Prepare for your departure at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport with peace of mind. Take advantage of our practical information and answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Quick links
I’m arriving at the airport
The departure terminal is indicated when you make your reservation and is listed on your ticket. Check the terminal information screens to find out where to check in and drop off your baggage, as well as the boarding gate for your flight.
Arrive at the airport as early as possible : allow 3 hours before departure time for a long-haul flight, and 90 minutes for a short- or medium-haul flight.
I’m checking in
Before departure, you must check in and obtain your boarding pass. This can be done online (recommended) or directly at the airport, at self-service kiosks or check-in counters, which are generally open 2 to 3 hours before departure time.
I will go through passport control if necessary
Before boarding a non-Schengen flight, you will go through border control, where immigration officers will check your passport or travel document.
I’m going through security
To ensure the safety and security of all travelers, your hand baggage will be inspected, and a body scan may be conducted. Please have your boarding pass ready for inspection before the security check.
Ensure a smooth process by reviewing the security procedures beforehand.
I’m going to the boarding gate
Boarding generally begins approximately 45 minutes before departure time for long-haul flights, and 30 minutes for short- and medium-haul flights. Gates close between 10 and 20 minutes before departure.
Near the boarding gates, you will find shops, restaurants, restrooms, children’s play areas, smoking areas, and charging stations for your mobile devices.
Free, unlimited internet access is available via the WIFI-AIRPORT network.
Which terminal for my flight at Paris-CDG airport ?
Details of which terminal a flight or airline uses can be found in our Destinations and airlines database.
Where can I find my check-in zone ?
Find your check-in zone using the information screens near the terminal entrance.
Can I go shopping in a different terminal ?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to shop in another terminal without a valid boarding pass.
Where to meet at CDG airport ?
Meeting points are located in each terminal, just after you exit the baggage reclaim area.
Where can I store my bags at CDG ?
There are left luggage/baggage storage facilities in Terminal 2 (nearby the TGV-RER station).
Baggage and luggage items can be stored for a few hours or up to 90 days.
How do I connect at CDG ?
The exact process for connecting at Paris-CDG depends on where you’re flying to and from.
Go to our Flight Connections section to obtain a personalized step-by-step connection guide.
Can I walk between terminals ?
You can not walk between Terminals 1, 2, 3.
Visit our Getting around the airport section for more information.
Where can I sleep overnight ?
There is nowhere to sleep in the terminals 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.
Check our Airport hotels page.
If you’re a connecting passenger from non-Schengen countries you’ll have to pass through French border controls to get to your hotel, so please ensure you have any required visa to enter France.
Does CDG airport have wifi ?
You can enjoy free wireless internet access via your notebook computer or handheld device in all terminals, just choose ″WIFI-Airport″.
Can I smoke at the airport ?
Please not that smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the terminals except in the dedicated smoking booths located airside.
I lost something at CDG airport. What should I do ?
If you left some property on your flight you should initially contact the airline you flew with.
Here is a list of airline contacts.
If you lost your items in Charles de Gaulle airport please consult our dedicated page.