Ruth Haines
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is located about 16 miles from the city centre, and it takes around 30-60 minutes to reach it. If you have a long layover, you can leave the airport and visit the city, but make sure you have at least 6-8 hours between flights to allow for transportation and security checks. Paris has a lot to offer, from famous landmarks like the Louvre and Notre Dame to its café culture and the Seine. The easiest way to get to the city centre is by taxi, but the RER B train and Roissy Bus shuttle are also options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 8 hours |
| Minimum layover time to visit Paris | 5-7 hours |
| Transport options from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Paris | Taxi, RER train, bus |
| Travel time from CDG to Paris | 30-60 minutes |
| Transport costs | Taxi: €50-55, RER B train: €11.40, Roissy Bus shuttle: €13.70 each way |
| Transit visa requirements | Depends on nationality and destination |
| Terminal with the best options for layovers | Terminal 2, specifically Terminal 2E |
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What You'll Learn
Transport options to Paris from the airport
Paris has multiple airports, including Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly, and Beauvais. The best transport option for getting into the city depends on which airport you arrive at, your budget, and how much time you have.
Charles de Gaulle Airport
CDG Airport is located about 22-35 km (14-22 miles) from Paris and offers several transport options to get into the city. The fastest way to reach the center is by taxi, which takes around 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination. Taxis can be expensive, with fares ranging from €30-55.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the RER B train is a convenient and well-priced choice. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the city center and costs €11.40. However, trains can get crowded, and it may be challenging to manage your luggage. The RoissyBus shuttle is another practical choice, taking 60 minutes to reach the city center for €13.70-€16.60.
Orly Airport
Orly Airport is located about 24 km (15 miles) from Paris. The recommended route is to take the Orlyval shuttle to the Antony RER station, and from there, you can purchase a ticket for the train to the Gare du Nord train station, taking about 45 minutes in total. Public bus 183 is also an option, taking about an hour to reach the city center for just €2.
Beauvais Airport
Beauvais Airport is the farthest from Paris, and transportation options are more limited. Taking a shuttle service from the airport to Beauvais station, followed by the TER regional rail to Gare du Nord, is a good option if you're travelling light. The shuttle service costs around €15, and the train costs €17. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the station for about €15, followed by the train.
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Minimum time needed to leave the airport
The minimum time needed to leave the airport during a layover in Paris depends on several factors, including the airport, mode of transportation, and destination within the city.
If you are travelling through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), it is recommended that you allow for at least 6-7 hours between flights if you plan to leave the airport and explore the city. This takes into account the time required for transportation to and from the airport, which can take around 30-60 minutes by taxi, 40 minutes by RER train, or 60 minutes by bus. The Roissy Bus shuttle, for instance, costs €13.70 each way and takes about an hour to reach the city centre. Additionally, you should consider the time needed for immigration and customs clearance, which can take at least 30 minutes. Therefore, an 8-hour layover is generally considered comfortable for a brief exploration of Paris.
However, it is important to note that you cannot leave your terminal while in transit. If you need to travel between terminals, you must exit the transit area, collect your baggage, and go through passport control and security checks. This will require additional time, so it is recommended to allow for plenty of extra time when booking separate flights.
For shorter layovers, it is still possible to make the most of your time in Paris without leaving the airport. Terminal 2, specifically Terminal 2E, offers various options, including the be relax spa and Yotel Air, which provides sleep cabins on an hourly rate. There are also restaurants and shops available in all terminals, although the options are more limited in Terminals 1 and 3.
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Visa requirements for leaving the airport
If you are leaving the airport during a layover in Paris, you will need to go through passport control and possibly a security check. The requirements for this depend on where you are travelling from and to. If you are travelling to or from a country outside the Schengen Area, you will need to apply for an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) if you are a citizen of certain countries.
Citizens of the following countries need to apply for an ATV if they hold an ordinary passport: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, Russia (if travelling from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Turkey or Egypt), Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria or Turkey.
If you are a citizen of one of the above countries and hold a service or special passport, you will also need to apply for an ATV, except for citizens of the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Russia. Additionally, citizens of the Republic of Guinea holding a service passport will need to apply for an ATV.
If you are travelling from outside the Schengen Area and your final destination is also outside the Schengen Area, you will need to apply for an ATV. This will allow you to enter the international zone of the airport while waiting for your transfer flight. However, it is important to note that an ATV does not permit you to leave the airport, for example, to sightsee or stay in a hotel.
US citizens can travel to France for up to 90 days without a visa, including for airport transit. However, if you are a non-citizen resident of the US with a passport from one of the countries that require an ATV, you will need to apply for this visa.
To apply for a France ATV, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A completed visa application form
- Two recent passport photos
- A photocopy of your passport, valid for a minimum of three months after your return date
- Two copies of your passport photo page
- A photocopy of your return flight tickets
- Proof of business travel, if applicable
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Navigating the airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is about 16 miles from central Paris, and it takes about 30 to 60 minutes to reach the city centre. It is recommended to leave the airport only if you have at least 6 to 8 hours between flights.
If you have a long layover, you can choose to stay at the airport or leave the airport and explore Paris. CDG has plenty of things to do, including a museum, restaurants, shops, and sleep cabins. However, if you choose to leave the airport, you will need to clear security and/or immigration again on your way back to the terminal. Make sure you have enough time to catch your next flight and comply with any entry and visa requirements.
To navigate within the airport, you can follow the highly visible yellow signs that indicate your connection or proceed to your gate by following the relevant signage. You can also use the information and navigation self-service kiosks located throughout the airport to find your boarding gate, travel time, nearby services, or directions to your desired location. The airport also offers free and unlimited WiFi, which can be helpful for navigating and staying connected.
When travelling between terminals, you may need to exit, collect your baggage, and re-check-in. In this case, allow extra time and ensure you comply with any passport, entry, and visa requirements. At CDG, you can use the "PARAFE" smart gates in terminals 1, 3, and specific sections of Terminal 2. These gates are eligible for citizens over 18 with valid biometric passports from the European Union, the European Economic Union, and the Swiss Confederation.
Overall, navigating Paris's airports can be straightforward, but it's important to allow enough time, especially if you plan to leave the airport during a long layover.
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Things to do at the airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is a major international airport with three main terminals and extensive facilities. The airport is well connected to the city, but it takes about an hour to reach the centre. So, it is recommended that you only leave the airport if you have at least eight hours between flights. If you have less time than that, there are still plenty of things to do at the airport.
Art and Culture
CDG airport hosts periodic exhibitions of art in various forms, including photography, sculpture, and painting, at all terminals, mainly at T1, T2E, and T2F. The Espace Musées at T2E, S4 (Hall M) displays works of art from reputable museums in Paris, and the exhibitions change every six months. The airport also features contemporary sculptures and thought-provoking installations, transforming layovers into enriching experiences.
Music
CDG airport also provides a "music touch" with constantly updated music playlists featuring various French artists. Passengers can also re-watch live events and concerts that have taken place at the airport.
Shopping
All terminals offer plenty of shopping options, including high-end designers and traditional retailers. Check out France's leading labels, including Céline, Hermès, Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Longchamp. There are also duty-free zones throughout the airport, exuding French elegance and style.
Dining
CDG airport has refreshed its approach to food, and you'll find many cafes and restaurants to choose from. Try Le Grand Comptoir for classic bistro dishes, Boco for gourmet fast food, or Ladurée for colourful macarons. Terminal 2 has the most options, while Terminal 3 has limited choices.
Relaxation
If you want to relax during your layover, CDG has rest zones at all terminals, with comfortable seating for all types of passengers. Terminal 2E also offers sleep cabins on an hourly rate, and shower-only packages starting at €20.
Entertainment
The airport has free Wi-Fi, playgrounds, and gaming areas, including touchscreen tables and retro arcade games. There are also chapels at T1, T2E, and T2F for those who want to pray or calm themselves before their flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Paris airports during transit. However, you will need to go through security and/or immigration again on your way back into the terminal. It is recommended to have at least 6-8 hours between flights if you plan to leave the airport.
It is recommended to set aside a minimum of 2 hours for transportation to and from the airport. This includes 30 minutes to deplane and go through immigration and customs, and another 30-60 minutes to get to downtown Paris by taxi, train, or bus.
Paris has many attractions that are within a 30-minute walk or metro ride of each other. With an 8-hour layover, you can see highlights like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Musée d'Orsay. For shorter layovers, consider a Big Bus tour or a visit to Disneyland Paris.
