Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (IATA: CDG, ICAO: LFPG) is the largest and busiest international airport in France and one of the principal aviation hubs in Europe. Commonly known as Roissy Airport, it is located in Roissy-en-France, approximately 23 km (14 miles) northeast of central Paris. The airport is operated by Groupe ADP and serves as the main hub for Air France and a major European gateway for global airlines.

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History

Charles de Gaulle Airport was officially opened on 8 March 1974 to accommodate the rapid growth of air traffic in Paris. Initially referred to as Aéroport de Paris Nord, it was later renamed in honor of Charles de Gaulle, the former President of France. Over the decades, the airport has undergone multiple expansions, including the development of Terminal 2’s sub-buildings and major infrastructure upgrades to increase passenger capacity and operational efficiency.

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Location

The airport spans the departments of Val-d’Oise, Seine-Saint-Denis, and Seine-et-Marne. Its geographical position makes it a strategic aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

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Airport Terminals

Charles de Gaulle Airport has three major terminals, each serving different types of airlines and traffic patterns.

Terminal 1

• Known for its futuristic circular design.
• Features a central building with seven satellite concourses.
• Handles a combination of full-service and international carriers.
• Recently renovated to include improved duty-free shopping and modern passenger facilities.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is the largest complex, divided into seven sub-terminals:

• 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G
• 2E, 2F are primarily used by Air France and SkyTeam partners.
• 2G is a remote terminal dedicated mostly to regional European flights.
  Interconnections between the sub-terminals are provided by walkways, buses, and the CDGVAL shuttle.

Terminal 3

• Primarily serves low-cost and charter airlines.
• Simplified design with efficient passenger flow.
• Ideal for budget travelers looking for quick entry and exit.

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Runways and Operations

CDG features a four-runway system, arranged in two parallel pairs.
This allows simultaneous takeoffs and landings, making the airport one of the most efficient in Europe.
The airport handles:

• 70+ million passengers annually
• 460,000+ aircraft movements
• 1.9 million tonnes of cargo

It consistently ranks among Europe’s top airports for both passenger and cargo traffic.

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Airlines and Destinations

The airport serves over 105 airlines, connecting Paris to 300+ cities worldwide.

Major Airlines

• Air France (hub carrier)
• Air France Cargo
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• British Airways
• easyJet (important low-cost operator)

CDG hosts airlines from all three major alliances: SkyTeam, Oneworld, and Star Alliance.

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Ground Transportation

Rail

• RER B Line: Connects CDG directly to central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet – Les Halles).
• CDG TGV Station (Terminal 2): Offers high-speed TGV services to major French cities (Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg) and other European destinations.
• CDGVAL Shuttle: A free automated train connecting all terminals and parking zones.

Buses

• Roissybus: Direct link to Opéra (Paris city centre).
• Le Bus Direct (formerly): Some routes replaced by Roissybus and shared shuttles.
• Local buses: Connect CDG to suburbs and nearby towns.

Taxis & Ride Hailing

• Official fixed taxi fares:
  • Right Bank to CDG: approx. €53
  • Left Bank to CDG: approx. €58
• Uber and other ride-hailing services are available.

Car Rentals

All major international rental companies operate at the airport, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Enterprise.

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Facilities and Services

Passenger Services

• Duty-free shopping (perfumes, wines, fashion, electronics)
• A wide variety of cafés, bakeries, and global restaurants
• Currency exchange and ATMs
• Medical centres and pharmacies
• Baby rooms and family assistance zones
• Prayer rooms
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport

Lounges

Available for premium passengers and for paid access.
Notable lounges:

• Air France La Première Lounge (Terminal 2E)
• Air France Business Lounge (multiple locations)
• Star Alliance Lounges
• Independent lounges like Instant Paris Lounge (Terminal 2E)

Hotels

On-site and nearby hotels include:

• Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel (inside Terminal 2)
• Novotel Paris CDG
• Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
• YOTELAIR (Terminal 2E – airside)

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Baggage & Security

CDG uses advanced screening technology, including automated baggage handling systems and CT scanners in many terminals.
Passengers are advised to arrive:

• 3 hours before long-haul flights
• 2 hours before European flights

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Special Assistance

CDG provides services for:

• Reduced mobility passengers (PRM)
• Elderly travelers
• Unaccompanied minors
• Passengers needing medical support

Assistance must usually be requested 48 hours before departure through the airline.

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Cargo Operations

CDG is one of Europe’s largest air cargo hubs.
It houses extensive cargo areas, including:

• Freight forwarding facilities
• Cold-chain systems
• Dedicated freighter stands

Major cargo carriers include FedEx, DHL, UPS, and Air France Cargo.

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Expansion and Future Plans

The airport continues to modernize through:

• Terminal 1 expansion and renovation
• Increased automation at security checkpoints
• Improved inter-terminal mobility
• Airfield upgrades to handle future traffic growth

Plans for a fourth terminal were shelved due to environmental policies, but modernization efforts continue.

How to Reach Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

By Train (Fastest & Most Convenient):

• Take the RER B train from central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Denfert-Rochereau).
• Travel time: 30–35 minutes.

By High-Speed Train (TGV):

• The CDG TGV Station at Terminal 2 connects directly to major French cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Strasbourg.

By Bus:

• Roissybus: Direct to Opéra in Paris (approx. 60 minutes).
• Other local buses link CDG with nearby suburbs.

By Taxi / Ride-Hailing:

• Fixed taxi fares to Paris: €53 (Right Bank) and €58 (Left Bank).
• Uber and Bolt also operate at CDG.

By Car:

• CDG is accessible via major highways A1 and A3.
• Parking available in all terminal zones.

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Tips for Travellers

• Check your exact terminal before arrival — Terminal 2 has many sub-buildings.
• Allow extra time for transfers and security.
• Use RER B for quick access to Paris.
• Explore the Instant Paris rest area if you have a long layover.
• For regional flights in Europe, expect operations from 2G with bus transfers.

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See Also

• Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
• Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA)
• Air France
• Groupe ADP

Conclusion

Charles de Gaulle Airport stands as one of Europe’s most important aviation gateways, offering extensive global connectivity, modern facilities, and efficient transport links for millions of travellers each year. With its well-organised terminals, advanced services, and easy access to Paris and major French cities, CDG ensures a smooth and convenient travel experience for both domestic and international passengers. Whether transiting, arriving, or departing, the airport provides everything needed for a comfortable and hassle-free journey.