Navigating Paris CDG Airport's Terminals, Lounges, and Services for a Seamless Travel Experience
Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris is one of the biggest airports, with three main buildings. It is very busy, with more than 200,000 people passing through each day. It has a high passenger density, one of the highest in the world. They increased the number of terminals from three to four to add more passengers, but the situation has changed due to COVID-19 and the environmental problem, and the plan to expand got canceled.
Now, there would be no new buildings anymore, but Charles de Gaulle Airport tries to ensure its passengers have a nice time traveling through the 3 existing terminals, which are subdivided into Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This structure is planned to have features that will help each passenger have a hassle-free and easy journey.
Paris CDG Airport’s Layout
Imagine taking a short break at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). It's like a quick adventure in a busy place. We'll explore the different parts, like Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. There are cool things to see and do like shops and places to eat. CDG makes your layover fun and easy!
Checking Out Terminal 1 at CDG Airport
Let's check out the oldest part of Charles de Gaulle Airport – Terminal 1. It's like a giant octopus with five floors, and it's mostly for flights to other countries (except a few by Air France in Terminal 2).
Picture this:
- Floor 2: Imagine a train station (CDGVAL), cool shops, a food court, and check-in desks 5 and 6—all here!
- Floor 3: If you're heading out on your journey, this is your floor. Find check-in areas 1-4 and ticket offices here.
- Floor 4: Ready to hop on your plane? There's a tax-free shopping area (Duty-Free), and you can reach 7 boarding zones in other buildings using moving walkways.
- Floor 5: When you arrive, this is where you'll be. Grab your baggage and catch a bus or a taxi transfer from here.
Remember, if you're a passenger, you can't go to the ground floor. Even though Terminal 1 might seem a bit like a twisty octopus, each floor has its job to make sure your time at the airport is easy and smooth.
Terminal 2 at Roissy Airport: Many Parts with Different Jobs
Think of Terminal 2 as the busy heart of the airport. It has 7 sections, each doing its own thing. Most flights here are by Air France, but they also go to Europe and other places.
- T2A: Where you check in (1–8) and get on the plane (Gates A and C).
- T2B: Just fixed up; has check-in spots 1 and 2 and Gates B and C.
- T2C: Two floors—first for arriving, second for departing (Gates C).
- T2D: Works like T2C but has Gates D.
- T2E: The biggest part with lots of check-in spots (2-13) and Gates K, L, and M. L and M need a special train ride. It also has a hotel called Yotel, but only if you're flying outside Schengen (a group of European countries) can you access this hotel.
- T2F: Check-in areas 1–7 and Boarding Zones F for connecting flights.
- T2G: The smallest, 800m away, handles flights within Schengen and some by Air France.
Terminal 3 at CDG Airport: Simple and for Charter Flights
Terminal 3 is across from T1, about 1 km away. It deals with charter flights and budget airlines. One building, with arrivals on one side and departures on the other, is split into two halls, Hall A and Hall B.
Getting Around Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminals
Moving between the terminals at Charles de Gaulle Airport is a breeze, thanks to the CDGVAL automatic shuttle and free shuttle buses. Here's a simple guide:
T1 to T3 Connection at Roissy Airport
- Use the free CDGVAL shuttle train.
- Operates daily from 4:00 am to 1:00 am.
- Runs every 4 minutes.
- Or, hop in an airport taxi.
T1 to T2 Connection at Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Take the CDGVAL train or free green shuttles.
- Runs from 5:00 am to midnight.
T2 - The Maze Explained
- Sub-sections T2A to T2F are walkable with connected walkways.
- T2G is a bit far, 800m away, reachable only via free shuttles.
- Free shuttle services are available for those who prefer not to walk.
Shuttle Options within T2
- Stops at all T2 sub-terminals (except T2G).
- Every 7 minutes from 04:00 am to 07:30 am.
- Every 8 minutes, from 07:30 am to 01:30 am.
- Every 15 minutes from 01:30 am to 04:00 am.
N2 Shuttle
- Connects T2E and T2F to remote T2G.
- Operates from 05:30 am to 11:00 pm.
- Routes every 5 minutes.
Note: Stops at T2E only from 09:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
Blue Shuttle
- Links to all T2 sections.
- Operational from 5:00 am to 11:45 pm.
Yellow Shuttle
- Connects T2A/C to T2G.
- Links Gate K of T2E/G to Gate K of T2E and T2A/C.
- Runs from 05:30 am to 09:45 pm.
Red Shuttle
- Express route linking T2G and Gate M of T2E.
- Operates from 05:30 am to 02:00 pm.
Orange Shuttle
- For Schengen connections at CDG Airport.
- Transfers from T2F to T2G.
- Runs from 07:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Grey Shuttle
- For international connections.
- Transfers from T2G to Gate L of T2E.
- Operational from 05:30 am to 09:45 pm.
T3 to Other Terminals
Choose between the CDGVAL driverless train or an airport taxi. Navigating the airport is designed to be simple and efficient, ensuring you have a smooth journey between terminals!
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Shops and Restaurants
As one of the world's major airports, Paris Charles de Gaulle ensures a delightful experience with a wide array of shops and restaurants scattered across its terminals.
Terminal 1
- Eating Spots: Alpha Bravo, La Malle a Cade, Phileas, Caffe Ritazza
- Shops: Virgin, La Cure Gourmande, L'Occitane, Swatch
Terminal 2A
- Shops: Hour Passion, Beauty Unlimited, Attitude
- Dining: McDonald's, Cafe Select, Les Marches de Paris
Terminal 2B
- Shops: Attitude, Virgin, Petty Casino, Beauty Unlimited
- Dining: Pizza Hut, Salmon House, France Cafe Express
Terminal 2C
- Dining: Caffe Ritazza, Brioche Doree, Clement
- Shops: Hour Passion, Swarovski
Terminal 2D
- Dining: France Cafe, Hippopotamus, Bill Bentley Pub
- Shops: Virgin, Men's Lounge, L'Occitane
Terminal 2E
- Dining: Illy Caffe, Comptoir and Quotidien
- Shops: Cartier, Hermes, Ferragamo
Terminal 2F
- Dining: Columbus Cafe, Les Quais de Seine, Paul
- Shops: Quartz, Cosmopole, Longchamps
Terminal 2G
- Limited Options: Illy Cafe, Attitude, Paul
Terminal 3
- Dining and Shops: Pergola, Cult,
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG ) Business Facilities
Whether you need a quiet place for a meeting, essential business services, or a quick internet fix, Charles de Gaulle Airport has you covered.
Meetings and Events
Business Services at the airport offer meeting and conference rooms with a business lounge, available 24/7. You can find these rooms alongside the terminals.
Business Services
- Post Office: Find post offices in Terminals 1 and 2A.
Internet and WiFi Access
- Internet Cafes: Located in Terminals 1, 2E, and 3.
- Multimedia Terminals: Available in all terminals for webcams, photo printing, music downloads, and CD/DVD burning.
- WiFi: Passengers get 15 minutes free, with a charge of just under €3 for the next 30 minutes.
- Work Stations: Spread around the airport, these stations provide computers with Microsoft Office. WiFi access comes with a charge.
- Printing Services: Available at the Atlanteam Cyber Cafe and Orange Multimedia Terminals.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Lounges
Charles de Gaulle Airport takes passenger comfort to new heights with its selection of airport lounges, catering to various airlines like Air Canada, Air France, and the Star Alliance.
Lounge Access
Access to these lounges is mainly granted based on ticket class, with the golden ticket being Business and First Class, giving travelers an exclusive entry pass.
Specific Airlines
- British Airways
- Royal Jordanian
- Air Australia
- Air Serbia
- Finnair
- Air Tahiti Nui
- American Airlines
- Royal Air Maroc
- Air Baltic
- Croatia Airlines
- El Al Airlines
One-Day Pass or On-the-Spot Paid Access
Don't worry if you don't have a special ticket for fancy classes at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport! You can still enjoy the airport lounges. Just pay a fee for a day pass, like at Extime Lounge.
Lufthansa and SWISS First Class Passengers
Super important people (VIPs) who fly in the fancy part of the plane with Lufthansa or SWISS airlines. They get treated extra special, like flying as a superstar in the sky!
Star Alliance Members
- VIP treatment for first-class passengers on Star Alliance airlines.
- Business-class passengers flying with Lufthansa Airlines.
- Frequent travelers.
- Star Alliance Gold membership.
- Qatar Airways Business passengers
Oneworld Alliance
- Special ticket holders for Oneworld's First and Business classes are like travel VIPs. They get the best seats, extra goodies, and delicious food for a fancy trip.
Emirates
- International First-Class Customers on Star Alliance Member Airlines.
- International Business Class Customers on Star Alliance member airlines.
- Domestic first-class customers on Star Alliance member airlines.
- Skywards Tier members on Emirates.
Air Canada
- Air Canada Signature Class and Business Class Ticket Holders.
- Premium Rouge travelers.
- Altitude Super Elite, Aeroplan 75K, and Aeroplan 50K members.
- Star Alliance Gold members.
- Maple Leaf Club members.
Aeroplan
- Aeroplan Business and Corporate Credit Cardholders using One-Time Guest Pass.
- Aeroplan Black Cardmembers.
Air France
- La Première cabin passengers.
- Business cabin passengers (with Standard or Flex fare).
- Blue Platinum and Gold status holders.
- SkyTeam Elite Plus status holders.
Credit Card Members
- Visa card members.
- Mastercard members.
- Discover card members.
- American Express card members.
Airport Assistance
- Disabled passengers can contact the airport for assistance upon arrival. Customer assistance terminals, located just outside the entrance of each terminal, provide a convenient way to connect with the airport for support.
- Dedicated parking spaces for travelers with disabilities are available in all airport parking lots.
- Disabled travelers can enjoy a 50% discount on parking fees by presenting a GIC-GIG permit.
At Charles de Gaulle Airport, the commitment to accessibility ensures that every passenger, regardless of mobility challenges, can experience a comfortable and supported journey.
Prayer Areas
Available in all terminals except Terminal 2G and Terminal 3, providing peaceful spaces for passengers to observe prayers.
WiFi and Internet Access
Get free and unlimited internet at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports! Just pick the "WIFI-AIRPORT" network on your computer, tablet, or phone, and you're ready to go! This Wi-Fi is provided by Paris Aéroport and run by Hub One.
- Internet cafes are located in Terminals 1, 2E, and 3.
- Multimedia terminals in all terminals are equipped with webcams for video calls, printing services, music downloads, and CD/DVD burning.
Tourist Information and Meeting Points
- Information and help desks offer free guides, maps, and general information about Paris.
- Meeting points: information desks on the arrivals level of each terminal, serving as convenient meeting spots.
Medical Facilities
- Health center in Terminal 2F.
- Pharmacies are available in all terminals except 2G and 3, ensuring passenger well-being during their journey.
Baggage Storage/Left Luggage
- Due to safety and security reasons, luggage storage services have been suspended at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport, following anti-terrorism legislation.
- Alternative storage options can be found at major train stations.
Post Office
Post offices are conveniently located in Terminals 1 and 2A.
Check-in Kiosks
You can find self-service machines in every part of Charles de Gaulle airport. They let you check in for your flight up to 5 hours before it leaves. Just put in your details to get your boarding pass and tags for your bags. Then, take your tagged luggage to the drop-off spot for baggage.Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Security
- Follow strict rules for what you can carry in your hand luggage.
- Keep liquids, gels, and gas items in a special plastic bag provided by the airport.
- Don't take luggage from others.
- Always keep an eye on your bags; never leave them alone.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Immigration and Customs
If you're arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, here are the essential details regarding customs and immigration:
Immigration Requirements
- As part of the European Union, passengers need to meet the correct entry requirements.
- Many countries require a Schengen visa, but citizens of the EU, UK residents, and Australians don't need a visa.
- Departing passengers can take any amount of currency out of France.
- However, if you have cash, bonds, or securities exceeding €10,000, you must declare to them.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Lost and Found
- If you lose something in the airport terminals at Paris CDG, head to the Lost Property offices in Terminals 1 and 3.
- For lost baggage, make all inquiries here. After a while, unclaimed items are sent to Paris Police's Lost Property Department.
- Contact Paris Police at 0 821 00 25 25 or visit 36 Rue des Morillons, 75732 Paris, Cedex 15.
Lost on the Airplane
- If you left something on the plane, don't worry! Contact your airline right away for assistance.
ATM at CDG Airport
HSBC is a well-known bank at CDG, serving for more than 10 years. You'll find 25 ATMs scattered throughout the airport, and they're free to use. There's also a branch located between terminals 2D and 2F. HSBC customers can use all their usual services, while non-HSBC customers can still withdraw cash from these ATMs.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Contact Details
- Airport Address: BP 20101, 95711, Roissy Charles de Gaulle, France
- Coordinates: Latitude: 49.009722, Longitude: 2.547778
- General Contact Number: +33 1 70 36 39 50
- Medical Centre: +33 1 48 62 28 00
- Police: +33 1 48 62 31 22
- Customs: +33 1 48 62 62 85