Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport, is France’s largest international airport and one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe. Located 25 km northeast of Paris, the airport complex is divided into three primary terminal zones: Terminal 1 (a iconic circular building with 5 satellite concourses), Terminal 2 (a massive complex sub-divided into 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G), and Terminal 3 (dedicated primarily to low-cost and charter flights).

Because Paris-CDG spans a vast geographic footprint, inter-terminal transit relies on two main systems: the free CDGVAL driverless shuttle train for landside connections between major terminals, and an extensive network of airside transfer buses (N1, N2 shuttles) for post-security connecting passengers. Understanding the precise layout of Terminal 2, where Air France and SkyTeam partners operate, is essential for seamless transfers.

Paris-CDG Inter-Terminal Distances & Transit Matrix
Route (Origin → Destination) Transfer Mode Access Type Distance & Est. Transit Time
Terminal 1 ↔ Terminal 2 (TGV / RER Station) CDGVAL Automated Shuttle Train Landside (Pre-Security) 3.2 km (8 Mins ride time)
Terminal 2E ↔ Terminal 2F Covered Pedestrian Walkway Airside & Landside Options 300 m (4 – 6 Mins walk)
Terminal 2F ↔ Terminal 2G N2 Airside Bus Shuttle Airside (Connecting Passengers) 2.0 km (10 Mins bus ride)
Terminal 3 ↔ CDGVAL Roissypole Station Covered Pedestrian Footpath Landside (Pre-Security) 250 m (3 – 5 Mins walk)
Terminal 2A/2B/2C/2D Walkway Loop Indoor Interlinked Concourse Landside / Airside Passages 200 – 600 m (3 – 8 Mins walk)

Golden Rule for Paris-CDG Connection Times

For non-Schengen to Schengen connections inside Terminal 2 (e.g., between T2E and T2F), budget at least 60 to 75 minutes to clear passport control. For transfers requiring travel between Terminal 1 or 3 and Terminal 2, or remote gates like Terminal 2G, budget a minimum of 90 to 120 minutes.

Terminal Layout & Operational Breakdown

Paris-CDG organizes its carriers across three distinct operational zones:

Terminal 1

Primary Hub: Star Alliance, Qatar Airways & Long-Haul Carriers

Featuring a iconic central circular structure connected to 5 boarding satellites. Serves international long-haul carriers, Star Alliance partners, and select non-aligned major airlines.

Terminal 2 (Halls 2A to 2G)

Primary Hub: Air France, SkyTeam Alliance & Oneworld

The largest complex at CDG. 2E and 2F handle major international and Schengen Air France flights. 2G handles regional flights. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D host European and international partner airlines.

Terminal 3

Primary Hub: Low-Cost & Leisure Charter Carriers

A single-level, streamlined facility split into separate Departures and Arrivals halls. Located near Roissypole bus station and the CDGVAL T3 station for low-cost European travel.

Roissypole & TGV Railway Hub

Role: Central Ground Transit Junction

CDG features two major train stations: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 (Roissypole / T3) and Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV (located between Terminals 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F).

Terminal Airline Allocation

Air carriers at Paris-CDG are distributed across terminals based on alliance networks and operational requirements:

Terminal Facility Key Operating Airlines Gate Range / Areas Transit Link
Terminal 1 Lufthansa, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, ANA Satellites 1 – 7 CDGVAL Station T1
Terminal 2A & 2C British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, American Airlines Gates A1–A23 / C8–C28 Pedestrian Corridor / CDGVAL T2
Terminal 2B & 2D EasyJet, Air Baltic, Finnair, CSA Czech Airlines Gates B10–B30 / D50–D70 Pedestrian Concourse to T2 TGV Station
Terminal 2E Air France (Long-Haul Non-Schengen), Delta Air Lines, Korean Air Halls K, L, M (Non-Schengen) LISA Automated Train (K/L/M)
Terminal 2F & 2G Air France (Schengen) & HOP! Regional Flights Gates F21–F56 / Gates G1–G20 Walkway T2F ↔ T2E; N2 Bus to T2G
Terminal 3 Norse Atlantic, Transavia, Smartwings, various charters Departures / Arrivals Halls 5-Min Walk to CDGVAL T3 Station

Inter-Terminal Transport & Shuttle Services

CDGVAL (Free Landside Automatic Train)

Route: Terminal 1 ↔ Park PR ↔ Terminal 3/Roissypole ↔ Park PX ↔ Terminal 2 | Frequency: Every 4 Mins

A free driverless subway operating 24/7 that links all main terminal buildings and long-term car parks.

  • Travel Times: T1 to T2 takes 8 minutes; T1 to T3 takes 4 minutes.
  • Cost: 100% Free for all airport passengers and visitors.

Airside Transfer Buses (N1 & N2 Shuttles)

Route: Post-Security Terminal 2 Connections | Frequency: Every 5–10 Mins

Free airside shuttles designed for international transit passengers staying within the secure perimeter.

  • N1 Shuttle: Connects 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E (Hall K), and 2F.
  • N2 Shuttle: Dedicated link connecting Terminal 2F directly to satellite Terminal 2G.

Step-by-Step Guide: Transferring Between Terminal 2E and 2F (Air France Connections)

If you are arriving on an international Air France or Delta flight in Terminal 2E and connecting to a European Schengen flight in Terminal 2F, follow this stream:

Terminal 2E to 2F Transfer Procedure

Step 1

Deplane at 2E (Hall K, L, or M)

If arriving at Halls L or M, take the LISA automated airside train to Hall K main terminal building.

Step 2

Follow "Correspondances / Connections"

Follow yellow directional signage specifically marked for Terminal 2F / Gates F.

Step 3

Clear Passport Control

Pass through EU passport control to enter the Schengen zone, then clear security screening.

Step 4

Proceed to Gate F

Walk along the covered connecting tube into Terminal 2F and locate your assigned departure gate.

Public Transportation to Central Paris & Beyond

Paris-CDG is directly integrated into the French national rail network and regional transit system:

RER B Regional Express Rail

Serves both CDG 1 (T1/T3) and CDG 2 (T2) stations. Express trains reach central Paris stations (Gare du Nord, Châtelet - Les Halles, St-Michel) in 30–40 minutes.

TGV High-Speed Mainline Trains

Located beneath Terminal 2. Offers direct high-speed TGV train routes to major French and European cities including Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Strasbourg, and Brussels.

RoissyBus & Taxi Options

RoissyBus connects all terminals non-stop to Paris Opéra (approx. 60 mins). Fixed-fare official taxis are available outside all arrivals levels.

Essential Paris-CDG Airport Navigation Takeaways

The free CDGVAL train links T1, T3 (Roissypole), and T2 landside 24 hours a day.
Air France operates out of Terminals 2E (Non-Schengen), 2F (Schengen), and 2G (Regional).
The main TGV high-speed railway station is situated directly inside Terminal 2.
Use N1 and N2 free airside shuttle buses for connections without leaving security.
Terminal 3 is a separate low-cost terminal accessed via foot from CDGVAL Roissypole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take the free CDGVAL driverless shuttle train. It links Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directly in approximately 8 minutes, with stops at Terminal 3 / Roissypole along the way.

Yes, the CDGVAL automated train is completely free of charge for all passengers, visitors, and airport workers moving between terminals, parking lots, and railway stations.

Air France operates out of Terminal 2. International non-Schengen flights depart from Terminal 2E (Halls K, L, M), European Schengen flights depart from Terminal 2F, and regional flights depart from Terminal 2G.

Terminal 2G is located in a satellite building. Reach it by taking the free N2 airside shuttle bus from Terminal 2F, or the N1 landside shuttle from other Terminal 2 locations.

Take the RER B train from either the "Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1" station (for T1/T3) or "Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2" station (for T2). Reaches central Paris stations in 35 to 40 minutes.

The main TGV high-speed railway station is located underground in Terminal 2, situated directly between halls 2C/2D and 2E/2F.

For connections within Terminal 2 (e.g., T2E to T2F), allow at least 60 to 75 minutes. For connections between separate terminal numbers (T1 to T2, or T3), budget at least 90 to 120 minutes.

Take the CDGVAL train to the "Terminal 3 / Roissypole" station. From the station exit, follow the dedicated covered pedestrian footpath to Terminal 3 (approx. a 3-minute walk).

LISA is an automated airside people mover located within Terminal 2E. It quickly transports post-security passengers between Boarding Hall K, Hall L, and Hall M.

Yes, official taxis operating from CDG airport ranks charge flat fixed rates for trips into Paris (one fixed rate for the Right Bank and one for the Left Bank).