Connecting at Paris
Here you’ll find the most comprehensive guide for transferring between flights at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Go to your gate
Paris-CDG has three terminals : Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (which includes multiple sub-terminals), and Terminal 3. Your transfer process depends on where you arrive and where your next flight departs.
If your next flight leaves from a different terminal than the one you arrived at, you will need to transfer either on foot or by using a free shuttle bus.
If your inbound flight arrives at the same terminal you’re departing from, you can walk to your gate – or take the transit train within Terminal 2E.
Connecting times
Paris-Charles de Gaulle is a major international hub, to ensure a smooth connection, it’s important to allow enough time between flights when booking your ticket, so you don’t have to rush or stress about catching your next flight.
Keep in mind that your incoming flight could be delayed, and queues at security or passport control may occur, especially during peak hours. Also, the walk to your departure gate might take a while.
Recommended connecting times by EASY CDG
The recommended minimum connecting times at CDG vary depending on whether you remain in the same terminal or need to transfer between terminals, and whether your flights are within Schengen or international zones.
Please note that families traveling with small children, as well as travelers with health or mobility concerns, may require longer connection times.
■ Same terminal connections
60 minutes, if your flights depart from the same terminal and you remain airside (no need to clear immigration or security again).
■ Different terminal connections
90-120 minutes, if you need to transfer between terminals, especially if you must clear security or passport control again.
■ If you need to re-check baggage or check-in again
At least 120 minutes or more to collect your bags, change terminals, check in again, and pass through security and immigration, if required.
Baggage and boarding pass
Most of the time, you’ll receive your boarding pass for your connecting flight when you check in for your first flight. This means you don’t have to check in again for your next flight at CDG Airport.
■ Connections booked as a single journey (e.g. Air France/Air France or Delta/Air France)
Your baggage will be sent to your connecting flight automatically. You should be able to remain airside as you travel to your departure terminal.
■ Traveling without an official flight connection (If you bought two separate tickets for your flights and need to check in again at CDG)
You’re a self-connecting passenger, you may need to collect your luggage and check in again outside the transit zone. In this case, be sure to allow plenty of extra time to exit, collect your baggage from the carousel, re-check in with your airline, and clear security.
Please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirement.
Immigration and security
Do you need to go through passport control and/or security when transferring at Paris-CDG Airport ?
It depends on your arrival and departure locations, and whether your flights are within Schengen or international zones.
Schengen area countries : France + Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
■ Flights within Schengen Area (Schengen to Schengen)
No passport control or security check is required.
Please note !
If you need to leave the transit area to collect your baggage and check in again, you will be required to pass through a security check.
■ Schengen to Non-Schengen Flights
You must pass through a passport control.
Please note !
If you need to leave the transit area to collect your baggage and check in again, you will be required to pass through a security check.
■ Non-Schengen to Non-Schengen Flights
You must pass through a security check (No passport control nor visa required).
Please note !
If you need to leave the transit area to collect your baggage and check in again, you must clear passport control, please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements.
Shopping and eating
If you have time between flights, Paris-Charles de Gaulle offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and lounges across all terminals. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands, duty-free items, souvenirs, or travel essentials, you’ll find plenty of options.
From French bakeries, cafés, and wine bars to fast food and full-service restaurants, there’s something for every taste and schedule.
If your connection is within the same terminal, you can easily explore the shops and dining options nearby. If you’re transferring between terminals but staying airside, you’ll also have access to various services along your route to the gate. Keep in mind that access to other terminals is only permitted if you hold a valid boarding pass for a flight departing from that terminal.
Make sure to keep an eye on boarding time while enjoying your meal or shopping, as walking distances can be long in some terminals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Paris during my layover ?
Charles de Gaulle airport is about 26 km (16 miles) from Central Paris, It does take about 45-60 minutes to reach the city center, so we only recommend leaving the airport for the city if you’ve got at least 6-7 hours between flights.
You can store your luggage nearby the railway station and then take the RER B train to Paris.
A few bus routes and taxis are available, too, but traffic can really slow you down.
Remember to keep 2 hours minimum for the transportation airport to Paris and back.
Therefore, a 5-hour layover in Paris, for example, will mean 3 hours available to visit Paris.
Please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements.
Visit our dedicated page for information and details about trains, buses, taxis and shuttles to Paris.
Where can I store bags during my layover ?
There are left luggage/baggage storage facilities in terminal 2 public area (close to the train station).
Baggage and luggage items can be stored for a few hours or up to 90 days.
How long to connect between flights at CDG ?
Your connection time depends on your route, airline and whether you need to pick up baggage or change terminals, so there’s no single answer.
If you book a through-ticket with an airline or travel agent, your airline will generally quote a ″minimum connection time″.
However, if you booked your flights separately, these minimum connection times don’t apply, you should allow plenty of extra time to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, then check in and clear security for your outbound flight.
Do I need to collect my bags at CDG ?
Passengers will be advised at the airport of origin regarding where they should collect their luggage.
In most cases, your baggage will be labeled to go directly to your final destination.
The baggage tag receipt always states your bag’s final destination.
In the event that your baggage is not through-checked you must follow signs for Arrivals, reclaim baggage, then check your bags in the departure terminal.
Please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements.
I need to check-in, where do I go ?
If you need to check-in baggage, you should leave the transfer zone (there are no check-in counters in the transfer zone) and proceed to the departure terminal of your connecting flight.
If you need a boarding pass for your connecting flight, you can use a self service kiosk (available for Air France customers in the transfer zone of terminals 2E & 2F) or proceed to the check-in desks for your airline in the departure terminal (please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements).
Where do I get my boarding pass ?
Your airline should give you all the boarding cards you need, including those for any connecting flights, when you first check in.
If you don’t have yours, please contact your airline in the relevant terminal.
Do I need a visa to transfer at CDG ?
Passengers travelling between non-Schengen countries do not need a visa for connecting flights at Paris-CDG.
Non-EU nationals entering France or travelling to a Schengen country may need a visa, depending on their nationality and on the rules in the country where they wish to travel to.
Do I have to go through immigration on connecting flights ?
It depends on where you’re flying to and from !
See ″Immigration & Security″ section above.
How to transfer to Orly airport ?
How to transfer to a TGV train ?
Follow the ″Baggage-Exit″ signs, leave the transfer zone, pick up bags then make your way to the railway station underneath terminal 2.
How do I get fast track at CDG airport ?
Fast lanes are available to select passengers only.
Premium and select non-premium passengers will be issued an access voucher from their airline.
Follow the signs marked “Accès no. 1” or “Sky Priority” at immigration and security check.
Does CDG airport have e-gates ?
You can use the ″PARAFE″ smart gates in terminals 1, 3 and 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G.
Citizens (over 18 years old) holding valid biometric passports of the European Union, the European Economic Union and the Swiss Confederation are eligible.
How do I ensure that I catch my connecting flight ?
For a stress-free experience, you should plan enough time between your incoming flight and the time of departure of your outgoing flight when purchasing your flight tickets.
The more time you have, the better !
How do I find out my flight's terminal ?
The flight terminal is sometimes included on your boarding pass, along with the gate number, when you check in.
Monitors and signs within the airport will also be able to direct you to the correct terminal.
Can I go shopping in a different terminal ?
No, it is not possible to shop in another terminal without a valid boarding pass.
Can I leave the airport transit area ?
You can leave the transit area (and airport) but you’ll have to clear security and-or immigration again on your way back into the terminal.
Citizens from certain countries leaving the transit area may need a visa.
Please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements.
Where can I take a shower and relax ?
Currently, CDG airport has no public showers.
You may proceed to your airline’s lounge (by invitation only).
Where can I sleep overnight ?
There is nowhere to sleep in the terminals (except Yotel at terminal 2E) but there’s a great choice of hotels nearby.
If your booking includes a stopover in a local hotel, please follow the signs to Arrivals.
Please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements.
Can I smoke in the terminals ?
Please not that smoking is not permitted except in the dedicated smoking booths located in all terminals, near the boarding areas.
How do I request extra assistance at CDG airport ?
You can request additional assistance at the time of booking your flight ticket.
Please ensure that you make your request to your airline or travel agency up to 48 hours before departure.
Does CDG airport have wifi ?
You can enjoy free wireless internet access via your notebook computer or handheld device in all terminals.
Connect to “WIFI-AIRPORT” or “WIFI-AIRPORT-STANDARD“.