Everything you need to know before you land — terminals, CDG fast track options, wait times, and how a professional greeter can make CDG work for you.
Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. Always verify the latest details with your airline and on the official Paris Aéroport website before travel.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is not a small airport. Covering 32 square kilometres northeast of the French capital, it processed over 70 million passengers in 2024 — making it the busiest airport in the European Union and Europe’s third busiest overall. On a busy summer morning, a dozen transatlantic flights can arrive simultaneously, queues at passport control can stretch for 90 minutes, and the walk between sub-terminals can take longer than the flight itself.
If you are arriving for the first time — or travelling with elderly relatives, small children, or an important business agenda — understanding what you are walking into makes the difference between a smooth connection and a stressful scramble. This guide covers the airport’s layout, the most common pain points, how CDG fast track services work, and how a professional Meet & Greet at CDG can eliminate most of them.
1. CDG at a Glance: Key Facts
- Location: Roissy-en-France, 25 km northeast of central Paris
- IATA code: CDG
- Terminals: 3 (Terminal 1, Terminal 2 with seven sub-terminals 2A–2G, and Terminal 3)
- Annual passengers: around 70 million passengers in 2024
- Airlines served: More than 105, making CDG one of the world’s most connected airports
- Main hub: Air France and SkyTeam partners (Delta, KLM, and others)
- Terminal renaming: Groupe ADP announced in December 2025 that all terminals will be renamed in March 2027
2. Terminal Layout: Which Terminal Do You Need?
CDG’s three terminal complexes are not connected on foot — and arriving at the wrong one when you have a short connection is not a situation you want to be in.
Terminal 1
Opened in 1974 and designed by Paul Andreu in a circular ‘octopus’ shape: a central hub with seven satellite boarding buildings connected by underground walkways. Five floors — arrivals at the top, check-in and departures in the middle, CDGVAL shuttle on Level 2.
Primarily serves Star Alliance airlines (Lufthansa, United, Turkish Airlines, Air China, Asiana) and some Oneworld carriers (Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways), plus independent airlines such as Aer Lingus and Icelandair.
Terminal 2 (Sub-terminals 2A–2G)
The dominant structure: a 2-kilometre complex divided into seven sub-terminals. Sub-terminals 2A–2F are connected by elevated walkways. Terminal 2G is a satellite building 800 metres away, reachable only by shuttle bus N2 — easy to underestimate when you are on a clock.
Sub-terminal assignments (subject to change):
- 2E and 2F: Air France international long-haul (non-Schengen) and SkyTeam partners. 2E houses the YOTEL CDG.
- 2G: Air France domestic and short-haul European (Schengen) routes
- 2A and 2C: International non-Schengen — Star Alliance, Oneworld, and other carriers
- 2B and 2D: Schengen flights — Air France European routes, easyJet, and other European connections
The RER B and TGV/Eurostar rail station is located within Terminal 2, between sub-terminals 2C/D and 2E/F.
Terminal 3
A single building for charter and low-cost carriers: Vueling, Air Transat, SunExpress, Iberia Express, Norse Atlantic, and others. No boarding gates — all aircraft are reached by bus. Terminal 3 was voted the world’s best low‑cost airline terminal in the 2025 Skytrax awards.
Moving Between Terminals: CDGVAL and Shuttle Buses
- CDGVAL: free driverless shuttle connecting Terminals 1, 2, 3 and parking; operates 4:00 to 1:00.
- N1 bus: Connects 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2D and the TGV station — every 7–8 minutes
- N2 bus: Connects 2F and 2G — every few minutes during operating hours
- Airside connection shuttles (Green/Blue/Yellow/Red): For transit passengers connecting between specific sub-terminals, running 05:00–midnight
Please, always check latest schedule on the airport website.
Important: baggage trolleys are not permitted on the CDGVAL. Plan accordingly if you are travelling with large bags and need to move between terminals independently.
3. The Honest Truth About CDG Pain Points (rule of thumb)
Immigration: The Most Unpredictable Variable
Passport control at CDG can take 10 minutes or 90. The main driver is the ‘morning bank’ — a cluster of transatlantic overnight flights arriving together between 06:00 and 09:00. When multiple widebody aircraft disembark simultaneously, even well-staffed immigration halls fill rapidly.
For non-EU/Schengen holders, PARAFE biometric e-gates (available for US, Canadian, and several other passport holders) can process passengers in under 12 seconds when functioning. When they malfunction, the queue impact is severe. The safest approach: allow 2–3 hours from landing to onward transport unless you have priority assistance.
Distances Are Longer Than They Look
Moving from Gate M in Terminal 2E to Terminal 2G involves: the LISA airside shuttle, clearing the terminal, locating the external N2 bus, riding to 2G, and finding the correct gate. Travellers with luggage regularly report this taking 30–45 minutes. CDG’s minimum recommended connection time is 70 minutes for same-terminal and 90 minutes between terminals.
Check-In, Departure Security, and CDG Fast Track
Average security wait times are 18–25 minutes under normal conditions — considerably longer during peak summer departures at Terminal 2E. CDG fast track lanes (Skypriority for Air France and SkyTeam; airline-specific priority lanes elsewhere) reliably cut this to 5–10 minutes for eligible passengers. Aerogreet’s Meet & Assist service includes CDG fast track access regardless of your ticket class.
Terminal Confusion
CDG is organised by airline alliance, not by flight type. The sub-terminals each have separate check-in halls, and reaching the wrong one means exiting and re-entering the system. Always confirm your terminal from your airline booking confirmation — not from memory.
4. Aerogreet’s Meet & Greet and CDG Fast Track Services
Aerogreet offers two tiers of service at Paris Charles de Gaulle, across all three journey types: Arrival, Departure, and Transit/Connection. Both tiers include CDG fast track access as a core component, not an add-on. Special discounts are available for children, groups, and families across all service types.
Arrival Services
Whether you are arriving in Paris for business or for a holiday, having a dedicated greeter waiting at the gate transforms what can be a 90-minute ordeal into a smooth 15-minute exit.
Arrival — Meet & Assist, Fast Track
- Passenger welcome with name board
- Priority passport and customs assistance
- Accompaniment to baggage claim
- Accompaniment to arrival hall or driver
Arrival — VIP Terminal
- Passenger welcome with name board
- Private transfer to the VIP Lounge
- Private arrival formalities at VIP Lounge
- VIP luggage handling
- Accompaniment to arrival hall or driver
Departure Services
Departing from CDG means navigating a 2-kilometre terminal complex, a potential 25-minute security queue, and a lounge that may be 800 metres from your gate. Both departure services below eliminate these variables.
Departure — Meet & Assist, Fast Track
- Passenger welcome with name board
- Assistance with luggage
- Priority departure assistance — expedited check-in and security
- Priority departure and lounge access
- Lounge-to-gate assistance
Departure — VIP Terminal
- Passenger welcome with name board
- Porter service
- Accompanying to the VIP lounge
- Private departure formalities at VIP Lounge — check-in, security, and passport control within the lounge environment
- Accompanying to boarding
- Private transfer from VIP Lounge to aircraft
Transit / Connection Services
CDG’s minimum connection times are just that — minimums, achieved under ideal conditions. For anyone connecting between different sub-terminals with under two hours to spare, professional transit assistance is the most reliable way to make the flight. For more detail on how the service works, see What Happens During Airport Transit? A Step-by-Step Guide.
Transit — Meet & Assist, Fast Track
- Passenger welcome with name board
- Priority arrival assistance
- Luggage handling and check-in assistance
- Assistance with check-in and formalities
- Priority departure and lounge access
- Lounge-to-gate assistance
Transit — VIP Terminal
- Passenger welcome with name board
- Priority arrival assistance
- Luggage handling and check-in assistance
- Assistance with check-in and formalities
- Priority departure and lounge access
- Lounge-to-gate assistance
All services are bookable online at aerogreet.com and via the Aerogreet app — 24 hours a day, including same-day bookings subject to availability. Service inclusions may vary by sub-terminal at CDG; confirm details at time of booking.
Book your CDG service: aerogreet.com/airports/charles-de-gaulle-airport
5. Who Benefits Most at CDG
First-Time Visitors to Paris
CDG’s sub-terminal system bewilders even frequent travellers. If you are arriving in Paris for the first time with a hotel check-in, a train connection, or a corporate meeting ahead, a greeter who knows the fast lanes, the shortcuts, and the real walking distances is worth every euro. For a broader picture of what the service involves, see What Is Meet & Greet Service — And How Does It Actually Work?.
Business Travellers on Tight Schedules
A 90-minute immigration queue on a Tuesday morning can cascade into a missed meeting, a rescheduled presentation, and a reputational cost that dwarfs any service fee. CDG fast track access eliminates the variable entirely. For the full ROI breakdown, see Why Business Travellers Book Meet & Greet Service at Airport.
Families with Children or Elderly Passengers
Travelling through CDG with young children, elderly relatives, or a wheelchair user adds layers of complexity that the standard terminal experience handles poorly. A greeter manages the physical logistics — luggage, prams, mobility equipment — while you focus on your family.
Transit Passengers with Short Connections
CDG’s 70–90 minute minimum connection times assume everything goes smoothly. They frequently don’t. Professional transit assistance can be the difference between making the flight and being rebooked. If you want to understand exactly what the service covers, see Fast Track Airport Services Explained: Is It Worth It?.
Passengers Requiring Accessibility Support
CDG provides official PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) assistance, but demand at a 70-million-passenger airport is high. Aerogreet’s service provides dedicated, personalised support throughout — no waiting, no handoffs between staff members.
6. Getting to and from CDG: Transport Options
RER B Train (Recommended for Most Travellers)
The fastest and cheapest public transport option. Journey time to Gare du Nord: 30–40 minutes; Châtelet-Les Halles a further 5 minutes. Trains run every ~10 minutes from 05:00 to midnight. The early 2026 fare is €14 per adult (€8.20 for children 4–9, free under 4), loaded onto a Navigo Easy card or mobile device — paper tickets were phased out in 2024 and replaced by Navigo Easy and mobile tickets.
Two CDG stations: Aéroport CDG 1 (Terminals 1 and 3, via CDGVAL) and Aéroport CDG 2 TGV (Terminal 2, between 2C/D and 2E/F).
When travelling from Paris to CDG: board only trains marked B3. The B5 branch does not reach the airport. Look for the 4-letter train code beginning with ‘E’.
Taxi and Private Transfer
Regulated flat rates from CDG to central Paris: €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank (rates valid from February 2024). Journey time: 30 minutes at midnight, 60–90 minutes in morning rush hour. Uber and Bolt operate from designated pick-up zones at a typically lower fare, subject to surge pricing.
TGV / Eurostar
For passengers connecting to other French cities or to London via Eurostar, the SNCF high-speed rail station at Terminal 2 is a significant advantage of CDG over Paris Orly. Destinations include Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and international routes.
CDG Express (Opening 2027)
A dedicated non-stop rail link between Gare de l’Est and CDG Terminal 2 is under construction. Groupe ADP has confirmed a planned opening in early 2027: a fixed 20-minute journey time with no intermediate stops.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth CDG Experience
Before You Arrive
- Confirm your terminal on your boarding pass or airline confirmation — not from memory. CDG assignments change by route and season.
- Check live terminal info at parisaeroport.fr before leaving for the airport.
- For the RER B, buy your ticket in the Île-de-France Mobilités app before landing to avoid ticket machine queues.
- For connections under 90 minutes, book transit assist in advance. The minimum connection time assumes ideal conditions.
At the Airport
- Follow yellow signs for connecting flights — standardised across all CDG terminals.
- Use PARAFE e-gates if eligible (EU, US, Canada, and others) — immigration can take under 2 minutes when functioning.
- Free wi-fi: connect to ‘WIFI-AIRPORT’ throughout all terminals.
- Free charging stations (ChargeBox) for example, in Terminal 1, 2D, 2E Halls L and M, and Terminal 3.
- The LISA airside shuttle connects Halls K, L, and M within Terminal 2E — airside only, after security.
If You Have Time to Spare
Terminal 2E has the strongest selection of dining and retail: French brasseries, patisseries, duty-free, and the be relax spa. The YOTEL in 2E offers paid sleep cabins by the hour. Some lounges and public areas offer arcade machines, PS5 consoles, foosball tables, and pianos.
For layovers of 8 hours or more with the right visa status, Paris is 30–40 minutes away by RER B. Allow at least 2 hours for the return to stay safe.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDG fast track and how does it work?
CDG fast track refers to priority lanes at security checkpoints and, on certain routes, at passport control. Access is available through airline status (e.g. Air France Skypriority from Silver tier), business or first class tickets on qualifying carriers, and — regardless of ticket class — through a booked Meet & Assist service such as Aerogreet’s. A greeter navigates you directly to the fast track entrance. At peak times this saves 30–60 minutes versus standard security. For a full breakdown, see Fast Track Airport Services Explained: Is It Worth It?.
Which terminal does Air France use at CDG?
Primarily Terminal 2E (international long-haul, non-Schengen), Terminal 2F (short and medium-haul, Schengen), and Terminal 2G (domestic and short Schengen routes). Always confirm from your boarding pass.
How long does immigration take at CDG?
Highly variable. With functioning e-gates: 10–20 minutes. During the morning transatlantic bank (06:00–09:00): 60–90 minutes. The safest planning assumption is 2 hours from wheels-down to onward transport.
Do I need a visa to transit through CDG?
It depends on your nationality and whether you remain airside in the international transit zone. Check the official French government portal (france-visas.gouv.fr) well in advance of travel.
Can I book Meet & Greet at CDG on the same day?
Yes — Aerogreet accepts same-day bookings at CDG, subject to availability. Advance booking is recommended during peak summer periods and major Parisian events.
Is there a VIP lounge at CDG?
CDG has more than 15 lounges across its terminals. The largest selection is in Terminal 2E, including the Air France La Première first class salon. With Aerogreet’s VIP Terminal service, your greeter accompanies you to the appropriate lounge and escorts you from there to the gate.
What is the difference between Meet & Assist and VIP Terminal service?
Meet & Assist with Fast Track provides personal assistance, luggage help, and CDG fast track lane access within the standard terminal environment. VIP Terminal uses a private facility for all departure formalities — check-in, security, and passport control — with a private transfer to the aircraft. For a side-by-side comparison, see Meet & Assist vs Going It Alone: A Real Comparison.
Ready to Book?
CDG is one of Europe’s great aviation hubs — well-connected, comprehensive, and capable of extraordinary efficiency. It is also a 32-square-kilometre complex handling 70 million passengers a year, with immigration wait times measured in hours on a bad morning.
A professional greeter does not change the airport. But they change your experience of it entirely — from the name board at the gate, through CDG fast track security, to the moment you step into your car or onto the RER B platform for Paris. For families, business travellers, and anyone navigating CDG for the first time, the investment is minimal; the difference is not.
Book your CDG Meet & Greet at aerogreet.com/airports/charles-de-gaulle-airport, or explore our full network of 950+ airports worldwide.
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Alexander Stepanovskiy
