Cdg Airport: Paris' Northern Gateway

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the primary international airport serving Paris, France. Located in Roissy-en-France, approximately 25km (14-15.5 miles) northeast of Paris, it is named after the World War II leader and former French President, Charles de Gaulle. The airport, which opened in 1974, is one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe and the world, serving as a hub for Air France and easyJet, among other airlines. With three terminals spread across a vast area, CDG offers a range of amenities and transportation options to and from Paris, making it a key gateway to the City of Light.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is located in Roissy-en-France, 23km (14 miles) northeast of Paris

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is located in Roissy-en-France, 23km (14-15.5 miles) northeast of Paris. It is the primary international airport serving Paris, France's capital city. The airport was opened in 1974 and is named after World War II leader and former French President Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970). Its IATA airport code, CDG, is derived from Charles de Gaulle's initials.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is one of the world's busiest airports, ranking ninth globally and third in Europe by passenger numbers. In 2023, the airport handled nearly 67.4 million passengers and 448,305 aircraft movements. It is also a significant cargo hub, ranking eleventh globally and first in Europe in terms of cargo traffic. The airport serves as the main hub for Air France and easyJet's operating base.

The airport covers 32.38 square kilometres (12.50 sq mi) and spans three départements and six communes. The choice to build it outside central Paris was influenced by the potential for future expansion and the limited need for relocations or expropriations. The airport is managed by Groupe ADP, which also operates Orly and Le Bourget airports near Paris and several other airfields worldwide.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has three main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (with seven sub-terminals, 2A to 2G), and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is the largest, resembling a small village with its seven sections. A fourth terminal was planned but was cancelled due to environmental concerns. The airport offers a variety of transportation options to and from Paris, including private transfers, car rentals, the Roissybus, local buses, and the Regional Trains RER B.

The airport is named after World War II leader and former French President Charles de Gaulle

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the primary international airport serving Paris, France. It is located in Roissy-en-France, 23km (14 miles) northeast of Paris. The airport is named after Charles de Gaulle, a World War II leader and former French President.

Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle was born on 22 November 1890 in Lille, France. He was a French military officer and statesman who led the Free French Forces against Nazi Germany in World War II. De Gaulle chaired the Provisional Government of the French Republic from 1944 to 1946 to restore democracy in France. He rewrote the Constitution of France and founded the Fifth Republic after approval by referendum. He was elected President of France in 1958, a position he held until his resignation in 1969.

De Gaulle was a decorated officer of the First World War, during which he was wounded several times and taken prisoner by the Germans. During the German invasion of May 1940, he led an armoured division that counterattacked the invaders. Refusing to accept the French government's armistice with Germany, he fled to England and exhorted the French to continue the fight in his Appeal of 18 June. He led the Free French Forces and later headed the French National Liberation Committee, emerging as the undisputed leader of Free France.

De Gaulle became head of the Provisional Government of the French Republic in June 1944, the interim government of France following its liberation. As early as 1944, he introduced a dirigiste economic policy, which included substantial state-directed control over a capitalist economy. This was followed by 30 years of unprecedented growth, known as the Trente Glorieuses. He resigned in 1946, but continued to be politically active, founding the Rally of the French People.

When the Algerian War threatened to bring the Fourth Republic to collapse, de Gaulle was brought back to power in May 1958. He founded the Fifth Republic with a strong presidency and was elected with 78% of the vote. He managed to keep France together while taking steps to end the war, making him a highly influential figure in French history.

It is the primary international airport serving Paris, and is the busiest airport in France

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the primary international airport serving Paris and is the busiest airport in France. It is located in Roissy-en-France, 23km (14 miles) to 25km (15.5 miles) northeast of Paris. It is named after World War II leader and former French President Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970), whose initials form its IATA airport code.

The airport was opened in 1974 and serves as the principal hub for Air France, as well as a destination for other legacy carriers and an operating base for easyJet and Norse Atlantic Airways. It is operated by Groupe ADP (Aéroports de Paris) and covers 32.38 square kilometres (12.50 sq mi) of land.

In 2023, CDG Airport handled 67,421,316 passengers and 448,305 aircraft movements, making it the world's ninth busiest airport and Europe's third busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers. It is also the busiest airport in the European Union and the airport served by the greatest number of airlines, with more than 105 airlines operating there.

The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 2 divided into seven sections (2A to 2G). Terminal 1, the oldest, is situated opposite Terminal 3, while Terminal 2 is located on another side. Terminal 3, formerly known as "Terminal 9", hosts charter and low-cost airlines. The airport offers direct flights to the most countries and is well-connected to the Paris city centre by various transportation options, including private transfers, car rentals, public buses, and the Roissybus.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is one of the most occupied aviation hubs in the world in terms of both passenger traffic and cargo volume

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the primary international airport serving Paris, France. It is located in Roissy-en-France, 23 kilometres (14 miles) northeast of Paris. The airport was opened in 1974 and is named after World War II leader and former French President Charles de Gaulle.

The airport covers 32.38 square kilometres (12.50 sq mi) of land and consists of three terminals. Terminal 1, the oldest terminal, features a unique circular design and is connected to seven satellite buildings. Terminal 2, which originally served as the exclusive terminal for Air France, has been expanded and now includes seven sub-terminals (2A to 2G). Terminal 3, formerly known as Terminal 9, hosts charter and low-cost airlines. The airport is easily accessible from central Paris via the RER B train line, and a new direct express rail link, the CDG Express, is scheduled to open in early 2027.

The construction of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport outside the city centre allowed for future expansion and avoided potential issues with relocations or expropriations. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of new terminals and the modernisation of existing facilities. The airport is managed by Groupe ADP, which also operates other airports in the Paris region and worldwide.

The airport is well-connected to Paris's city centre by private transfer, car rental, public bus, and the Roissybus

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the primary international airport serving Paris, France. It is located in Roissy-en-France, 23km (or 34km according to another source) northeast of Paris. The airport is named after the former French president, Charles de Gaulle.

Private Transfer

Private transfers are a popular choice for travellers due to their convenience, privacy, and comfort. They can be booked in advance, and travellers can expect door-to-door service with trained English-speaking drivers. Fixed prices are quoted ahead of time, and the transfers are available 24/7.

Car Rental

For those who prefer to drive themselves, car rental companies like Goldcar, Sixt, and Goldcar have offices at Terminals 1 and 2C. However, renting a car in Paris may be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking options.

Public Bus

There are several public bus options available at CDG Airport, including:

• Roissybus: This shuttle bus connects the airport to Opera station in central Paris. The journey takes around 60 minutes, and tickets cost €16.60.
• Bus 350: This bus provides a link between the airport and Porte de la Chapelle in Paris. The journey takes about 70 minutes, and a single ticket costs €2.50.
• Bus 351: This bus connects the airport to Paris Nation, with a journey time of around 80 minutes. A single ticket also costs €2.50.
• Noctilien Night Bus: For late-night travellers, the Noctilien night buses N140 and N143 operate from midnight to around 4:00 am, connecting the airport to Gare de l'Est. The journey takes about an hour, and a ticket costs €4.30.

Roissybus

The Roissybus is a direct shuttle service between CDG Airport and Opera station in central Paris. It departs every 15-20 minutes and takes around 60 minutes. Tickets cost €16.60 and can be purchased on board the bus, from ticket machines, or at the RATP counters inside the terminals.

Frequently asked questions