Roberta Aguirre
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is France's largest and busiest airport, and most international flights arrive here. It is about 26 km (16 miles) from Central Paris, and it takes about 45-60 minutes to reach the city centre. It is recommended that you have at least a 5-hour layover in Paris if you want to leave the airport and go into the city. You will need to go through border control and, depending on your nationality and destination country, you may need a Transit Visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to leave the airport | Minimum 30 minutes |
| Time taken to reach downtown Paris | 30-60 minutes |
| Recommended layover time to explore Paris | 6-8 hours |
| Transport options to downtown Paris | Roissy Bus shuttle, RER B train, taxi, or bus |
| Transport time | 40 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Visa requirements | Depends on nationality and destination country; may need a Transit Visa |
| Terminal transfer | Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a shuttle; Terminal 3 is a 5-10 minute walk from Terminal 2 |
| Terminal recommendations | Terminal 2 has the most options for shopping and eating; Terminal 2E has sleep cabins and a spa |
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What You'll Learn
Getting from the airport to Paris
Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY). CDG is France's largest and busiest airport, located about 35 kilometres (22 miles) northeast of Paris. It has three terminals, with Terminal 2 further divided into seven sub-terminals (2A to 2G). Most international flights arrive at CDG, including those from the US, which usually land at Terminal 2E.
Orly Airport, on the other hand, is located about 24 kilometres (15 miles) from Paris's city centre. While it remains the busiest for domestic transport, it does not cater to direct flights from the US. This airport has four terminals.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The train is the cheapest and fastest way to get from CDG to Paris. Once you've collected your luggage, follow the signs for RER B or Réseau Express Régional. There are station stops in Terminals 2 and 3, and a free shuttle service to the station from Terminal 1. Tickets cost around €10 and can be purchased from blue ticket machines labelled "billeterie". If you encounter any issues with the machines, there is a ticket counter where you can buy your ticket.
You can also opt for an express train, which will get you to the city faster as it doesn't make any stops along the way. Get off at the Gare du Nord stop to find yourself in the centre of Paris.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which is the most expensive option but offers the convenience of dropping you off exactly where you want to go. A taxi is particularly useful if you have mobility issues or heavy luggage.
Private agencies operate buses from the airport to Paris, taking around 45 minutes and costing between €14 and €18. The public bus is a cheaper option, usually around €6 cheaper, but it will take about 90 minutes. The Roissy Bus shuttle is a good choice, stopping outside each terminal and dropping you off in the centre, near Opéra Palais Garnier. The journey takes about 60 minutes and costs €13.70 each way.
Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
At Orly Airport, look for signs pointing to the Orlyval shuttle, which runs from every terminal.
Layovers in Paris
If you have a long layover in Paris, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the city. However, it's important to consider the time it takes to leave the airport (a minimum of 30 minutes) and travel to the city centre (30 to 60 minutes). An eight-hour layover should give you a comfortable four hours to spend in Paris. Keep in mind that you'll need to go through immigration and customs, which can take additional time.
While in transit at the airport, you cannot leave your terminal. However, you can shop and dine at the various restaurants and stores available across the terminals, particularly in Terminal 2. Terminal 2E offers additional amenities, such as the be relax spa and Yotel Air, which provides sleep cabins on an hourly rate.
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Transport options in the city
Paris has two airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY). CDG is France's largest and busiest airport, handling most international flights, while Orly is smaller-scale and dedicated to domestic flights.
If you're looking to leave the airport during your layover, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to go through security and customs, which can take at least an hour. Additionally, you'll need to ensure you have the appropriate visa if required. It is recommended that you only leave the airport during your layover if you have 6-7 hours between flights.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi is the most expensive option, but it is also the most convenient as it can take you directly to your desired destination. The cost and time depend on traffic, but it typically takes 30-60 minutes and costs around €30-40.
- Train: The RER train can take you from either airport to the city centre in around 30-60 minutes. From CDG, you can catch the RER B train from Terminal 2, and from ORY, you can catch the Orlyval train and connect to the RER B train at the Antony station.
- Bus: The Roissy Bus shuttle is a good option, stopping outside each terminal at CDG and dropping you off in the city centre near Opéra Palais Garnier. It takes about 60 minutes and costs €13.70 each way.
Once you're in the city centre, here are some ways to get around and see the sights:
- Walking: Paris is a very walkable city, and you can cover a lot of ground on foot. This is a great way to explore the city's arrondissements, where you'll find grand boulevards, cafes, and iconic landmarks.
- Big Bus tour: If you want to get an overview of the city and see as much as possible, consider a Big Bus tour. These typically allow you to hop on and off at various stops, so you can explore at your own pace.
- Seine River Cruise: For a different perspective, you can take a river cruise along the Seine. This is a relaxing way to see the city and learn about its history.
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Visa requirements
If you are transiting through Paris and want to leave the airport, you may need to apply for a visa. The type of visa you need will depend on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and the length of your layover.
Firstly, if you are travelling from an airport outside the Schengen Area and staying in the international zone of an airport in metropolitan France while waiting for your connection to a destination outside the Schengen Area, you do not need a visa, regardless of your nationality.
However, if you wish to leave the international zone and enter France, you will need a valid short-stay visa for the territory concerned. This is the case even if you have a valid US or Canadian visa. The only exception is if you have a residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, or by Monaco, the Principality of Andorra, Japan, Canada, the United States, or the Republic of San Marino.
If you are an Indian citizen, you will need a short-stay Schengen visa to leave the international transit zone of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
To apply for a France Airport Transit Visa, you will need to submit a signed and completed visa application form, two recent passport photos, a photocopy of your passport, two copies of your passport photo page, and a photocopy of your return flight tickets. You may also need to provide proof of the purpose of your trip. The application process usually takes around 15 days, but it is recommended that you apply well in advance as it can take up to 45 days for your visa to be processed.
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Time needed for a visit
If you're transiting through Paris and want to visit the city, it's important to consider the time needed for the entire process. The time required can vary depending on several factors, including transportation, visa requirements, and the airport's terminal layout. Here is a breakdown of the time needed for each step of your visit:
Leaving the Airport:
Firstly, you need to consider the time it takes to leave the airport. This includes deplaning, going through immigration and customs, and reaching the city center. The time for this process can range from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the transportation option you choose. For example, taking a taxi or train to the city center can take around 30 to 60 minutes, while the Roissy Bus shuttle takes about 60 minutes and costs €13.70 each way.
Exploring the City:
Once you're in the city center, you can explore Paris's must-see attractions, most of which are within a 30-minute strolling radius. This means that even with a short layover, you can still admire iconic landmarks and experience the city's charm. If you need to cover longer distances, the metro is a convenient option.
Returning to the Airport:
Don't forget to allocate enough time to return to the airport and go through security and immigration again. It is recommended to set aside a minimum of 2 hours for transportation back to the airport. This ensures that you arrive at the airport on time for your next flight.
Visa Requirements:
It's important to check the visa requirements before planning your visit. If you need to leave the international zone and enter the French territory, you must hold a valid short-stay visa, depending on your nationality. Additionally, if you need to pick up baggage and check-in again, you must clear passport control and comply with entry and visa requirements.
Terminal Transfer:
If you need to transfer between terminals at the airport, such as at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), allow for additional time. Connections within the same terminal can take around 60 minutes, while connections requiring travel between terminals can take up to 90 minutes. This time may vary depending on the layout of the specific airport.
In summary, the time needed for a visit during your transit in Paris can vary. Considering the factors mentioned above, a layover of at least 6 to 7 hours is generally recommended to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience. This allows for transportation to and from the airport, exploring the city, and completing any necessary airport procedures.
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Things to do in Paris
Paris is a compact city that is easy to navigate on foot, by metro, or by bike. The best option for getting into the city centre is to take a taxi, which will drop you off exactly where you want to start your excursion. The Roissy Bus shuttle is another option, which costs €13.70 each way and takes roughly 60 minutes.
If you have a layover of less than four hours, it is recommended to stay at the airport. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) has excellent shops and dining options, particularly in Terminal 2. Terminal 2E offers the be relax spa and Yotel Air, which offers sleep cabins on an hourly rate.
If you have a longer layover, there are plenty of things to do and see in Paris. Here are some suggestions:
- Eiffel Tower: Purchase "skip-the-line" tickets in advance to save time.
- Arc de Triomphe: A quick hop from Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station, climb for a gorgeous view.
- Les Invalides: See Napoleon's tomb and learn about epic military history.
- Musée Carnavalet (Paris History Museum): Dive deep into the city's history.
- Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation: A must-visit for photography lovers.
- Musée de Cluny: Marvel at medieval art and the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries.
- Musée Delacroix: Visit the artist's former home and studio in Saint-Germain.
- Louvre Museum: With a plan, you can see the world-famous artworks that interest you in just two hours.
Remember to consider the time it takes to get to and from the airport, as well as any customs and security checks. For Paris CDG, give yourself about an hour and a half to clear customs and immigration. For Paris Orly Airport (ORY), it usually takes between 40 minutes to an hour and a half to get to the city centre.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Paris, but you'll need to clear security and/or immigration again on your way back into the airport. It takes around 30 minutes to leave the airport and 30-60 minutes to get to downtown Paris, so you should only leave the airport if you have a layover of at least 5 hours.
If you need to leave the transit area to pick up baggage and check in, you must clear passport control and ensure you comply with entry and
It takes between 40 minutes to 1.5 hours to get from either of the two Paris airports to the city centre, depending on the mode of transportation. It is recommended that you keep 2 hours for the transportation airport to Paris and back, and an extra hour if you are arriving from a non-Schengen country.
With a 5-hour layover, you'll have around 3 hours to spend in Paris. You could take a stroll through the city, admire the Gothic architecture of Notre Dame, walk along the Seine, visit the Louvre, or explore the Tuileries Gardens.
