Lois Larson
Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Paris-Beauvais. Charles de Gaulle is the largest and busiest airport, located 53 miles from central Paris. It has three terminals with various transport options to get to the city centre, including train, bus, and taxi. The airport offers a range of dining and shopping options, as well as airport lounges. Orly Airport is France's busiest airport for domestic flights and is the closest to the city centre. Paris-Beauvais is a smaller airport, located 53 miles from Paris, with fewer transport options. When travelling through any of these airports, it is recommended to arrive early to allow for check-in, security checks, and passport control.
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What You'll Learn
Transport options to the airport
Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Paris-Beauvais. Charles de Gaulle is the largest and busiest airport, located 53 miles from central Paris. It has three terminals, connected by trains and shuttles, and offers various transport options to get to the city centre.
If you prefer public transportation, you can take the RER B train line, which runs every 10 to 15 minutes and connects the airport to various métro stations in the city. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and fares start at €11.40 one-way. You can also take the RoissyBus, a direct shuttle service between Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Opéra, which runs every 15 to 20 minutes and costs €13.70 one-way. Public buses 350 and 351 are also available.
For a more expensive but quicker option, taxis are readily available at the airport and offer fixed rates between CDG and the Right Bank (€55) or Left Bank (€62). Car-share services like Bolt are also an option and are often more affordable than Uber.
If you are staying in Disneyland Paris, the Disneyland Magical Shuttle costs €23 for adults and €10 for children below 12. It stops at more than 10 hotels and also offers non-stop express service between Disneyland Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport.
For those flying into Orly Airport, the closest airport to the city centre, there is also a variety of transport options. These include the Orlybus, which runs between the airport and Denfert-Rochereau in southern Paris, as well as bus 183, which runs between the airport and Porte de Choisy in the 13th arrondissement. Tram 7 connects the airport to Villejuif Louis Aragon in southern Paris, and the Orlyval light rail service connects to the RER B line at Antony station. Taxis are also available, with fares starting at €30.
Finally, for those arriving at Paris-Beauvais Airport, located 53 miles from central Paris, transport options are more limited. The official airport shuttle costs €15.90 one-way and takes around 75 minutes to reach the city centre. Taxis are available but costly, with fares up to €170. Private transfer services are slightly more affordable but still expensive, with fares over $100.
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Check-in, security, and passport control
Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Charles de Gaulle is the larger of the two and is considered the main airport of Paris. It has three terminals, with Terminal 1 being the oldest, and is the world's ninth busiest airport. It is also the busiest airport within the European Union.
When checking in at Charles de Gaulle, it is recommended that you arrive at least three hours before your departure time. This will give you ample time to navigate the check-in process, security check, and passport control.
The check-in process at Charles de Gaulle can vary depending on your airline and the terminal you are using. Some airlines may offer online or mobile check-in, allowing you to print your boarding pass or have it available on your mobile device. This can help expedite the process. However, if you need to check in at the counter, there may be queues, especially during busy travel periods. It is advisable to allow for extra time during these peak times.
After checking in, you will need to go through the security check. This typically involves passing through a metal detector and having your carry-on luggage scanned. You may be asked to remove certain items from your luggage, such as liquids or electronic devices, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the security regulations beforehand.
Finally, you will need to go through passport control before proceeding to your departure gate. If you are travelling to a non-Schengen country, you will need to ensure that your passport is stamped. Queues at passport control can vary, but it is generally advisable to allow for extra time in case of delays.
Overall, when navigating check-in, security, and passport control at Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport, it is always better to arrive early and allow for potential delays. This will help ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free experience.
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Shopping and dining options
Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Paris-Beauvais. Charles de Gaulle is the largest and busiest of the three, located 25km northeast of the city centre. It has three terminals, with Terminal 2 further divided into seven sub-terminals (2A to 2G). The terminals are connected by trains and shuttles. The airport offers unlimited free Wi-Fi, and you can expect to find a variety of shopping and dining options.
Shopping Options
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has a range of shopping options, from fancy boutiques to more affordable travel and souvenir shops. The large Duty-Free shops in Terminals 1 and 2 offer discounts on luxury French brands like Dior, YSL, and Diptyque. Terminal 2C is known for its high-end boutiques, while Terminal 2E's Departure Hall M features the Espace Musées, displaying artworks from renowned Paris museums like the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles.
If you're looking for edible souvenirs, La Maison du Chocolate and Laduree are excellent choices, offering colourful macarons and other treats.
Dining Options
When it comes to dining, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has improved its offerings. You'll find a variety of cafes and restaurants to suit different tastes. Paul is a popular choice for coffee and sandwiches, while Caviar House & Prunier Seafood is a fancier option. For healthier meals, EXKi and Naked offer nutritious choices. Additionally, familiar chains like Starbucks, Pret a Manger, and McDonald's are available.
If you prefer a relaxing lounge experience, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers access to lounges for all travellers, regardless of their airline or class. You can purchase a lounge pass online or use a lounge membership program to enjoy unlimited food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even shower facilities in a comfortable setting.
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Airport lounges
Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Charles de Gaulle is the larger of the two and is considered the main airport of Paris. It is a busy airport with three expansive terminals connected by trains and shuttles. Orly Airport is calmer and easier to navigate, with four interconnected terminals. It is also the closest airport to the city centre.
Charles de Gaulle Airport has several airport lounges that offer access to any traveller, regardless of the airline or class flown. By purchasing a lounge pass online or using a lounge membership program, you can enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and WiFi, as well as shower facilities, in a relaxing environment. This can be the perfect way to spend your layover, providing a comfortable space to rest and recharge before your next flight.
The airport lounges at Charles de Gaulle Airport offer a range of amenities to enhance your comfort and convenience. Depending on the lounge, you can expect comfortable seating areas, a variety of dining options, fully stocked bars, and modern shower facilities. Some lounges may also provide additional services such as business centres, quiet areas, or entertainment options.
To access the airport lounges, you can either purchase a pass online in advance or buy one at the airport. Prices for lounge access typically include unlimited food and drinks, as well as access to any available facilities. It is recommended to review the specific offerings and requirements of each lounge before making your purchase.
Lounges at Charles de Gaulle Airport include the Icare Lounge in Terminal 1, the Salon Lounge in Terminal 2E, and the My Lounge in Terminal 2F. These lounges offer comfortable seating, refreshments, and a relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, Priority Pass holders can access the Air France Lounge in Terminal 2F, which provides additional amenities and services.
Overall, the airport lounges at Charles de Gaulle Airport provide a welcoming and convenient space for travellers to relax and recharge during their layover in Paris. With comfortable seating, dining options, and other amenities, these lounges offer an enhanced travel experience, ensuring your time at the airport is comfortable and enjoyable.
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Leaving the airport and sightseeing
Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Paris-Beauvais. Charles de Gaulle is the largest and busiest airport, located 53 miles from central Paris. It has three terminals with several sub-terminal buildings, all connected by trains and shuttles. Orly Airport is the closest airport to the city centre and is known for being calmer and easier to navigate. Paris-Beauvais is 53 miles from the city centre, and Paris-Vatry is 91 miles from the capital.
If you're leaving Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can take the RER B train line, which runs every 10 to 15 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to reach the city centre. The RoissyBus is another option, which runs every 15 to 20 minutes and takes about an hour to reach the city. You can also take bus 350 or 351, or opt for a taxi, though traffic can be heavy. If you're leaving from Orly Airport, you can take the Orlybus, which runs every 8 minutes and takes 25 minutes to reach the city centre, or the Orlyval automatic metro line. A taxi from Orly to the city centre will cost around €35.
Once you're in Paris, there's plenty to see and do. You can take a 1-hour cruise along the River Seine, passing by iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Musée d'Orsay. Stroll through the tiny Ile de la Cite, an island in the river with cafes, cobblestone streets, and shops. Or, explore some of Paris's famous parks and gardens, such as the Luxembourg Gardens or the Jardin des Plantes. If you're looking for a bird's-eye view of the city, head to the top of the Eiffel Tower or the Montparnasse Tower.
Paris is also home to world-renowned museums, including the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Palace of Versailles. For art lovers, the Espace Musées at Charles de Gaulle Airport displays rotating exhibitions from some of Paris's most reputable museums. And of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without indulging in the city's famous cuisine and pastries.
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Frequently asked questions
Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Paris-Beauvais. Charles de Gaulle is the largest and busiest airport, with three terminals. To get to the centre of Paris from Charles de Gaulle, you can take the RER B train, which runs every 10 to 15 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to reach the Gare du Nord station. The RoissyBus is another option, which runs every 15 to 20 minutes and takes about an hour to reach Paris-Opéra. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive and traffic can slow you down.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained during a layover. You can also visit the Espace Musées in Terminal 2E, which displays art from some of Paris's top museums. If you have at least eight hours between flights, you could leave the airport and visit the city centre, which is about an hour away by train or taxi.
It's recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your departure time to account for any potential delays. Check-in, passport control, and security may have long queues, especially during busy travel periods. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get through these processes and reach your gate.
