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Spending the night at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is possible, and many travellers have done so, either out of necessity or to save money. The airport is one of the world's busiest and largest, with three main terminals and seven satellite terminals, making it confusing to navigate. While the airport previously offered the Instant Paris Lounge with comfortable beds, it has since closed, leaving YOTELAIR as the only transit hotel option within the airport. This hotel can be expensive, with rooms starting at €140, and there are also limited dining options available. Alternatively, travellers can opt for hotels near the airport, such as Ibis Paris Airport, CitizenM, and Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport, which offer more affordable rates and amenities. Security staff at CDG are generally accommodating of travellers sleeping in isolated corners, and the airport provides free shuttle services between terminals and parking lots.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping at the airport | Allowed by security, who recommend finding an isolated corner |
| Sleeping options | Sleeping on the floor or on one of the seats at Gate L; the Instant Paris Lounge at Gate K of Terminal 2E (now closed); YotelAir at Terminal 2E; or hotels near the airport |
| Food options | Relay markets, cafes, and vending machines at Gate L; Le Grand Comptoir, Paul, Exki, and L'Atelier in Terminal 2E |
| Other amenities | Wellness Centre, Escape Lounge, and art installations |
| Hotels near the airport | Ibis Paris Airport, CitizenM, Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport, Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel, YotelAir |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport vs. airport hotels
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the world's busiest airports, with a confusing layout. If you're planning to sleep at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the airport does not provide cots or beds for stranded travellers, so you'll need to find a comfortable spot on the floor or in one of the airport lounges. While some travellers have reported friendly security guards who allowed them to sleep in isolated corners, others have opted for brighter and louder spots near Gate L, which has several hundred seats.
Sleeping in the airport can be a viable option if you have an early flight and don't want the hassle of waking up at an ungodly hour or dealing with limited public transportation options. It's also a good choice if you have a long layover and don't want to go through the hassle and expense of checking into a hotel for just a few hours. However, if you're looking for a more comfortable and restful experience, the airport hotels might be a better option.
There are several hotels located inside CDG airport or on the airport grounds, offering easy access and convenience. The YotelAir, located in Terminal 2E, Satellite L, Airside, is the only transit hotel at Paris Airport. It offers rooms/cabins starting at €140 (as of December 2024) with private showers, as well as shower-only packages for €20 for 45 minutes. Other nearby hotels include the Ibis Paris Airport, a budget-friendly option just opposite Terminal 3, and the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel, located just a two-minute walk from Terminal 2.
If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, the Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport, located a five-minute walk from Terminal 3, offers day rooms between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Alternatively, the CitizenM hotel is also just a five-minute walk from Terminal 3, offering convenient access. These hotels can be easily reached via the free CDGVAL shuttle or train, which connects the terminals and runs frequently throughout the day and night.
When deciding between sleeping in the airport and booking a hotel, consider your budget, the duration of your layover or waiting time, and your preference for comfort and convenience. While sleeping in the airport can save you money, a hotel stay might be worth it for a good night's rest, especially if you have a long layover or prefer more privacy and amenities.
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Security and luggage concerns
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, 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 offers a range of options for passengers with different needs and preferences regarding security and luggage.
If you plan to sleep at the airport, be aware of the security requirements and the layout of the terminals. It is recommended to find an isolated corner or a quiet gate with comfortable seating. Some passengers have reported positive experiences sleeping at the airport, with security personnel directing them to suitable locations. However, it is important to note that CDG Airport security is particularly strict regarding prohibited items and liquids. All passengers must pass through metal detectors, and hand luggage will be X-rayed.
For passengers with connecting flights, CDG Airport provides essential information and services. The airport recommends allowing 60 minutes for connections within the same terminal and 90 minutes for connections that require travel between terminals. If you need to leave the transit area to collect your baggage and check-in, you must go through security and passport control. Baggage storage facilities are available in Terminal 2's public area, close to the train station, for short-term or extended stays of up to 90 days.
Several hotels are located within the airport or on the airport grounds, providing convenient accommodation options. The YotelAir, located in Terminal 2E, offers cabins with private showers, as well as shower-only packages. Other hotels, such as Ibis Paris Airport, CitizenM, and Hilton, are situated near Terminal 3 and can be accessed via the free CDGVAL shuttle. These hotels may offer day rooms, but transit passengers must pass through security. Additionally, lounges located after security in Terminals 1 and 2 can be accessed by purchasing passes or through membership programs.
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Sleeping in the Instant Paris Lounge
The Instant Paris Lounge was located at Gate K of Terminal 2E in the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). It was outside security but inside the immigration border. The lounge offered about 50 comfortable beds in four groups spread across two floors. There were two styles of chair-beds: one that was nicely padded and flatter, and another with a curved-up back, which was not as comfortable. The lights were dimmed at night, and the PA announcements were stopped, making it possible for travellers to get a few hours of sleep.
The Instant Paris Lounge was a good option for travellers with long layovers, especially during the pandemic when Terminal 1 was closed. However, one disadvantage was the lack of food options, with only a vending machine available. Travellers who wanted a proper meal had to take the free tram to Gate L, pass through security, and choose from two Relay markets and two cafes.
Unfortunately, the Instant Paris Lounge is no longer available, having been remodelled and obscured with construction material. Travellers now have to opt for hotels like YotelAir, which can be expensive, or explore the city for accommodation.
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Sleeping in YotelAir
YotelAir Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, located in the transit area of Terminal 2E Gate L, is the only transit hotel at Paris Airport. The hotel is located airside (after security) above Gate L and can only be accessed by passengers with a departing international flight outside of the European Union (except the United Kingdom) from Terminal 2E, gates K, L, or M.
The innovative cabins at YotelAir are modelled on the experience of a first-class private airline cabin. They offer free Wi-Fi, luxurious beds, relaxing mood lighting, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a monsoon rain shower and complimentary toiletries. The cabins also have European, US, and UK adapter sockets. The hotel's restaurant, Revolve Lounge, is open 24/7 and offers complimentary super-fast free Wi-Fi, as well as food and drinks for a small cost.
YotelAir offers several rooms/cabins with prices starting at €140 (as of December 2024). They also offer shower-only packages for people who only want to freshen up (€20 for 45 minutes). Guests can stay for a maximum of one night and are allowed to bring only hand luggage.
To reach YotelAir from the public landside area of the airport, guests must have a valid boarding pass for Terminal 2E, gates K, L, or M. Terminal 2 cannot be entered from the landside area between 22:30 and 04:00 as passport/security is closed. To reach the hotel, guests must go through passport control, turn left (do not pass the security check towards Gate K), and take the satellite shuttle train towards Gates L and M.
Reviews suggest that it is important to book far in advance if you plan to stay at YotelAir, as the beds fill up quickly.
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Nearby hotels
There are several hotels on the grounds of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The YotelAir hotel is located in the secure transit area of Terminal 2E, Gate L, and can be accessed by passengers with departing international flights outside of the European Union (excluding the UK) from Terminal 2E, Gates K, L, or M. The hotel offers cabins with private showers, with prices starting at €140, as well as shower-only packages for €20 for 45 minutes.
Other hotels located near the airport include Ibis Paris Airport, which is a budget hotel opposite Terminal 3, and CitizenM, which is a five-minute walk from Terminal 3. The Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport is also located within a five-minute walk of Terminal 3 and offers day rooms between 9 am and 6 pm. The Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel is a two-minute walk from Terminal 2 and is connected to the other terminals via the free CDGVAL shuttle service.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at CDG airport. If you want to sleep for free, you could try to find an isolated corner and sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag. Alternatively, you could head to Gate L, which has several hundred seats, although it is bright and loud. If you want to pay for a bed, you could try YotelAir, which is located in Terminal 2E.
Yes, there are several hotels on the airport grounds, including Ibis Paris Airport, CitizenM, Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel.
There don't appear to be any lockers at CDG airport, but people tend to leave their luggage out while they sleep and there are very few thefts.
CDG airport has a range of shops, including luxury boutiques and duty-free stores. There are also several restaurants, including Le Grand Comptoir, Paul, Exki, and L’Atelier. You can also visit the Wellness Centre for relaxation and showers, or the Escape Lounge for a break.
