Practical / Transport

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): access, transport and a practical guide

La Rédaction Paris je t'aime - Updated on
Plan your arrival or departure from France’s leading hub with complete peace of mind. From the new single airport ticket and the discontinuation of the Roissybus to the imminent launch of the CDG Express, here’s everything you need to know about Charles de Gaulle Airport

🎯 General information about Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport

  • 25 km north of Paris via the A1 motorway
  • More information on the Paris Aéroport website

📌Useful contacts:

  • General information: 3950 (€0.35/min from 8am to 8pm from a landline) from mainland France or +33 1 70 36 39 50 from abroad
  • Customs (24 hours a day): +33 (0) 1 48 62 35 43
  • Police (24 hours a day): +33 (0) 1 48 62 31 22
  • Medical centre (24 hours a day): +33 (0) 1 74 25 12 12

🎯 How to get to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)?

Located 25 km north-east of Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport (Roissy) has three main terminals (T1, T2, T3) linked by the free automated shuttle CDGVAL.

  • RATP contact: 3424 (7am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) or +33 (0) 1 58 76 16 16

📌The RER B: the backbone

This is the most popular way to reach central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet-les-Halles, Denfert-Rochereau).

  • Journey time: 35 to 50 minutes
  • The service runs daily, with a train every 10 to 20 minutes depending on the time of day
  • Stations: CDG Airport 1 (Terminals 1 and 3) and CDG Airport 2 TGV
  • Paris stations served: Paris Gare du Nord, Châtelet - Les Halles, Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Port Royal, Denfert-Rochereau and Cité universitaire
  • Please note that the RER B also serves Paris-Le Bourget Airport and the Air and Space Museum , the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre and Antony station (connected to Paris-Orly Airport via OrlyVal)
  • From Gare du Nord: from 4.53 am to 12.15 am
  • From Châtelet-les-Halles: from 5.18 am to 12.11 am (Note: the first train at 5.18 am arrives from Gare du Nord)
  • From Denfert-Rochereau: from 5.03 am to 12.03 am (South-North direction towards the airport)
  • From Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (towards Paris): from 4.50 am to 11.50 pm
  • More information on works on the Paris transport network

In 2026, network modernisation works (Grand Paris Express) will regularly cause service disruptions on the North line after 11 pm on certain weekday evenings. We recommend checking real-time traffic updates on the SNCF Connect or RATP app before your late-night journey.

📌The new 2026 bus service

Please note: The long-standing Roissybus (Opéra) service was permanently discontinued on 1 March 2026. It has been replaced by faster connections to the new Greater Paris hubs.

  • Express Line 9517: Now connects the airport to the Saint-Denis Pleyel hub (connections to Lines 13, 14 and RER D) in just 30 minutes. It is the most efficient direct alternative to Line 14
  • Bus 350: departs from Porte de la Chapelle (€2.05). From 05:40 to 22:30 (to CDG) and from 06:05 to 22:30 (to Paris). Journey time: 60 to 80 minutes depending on traffic
  • Bus 351: departs from Nation (€2.05). From 05:40 to 21:40 departing from Nation. From 05:50 to 21:40 departing from CDG Airport. Journey time: 70 to 90 minutes
  • Noctilien N140: night bus service from Gare de l'Est. Every hour. Journey time approx. 80–90 mins
  • Noctilien N143: direct bus providing a night service from Gare de l'Est. Every 30 minutes, also serves Gare du Nord. Faster, it connects Paris to CDG in just 55 to 65 minutes at night

🌟 Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in pictures 🌟

© LUIDER, Emile - LA COMPANY pour Aéroports de Paris
© LAFONTAN, Mikaël et SEIGNETTE, Olivier pour Aéroports de Paris

🎯2026 Fares: the Airport Single Ticket

Since 1 January 2026, the fare structure has been simplified for all passengers at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Ticket type Full fare Concessionary fare (under 10s)
Paris Region <> Airport Ticket (RER B) €14 €7
Bus-Tram Ticket (Lines 350, 351, 9517) €2.05 €1.05
Navigo Pass (Weekly, Monthly, Daily) Included (Zones 1-5) -
Paris Visite Pass (Zones 1-5) Included -
  • Good to know: paper tickets have almost disappeared. Load your ticket onto a Navigo Easy pass or directly onto your smartphone via the Île-de-France Mobilités app

🎯Getting to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport by taxi

📌Taxi ranks at the exit of the baggage reclaim area at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport:

  • Terminal 1: Gate 24 (Arrivals level)
  • Terminal 2A: Gate 6
  • Terminal 2B: Gate 5 (Arrivals level)
  • Terminal 2C: Gate 14
  • Terminal 2D: Gate 7
  • Terminal 2E: Gate 10 (Arrivals level)
  • Terminal 2F: Gate 11 (Arrivals level)
  • Terminal 2G: Blue Gate (in front of the terminal)
  • Terminal 3: Exit from the Arrivals hall

📌In 2026: two fixed-price fares between Paris and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport

  • Paris Right Bank to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and vice versa = €56 (price includes pick-up)
  • Paris Left Bank to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and vice versa = €65 (price includes pick-up)
  • Safety advice: never accept rides from drivers who approach you inside the terminals. Official taxis can only be found in the queues at the gates listed above, and an ADP-badged official is usually present to manage the queue

📌Surcharges for fixed-rate fares

🎯Getting to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport by private transport

My Daily Driver offers a luxurious experience in its saloon cars. The transfer price ranges from €120 to €140 for a journey between Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris:

  • Service available 24 hours a day and therefore tailored to your flight’s arrival time
  • Wi-Fi, child seats, bottles of water.
  • Pick-up at all terminals to avoid a long walk
  • A maximum of one hold bag and one carry-on bag per person

BOOK

🎯Official car parks

For travellers arriving by car, car parks are now categorised by use:

  • Drop-off zone: free for the first 10 minutes
  • Terminal car parks (P1, PCD, PEF): direct access to the terminals
  • Eco car parks (PX, PR): further away but connected free of charge by the CDGVAL

🎯 Traveller services: tax refunds, comfort and experiences

Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of every traveller. Whether you’re on a stopover or departing, here’s how to make the most of your visit:

📌For international travellers (non-EU)

  • Tax-free refunds (PABLO kiosks): if you live outside the European Union, validate your receipts before checking in your hold luggage. The touchscreen kiosks are located in the public area, right next to customs in each terminal
  • Luxury Shopping: Terminals 2E (Halls K, L, M) and 2F showcase French craftsmanship. Discover the jewels of Haute Couture (Chanel, Dior, Hermès) and gastronomy (Ladurée, La Maison du Chocolat) for your last-minute gifts

📌For families

  • Children’s areas: themed play areas and arcade machines (Gulli, Disney) are available in all terminals to keep the little ones entertained
  • Self-service pushchairs: pushchairs are available free of charge after passing through security checks in Terminals 2E and 2F
  • Baby changing facilities: spacious, fully equipped baby care rooms are located throughout the airport

📌For couples on a getaway

  • Dining and relaxation: treat yourself to a final gourmet stop at ‘I Love Paris’ (Chef Guy Martin) in Terminal 2E or enjoy a quick treatment at the Be Relax spas to start your holiday stress-free
  • Hotels on hand: for early morning flights, the YOTELAIR hotel (Terminal 2E) offers hourly cabins for optimal rest in the transit area

📌For pensioners and senior citizens

  • PRM assistance (Saphir): a free assistance service for people with reduced mobility or those needing help with long walks. Important: Book this service with your airline at least 48 hours before departure
  • Simplified accessibility: the CDGVAL automated metro (free of charge) connects the terminals and the TGV station without any significant physical effort

📌For local and business travellers

  • ‘Bagages du Monde’ luggage storage: located in Terminal 2 (TGV-RER station, Level 4). Ideal for leaving your personal belongings safely if you have an appointment in the city centre between flights
  • VIP lounges: workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi and showers are available in each boarding area (priority access for loyalty card holders or by reservation)

🎯 Summary table of transport links (Paris ↔ CDG)

Mode of transport Departure point (Paris) Avg. journey time 2026 fare Luggage / Comfort Frequency
RER B Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Denfert 35–50 mins €14 💼 Suitcases allowed / Moderate 10–20 mins
Line 14 + 9517 Châtelet, Gare de Lyon 45 mins €14 🧳 Change required / Good 15 mins
Express Bus 9517 Saint-Denis Pleyel 30 mins €2.05 🎒 Light bags / Standard 15 mins
Bus 350 / 351 Porte de la Chapelle, Nation 70–90 mins €2.05 🎒 Light luggage / Basic 20 mins
Official Taxi Door-to-door (your address) 45-60 mins €56 / €65 🧳🧳 Unlimited / Premium 24 hours a day
Private hire (My Daily Driver) Personalised service 45–60 mins €120–140 🧳🧳 Luxury & Serenity By appointment
Noctilien (N143) Gare de l'Est, Gare du Nord 55–65 mins €2.05 🎒 Night-time only 30 mins

💡How to read this table to make the right choice?

  • The most economical: buses 350, 351 and 9517 at €2.05 (T+ ticket). Please note, the journey is longer and less suitable for large suitcases
  • The best value for money: the combined Line 14 + Bus 9517. From central Paris, Line 14 takes you to Saint-Denis Pleyel in 10 minutes, then bus 9517 takes you to the airport in 30 minutes
  • Easiest option with children: a taxi or private hire vehicle. The fare is fixed (no surprises) and you avoid stops and metro corridors with pushchairs and luggage
  • The most reliable (barring strikes): the RER B. It is unaffected by traffic jams on the A1 motorway, which are very common during rush hour

🎯The future of Charles de Gaulle Airport

The transport network continues to evolve to relieve congestion on the RER B:

  1. CDG Express (28 March 2027): currently in the final testing phase (pre-operational since May 2026). This direct service will connect Gare de l'Est to Terminal 2 in 20 minutes for around €25 (one-way, full fare). A train every 15 minutes from 5am to midnight, every day of the year
  2. Line 17 (by 2030): an automated metro line on the Grand Paris Express network that will connect Saint-Denis Pleyel to Mesnil-Amelot via CDG
  3. Schengen formalities (EES/ETIAS): since April 2026, the EES system has replaced manual stamping with digital recording of faces and fingerprints on arrival. Read our guide to the EES and ETIAS systems

📍Find out about our partners

❓Frequently asked questions

Can you use a standard T+ ticket to travel to CDG on the RER?

No. For the RER B, you must purchase the special ‘Paris Région <> Aéroports’ ticket for €14. The T+ ticket is only valid on buses (350, 351, 9517).

How do I get from CDG to Orly in 2026?

The most efficient option is to take the RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles, then Line 14 of the metro towards ‘Aéroport d'Orly’. Allow around 80 minutes.

How do I get to Charles de Gaulle Airport by public transport?

The RER B runs directly to the airport with a special ticket costing €14. Bus routes 350 and 351 offer a cheaper alternative at around €2, and the Noctilien night services N140 and N143 provide night-time connections from various points across the capital.

How do you get to Terminal 2 at Roissy Charles de Gaulle?

Take the RER B to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 station, which takes you directly to Terminal 2. All sub-terminals 2A to 2G are accessible on foot from this station or via the N1 and N2 shuttle buses. By car, follow the A1 motorway and the “Terminal 2” signs to reach the dedicated car parks.

What is the fastest mode of transport?

The car journey via the A1 motorway remains the fastest, taking 35 minutes from Paris in normal traffic conditions. The RER B comes in second place, with a journey time of 30 to 40 minutes to the terminals. From 28 March 2027, the CDG Express will offer the fastest connection, linking Gare de l’Est to the airport in just 20 minutes.

Where is the TGV station at Charles de Gaulle?

It is located in the heart of Terminal 2, between terminals 2C/2D and 2E/2F. It is served by the RER B and the CDGVAL.

Why does the Roissybus no longer run from Opéra?

As part of the network restructuring for 2026, the Roissybus service was permanently discontinued on 1 March 2026. To reach Charles de Gaulle Airport, passengers are now advised to use the new Express 9517 service departing from the Saint-Denis Pleyel hub (accessible in 10 minutes from the city centre via line 14) or to take the RER B from Parisian stations (Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Denfert-Rochereau).

What to do at Roissy whilst waiting for your flight?

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport offers plenty of options to make your wait more enjoyable. You can enjoy a spot of duty-free shopping in the many boutiques or savour a meal in one of the bars and restaurants, including chef-run eateries. For relaxation, lounge areas with reclining chairs, connected work zones and multimedia spaces (films, music) are freely accessible.
Culture lovers won’t want to miss the Espace Musées in Terminal 2E (Hall M). If you have a long layover, you can easily take a bus to the Aéroville shopping centre for a full day out.

How do I know which terminal a flight arrives at at Charles de Gaulle?

To identify your arrival terminal at Charles de Gaulle Airport, first check your booking confirmation or boarding pass. In real time, the official website of Paris Aéroport and the dedicated mobile app display flight status, the exact terminal and the baggage carousel. Once there, check the arrivals boards. Please note that Air France operates mainly from Terminals 2E, 2F and 2G. If in doubt, information desks are available in each terminal to guide you to exits or connecting flights as soon as you land.

What is the difference between Roissy and Charles de Gaulle?

There is no difference: they are the same airport. The official name is Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (code CDG), named in honour of the general and former French president. However, it is commonly referred to as ‘Roissy Airport’ due to its geographical location in Roissy-en-France. In summary: Charles de Gaulle / CDG is the official name used on your tickets and by airlines, and Roissy is the local name associated with its location north-east of Paris. Whether you see one or the other, you will arrive at the same international hub.

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