Jazmin Li
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the world's busiest airports, with three main terminals and seven satellite terminals. The airport offers various options for travellers seeking a place to sleep during layovers or overnight stays. While some passengers choose to sleep in the airport, others prefer the comfort of nearby hotels. The Instant Paris Lounge, previously located at Gate K of Terminal 2E, provided comfortable beds for travellers but has since closed. Now, YotelAir, located in the secure transit area of Terminal 2E, offers compact and comfortable cabins with private showers, accessible only to passengers with departing international flights outside the European Union (excluding the UK). Additionally, several hotels are within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the terminals, including Ibis Paris Airport, Novotel CDG Terminal, CitizenM, Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel. These hotels provide day rooms and convenient access to the airport, making them popular choices for travellers with early flights or long layovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping at the airport | Allowed by security, but not recommended due to safety concerns and limited comfort |
| Sleeping in the Instant Paris Lounge | No longer possible as the lounge is permanently closed |
| Sleeping in YotelAir | Possible, but expensive |
| Other airport hotels | Available, including Novotel CDG Terminal, Ibis Paris Airport, CitizenM, Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport, Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel, and Moxy airport hotel |
| Safety concerns | Reports of homeless people, drug use, pickpocketing, and theft |
| Luggage storage | No lockers observed, but leaving luggage unattended is common |
| Food options | Vending machines, Relay markets, and cafes, including Ekki and Relay |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport vs. staying in a hotel
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the world's busiest airports, with three main terminals. The airport is large and notorious for its confusing layout. While it is possible to sleep in the airport, it is not one of the best places to do so. If you do choose to sleep in the airport, Terminal 2E is reportedly the most comfortable and secure place to do so, with comfortable chairs in front of Gate L and next to gates K21, K30, K33, and K51. There are also soft benches near gates F27–F33 and padded red benches by the windows in Terminal 2F. However, keep in mind that Terminal 2 closes overnight, so you may be asked to leave the building at closing time. Additionally, there are no 24-hour restaurants or bars, and luggage storage closes from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am, so you will have to stay with your bags.
If sleeping in the airport doesn't sound appealing, there are several hotels located within the airport grounds or nearby. Here are some options:
- YotelAir Paris Charles de Gaulle - located in Terminal 2E, Satellite L, Airside, Transit Area. This hotel can only be accessed by passengers with a departing international flight outside of the Schengen Area (except the United Kingdom) from Terminal 2E, K, L, M, or passengers in transit to or from an international flight. Prices start at €140 for rooms/cabins with a private shower, and they also offer shower-only packages for €20 for 45 minutes.
- Novotel CDG Terminal - a two-minute walk from Terminal 3. Day rooms are available.
- Ibis Paris Airport - a budget hotel opposite Terminal 3 at the RER Roissy 1 exit.
- CitizenM - a five-minute walk from Terminal 3.
- Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport - a five-minute walk from Terminal 3. Day rooms are available between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.
- Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel - a two-minute walk from Terminal 2.
- Moxy airport hotel - located next to the CDG airport shuttle train line, a five-minute train ride from the terminals.
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Safety concerns
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the world's busiest airports, with three main terminals and seven satellite terminals. The airport is notorious for its confusing layout, and passengers have reported long and chaotic security queues. While the airport staff are generally tolerant of sleepers and overnight campers, there have been reports of safety concerns at CDG.
Firstly, the airport is accessible to everyone, including those without tickets, via the RER B train. This has led to concerns about the presence of "weird profiles", including allegedly drugged individuals and pickpockets. There have also been reports of homeless and vagrant individuals congregating in the Metro station and within the airport itself, with some accounts of fighting and disruptive behaviour. One traveller reported an incident where they were asked for money by someone pretending to need help, only for the person to disappear after receiving the money.
Secondly, some travellers have expressed concerns about the security checks at CDG. There have been reports of slow and inefficient security and passport control processes, with long queues and understaffed counters. Some passengers have also complained about the attitude and behaviour of the security staff, describing them as "idiotic", "blasé", and "without courtesy". There are also claims that security personnel are not focused on their work and are often engaged in chitchat instead of processing passengers efficiently.
Additionally, CDG's confusing layout can be a safety concern, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the airport or are trying to navigate it during the night. The vast size of the airport means that travellers may need to walk long distances, potentially in search of a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
To ensure your safety and the security of your belongings, it is recommended to take necessary precautions. Travellers, especially those travelling alone, are advised to seek recommendations from airport staff regarding safe areas to spend the night. It is also important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
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Finding a quiet spot
- Choose a quiet terminal: CDG is a large airport with three main terminals (1, 2, and 3), and Terminal 2 is further divided into seven satellite terminals (2A-2G). Some terminals, such as Terminal 1, have been noted to be quieter and more comfortable for sleeping. During the pandemic, travellers reported that Terminal 1 was temporarily closed, making it a good option for a peaceful sleep.
- Seek out isolated areas: Look for isolated corners or spots away from the main thoroughfares. You can ask security for recommendations on quiet areas within the airport. These spots might be near windows or in less crowded concourses.
- Consider the time of day: The airport operates 24 hours a day, but some areas may become quieter during certain times. For example, the Instant Paris Lounge, which was previously recommended for sleeping, used to turn off the bright lights and stop PA announcements overnight, making it more peaceful.
- Explore the transit areas: If you have access to the transit areas, you may find quieter spots to rest. YOTELAIR, located in the transit area of Terminal 2E, offers compact and comfortable cabins for travellers, providing a quiet escape from the busy airport. However, it can be more expensive than other options.
- Opt for a hotel nearby: If you prefer more comfort and privacy, consider booking a room in one of the many hotels located near the airport or connected to it. Options like the Novotel CDG Terminal, Ibis Paris Airport, CitizenM, and Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport are within walking distance of Terminal 3 and offer day rooms. These hotels can provide a quieter and more relaxing environment than the airport itself.
While finding a quiet spot at CDG can be tricky, with some exploration and flexibility, you may be able to discover a suitable place to rest before your travels.
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Food and drink options
If you're spending the night at Charles de Gaulle Airport, it's a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks. While the airport is open 24 hours, no food concessions stay open 24 hours, and the shops close overnight. There are vending machines available, but these are the only food and drink options for those with connecting flights.
Food concessions operate on varying schedules, with some open as early as 4:00 AM and closing as late as 11:30 PM. There are drinking water fountains and bottle refill stations throughout the terminals, especially in Terminal 2, so you can refill your water bottle. If you want to eat at a restaurant or cafe, make sure to do so before they close for the night.
If you're looking for a hot meal, there are several hotels located within the airport grounds or nearby that likely have restaurants or room service. These include the Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel, Novotel Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Pullman Paris Roissy CDG Airport, Ibis Styles Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Ibis Paris CDG Airport.
Additionally, if you don't mind leaving the airport, there are restaurants and cafes in the area that you can explore. Paris is known for its delicious food, so if you have the time, it could be worth venturing out to grab a bite to eat before returning to the airport to rest.
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Transport to the airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the world's busiest airports, with a confusing layout. It features three main terminals (1, 2, and 3), with Terminal 2 subdivided into seven satellite terminals (2A–2G). The airport is located northeast of Paris and is accessible by several transport options. Here are some ways to get to the airport:
By Train:
- RER B Line: The RER B line is a regional train that connects the airport to central Paris. It stops at Terminals 1 and 2, and passengers for Terminal 3 can disembark at the Aeroport Charles de Gaulle 1 station and take a free shuttle to Terminal 3.
- TGV and Eurostar: High-speed TGV and Eurostar trains also serve CDG Airport, providing connections to various French and European cities.
By Bus:
- Roissybus: The Roissybus is a direct bus service that operates between the airport and Paris Opera, with stops near several popular tourist destinations. It runs every 15-20 minutes during the day and offers a cost-effective way to get to and from the airport.
- Le Bus Direct: This bus service offers direct connections to popular locations in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysées. It serves all three terminals and runs regularly throughout the day.
- Public Buses: Local public buses, such as the 350 and 351 lines, also connect the airport to various locations in Paris and the surrounding areas. These buses are a more affordable option but may take longer due to stops along the way.
By Shuttle:
- Official Airport Shuttle: CDG Airport operates an official shuttle service called the CDGVAL, which is free to use and connects all three terminals to parking lots and train stations. It runs frequently and is useful for navigating within the airport complex.
- Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels in the area provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport for their guests. Be sure to inquire about shuttle availability when booking your accommodation.
By Taxi or Ride-sharing:
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available at the airport and can be convenient options for travellers, especially if you have early morning or late-night flights.
When planning your journey to CDG Airport, it is advisable to allow ample time for travel and potential delays, especially during peak hours or when navigating through busy terminals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at CDG airport. You can either sleep on the floor in your sleeping bag or head to Gate L, which has several seats and food options, although it is brighter and louder.
Yes, there are hotels inside the airport, such as YotelAir, which is located in the secure transit area of Terminal 2E. There are also several hotels on the airport grounds, including Novotel CDG Terminal, Ibis Paris Airport, CitizenM, Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel.
The Instant Paris Lounge, which was previously available at Gate K of Terminal 2E, is now permanently closed. However, there are other lounges available, such as the Extime Lounge in Terminal 1 and the Revolve Lounge within YotelAir.
There are mixed reviews regarding the safety of sleeping at CDG airport. Some people have reported feeling unsafe due to the presence of homeless people, drug use, and theft. However, others have reported having a pleasant experience and feeling safe within the airport.
Yes, if you prefer a more comfortable option, you can book a hotel inside the airport or on the airport grounds. Additionally, you can explore the city of Paris and its accommodation options if time allows.
