Charles De Gaulle Airport: Pay-Per-Use Lounges

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a range of lounges, including airline-specific and pay-in options. For example, the Extime Lounge in Terminals 2B and 2D offers an escape from the terminal bustle with an all-you-can-eat buffet, fast Wi-Fi, and private showers. The ICare Lounge in Terminal 1 is a pay-in option with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, bright seating areas, snacks, and soft drinks. These lounges provide a calm and comfortable pre-flight experience for travellers. In addition to lounge access, transportation to and from the airport is an important consideration. Travellers can choose from various options, including taxi, metro, bus, train, or private transfer. While official airport taxis provide a fast and comfortable door-to-door service, they can be more expensive and less English-friendly. Public transportation, such as the RER B train, offers a cost-effective and frequent connection to the city centre, with tickets available from manned ticket offices and multilingual machines.

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Taxi fares and travel time

It is advisable to book taxi services in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates. Booking a taxi online has many advantages, such as avoiding the hassle of comparing quotes and having a stress-free experience. You can also avoid hidden fees by booking in advance and paying a fixed rate.

When planning your arrival time at Charles de Gaulle Airport, it is important to account for potential traffic delays and allow extra time for airport commutes, especially during peak seasons or times with high traffic. Considering alternative transportation options, such as the RER train or airport shuttle buses, can provide reliable travel times from central Paris to the airport.

There are various transportation options available from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris, including taxi, CDG Airport transfer, train, or bus. Taking a bus is considered one of the least convenient options due to the long travel time and limited stops in the city centre. However, it may be a good option if you are looking for a scenic ride and a mini tour of the city, as you may need to walk from the bus station to your final destination.

Pay-in lounges

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a range of lounges, from airline-specific spaces to pay-in retreats. If you are an economy class traveller, you can access airport lounges by purchasing a day pass, an annual membership, or paying at the door.

One such pay-in lounge is the ICare Lounge, a warm and welcoming space tucked away in Terminal 1's international zone. This lounge features bright seating areas where you can stretch out and relax. Terminal 1 also offers airline-specific lounges for Lufthansa and Qatar Airways, as well as a shared Star Alliance lounge.

Another option is the Extime Lounge, located in Terminals 2B and 2D. This lounge provides a peaceful escape with an all-you-can-eat buffet, fast Wi-Fi, and private showers, regardless of your airline. Additionally, Air France offers a lounge in Terminal 2E Hall L, which includes free spa treatments in the relaxation areas of the business lounges.

It is worth noting that lounge access at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is typically based on airline class, elite-status memberships, or the pay-in option. This allows travellers to enjoy a calm and comfortable pre-flight experience. However, there are currently no dedicated airline or pay-in lounges in Terminal 3 beyond the standard meet-and-greet services.

RER train travel

The RER train is a regional express train network that connects central Paris with outlying areas, including Charles de Gaulle Airport. The RER B is the specific train line that runs between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris. The RER B trains run every day, including public holidays, with departures every 10 minutes or so from around 5 am to midnight. The travel time between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris city centre is 30 to 40 minutes.

There are two RER B stations at Charles de Gaulle Airport: one for Terminals 1 and 3 ('Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1') and another for Terminal 2 ('Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2'). If you arrive at Terminal 3, you can walk to Terminal 1 via a covered walkway, or take a free shuttle train.

To access the RER system, you will need a ticket. You can buy tickets at Metro and RER railway station ticket offices, which have English-speaking attendants. There are also multilingual ticket machines. Tickets for a single journey will depend on which zones your origin and destination stations are located in. You can find this out by looking at the RER map. There are also various passes and combo tickets that combine public transport tickets with tourist attractions.

To ensure a smooth journey on the RER, you can purchase your ticket in advance through the Île-de-France Mobilités app. When heading to the airport, check the electronic boards to ensure you're on the right train. Within Paris, avoid rush hour if you're travelling with large luggage.

RoissyBus and RATP city bus

The RoissyBus is a coach service that links Charles de Gaulle Airport and the Opéra district in central Paris. It is provided by RATP, the regional public transit organization of Paris. The Roissybus is one of the fastest ways to travel from the city centre of Paris to the airport. It is also one of the cheapest ways to travel between downtown Paris and the airport. The Roissybus ticket costs the same as the Paris Region <> Airports ticket, but it is not the same ticket. You cannot travel on the Roissybus with a Paris Region <> Airport ticket. The Roissybus Ticket does not cover any transfers to other buses or the metro system. Children aged 4 to 10 pay half price and travel is free for under 4s.

The Roissybus runs every day, between 5:15 am and 12:30 am, with a frequency of 15 to 30 minutes. The journey takes about an hour. The Roissybus serves Terminals 1, 2, and 3 at Charles de Gaulle Airport. To locate the closest bus stop, follow the signs hanging above to take the bus from the airport. The Roissybus to 'Opera' leaves from Terminals 1 and 2.

You can buy Roissybus tickets in the same way as any other Paris public transportation tickets — easiest by phone or load on a Navigo Easy card at any station vending machine. You may also buy the Roissybus tickets directly on the bus, but only with a contactless credit card. It is also possible to buy four tickets with the same card or via the Bonjour RATP app.

Private transfers

Sixt

Sixt provides seamless transfers between the two biggest airports in Paris, Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport. You can book ahead or immediately upon arrival. When you book, you will be asked to input your credit card information, which will be used to pay for your ride after you arrive at your destination. You can head straight to the arrivals area from baggage claim, where your driver will be waiting for you. Sixt has English-speaking drivers, so language will not be a barrier.

Viator

Viator offers a seamless, private transfer service from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your hotel. You can pre-book and pre-pay for this service, and your driver will meet you in the arrivals area. This service includes help with your luggage.

Blacklane

Blacklane offers a chauffeur service at Charles de Gaulle Airport, which includes a meet-and-greet service at the gate, help with your luggage, and a quick tour of the city. Blacklane also offers an hourly chauffeur service in Paris and the surrounding areas.

MyTransfers

MyTransfers provides private transfers from Charles de Gaulle Airport to any destination in France or neighbouring countries. The price of the transfer depends on several factors, such as the final destination and the chosen vehicle. Booking in advance will allow you to benefit from the best rate.

Hoppa

Hoppa allows you to search, compare, and book transfers from Charles de Gaulle Airport with thousands of local providers, with prices starting at £60.87. You can pre-book your return transfers and arrange for a private transfer.

Frequently asked questions