Paris, France

CDG layover guide

Paris Charles de Gaulle. City centre is roughly 35 minutes away each way.

🛋️ Lounge access at CDGShowers, food and quiet seats on your layover. Check which CDG lounges Priority Pass covers.
Priority Pass lounges →Affiliate link

What to do by layover length

Under 4 hours: stay in the airport

  • Terminal 2 is very spread out; the free CDGVAL shuttle links terminals and train stations.
  • Allow generous time for security and passport control between terminals.

4 to 8 hours

Getting to Paris takes about 70 minutes round trip, so a city trip is tight. Consider staying airside or nearby.

8 hours or more: leave the airport

RER B train to Gare du Nord, about 35 minutes; it can be slower at busy times.

Transit and visa basics

Leaving the airport means entering the Schengen Area. Some passports need an airport transit visa. Official source. Also check your airline's connection rules and the official Paris Charles de Gaulle website.

Lounges

Lounge access depends on your airline, ticket class, or a membership. Search Priority Pass lounges at CDG, or check lounge listings on the airport's website.

Get Priority Pass lounge accessAffiliate link

Store your bags

Heading into Paris for a few hours? Drop your bags at a luggage storage spot.

Find luggage storage with Radical StorageAffiliate link

Airport transfer

Short on time? A pre-booked ride takes the guesswork out of getting to the city and back.

Book a transfer with KiwitaxiWelcome PickupsGetTransferAffiliate link

Tours near Paris

Long layover? Short tours that fit your time:

GetYourGuide tours in ParisViator tours in ParisAffiliate link

Airport hotels

Sheraton Paris Airport is inside Terminal 2, above the train station. For an overnight or a day room:

Hotels near CDG on Booking.comAffiliate link

Delayed or missed your connection?

Under EU and UK rules (EU261/UK261), delayed or cancelled flights can qualify for compensation.

Check your claim with AirHelpCompensairAffiliate link

Stay connected

Airport Wi-Fi can be slow or time-limited. An eSIM gives you data the moment you land.

Get an eSIM from AiraloAffiliate link

Last checked: October 16, 2026. Times are typical and can change with traffic, construction and timetables. Confirm before you leave the airport. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.

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