Roberta Aguirre
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 open 24/7, but the best places to spend the night are in Terminal 2E, at the Instant Paris Lounge, or at YotelAir, located above Gate L in Terminal 2E. The Instant Paris Lounge has around 50 beds, but they fill up quickly, so you may have to sleep in one of the seats or on the floor. YotelAir is more comfortable, but it is also more expensive, with rooms starting at $182 per night. If you want to stay in a hotel outside of the airport, nearby options include Holiday Inn Express, Mercure, CitizenM, Hilton, and Ibis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport tolerance towards sleepers | Staff at CDG Airport are generally tolerant of sleepers and overnight campers. Security guards have been reported to be helpful, especially towards women and those travelling alone. |
| Safety | Travellers generally feel safe at the airport. However, homeless people wander the pre-Secure areas at night, and there are reports of homeless people and vagrants congregating in the Metro station. |
| Terminals | Terminal 2E is the most comfortable for overnight stays, with the most seating options. Terminal 1 is old and in need of renovation. |
| Seating availability | The availability of seating varies across the terminals and concourses. Seats are equipped with armrests, but some travellers push seats together to form makeshift beds. |
| Beds | The Instant Paris Lounge at Gate K of Terminal 2E has around 50 comfortable beds in two styles. These beds fill up quickly, so it is recommended to arrive early. |
| Hotels | YotelAir is located in Terminal 2E, but it is only accessible to passengers with departures or arrivals at Gate K, L, or M. Rooms can be booked for a minimum of four hours, with prices ranging from €50 to €300. |
| Nearby hotels | There are several hotels near the airport, including Holiday Inn Express, Mercure, Innside by Melia Moxy, CitizenM, Hilton, Novotel, Pullman, Ibis, and Ibis Styles. Prices start at €144. |
| Shuttle | The free CDGVAL light-rail shuttle connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3, parking lots, and train stations. |
| Security checkpoints | To spend the night in secure areas, you must pass through security checkpoints before 11 pm. |
| Noise | CDG Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, so it can be noisy. Consider bringing earplugs. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Tips for sleeping in CDG airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport (CDG), is one of the world's busiest airports. It features three main terminals (1, 2, and 3), with Terminal 2 subdivided into seven satellite terminals (2A–2G). The experience of spending the night in the airport can vary greatly depending on the terminal and concourse hall. Here are some tips for sleeping in CDG airport:
Where to Sleep
- Terminal 2F has soft benches near gates F27–F33 and padded red benches by the windows.
- Terminal 2E offers the most seating options. The Instant Paris Lounge, located at Gate K, has four groups of lounge chairs, two styles of chair-beds, and is close to the entrance of YotelAir.
- Terminal 2A and 2E are reportedly the most comfortable for overnight stays.
- Terminal 2B has a security check, and after that, there are a few full-length sofas for sleeping.
- Deck chairs suitable for sleeping can be found in Terminal 2F.
- If you want a proper meal, you'll have to pass through security to get to Gate L, where there are two Relay markets and two cafes to choose from.
- If you're on a budget, pass security the night before and find a quiet spot near your gate.
What to Expect
- Overnight stays are discouraged, and you may be asked to leave the building at closing time. However, according to the airport's website, "if you have a travel agent's notification/boarding pass for a flight, you may wait for your departure flight."
- The airport is open 24/7, but if you want to spend the night inside, you'll need to pass through security before 11 pm.
- The airside area closes at night, and passengers are relocated to the landside.
- There are no flights to or from CDG from midnight until 4 am.
- The airport staff is generally tolerant of sleepers and overnight campers, and security guards have been known to help, especially women and those travelling alone.
- Travellers have reported feeling safe, but homeless people do wander the pre-secure areas at night, and there have been reports of theft.
- Toilets may be closed at night.
- The PA announcements stop from about midnight to 4 am.
Other Options
- There are sleep cabins in Terminal 2E.
- There are several on-site and nearby hotels, including YotelAir, Moxy, CitizenM, Hilton, Novotel, Pullman, Ibis, Ibis Styles, Mercure, and Holiday Inn Express.
- There are also lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program.
Melbourne Airport Myki Card Purchase: Where and How?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nearby hotels
If you're looking for a place to stay near CDG Airport, there are a few hotels in the vicinity. Here are some options:
YotelAir
YotelAir is located in Terminal 2E of the CDG airport, after passing security check. It is important to note that this hotel is only accessible to passengers with departures or arrivals in Terminal 2E, Gate K, L, or M. The hotel offers compact yet comfortable cabins designed for short stays, with rates starting at $182 per night for a single-person capsule. YotelAir also provides a lounge club and a work room, and a restaurant called Revolve Lounge, which offers complimentary super-fast free Wi-Fi and food and drinks for a small cost.
Instant Paris Lounge
Located at Gate K of Terminal 2E, the Instant Paris Lounge offers a place to spend the night with comfortable beds and lounge chairs. There are about 50 beds spread across two floors, with two styles to choose from. While the lounge is a popular option, it is recommended to arrive early as the beds fill up quickly.
There are several hotels located near the airport, although they can be fairly expensive. Some options include:
- CitizenM: Located right outside Terminal 2, with rooms starting at $130. They offer an all-you-can-eat breakfast for 17 euros.
- Hilton: A 5-minute walk from Terminal 3, with rooms starting at €187.
- Ibis: Directly in front of Terminal 3 and the RER stop, with rooms starting at €144.
- Pullman: Situated right in front of Charles de Gaulle Airport, with rooms starting at €225.
SEPTAFARE: Monthly TrailPass Airport Access
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Safety and security
If you're spending the night at Charles de Gaulle Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your safety and security. Firstly, it's important to note that the airport is large and known for its confusing layout, so it's easy to get turned around. The airport consists of three main terminals (1, 2, and 3), with Terminal 2 further divided into seven satellite terminals (2A-2G).
To stay within the secure area of the airport overnight, you must pass through security before 11 pm. If you don't, you'll have to spend the night in the check-in area or the zones before the security checkpoints, which are less secure and tend to attract homeless individuals. Terminals 2A and 2E are considered the most comfortable and secure for overnight stays, with 2E offering the most seating options. The Instant Paris Lounge at Gate K of Terminal 2E is highly recommended, with around 50 comfortable beds spread across two floors. However, these beds fill up quickly, so it's best to arrive early.
If you prefer more privacy, YotelAir, located in Terminal 2E, offers compact and comfortable cabins with a no-set check-in and check-out policy. However, it is important to note that YotelAir is only accessible to passengers with international flights outside the European Union (excluding the UK) departing from or arriving at Terminal 2E gates K, L, or M. Additionally, YotelAir can be quite expensive, with rates starting at $182 per night for a single-person capsule in 2021.
For those seeking a more traditional hotel experience, there are several options located near the airport, such as the CitizenM Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, and Ibis Styles. These hotels offer more amenities and privacy but will likely require a taxi or shuttle ride, adding to the overall cost.
Overall, Charles de Gaulle Airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers, and security guards have been known to assist travellers, especially women and those travelling alone. It is always a good idea to ask airport staff for recommendations on where to spend the night to ensure you stay in well-lit and highly visible areas. As with any airport, there are inherent risks, especially when travelling alone, so staying vigilant and keeping your belongings secure is essential.
Airport Scanners: Can They Detect Drugs in Body?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Things to do
Spending the night at Charles de Gaulle Airport can be comfortable and fun. Here are some things to do if you find yourself staying overnight:
Instant Paris Lounge
The Instant Paris Lounge at Gate K of Terminal 2E is a great place to spend the night, with about 50 comfortable beds spread across two floors. The beds are cot-sized and come in two styles: one is wavy with a raised back, similar to a pool chair, while the other is flatter and more padded. If you don't get a bed, you can also sleep on the carpet between the beds, especially if you have a sleeping bag and travel pillow. The lounge fills up quickly, so make sure to arrive early.
YotelAir
YotelAir, located in Terminal 2E, is a compact yet comfortable airport hotel offering cabins for travellers. It is the only hotel in the secure transit area of Air France and Skyteam and can be accessed by passengers with international flights outside the European Union (except the UK) departing from Terminal 2E Gates K, L, or M. The hotel has a no-set check-in and check-out policy, and overnight stays from 6 pm to 9 am are charged at the same rate. Rooms start at $182 per night for a single-person capsule, and the hotel features a lounge club, a work room, and the Revolve Lounge restaurant, which offers complimentary super-fast free Wi-Fi and food and drinks for a small cost.
Explore the Airport
CDG Airport is known for its luxury stores, so you can pass the time by window shopping or indulging in some high-end purchases. You can also admire the airport's architecture, which has expanded significantly since the movie "The Terminal" was based on a man who spent 18 years living in Terminal 1.
Nearby Excursions
If you have enough time, you can explore the city of Paris or visit nearby attractions like Montmartre or the Louvre Museum. However, this option may be costly, considering transportation, meals, and accommodation expenses.
Sleeping Areas in the Airport
If you prefer to stay in the airport, there are areas with reclining seats and armless benches where you can rest. Terminals 2A and 2E are reportedly the most comfortable for overnight stays, with 2E offering the most seating options. Some soft benches can be found in the transit area of Terminal 2F, and red benches with padding have been spotted in front of the windows in the same terminal. Deck chairs suitable for sleeping are also available in Terminal 2F.
Airport Food Rules: What You Can Bring to Cleveland
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport options
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is one of the world's busiest airports. It features three main terminals (1, 2, and 3), with Terminal 2 further divided into seven satellite terminals (2A-2G). The airport is well-connected to the bus system, with buses available to Paris, hotels in the city, and Disneyland Paris. The Noctilien Bus service operates during the night, allowing passengers to get to the airport early in the morning.
Within the airport, the free CDGVAL light-rail shuttle connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3, along with parking lots and train stations. The CDGVAL line also provides access to the hotels near the airport, such as those clustered around the Roissypole transport exchange next to Terminal 3. These hotels are within walking distance of the T3/Roissypole station.
If you prefer to rent a car, car rental agencies such as Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty have rental desks in Terminals 1, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F. Other car rental agencies are available in some of the other terminals as well.
For those seeking a more comfortable option, there are hotels within the airport itself, such as YotelAir and Sheraton. YotelAir offers single-person capsules, but they are relatively expensive and require advance booking. Sheraton is also conveniently located within the airport but tends to be pricier.
Exploring During a Long Layover: Can I?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can stay at the CDG airport overnight. The airport is open 24/7 and there are various spots where you can sleep.
Terminal 2A and 2E are reportedly the most comfortable for overnight stays. The Instant Paris Lounge at Gate K of Terminal 2E has around 50 comfortable beds in two styles. Terminal 2F also has soft benches and padded red benches.
Yes, there are hotels located around the airport, such as Holiday Inn Express, Mercure, Innside by Melia Moxy, CitizenM, Hilton, Novotel, Pullman, Ibis, Ibis Styles, and YotelAir.
YotelAir is a hotel located in the secure transit area of Terminal 2E, above Gate L. It offers compact yet comfortable cabins with showers and a work area. The hotel is open 24/7 and provides complimentary super-fast free Wi-Fi and food and drinks for a small cost.
While airport security personnel are generally understanding towards individuals sleeping in the airport, there have been reports of homeless people and vagrants wandering the pre-Secure areas at night. It is recommended to ask airport staff for suggestions on safe spots to sleep.
