Ruth Haines
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is about 26 km (16 miles) from the city centre. It is possible to leave the airport during a layover in Paris, but it is recommended that you have at least 6-8 hours between flights to account for travel to and from the city centre and to allow time for immigration and a bit of sightseeing. Passengers travelling between non-Schengen countries do not need a visa for connecting flights at Paris-CDG. However, Non-EU nationals entering France or travelling to a Schengen country may need a visa, depending on their nationality and the rules of their destination country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport between transfers | Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Paris, as long as you have enough time and comply with entry and visa requirements |
| Minimum time required | 6-7 hours between flights |
| Transport options | RER B train, bus, taxi, shuttle |
| Visa requirements | Depends on nationality and country of origin. May require a short-stay Schengen visa or an airport transit visa (ATV) |
| Luggage storage | Available at Terminal 2 public area |
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What You'll Learn
Leaving the airport between transfers in Paris
If you are considering leaving Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) between transfers, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, the airport is located about 26 km (16 miles) from central Paris, and it takes approximately 45-60 minutes to reach the city centre. Therefore, it is recommended that you have at least a 6-7 hour layover if you plan to leave the airport and visit the city. This will allow for a minimum of 2 hours for transportation to and from the airport and about 3 hours to explore Paris.
To get to the city centre from the airport, you can store your luggage at the left luggage/baggage storage facilities in Terminal 2 and then take the RER B train to Paris. There are also bus routes and taxis available, but keep in mind that traffic can be unpredictable and cause delays.
When it comes to connecting flights and transfers, it is important to allow plenty of extra time if you need to clear baggage reclaim, passport control, and security checks. If you booked your flights separately, minimum connection times may not apply, and you will need to ensure you have enough time to transfer between terminals and complete any necessary checks for your outbound flight.
It is also important to comply with entry and visa requirements. If you are travelling between non-Schengen countries, you typically do not need a visa for connecting flights at CDG. However, non-EU nationals entering France or travelling to a Schengen country may need a visa, depending on their nationality and the rules of their destination country. If you need to leave the international zone and enter French territory, you must hold a valid short-stay visa. Additionally, certain passport holders are required to apply for an "A" airport transit visa (ATV) for entry.
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Visa requirements for transfers
When transferring flights at a French airport, the visa requirements depend on several factors, including your nationality, the type of passport or travel document you hold, and the destination and origin countries of your journey. Here are the visa requirements for transfers at French airports:
- Schengen Area Travel: The Schengen Area comprises 27 European Union (EU) member states that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. If you are travelling between Schengen Area countries, including France, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and others, you generally do not need a visa for transfers. However, if you are a non-EU national, you may need a visa depending on your nationality and the rules of your destination country.
- Non-Schengen Country Travel: If you are travelling between non-Schengen countries via a French airport, such as Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you typically do not need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for your flight connection. This waiver applies regardless of your final destination.
- Airport Transit Visa (ATV): An ATV is required if you hold certain types of passports from specific countries, as outlined by the French government. These countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Russia, and many others. The ATV allows entry into the international zone of a French airport while waiting for a transfer flight but does not permit leaving the airport or entering the Schengen Area.
- Exemptions from ATV: You are exempt from needing an ATV if you are an aircraft crew member, a national of a country party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China), or a holder of a valid residence permit from the EU, EEA, or specific countries like Canada, the US, and Japan. Additionally, if you have a valid visa for a Member State of the EU or EEA, or specific countries like the US and Japan, you are also exempt.
- Short-Stay Visa: If you wish to leave the international zone of the airport and enter the French territory during your transit, you must hold a valid short-stay visa for the specific territory or department. This applies even if you are connecting between two airports in the Schengen Area or if your transit airport is closed overnight.
- Visa Application Process: To apply for a French visa, you must submit a completed visa application form, recent passport photos, a valid passport with blank pages, a photocopy of your passport photo page, and a photocopy of your return flight tickets. Business travellers may need to provide additional documentation. Applications are typically processed within 15 days, but this can vary depending on the specific circumstances.
It is important to comply with all entry and visa requirements when transferring at French airports. For specific details regarding your nationality and travel circumstances, it is recommended to consult official government sources and embassies.
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Transferring terminals at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is divided into three terminals (1, 2, and 3), but there are nine buildings in total. All three terminals are connected by the airport's automatic train, the CDGVAL, which is free and runs every four minutes. The average transfer time between terminals 2E, 2F, and 2G is between 25 and 45 minutes, but it can take up to an hour.
If you need to travel between terminals outside of the transit zone, you must exit, collect your baggage, check in with your airline, and clear security. This means that you will need to allow plenty of extra time for transfers. The airline will usually provide you with all the necessary boarding cards when you first check in, but if not, you can contact them in the relevant terminal.
If you have a long layover (at least 6-7 hours) and want to leave the airport, you can take the RER B train to Paris, which takes about 45-60 minutes. There are also bus routes and taxis available, but traffic can be slow. Remember to keep a minimum of two hours for transportation to and from the city, and ensure that you comply with entry and visa requirements.
If you are travelling between non-Schengen countries, you do not need a visa for connecting flights. However, non-EU nationals entering France or travelling to a Schengen country may need a visa, depending on their nationality and the rules of their destination. If you are remaining in the international zone of the airport while waiting for a transfer, you do not need a visa.
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Transferring between Paris airports
Paris, France's capital, is one of the largest urban areas in Europe, with a population of over ten million people. It is a bustling metropolis with an outstanding array of museums and art galleries, as well as numerous monuments, parks, and iconic buildings.
Paris has two major airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). CDG is located about 26-30 km from Central Paris, and it takes about 45-60 minutes to reach the city centre. If you have a long layover, such as 6-7 hours or more, you may want to consider leaving the airport to explore the city. However, keep in mind that you will need to allow at least 2 hours for transportation to and from the city, and ensure you comply with any entry and visa requirements.
When transferring between Paris airports, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, if you have booked a through-ticket with an airline or travel agent, they will usually quote a "minimum connection time". However, if you have booked your flights separately, these minimum connection times do not apply, and you will need to allow extra time for clearing baggage reclaim, passport control, transferring between terminals, and checking in for your outbound flight. It is recommended to plan enough time between your incoming flight and the departure of your outgoing flight when purchasing your tickets to ensure a stress-free experience.
At both CDG and ORY airports, you can follow the highly visible yellow signs to find your connection. Self-service kiosks are located throughout the airports, providing information on your boarding gate, travel time, nearby services, and directions. If you need to leave the transit area to pick up baggage and check-in, you must pass through security and comply with any entry and visa requirements. Passengers travelling between non-Schengen countries do not need a visa for connecting flights at CDG. However, Non-EU nationals entering France or travelling to a Schengen country may need a visa, depending on their nationality and the rules of their destination country.
To transfer between CDG and ORY airports, you can use a taxi or take the train (RER B + ORLYVAL). CDG also offers left luggage/baggage storage facilities in Terminal 2, close to the train station, where you can store your luggage for a few hours or up to 90 days.
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Airport transfer options in France
When considering leaving a French airport between transfers, it is important to keep in mind the various travel and visa requirements. If you are travelling between non-Schengen countries, you do not need a visa for connecting flights at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. However, if you are a non-EU national entering France or travelling to a Schengen country, you may need a visa depending on your nationality and the rules of your destination country.
For those with a longer layover, it is possible to leave the airport and explore the city. For example, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is about 26 km (16 miles) from Central Paris, and it takes about 45-60 minutes to reach the city centre. It is recommended to leave the airport only if you have at least 6-7 hours between flights, as you will need to account for at least 2 hours for transportation to and from the city. You can store your luggage near the railway station and then take the RER B train to Paris, or opt for a bus or taxi.
If you are transferring between terminals at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, you may need to exit the transit zone, collect your baggage, re-check-in, and clear security. This process can be streamlined if you have booked a through-ticket, as the airline will quote a "minimum connection time". However, if you have booked your flights separately, you must allow for extra time to navigate these processes.
To make your airport transfers smoother, you can utilise services such as SIXT ride, which offers airport transfers to and from any airport in France. You can reserve rides through their online platform or app, and their professionally-trained drivers will track your flight and adjust the pickup time accordingly. They offer various booking options, including standard, economy, first class, and business, with environmentally-friendly transportation options also available. Another option is Mytransfers, which offers booking services for private transfers and taxis in France to and from the main airports, ports, and train stations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in France, as long as you have enough time and the correct visa. It is recommended that you have at least a 6-8 hour layover to account for travel to and from the airport and immigration.
It depends on where you are flying from and to. If you are travelling between non-Schengen countries, you do not need a visa for a connecting flight. If you are travelling from an airport outside the Schengen area and connecting in metropolitan France, you will need an airport transit visa (ATV).
Charles de Gaulle Airport is about 26km from Paris city centre and it takes about 45-60 minutes to reach it. You can store your luggage at the airport and then take the RER B train to Paris. There are also buses and taxis available, but traffic can be slow.
Transferring between terminals is easy and straightforward. Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a fast rail shuttle that takes around five minutes, with shuttles leaving every couple of minutes. Walking between the sub-terminals of Terminal 2 is also fast and easy.
Paris has lots of top sights to visit, including Place Dauphine, the Eiffel Tower, and the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann for views of the city. There are also quick tours and local food to try.
