
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is Europe's largest airport, with an area of 3500 hectares. The airport terminals are relatively far apart, and it was not uncommon for the journey between terminals to take up to half an hour during peak times. To address this issue, the airport introduced the CDGVAL, a free 24/7 shuttle service that connects all three terminals and runs between 4:00 AM and 1:00 AM. The service is step-free and accessible, with trains running every 4 minutes and the total journey time between terminals taking 8 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Shuttle service between terminals and car parks |
| Terminals connected | 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3 |
| Frequency | Every 4 minutes between 04:00 AM and 01:00 AM |
| Total journey time | 8 minutes |
| Cost | Free |
| Ticketing | No ticket required |
| Accessibility | Step-free access to platforms, lifts to Arrivals Level |
| Developer | Siemens |
| Launch date | 4 April 2007 |
What You'll Learn

CDGVAL is a free, 24/7 shuttle service
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy, is Europe's second-largest airport, handling over 70 million passengers in 2024. The airport is located 26km northeast of Paris and has three terminals. Terminal 1 is known for its octopus-style architecture and is used by Star Alliance Airlines. Terminal 2 is the largest terminal and is Air France's international hub, while Terminal 3 is used predominantly by low-cost airlines.
The CDGVAL is a free, 24/7 shuttle service that provides easy travel between the terminals. It is a train system developed by Siemens, which also operates in the French cities of Lille, Toulouse, and Rennes, the Italian city of Turin, and previously at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The CDGVAL provides a quick and convenient way to navigate between terminals, with trains running every day, every 4 minutes between 4:00 AM and 1:00 AM, and departures every 3 minutes. The total journey time between terminals is 8 minutes.
The CDGVAL stations are easily accessible, with step-free access to the platforms. However, it is important to note that baggage carts are not permitted in elevators, on platforms, or onboard trains. The CDGVAL shuttle service also extends to the airport's car parks, providing a free connection between all car parks and terminals. The main car parks (P1, P3, PAB, PCD, PEF, and PG) offer short-term and long-term parking options, with rates starting at €3.50 for the first 15 minutes and €45 for one day.
In addition to the CDGVAL, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a range of transport options, including train, bus, taxi, and car services. The airport is also well-equipped to assist travellers with special needs, providing wheelchair assistance, mobility assistance, and assistance for visually impaired passengers. These services can be booked in advance or requested upon arrival at designated meeting points throughout the airport.
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It connects Terminal 1 passengers to Terminal 3
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is Europe's second-largest airport, spanning 3500 hectares. It has three terminals, which are relatively far apart and cannot be reached on foot. Terminal 1 is known for its octopus-style architecture and is mainly used by Star Alliance Airlines. Terminal 2 is the biggest terminal and is Air France's international hub, while Terminal 3 is predominantly used by low-cost airlines.
The CDGVAL is a free, 24/7 shuttle service that connects all three terminals at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is a train system developed by Siemens, which runs between Terminals 1 and 3 every 3 to 4 minutes from 4 am to 1 am. The total journey time between the terminals is 8 minutes, and there is step-free access to the platforms. This shuttle service also connects the various car parks to the terminals, with the main car parks being P1, P3, PAB, PCD, PEF, and PG.
The CDGVAL was introduced to address the congestion caused by the previous shuttle system of buses that connected the terminals. The journey between terminals could take nearly half an hour during peak periods, highlighting the need for a rapid and modern transport solution. The CDGVAL now provides a convenient and efficient means of transportation for passengers travelling through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, ensuring a seamless connection between Terminals 1 and 3.
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The service is also available between car parks and terminals
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Paris CDG Airport, is Europe's largest airport, spanning an area of 3500 hectares. The airport has three terminals, which are relatively far apart. Terminal 1 is known for its octopus-style architecture and is used by Star Alliance Airlines. Terminal 2 is the largest of the three and serves as Air France's international hub, while Terminal 3 caters primarily to low-cost airlines.
The CDGVAL is a free 24/7 shuttle service that provides easy travel between these terminals. It is a train system developed by Siemens, which also operates in the French cities of Lille, Toulouse, and Rennes, as well as Turin in Italy. The CDGVAL stations offer step-free access to platforms, and trains run every day, approximately every 4 minutes from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, with departures every 3 minutes and a total journey time of 8 minutes.
The CDGVAL service is also available between car parks and terminals at Paris CDG Airport. The airport offers various parking options, including short-term and long-term parking in the main car parks: P1, P3, PAB, PCD, PEF, and PG. The rates are the same for all car parks, starting at €3.50 for the first 15 minutes and €45 for one day. The Eco parking lots are also available, located a 10-20 minute CDGVal shuttle ride from all terminals. This free shuttle service allows for convenient travel between the car parks and terminals, enhancing the overall airport experience for travellers.
The CDGVAL plays a crucial role in reducing congestion at the airport. Prior to the implementation of the CDGVAL, a shuttle system of buses was used to transport passengers between terminals and car parks, which contributed to significant road congestion. The introduction of the CDGVAL as an internal train link provides a rapid and modern transport solution, ensuring efficient and seamless travel for airport users.
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Trains run every 4 minutes between 04:00 AM and 01:00 AM
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the second-busiest airport in Europe, with an area of 3500 hectares. The airport terminals are quite far apart, and it was not uncommon for the journey between terminals to take up to half an hour during peak periods. This issue highlighted the need for a quick and modern transport solution for travellers.
The CDGVAL is a free, automatic metro shuttle service that operates within Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. It runs daily between 04:00 AM and 01:00 AM, with a train departing every four minutes. The total journey time between terminals is eight minutes. The CDGVAL shuttle train connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3, with pedestrian corridors linking Terminals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F. Terminal 2G can be reached by shuttle bus from Terminal 2F. The CDGVAL stations are accessible via lift from the Arrivals Level and have step-free access to the platforms. However, baggage carts are not permitted in elevators, on platforms, or onboard trains.
The CDGVAL also provides connections to the airport's car parks and hotels. It connects to the PR Car Park, PX Car Park, and the Eco parking lots, which are a 10-20 minute shuttle ride to all terminals. The CDGVAL provides easy access to most airport hotels, including the Holiday Inn Express, Innside by Melia, Mercure, and Moxy.
The CDGVAL is just one component of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport's comprehensive transportation system, which also includes bus services and the RER B commuter line, a heavy-rail service to the Parisian region. The CDGVAL ensures efficient and convenient travel within the airport, enhancing the overall traveller experience at one of Europe's busiest aviation hubs.
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The total journey time is 8 minutes
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy, is Europe's second-largest airport, handling over 70 million passengers in 2024. It is located 26km northeast of Paris. The airport has three terminals, which are relatively far apart. Terminal 1 is known for its octopus-style architecture and is used by Star Alliance Airlines. Terminal 2 is the largest of the three and is Air France's international hub, while Terminal 3 caters primarily to low-cost airlines.
The CDGVAL is a free, 24/7 shuttle service that connects all three terminals and the car parks at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The total journey time between terminals on the CDGVAL is 8 minutes. The shuttle trains run frequently, departing every 3 to 4 minutes between 4:00 AM and 1:00 AM daily. The CDGVAL stations are accessible, with step-free access to the platforms and lifts available to the Arrivals Level. The stations are also located near the railway station, Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2, and are within walking distance of Terminal 2.
The CDGVAL provides a quick and efficient means of navigating Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, especially when compared to the previous shuttle bus system, which could take up to half an hour during peak periods. The implementation of the CDGVAL as an internal train link has improved the overall airport experience for travellers, offering a seamless connection between terminals and parking areas.
The CDGVAL is just one aspect of the airport's focus on accessibility. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is designed with ramps and lifts to ensure accessibility for all. Accessible toilets and changing rooms are available, and special assistance services are provided for travellers who require additional support. This includes wheelchair and mobility assistance, as well as assistance for visually impaired passengers. These services can be booked in advance or requested upon arrival at designated meeting points throughout the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
CDGVAL is a free, 24/7 shuttle service that connects all terminals and car parks at the airport.
Trains run every day, every 4 minutes between 4:00 AM and 1:00 AM, with departures every 3 minutes. The total journey time is 8 minutes.
No, there is no fee to pay and no ticket is required.

