Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris · France
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the primary international airport serving Paris, France, located 23 km northeast of the city center in Roissy-en-France. It is Europe's busiest airport within the European Union and a major global hub, handling over 70 million passengers in 2024.[1]
Opened in 1974 and named after former French President Charles de Gaulle, CDG is one of the world's largest airports and the principal hub for Air France. It features three main terminals, with Terminal 2 divided into sub-terminals 2A to 2G, interconnected by walkways and shuttles. The airport handled 70,290,260 passengers and 466,543 aircraft movements in 2024, ranking as the fourteenth busiest globally and third in Europe by passenger numbers. It is served by 105 airlines as of 2025 and is second in Europe for cargo traffic.[1][2]
Interesting facts
- CDG opened in 1974 and is named after WWII leader Charles de Gaulle, with its IATA code reflecting his initials.[1]
- Terminal 1 is a unique circular design by architect Paul Andreu with seven satellites for efficient aircraft parking.[1][2]
- In 2024, it managed 1,914,681 tonnes of cargo, making it Europe's second busiest for freight after Frankfurt.[1]
- The airport lacks a direct express rail to central Paris currently, but CDG Express is set to open in March 2027, offering a 20-minute trip to Gare de l'Est.[6]
- Terminal 2 was originally built exclusively for Air France and has since expanded to accommodate multiple carriers.[1]
- A tragic roof collapse at Terminal 2E in 2004 killed four people, leading to significant safety improvements.[2]
Tips for travelers
- Allow extra time for the free CDGVAL shuttle between terminals, especially to reach Terminal 2G.[1][7]
- Use RER B for connections to Paris city center, but expect crowds as it's shared with commuters; 30% of airport passengers use it.[6][7]
- TGV high-speed trains at Terminal 2 station connect to other French cities, Belgium, and the Netherlands.[8]
- Terminals 2A-2F are walkable via elevated walkways; plan 10-20 minutes for transfers within Terminal 2.[1]
- Check-in facilities and duty-free shops are abundant in Terminal 2; Terminal 2G has dedicated bag drop and info points.[2]
- Security has been enhanced post-9/11 with significant resources deployed at Paris airports.[10]