Airport Tips

Arriving at Paris CDG Airport: Terminals & Your First Steps

Paris CDG (Charles de Gaulle) is the largest airport in France and can feel overwhelming after a long flight — but the arrival process is simple once you know the order of events. Here's exactly what happens, step by step.

Your arrival, step by step

Land & walk to exits→ Passport control→ Baggage claim→ Customs→ Arrivals hall / your driver

The terminals

Paris CDG has three terminals — 1, 2 and 3 — and Terminal 2 is split into several halls (2A–2F). Your airline decides where you land. The terminals are far apart, linked by the free CDGVAL automatic shuttle train, so allow time to reach the exits or your onward transport — and note your terminal for the trip home.

Passport control & baggage

Non-EU arrivals clear passport control first (EU/Schengen passengers usually skip this), then follow signs to baggage claim for your flight's belt. Queues vary a lot by time of day; after a long-haul flight, a driver already waiting for you turns a tiring wait into a simple hand-off.

SIM card & Wi-Fi

Free airport Wi-Fi is fine for a first message home. For data throughout your trip, an eSIM bought before you fly is the easiest option — you land already connected, no shop queue needed.

Getting into Paris or to Disneyland

From Paris CDG your main options are the RER B train (cheap, but with stairs and a change for Disneyland), an official taxi at the marked rank (flat fixed fare into the city), or a pre-booked private transfer — your driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign and takes you straight to your hotel door.

⚠️ Ignore anyone touting a taxi inside the terminal. Official taxis never solicit at the doors — use the marked rank outside, or your pre-booked driver.

FAQ

How long from Paris CDG to central Paris? About 35–50 minutes depending on traffic, terminal and destination.

How do the terminals connect? The free CDGVAL shuttle train links Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in a few minutes.

Should I pre-book a transfer? With family or lots of luggage, yes — it skips the taxi queue, fixes the price in advance and your driver tracks the flight for delays.

More ways we can help

Private guided tours of Paris. Prefer to sightsee with your own driver? We offer half-day (4h), full-day (8h) and evening private tours — the icons at your own pace, hotel pick-up included. See our Paris tours.

Book a private driver by the hour. For a custom itinerary, shopping or business, hire a driver by the hour: just tell us your plan via our contact form and we'll arrange it.

Airport & Disneyland transfers. Fixed prices, free child seats, meet & greet. Book your transfer.