Charles de Gaulle International Airport is France's largest airport and one of the world's busiest aviation hubs. Located in Roissy-en-France, 23 kilometres northeast of Paris, it is operated by Groupe ADP and serves as the primary hub for Air France, connecting Paris to six continents.
Paris is served by two major commercial airports. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) handles the majority of international and long-haul flights. Orly Airport (ORY), about 13 km south of Paris, serves domestic, European, and some medium-haul routes. Beauvais-Tille Airport, 85 km north, handles limited low-cost traffic.
Charles de Gaulle has three main terminals: T1, T2, and T3. Terminal 2 is the largest, subdivided into halls 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, with 2E and 2F handling Air France's long-haul operations. Terminal 1 serves several international carriers, and Terminal 3 handles low-cost and charter flights. Each terminal has its own check-in, security, and arrival facilities.
CDG terminals are spread across a large campus, connected by the free CDGVAL automated shuttle running 24 hours. Travel between terminals takes 8 to 15 minutes. Allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for connections, especially when switching between Schengen and non-Schengen areas.
Charles de Gaulle has four runways in two parallel pairs: 08L/26R, 08R/26L, 09L/27R, and 09R/27L. This allows simultaneous take-off and landing operations, giving CDG exceptional capacity for high traffic volumes. Runway lengths range from approximately 2,700 metres to 4,215 metres, with the longest capable of handling the Airbus A380.
Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa before travelling to Paris. France is a Schengen Area member, so a valid Schengen visa is required whether Paris is the final stop or part of a wider European trip.
A Schengen Type C visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Applications go through the French consulate or VFS Global centres across India in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Pune. Required documents include a valid passport, return tickets, hotel bookings or invitation letter, travel insurance covering at least 30,000 euros, bank statements, and a completed visa form.
Indian nationals transiting through CDG without entering France should verify whether an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is required for their onward destination. Check current rules with the French embassy in India or the France-Visas portal. At immigration, use the non-EU lanes and keep all documents well organised, as CDG handles very high passenger volumes.
Air France operates its flagship La Premiere and Business lounges in Terminal 2E and 2F, among the finest in Europe, accessible to business class passengers and Flying Blue elite members. Independent lounges including the No1 Lounge serve Priority Pass and DragonPass members. General facilities include free Wi-Fi, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, pharmacies, prayer rooms, and a wide range of dining from French brasseries to international options.
Terminal 2E and 2F have strong duty-free and luxury retail with French perfumes, wines, cosmetics, and fashion. Brasseries and restaurants serve French cheese, charcuterie, and wine, while Paul bakeries and Exki offer quick options. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and art installations across the terminals add a distinctly French character to the layover.
Paris city centre is 35 to 45 minutes by RER B train, with direct services to Gare du Nord. The Palace of Versailles is roughly 60 km southwest. The medieval town of Senlis is just 15 km from the airport, and Parc Asterix theme park is about 10 km south, a good option for families with a long layover.
The official name is Charles de Gaulle International Airport, also known as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, named after French president Charles de Gaulle.
The IATA code is CDG.
Terminal 2 handles most Air France domestic, European, and international flights. Terminal 1 serves several international carriers. Terminal 3 handles low-cost and charter flights. Schengen and non-Schengen operations are managed across the complex.
The airport is in Roissy-en-France, approximately 23 km northeast of Paris city centre in the Val-d'Oise department of the Ile-de-France region.
CDG opened in 1974, replacing Orly as Paris's main international airport. Terminal 2 opened in 1982 and expanded several times, with Terminal 2E added in 2003.
Yes, CDG operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a continuous schedule of long-haul, medium-haul, and short-haul flights.
CDG is approximately 23 km from central Paris. The RER B train reaches Gare du Nord in 35 to 45 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing services take 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Air France is the home and dominant carrier. Other airlines include Delta Air Lines, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines, making CDG one of the most globally connected airports in the world.
Yes. Air France operates La Premiere and Business lounges in Terminal 2, among the best in Europe. The No1 Lounge and other independent lounges are open to Priority Pass and DragonPass members.
Domestic Flights
International Flights