Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport is an immense airport that ranks number three in Europe in terms of traffic volume. For the infrequent traveler, navigating CDG airport can feel like a daunting task. We hope this article will help you navigate CDG Airport like a master.

A significant number of Knee Deep Into History’s WW1 and WW2 battlefield tours start and end at CDG, and we are writing this guide to help our clients feel more comfortable navigating CDG.

Three Terminals, One Airport

The first step to understanding CDG’s layout is to know that CDG has three terminals: One, Two and Three.

Terminal Two is the largest terminal; and it is further divided into sub-terminals 2A and 2B, 2C and 2D, 2E and 2F, and 2G. Most Air France flights utilize Terminal 2.

Terminal 3 primarily handles charter and budget airlines. I have never flown into Terminal 3 from the USA.

Know which terminal / sub-terminal your airline / flight is using before your flight. As I write this, the list below shows the major US airlines and the terminals they use. Of course, this could change in the future, so it is best to confirm the terminal prior to your departure.

AerLingus, Terminal 1

American Airlines, Terminal 2A

Delta Airlines, Terminal 2E

United Airlines, Terminal 1

Knee Deep Into History’s customary meeting point is just outside the Sheraton Hotel between terminals 2C/2D and 2E/2F, as shown in the graphic below. This is quite close to the SNCF gare and the CDGVAL station in terminal 2.

Moving from one Terminal to Another

The easiest (and cost-free) method of moving from one terminal to another terminal is to use the CDGVAL shuttle. It stops once at each Terminal. Just look for the CDGVAL sign and follow it.

There are five stops on the CDGVAL, in this order:

• Terminal 1 on the ground floor
• Parking Pr, with access to certain airport hotels
• Terminal 3 Roissypole, with access to the bus station, RER station and certain airport hotels
• Parking Px
• Terminal 2 between 2C/2D and 2E/2F, near the SNCF and RER stations and the Sheraton hotel

Moving from CDG to Paris Using Regional Public Transportation

The easiest and cheapest way to get into Paris from the airport is to take the RER B line train. (RER = Réseau Express Régional, the regional rail network serving Paris and suburbs.) Travelers can catch the RER B line in Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. The RER B line also goes to Paris’ Gare du Nord station.

At present time, a ticket into the city costs €14. It takes about 25 minutes to reach the Gare du Nord and 40 minutes to reach the Châtelet station. On weekdays, trains run every 10-20 minutes.

A Faster Connection to Paris Coming in 2027 via the CDG Express!

There are plenty of signs in the airport for the CDG Express, which is supposed to enter service sometime in 2027. It promises to get travelers to the center of Paris in just 20 minutes!

Taking Trains from CDG to Long Distance Destinations

Terminal 2 also has an SNCF station for certain “grandes lignes” trains–mainline train services.

In Terminal 2 the RER and SNCF stations are situated between sub-terminals 2C/2D and 2E/2F.

Catching the Bus for Local or Long Distance Destinations

There is the Gare routière Bus Terminal, with an information and ticketing desk, situated just outside Terminal 3. Passengers can catch both local and long-distance buses (Flixbus, Bla Bla Car, etc.) there.

Selecting a Hotel

Travelers basically have three options when selecting a hotel: A Parisian hotel, an airport hotel or a near-airport hotel. The selection process is largely dependent on budget constraints, travel style and length and purpose of stay.

Because my stays in Paris are generally just before or after battlefield tours, I tend to select an airport hotel. These are generally cheaper and easier for connections than a hotel in Paris. At the same time, I have the option of taking the RER B line into Paris easily, if I want to spend some time in Paris.

While airport hotels cost €40-60 Euros more per night than near-airport hotels, they provide easy access to the CDGVAL and, therefore, to the terminals and train stations. Also, getting to and from the near-airport hotels is generally dependent on taxis or shuttle schedules and there can be a small fee of €6-8 Euros for shuttles, negating a portion of the cost savings.

If you are using a near-airport hotel, be sure to know where you need to catch the shuttle or be prepared to take a taxi.

The list below provides some information on CDG’s airport hotels that can help you make your decision.

Picking up the Rental Car

All of the major car rental companies have locations in Terminal 1 AND Terminal 2. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHICH TERMINAL YOUR RENTAL AGREEMENT IS WITH. On my recent tour, I flew United Airlines, landing at Terminal 1, but I picked up my rental car in Terminal 2D. Follow the signs for “location de voitures” in the correct terminal.

Need Healthcare?

There are pharmacies situated in Terminals 1 and 2. The pharmacy in Terminal 1 is situated on Niveau (Level) 3. There are pharmacies in Terminal 2 situated in sub-terminals 2F and 2A/C.

In contrast to the U.S. healthcare model, French (European) pharmacists can prescribe certain medications. Thus, if you’re not feeling well, visiting a pharmacy is a good starting point.

There is also the Centre Médical on the arrivals floor of Terminal 2F, if you need to see a doctor. It is almost at the far end of the terminal on the arrivals level, but at least they have one. On a recent trip, the pharmacist referred me to the doctor on duty to get a prescription of Zithromax refilled, because I did not have a U.S. prescription on my possession. The visit cost €100 and the prescription €30 but was ultimately worth it because I recovered quickly.

Each terminal also has an Assistance Mobilité office for those individuals needing mobility assistance. Airport personnel can direct you to the office in your terminal.

Still Have a Question?

We tried to cover a broad range of questions, but feel free to consult the airport’s official website for questions that we haven’t answered: https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en.

About Knee Deep Into History’s Battlefield Tours

Knee Deep Into History offers slow-travel, small-group and bespoke battlefield tours of the WW1 and WW2 battlefields in Western Europe. If you’re wondering why we didn’t push our tours in this article, here’s the reason: Bridging cultures is one of our core philosophies; and this means making Americans at ease in Europe. We believe this article addresses that philosophy.

We design our tours to get history buffs into the field and to tell both sides of the story.

We hope you will have a look at our website and join us on a tour.

Bon Voyage!

After decades of personal battlefield tours, Randy Gaulke quit his job as a financial analyst in Manhattan and spent eight months in France in 2017-18 as a freelance guide during the World War I Centennial. He subsequently founded Knee Deep Into History, with a philosophy of getting clients into the field on a small-group tour designed for the military history enthusiast. Equally important is the attempt to tell both sides of the story and to help Americans bridge cultures. Most tours are led jointly with European guides, including retired Bundeswehr officer and historian Markus Klauer. The groups enjoy family-owned European hotels and restaurants. Experience a military history tour that brings the battlefield to life! Learn more at www.kneedeepintohistory.com Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.