← Back to Paris
Charles de Gaulle Airport Insider Guide
CDGParis CDG is sprawling with multiple terminals. Good lounges, long walks, and sometimes slow security/immigration.
🚇
45min
Transit to city
🛂
75min
Immigration
🔒
45min
Security buffer
✅
Leave with 6–10 hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
6–10h
10h+
🛋️
Lounges
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2/3 (varies) | Airline lounges (AF/KL/SkyTeam/Star/Oneworld) | Alliance biz/elite | Yes (most) | Buffet, showers | N/A |
| Various | PP/contract lounges (e.g., Lounge Air Canada, Icare, etc.) | PP/Dragon/Paid | Some | Snacks/buffet | About $35–60 USD |
Lounges are terminal/airline-specific; check your departure terminal before picking one.
📝
Traveler notes
- Transfers can be long; inter-terminal buses/trains take time. Know your gate early.
- Immigration/security can bottleneck; add buffer.
🛏️
Sleep / Rest
- Limited quiet seating; lounges or airport hotels (airside/landside) are better.
🍽️
Food
- French pastries/cafés plus international chains; quality varies by terminal.
🚿
Showers
- In many airline lounges; some PP lounges have showers.
🧳
Luggage Storage
- Available in select terminals; about $6–12 USD per item/day.
🚇
Transit to City
- RER B: ~35–45 minutes to Paris; about $12–15 USD.
- Taxi: ~45–90 minutes depending on traffic; official flat rates to city zones.
- Buffer: Back at CDG 3h long-haul, 2h Schengen.
🔌
Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: Airport shops; eSIM before arrival is cheaper.
- ATMs: Decline DCC; pay in USD.
- Wi‑Fi: Free.
Planning a layover in Paris?
See our timeline calculator, curated experiences, and services.
Explore Paris layover →