Exploring Paris: Can You Leave The Airport?

Paris is a magical city with tons of attractions, and a long layover is a great opportunity to explore the city. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is France's largest and busiest airport, and most international flights arrive here. Paris has plenty of attractions within a 30-minute stroll or metro ride from the city centre, making it an ideal destination for a short layover. However, leaving the airport during a layover can be stressful, especially if you are not a seasoned traveller, and you will need to go through security and customs if you are an international traveller. So, is it worth leaving the airport during your layover in Paris?

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Transportation options from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Paris

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is France's largest and busiest airport, located 34 km from Paris. There are five transportation options to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city centre: taxi, CDG airport transfer, train, or a choice of two buses.

The fastest way to reach the centre is by taking a Paris airport taxi or private transfer, which takes just 30 minutes, depending on which side of the river you are travelling to. This is the easiest option, but also the most expensive.

For those wanting to use public transport, taking the RER B regional train is the fastest choice. The train is affordable and convenient, with trains departing regularly and taking around 25 minutes to reach Gare du Nord, 28 minutes to Châtelet-Les-Halles, and 35 minutes to Denfert-Rochereau. Tickets can be purchased from ticket desks or automated machines at the airport, RER, or TGV stations. The cost of a one-way ticket is €11.80 for adults, and children under four travel for free.

There are also two bus options: the RoissyBus Shuttle and the RATP city bus lines. The RoissyBus is the most direct bus line to downtown Paris, taking around 60 minutes and costing €13.70 each way. The RATP city bus lines are the most affordable option, but these services can take well over an hour, especially during rush hour.

Finally, if you prefer to travel at your own pace, you can rent a car at the airport.

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How to maximise a layover in Paris

Paris has several airports, including Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris Orly Airport, Le Bourget Airport, and Beauvais Airport. CDG is France's largest and busiest airport, with most international flights arriving there. If you have a long layover in Paris, you can leave the airport and explore the city. Here's how to maximise your time:

Plan your time:

Before leaving the airport, consider the time needed for transportation and passing through security. Allow at least two hours for security, and 30 minutes to an hour for transportation to and from the city centre. With an eight-hour layover, you can comfortably spend around four hours exploring Paris. Ensure you have your passport, any necessary visas, and your boarding pass. Keep in mind that if you leave the airport of your own volition, the airline may not be responsible for honouring your onward ticket.

Transportation:

The best way to get into the city centre is by taxi or train. Taxis offer convenience and can take you directly to your desired location, but they are the most expensive option. Trains, such as the RER B, offer a more affordable alternative, with stops at several central metro stations. The Roissy Bus shuttle is another option, costing €13.70 each way and dropping you off near the Opéra Palais Garnier.

Explore Paris:

Once in the city, you can visit iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. Walking from Notre Dame, across Pont Neuf, towards the Arc de Triomphe, will give you a great feel for Paris. You'll pass by the Louvre and walk through the Jardin Tuilierres. You can also visit popular museums such as the Musee d’Orsay and the Rodin Museum, for which you can buy bundled tickets online in advance to save time. If you're looking for some shopping, head to Le Bon Marche, and for French beauty products, check out CityPharma.

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The best terminal for layovers at CDG

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is France's largest and busiest airport, serving millions of travellers every year. The airport has three main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (with seven sub-terminals from 2A to 2G), and Terminal 3. Each terminal caters to different airlines and has unique features, so knowing which terminal you are in is essential for a seamless layover experience.

If you have a long layover and want to explore Paris, it is important to consider the time needed to leave the airport and reach the city centre. It takes about an hour to get to the city centre, so it is recommended to have at least 8 hours between flights to allow for a comfortable exploration of Paris. Leaving the airport can take a minimum of 30 minutes, and getting to downtown Paris by taxi or train can take another 30 to 60 minutes. The Roissy Bus shuttle is a good option, stopping outside each terminal and dropping off in the city centre, while a taxi provides the convenience of being dropped off at your desired location.

For those who want to stay at the airport during their layover, Terminal 2, especially Terminal 2E, offers plenty of options to keep you occupied. Terminal 2E has the be relax spa and Yotel Air, which offers sleep cabins on an hourly rate. All terminals have lounge areas with dining, drinking, entertainment, and shower amenities, although some lounges may be restricted to business and first-class ticket holders.

When it comes to dining, CDG has improved its food options, offering a variety of cafes and restaurants. Paul is a popular choice for coffee and sandwiches, while Laduree is known for its colourful macarons, which also make great souvenirs. For those looking for French cuisine, Le Grand Comptoir serves classic bistro dishes, and Boco offers gourmet fast food. The airport also has duty-free zones and elegant boutiques featuring haute couture, fine wines, and luxury cosmetics.

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The visa requirements for entering France

France is a member of the Schengen Area, which means that citizens of other countries in the area can travel freely to France without a visa. For citizens of other countries, the visa requirements for entering France are as follows:

Short Stays

U.S. passport holders can stay in France for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes. Immigration officers may request that visitors show sufficient funds for their intended stay and a return airline ticket.

Long Stays

For stays longer than 90 days, a visa is required. This is known as a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) and is equivalent to a residence permit. This must be validated within three months of arriving in France, otherwise, the visitor will no longer be legally present in the country and will be unable to re-enter the Schengen Area. The validation procedure can be carried out online.

Insurance

All visitors to France must have an insurance certificate covering all medical and hospital expenses, as well as medical repatriation costs and expenses in the event of death.

Accommodation

If staying in a hotel, visitors must provide a hotel booking as well as a minimum amount per day of stay. This amount varies depending on the Schengen country visited. For partial hotel bookings, the amount is 65 euros per day for the period covered by the booking and 120 euros per day for the remainder of the stay. If staying with an individual, a certificate of staying with a relative, validated in the town hall, must be provided. At the border crossing, visitors must also prove that they have a minimum amount of 32.50 euros per day.

Minors

All minors (under 18) travelling without a parent or legal guardian must have the written consent of at least one parent or legal guardian to leave France. They must travel with their own ID, a copy of their parent or guardian's ID, and a specific form.

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What to do in Paris during a layover

Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport. Both are connected by the RER B trains, which run every 15 to 20 minutes and take around 75 minutes to travel between the airports. While CDG is France's largest and busiest airport, handling most international flights, Orly Airport is smaller and handles international flights from outside the US.

If you have a long layover in Paris, you can leave the airport and explore the city. However, it is important to consider the time it takes to leave the airport and get into central Paris, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. An eight-hour layover should give you about four hours to spend in the city. Here are some suggestions for what to do during your layover:

• Visit Notre Dame and walk towards the Arc de Triomphe: Take the train to Notre Dame and enjoy the iconic cathedral. Then, walk towards the Arc de Triomphe, passing by the Louvre, the Jardin Tuilierres, Place de la Concorde, and the Champs Elysees. You'll also get to see the Eiffel Tower on your left.
• Explore the Left Bank: Start by visiting the Rodin Museum and the Musee D'Orsay, for which you can buy a bundled ticket online in advance to save time. After exploring the museum and its gardens, you can walk to Le Bon Marche for shopping or head to the Eiffel Tower.
• Relax at the airport: If you prefer to stay at the airport, CDG's Terminal 2E offers various options, including the be relax spa and Yotel Air, which provides sleep cabins on an hourly rate. There are also restaurants and shops in all terminals, with Terminal 2 offering the most options.

When leaving the airport, keep in mind that you'll need to pass through security and immigration again on your way back, so allow ample time for this. Ensure that you have your boarding pass and comply with any entry and visa requirements.

Frequently asked questions