Paris–Charles de Gaulle Airport, France’s largest aviation hub, offers a well-organised experience for the millions of travellers passing through each year. Located 23 kilometres northeast of Paris, this sprawling airport serves as a major gateway to Europe, handling around 67 million passengers annually across its three main terminals. Its modern infrastructure and extensive amenities ensure a smooth journey for those heading to the French capital or connecting to destinations worldwide.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options linking it to Paris and beyond. The RER B train provides a quick 30–45-minute ride to central Paris for about €11.50, with frequent services from stations like Gare du Nord. Roissybus offers a direct coach to the Opéra district in roughly an hour for €16.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available, taking 35–60 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging from €50 to €70. For those driving, the A1 and A3 motorways connect the airport to the city, and parking options include short-term lots near terminals and long-stay facilities like PR and PX, bookable through services like Parkos. A new four-lane road is planned to ease congestion on existing routes.
The airport’s layout, while expansive, is designed for clarity. Terminal 1, with its distinctive circular design, primarily serves international flights, featuring seven satellite buildings linked by underground walkways. Terminal 2, the largest, is split into seven sub-terminals (2A to 2G), catering to Air France, SkyTeam partners, and other major carriers. Terminal 3 handles low-cost and charter flights. The free CDGVAL shuttle train connects all terminals, parking areas, and the RER station every four minutes from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, ensuring seamless navigation. Clear signage and digital flight displays help passengers locate gates, though the size of Terminal 2 can require extra time—up to 90 minutes for inter-terminal transfers. Arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international ones is advisable, as security and passport control queues can lengthen during peak periods like summer.
Dining and retail options are plentiful, offering something for every taste. Terminal 2E boasts high-end dining, including French cuisine at restaurants run by acclaimed chefs, alongside casual spots like Pret A Manger and Starbucks. Duty-free shops feature luxury brands such as Chanel and Hermès, while smaller boutiques sell souvenirs and local products like macarons. Terminal 1’s food court offers quick bites, and Terminal 3 has snack bars for budget travellers. The 3,400-square-metre duty-free area in Terminal 2E is a particular draw for shoppers seeking fragrances, cosmetics, and French wines.
Facilities cater to a wide range of needs. Free Wi-Fi is accessible via the “WIFI-AIRPORT” network, and charging stations, including ChargeBox lockers, are scattered across terminals. Lounges like the Air France Lounge and Star Alliance Lounge offer comfortable seating, showers, and refreshments for a fee or to eligible passengers. Families benefit from baby-changing rooms, play areas, and priority lanes for check-in and security. Passengers with reduced mobility can access wheelchair assistance, adapted toilets, and designated parking. Medical centres in Terminals 1 and 2, along with pharmacies, ensure health needs are met. However, luggage storage is currently unavailable due to security regulations, with alternatives at nearby train stations.
On-time performance is generally strong, with real-time updates available via the airport’s app or websites like Flightradar24. The airport handles a high volume of flights, including major carriers like Air France, Delta, and Lufthansa, alongside low-cost options like easyJet. Delays, when they occur, often stem from operational issues such as technical problems or staffing shortages. Congestion at security or passport control can also slow processes, particularly in Terminal 2E and 2F during busy periods. Weather disruptions are less common but can affect schedules, especially in winter.
Connections at Charles de Gaulle are efficient for those on single-ticket itineraries, with baggage often transferred automatically to the final destination. Passengers connecting within the Schengen area proceed directly to gates after immigration, while those on non-Schengen flights may use the blue shuttle bus to Terminal 2. Minimum connection times are 60 minutes for same-terminal transfers and 90 minutes for inter-terminal ones, though families or those with mobility needs may require more. The airport’s role as a hub for Air France and SkyTeam ensures smooth connections to over 300 destinations, though self connecting (separate-ticket) travellers should allow extra time for baggage reclaim and re-check-in.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus operates from Terminal 2A at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for flights to Dublin. Check-in desks are typically in the Check-in Zone 2A (desks 1–20 range), but exact assignments vary daily. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available 30 hours to 4.5 hours prior.
Departure Gates: Flights to Ireland usually depart from Gates A30–A50 in Terminal 2A (Schengen area). Specific gate assignments are displayed on airport departure boards or via the Aer Lingus app.
Paris CDG is a major hub, so arrive 90 minutes before departure to clear security. Aer Lingus offers multiple daily flights to Dublin from CDG.
Air France
Air France’s flights to Ireland (Dublin or Shannon) check in counters are in Terminal 2E (halls 2-6 or K check-in zones).
Dedicated Air France counters open 3-4 hours before departure; online check-in available 30 hours prior. Bag drop closes 60 minutes before for EU flights like to Ireland. Self-kiosks in the check-in hall.
Departure Gates are K, L, or M in Terminal 2E (K41-K59 or L zones), gates close 15-20 minutes before departure. For connections, use yellow transfer signs or Air France kiosks for gate info.
This is the primary hub for Air France international operations. Check-in is in the dedicated Air France zones, with gates accessed via moving walkways or the N2 shuttle.
Terminal 1 airlines
Long-haul international flights for non-French carriers, mainly Star Alliance and some Oneworld; distinctive circular design with satellite gates.
Aer Lingus – Air China – Air India – Air Sénégal – All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Asiana Airlines – Austrian Airlines – Avianca – Azerbaijan Airlines – Azores Airlines – Brussels Airlines – Bulgaria Air – Cabo Verde Airlines – Cathay Pacific – China Southern Airlines – Cyprus Airways – EgyptAir – Emirates – Eurowings – EVA Air – Fly One – Hainan Airlines – Icelandair – Iran Air – Kuwait Airways – LOT Polish Airlines – Lufthansa – Oman Air – Qatar Airways – RwandAir – Saudia – Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) – Singapore Airlines – SriLankan Airlines – Swiss International Air Lines – Thai Airways – Turkish Airlines – United Airlines
Terminal 2 airlines
Sub-terminals: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) Hub for Air France and SkyTeam; handles Schengen (2F, 2G) and non-Schengen (2E) flights, plus select Oneworld and other carriers; largest and busiest terminal.
Air Algérie – Air Canada – Air Europa – Air France – Air Malta – American Airlines – British Airways – China Eastern Airlines – Croatia Airlines – Delta Air Lines – easyJet Europe – Iberia – ITA Airways – Japan Airlines – KLM – Korean Air – Malaysia Airlines – Norwegian Air Shuttle – Royal Air Maroc – TAROM – Transavia France – Tunisair – Vueling – WestJet – XL Airways France
Terminal 3 airlines
Low-cost, charter, and regional flights; compact single-level terminal with bus transfers to aircraft. – Air Corsica – Air France Hop (select flights) – Aigle Azur – Chalair Aviation – easyJet (select flights) – Norwegian (select flights) – Transavia (select flights) – Volotea – Vueling (select flights)
For specific sub-terminal details (e.g., Air France in 2E for long-haul), real-time flight info, or terminal services, visit parisaeroport.fr or use the Paris Aéroport app. Arrive 3 hours early for international flights and 2 hours for Schengen/domestic. All terminals offer dining, shops, lounges, and enhanced security measures as of 2025.
