CDG Layover Guide: What to Do at Charles de Gaulle International Airport
Paris, France · LFPG
Paris Charles de Gaulle is France’s main international gateway and the hub of Air France, spread across three terminals north-east of the city.
The RER B regional train links the airport directly to central Paris in around 35 minutes.
For a longer, hand-written walkthrough, see our in-depth Paris airport guide.
Transit & visa requirements
- CDG is in the Schengen Area. Connecting between two non-Schengen international flights, some nationalities require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV).
- If your connection moves you between Schengen and non-Schengen zones, you will pass through border control.
Things to do during a layover at CDG
Stay airside at Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Clear security to your connection early, then find a lounge or quiet seating area near your departure gate.
Enough time to relax in a lounge, eat a proper meal and explore the terminal’s shops and amenities without rushing your connection.
With a long layover you may have time to leave the airport and see Paris, provided your nationality and routing allow you to clear immigration. Confirm transit visa rules first, and leave a generous buffer to return.
Lounges
Lounge availability at Charles de Gaulle International Airport varies by terminal. Independent lounges (often accessible via Priority Pass or pay-in) and airline lounges are common at airports of this size — check your terminal on arrival.
WiFi
Free unlimited WiFi throughout the terminals.
CDG — Frequently Asked Questions
Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) serves Paris, France.