Lois Larson
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is located 26 km from the city centre. Travellers with a long layover at CDG can choose to visit Paris, which is 25 minutes away by train, or stay in the airport, which offers free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and airport lounges. CDG has three terminals with free shuttle services operating between them. Travellers with a single ticket and baggage checked through to their final destination can remain airside and do not need to pass through passport control or security checks. However, those who need to leave the transit area to pick up baggage or check-in must pass through passport control and comply with entry and visa requirements. Citizens from certain countries may need a visa to leave the transit area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit time | A minimum of 70 minutes for the same terminal and 90 minutes for different terminals |
| Transit facilities | Free shuttle services, automated metro system, elevators and escalators, shops, restaurants, lounges, WiFi, charging stations, smoking booths |
| Transit between terminals | Transit bus |
| Transit between airport and Paris | 45-60 minutes by train, bus or taxi |
| Visa requirements | Depends on the passport and country of issue. Refer to France-Visas for details |
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What You'll Learn
Transit times between terminals
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is a large airport covering more than 12.5 square miles. It has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 also has seven satellite terminals, and Terminal 3 has separate buildings for arrivals and departures. A fourth terminal is due to open in 2024.
When transferring between terminals at CDG Airport, it is recommended to allow a minimum of 90 minutes. Transfer times may vary depending on the season and peak hours. There are free shuttle services that operate between the terminals, car parks, and public transport links. The N1 shuttle runs 24/7 and connects terminals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2F, the SNCF station, and car park PW. The frequency varies depending on the time of day. The N2 shuttle runs from 05:30 to 23:00 every five minutes and links terminals 2F, 2E (09:30 to 23:00), and 2G. CDGVAL is an automated shuttle that runs every four minutes from 04:00 to 01:00. A bus operates between 01:00 and 04:00. The service connects Terminals 1, 3, and all Terminal 2 terminals, as well as car parks PR and PX.
In addition to the free shuttle services, there is also a metro system that connects the terminals. The typical transfer time between terminals can vary depending on the specific terminals and the method of transportation used. It is always advisable to check with the airline for specific connection procedures and allow plenty of extra time if you need to exit the transit area to collect your baggage and check-in again.
Some travellers have shared their experiences, stating that three hours is usually sufficient time to transfer between terminals, even during peak times. However, it is recommended to have a longer connection time for families travelling with small children or travellers with health or mobility concerns. Additionally, if you are transferring from an international flight to a Schengen flight, there is an additional 10- to 15-minute bus transfer between the international gates and the Schengen terminal.
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Baggage transfers
When transferring between flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, your baggage will be automatically sent to your connecting flight. However, if you booked your flights separately, you should allow extra time to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, and check in and clear security for your outbound flight.
Passengers will be advised at the airport of origin regarding where they should collect their luggage. In most cases, your baggage will be labelled to go directly to your final destination. The baggage tag receipt will state your bag's final destination. If your baggage is not through-checked, you must follow the signs for Arrivals, reclaim your baggage, and then check your bags in at the departure terminal.
If you need to leave the transit area to pick up baggage and check in, you must pass through passport control and comply with entry and visa requirements. Citizens from certain countries leaving the transit area may need a visa. If you have a connection between two airports in the Schengen Area, or if the airport through which you wish to enter French territory is closed overnight for the duration of the transit, you must hold a valid short-stay Schengen visa.
You do not require an airport transit visa if you are a national of a country that is party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China), a holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, or a holder of a residence permit guaranteeing the right of return issued by specific countries.
Additionally, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers luggage storage services and baggage transfers through third-party companies. These companies allow you to book luggage transfers to or from the airport, as well as store your luggage on-site if you wish to spend some time in the city before your next flight.
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Security and border checkpoints
When transiting through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), security and border checkpoints are essential aspects to consider. Here is some information to guide you through these processes:
Security Checkpoints:
If you are transiting within the same terminal at CDG Airport, allow at least 60 minutes for connections. If you need to travel between terminals, 90 minutes is recommended. Keep in mind that these recommendations only apply if you are travelling on a single ticket and have checked your baggage through to your final destination.
In most cases, if you are travelling on a single ticket and your baggage is checked through, you can remain airside and won't need to go through additional security checkpoints when transferring between flights at CDG Airport. Your baggage will automatically be sent to your connecting flight.
However, if you need to leave the transit area to collect your baggage or check-in, you will need to go through security checkpoints. This process may vary depending on your origin and destination countries. For instance, travellers from specific airports in Singapore, Serbia, Israel, and Greenland may not need to go through security again during their connection at CDG.
Border Checkpoints:
CDG Airport is located within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries that have agreed to remove internal border controls. If you are travelling within the Schengen Area, you can do so without a visa and without showing your passport at border checkpoints.
However, if you are travelling to or from a non-Schengen country, you may need to go through border checkpoints and comply with entry and visa requirements. For example, 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.
Additionally, citizens of specific countries, including the EU, Australia, Canada, and the United States, can use the PARAFE ePassport gates, which are automated self-service barriers located at immigration checkpoints. To use these gates, you must be over 18 years old and hold a valid biometric passport.
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Visa requirements
When transiting through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), there are specific visa requirements that travellers must adhere to. These requirements may vary depending on factors such as the traveller's nationality, the type of passport or visa they hold, and whether they need to leave the transit area or enter French territory. Here is an overview of the visa requirements:
- Airport Transit Visa (ATV): An ATV is required for citizens of certain countries, including India, when transiting through France to a final destination outside the Schengen Area. This applies if the traveller can remain airside and has a valid US, EU, Canadian, or Japanese visa. However, if they need to pass through passport control or check-in for their next flight, a full visa may be necessary.
- Schengen Visa: Travellers entering the Schengen Area, which includes France, may need a Schengen visa. This applies to those who need to pass through immigration or leave the transit area, especially when travelling to or from a Schengen country. A short-stay Schengen visa is required when connecting between two airports in the Schengen Area or when the airport is closed overnight during transit.
- Nationals of Specific Countries: Citizens of certain countries, such as those party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (excluding China), may not require an ATV when transiting through CDG. Additionally, holders of valid residence permits or visas from specific countries, including the EU, European Economic Area, Canada, and the United States, may be exempt from needing a transit visa.
- Separate Tickets: When travelling on separate tickets, individuals may need a full Type C Schengen visa. This is important to consider when connecting flights and changing terminals at CDG, as it may impact their visa requirements.
- Indian Citizens: Indian citizens transiting through CDG have specific visa requirements. If their US visa is expired, they may need a transit visa. However, if their US visa is valid, they may not need a separate transit visa.
- Baggage Claim and Check-In: If travellers need to leave the transit area to claim their baggage or check in for their connecting flight, they must pass through passport control and ensure they comply with entry and visa requirements. It is important to check with the airline about any specific document requirements.
It is important to note that visa requirements can change, and travellers are advised to consult official sources and embassy websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding transit and visa regulations at CDG Airport.
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Transport to Paris
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is located about 14 miles northeast of Paris. It is the third busiest airport in Europe, serving millions of passengers each year. If you are travelling to or from Paris from abroad, you will likely pass through CDG.
Visa Requirements
If you are travelling through the international zone of a French airport and do not plan to enter the French overseas department, community, or territory, you do not need a visa. However, if you wish to leave the international zone, you must hold a valid short-stay visa for the territory.
Additionally, certain passport holders must apply for an "A" airport transit visa (ATV). This includes holders of ordinary, service, or special passports issued by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, or Sri Lanka, among other countries.
On the other hand, you do not require an ATV if you are an aircraft crew member or a national of a country that is a party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China).
Transport Options
To get from CDG to central Paris, you can take the RER B train, which runs every 10 minutes and stops at the main stations in Paris, including Gare du Nord. The journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes, and tickets cost €11.45 one-way for adults as of December 2023.
If your accommodation is not near an RER B station, don't worry. Your ticket is valid for one journey into central Paris, including necessary metro and RER transfers. For example, if you need to get to Gare de Lyon, you can take the RER B train to Gare du Nord and then transfer to metro line 5 to Bastille before taking metro line 1 to your final destination.
There are also bus routes and taxis available, but keep in mind that traffic can be unpredictable. If you plan to leave the airport and return, remember to allow a minimum of 2 hours for transportation each way.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality and the kind of passport you hold. If you need to leave the transit area, you will likely need a valid short-stay visa.
It is recommended that you allow a minimum of 70 minutes if your departure is from the same terminal. If you need to transfer between terminals, you should allow a minimum of 90 minutes.
CDG Airport has free Wi-Fi, charging stations, lounges, a variety of shops and restaurants, and free shuttle services between terminals, car parks and public transport links.
Yes, CDG Airport is about 25-45 minutes from Paris by train. However, it is recommended that you have at least 6-7 hours between flights if you plan to leave the airport.
Highly visible yellow signs indicate your connection. Information and navigation self-service kiosks are located throughout the airport, providing information on your boarding gate, travel time and nearby services.
