Paris CDG is a Schengen airport spread across three terminals, with Terminal 2 split into halls 2A–2G. Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even to stay airside. Terminal changes and passport control make connections slow, so allow at least 90 minutes, and 2+ hours if you change terminal or enter Schengen.
Do you need a transit visa for CDG?
It depends on your passport and whether you stay airside (inside the international transit area) or want to leave the airport, which always requires entry permission for France.
CDG terminals
Terminal 1
Circular building used by many Star Alliance and other foreign airlines.
Terminal 2 (2A–2G)
Air France, SkyTeam and partners. Halls are linked by walkways and shuttles; 2G is reached by bus.
Terminal 3
Charter and low-cost flights, a short walk from the CDGVAL station.
How transfers work at CDG
Follow the 'Correspondances / Connecting flights' signs. Moving between halls or terminals often means a shuttle bus or the CDGVAL train plus a new security check. Connecting to a Schengen flight means passport control at CDG.
Not sure your connection is long enough? Try the layover calculator →
What to do on a layover at CDG
- 2–5 hours
Get to your gate first
Find your departure hall before relaxing. Terminal changes at CDG can take 45+ minutes.
- 6–10 hours
Quick Paris visit (if you can enter Schengen)
RER B to Châtelet or Gare du Nord, then walk to Notre-Dame or the Seine. Leave a 3-hour buffer.
- Overnight
Hotel near the terminal
With Schengen entry permission, use a hotel connected to Terminal 2 or at Roissypole.
Where to sleep at CDG
- 🪑 Airside rest areasAirside: no visa neededRest zones with loungers in some halls. Quieter at night.
- 🛏️ Hotels near Terminal 2 and RoissypoleLandside: entry neededSeveral hotels connected to the terminals landside. Schengen entry permission needed.
Lounges at CDG
| Lounge | Who can get in |
|---|---|
| Air France lounges | Air France / SkyTeam premium passengers and elites |
| Independent lounges | Pay-per-use or lounge membership programs, depending on terminal |
No status? See how to get lounge access without flying business.
Getting from CDG to Paris city centre
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RER B train | ≈ 35–50 min to central Paris | Stations at T1/T3 (via CDGVAL) and T2. |
| Taxi | ≈ 45–60 min | Fixed fares to central Paris, depending on bank of the Seine. |
Only leave the airport if your passport allows entry and you have enough time. Aim to be back 2.5–3 hours before departure.
Insider tips for CDG
- Check which hall your next flight leaves from. 2E to 2G, for example, needs a bus.
- France has its own airport transit visa list in addition to the EU list. Check your passport.
CDG layover FAQ
Do I need a transit visa for Paris CDG?
Citizens of countries on the EU or French airport transit visa lists may need one even when staying airside, unless exempt (for example with certain valid visas or residence permits). Others can usually connect airside without a visa.
How long do I need to connect at CDG?
Allow at least 90 minutes, and 2 hours or more if you change terminals or need to pass Schengen passport control.
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.