and easy driverless train connecting terminals 1 and 2.

If you are flying out of Charles de Gaulle to other European destinations on a low-cost carrier like Hop!, you may find you need to transfer to Terminal 2G. There’s a bus that shuttles you to 2G for free. Your luggage is automatically transferred, so there’s no need to worry about getting it and re-checking it. The same applies for other transfer flights in any Terminal from 1-3.

CDG is well marked with easy-to-follow signs all around the airport that show you where to go. If you need a map to save, we recommend this one from the Airport’s website.

Food and Drinks 

Along with being a large airport, there are a wide variety of options for food and drinks while you’re there. Along with the usual fast food and Starbucks, there are various bars and even sit-down restaurants to enjoy. 

The official website splits the dining options into 10 categories: Coffee Shops, Iberian Specialties, Chef’s Kitchen, Bakery, Seafood Specialties, Fast Food, Healthy & Tasty, Asian Food, Brasserie, and Italian Specialties.

Here are a few highly recommended spots to try first!

The French Taste is a restaurant located in 2E. This is owned by a Michelin Star chef named Guy Martin. It serves French-style dining alongside a Brasserie. If you have a lot of time to spare, this is a great choice as it tends to be very busy. But worth the wait! 

Another recommended spot is the Paname Tap House. This brasserie offers a range of fresh local products and pastries, alongside craft beers and full dishes. It’s located in 2BD and is an option for dining in or taking it with you depending on how much time you have.

 

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Food and Shopping

Another big part of the Charles de Gaulle airport is the shopping. It’s known for having a selection of luxury brands, ranging from stores such as Cartier and Gucci to classic French icons Louis Vuitton and Dior.

There are of course a variety of practical services as well. Multiple locations around the terminals exchange currency before you’re officially in or out of the city. 

Other areas for relaxation or work include sitting areas, table workspaces, dog parks, places of worship, and smoking areas. For more specifics, the official website shows how to access them.

CDG offers self-service wheelchairs as well as mobility assistance that you can find more personal information about based on your needs.  

 

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Transport to/from Paris

From each terminal, you can find your way to the transport locations to get in and out. The RER B suburban train is the easiest and most convenient, since it bypasses the traffic you may encounter on the autoroutes getting to/from the city. Many transatlantic flights arrive in the morning in Paris, which coincides with rush hour, meaning you could be stuck in a bouchon trying to get into the city — unless you’ve timed your arrival for a weekend or holiday. The RER ticket cost is 13 euros. Note that the RER B also connects to Orly airport to the south of Paris.

Taxis are also recommended. The city sets a fixed flat rate of €56 (right bank) and €65 (left bank) to/from CDG. Make sure you go to the official taxi line, where attendants will assist you. Ignore people at the Customs exit that may promise a cheaper taxi ride.

There are car parks to book spots in if you have your car there, just like any other airport you can pay a fee to park overnight or for the duration of your trip.

If you prefer a car service, multiple companies offer a car pick up to and from the airport that isn’t Uber or Lyft. You can find them on TripAdvisor for lower prices, or specific company websites. 

Some hotels will help provide you with transport to them from the airport as well. During my visits to Paris, I stay at hotels that provide transport through Das Transport, which has done really well for me. And also provides a pre-booked car to and from the airport. 

Charles de Gaulle can seem like the most intimidating part of your entire trip, and for many, it can be. But, there are guides and easy ways to get the most out of your time there in a nonstressful way. And who knows, you may be hoping for layovers one day just to soak it all in.

 

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