by Charles de Gaulle Airport is huge. It’s the biggest airport in France and one of the busiest in Europe.
You might feel lost when you first get there. But don’t worry! This guide will help you find your way around.
The airport has three main terminals – Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is the biggest and has seven parts (A to G).
You can walk between most of them or take a shuttle bus. Terminal 1 is in the middle of the airport. Terminal 3 is on the east side and is used by budget airlines.
Getting between terminals is easy. You can use the free shuttle buses or the train station called “Aéroport Ch. De Gaulle 1”.
The airport also has many shops, restaurants, and services to improve your trip. With this guide, you’ll be able to get around Charles de Gaulle Airport like a pro!
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Airport Layout
Charles de Gaulle Airport is huge! It has three main terminal buildings spread out over a large area. Terminal 1 is the oldest and has a unique circular design.
Terminal 2 is the biggest and has several sub-terminals labeled A through G. Terminal 3 is the smallest and simplest.
Rail stations connect the terminals, and free shuttle buses help you get around. It’s a good idea to check which terminal your flight uses before you go. The airport can be confusing at first, but maps are available to help you find your way.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the terminals:
- Terminal 1: Circular building used by many international airlines
- Terminal 2: Largest terminal, split into 2A-2G sections
- Terminal 3: Smallest terminal, mostly for budget airlines
The airport keeps growing to handle more passengers. Plans for a fourth terminal were on hold for now. With over 200,000 people passing through each day, it’s one of the busiest airports in the world.
Remember to give yourself extra time to navigate this big airport. The layout can be tricky, but signs and helpful staff are there to guide you.
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Charles de Gaulle Airport can feel huge, but getting around isn’t too hard once you know the layout. The airport has three main terminals: 1, 2, and 3. Terminal 2 is split into seven parts (A to G).
To move between terminals, you’ve got a few options:
- CDGVAL train: This free shuttle connects all terminals
- Walking: Possible between some parts of Terminal 2
- Shuttle buses: For longer distances
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Terminal 1: One circular building
- Terminal 2: Seven sub-terminals (A-G)
- Terminal 3: Smallest terminal, one building
Terminal 2 allows you to walk between parts A, B, C, D, E, and F using corridors. For Terminal 2G, grab a shuttle bus from 2F.
The airport’s signs are in French and English. Look for yellow signs pointing to other terminals. Digital screens show wait times for security lines, which can help you plan.
Remember to give yourself plenty of time. CDG is big, and walking between areas can take a while. It’s better to arrive early and relax than to rush and stress!
Short Layover Strategies
Got a quick layover at Charles de Gaulle? Don’t worry! You can still make the most of your time. Here are some tips to help you navigate a short stay:
- Check your flight times carefully
- Know your terminal – CDG is huge!
- Allow extra time for security and passport control
- Grab a quick bite at a nearby cafe
- Browse duty-free shops near your gate
If you have 3-4 hours, you might squeeze in a quick trip to Paris. The RER B train can take you to the city center in about 30 minutes. But be careful – leave plenty of time to get back!
Want to relax instead? Find a comfy spot to sit and people-watch. CDG has some nice seating areas where you can rest your feet.
Feeling adventurous? Take a stroll through the airport’s art exhibits. You’ll find cool sculptures and paintings scattered around.
Remember to keep an eye on the time. Set an alarm on your phone so you don’t miss your flight. With these tips, even a short layover can be fun and stress-free.
See Related: Exploring Paris: A Guide for First-Time Visitors and Seasoned Travelers
Long Layover Activities
Got a long layover at Charles de Gaulle? Don’t worry; you’ve got options to make the most of your time. Here are some fun activities to try:
Head into Paris! The RER train can take you to the city center in about 45 minutes. Once there, you can:
- Visit the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Stroll along the Seine River
- Explore the artsy Montmartre neighborhood
If you’d rather stay closer to the airport, check out the nearby Air and Space Museum. It’s packed with cool planes and space exhibits.
Feeling tired? Grab a nap at one of the airport’s rest zones or lounges. Some even have showers if you want to freshen up.
For shopping fans, CDG has tons of stores to browse. You’ll find everything from luxury brands to duty-free bargains.
Hungry? Try some tasty French food at the airport restaurants. Grab a croissant, some cheese, or a full sit-down meal.
Remember to leave plenty of time to get back through security before your next flight. Have fun exploring during your layover!
Dining & Shopping
Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a great mix of dining and shopping options to keep you entertained before your flight. Across the terminals, you’ll find everything from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
Hungry? Grab a fresh pastry and coffee at Brioche Doree, or indulge in macarons at Ladurée. Check out I Love Paris by Guy Martin in Terminal 2E for a full meal. There are also familiar chains like Starbucks if you need your usual caffeine fix.
When it comes to shopping, CDG has you covered with duty-free and luxury brands. Here are some top picks:
- Tiffany & Co (Terminal 2E)
- Hermès (Terminal 2E)
- Chanel (Terminal 2F)
- Longchamp (Terminal 2E)
Don’t forget to browse the duty-free shops for deals on perfumes, cosmetics, and French wines. You can even pre-order items online through the Paris Aéroport website to pick up at the airport.
Most shops and restaurants are open from early morning until late evening to accommodate flight schedules. Keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss your boarding call while browsing!
See Related: Four Seasons of Festivities: Year-Round Celebration Guide to Paris
Relaxation Options
Need a break from the airport hustle? Charles de Gaulle offers several spots to unwind. You’ll find cozy lounges where you can kick back and recharge.
Air France has a new lounge in Terminal 2E. It’s open to first and business-class flyers, plus SkyTeam Elite members. Don’t have the right ticket? No worries! You can buy a day pass for about $53.
For a quick snooze, try the airport’s sleeping pods. These neat little spaces have comfy beds and charging ports. Some even come with built-in screens for entertainment.
Want more privacy? The Hilton hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Terminal 3. It offers day rooms from 9 AM to 6 PM, perfect for a nap or a shower between flights.
Remember to pack earplugs and an eye mask. These can help you relax anywhere in the airport. And don’t forget to stay hydrated – it makes a big difference when you’re tired!
Family & Solo Traveler Tips
Traveling through Charles de Gaulle Airport with kids or on your own? Here are some handy tips to make your journey smoother:
For families:
- Look for the play areas in Terminals 2E and 2F to keep little ones entertained
- Use the free strollers available throughout the airport
- Take advantage of priority boarding for families with young children
Solo travelers, stay safe and save time:
- Keep valuables close and be aware of your surroundings
- Try using self-service kiosks for faster check-in
- Download the Paris Aéroport app for real-time flight info and airport maps
Everyone can benefit from these ideas:
- Pack snacks to avoid pricey airport food
- Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security
- Give yourself extra time – CDG is huge!
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Look for the “Paris Aéroport WiFi” network to stay connected.
Remember to relax and take breaks when needed. You’ll find plenty of seating areas and quiet spaces to recharge before your flight.