Navigating Charles de Gaulle Airport

Most of the business flights from Europe, Asia and North America alike will come through the Charles de Gaulle International Airport. There are many flights which connect here as well.

The airport itself, while beautiful and fairly full-featured, can be complicated to navigate. There are three terminals, some of which have satellites that further confuse navigation.

The CDGVAL

One of the unique features of this airport is the automatic light rail system that connects the three terminals and the rail station. This system is prompt and clean, replacing inefficient shuttle buses.

There are stations in every one of the main terminal buildings, and riding it is free. There are two lines, the first of which links the terminals, train stations into the city, and the more remote parking lots and car parks.

The second line goes from Terminal 2E to Satellite S3, with plans to expand to Satellite S4.

Terminal 1

This terminal has a central area for check-in and baggage claim, with 7 satellites that handle 5 airplanes per satellite at any time. The satellites are connected to the main Terminal 1 building by underground tunnels with moving walkways, making travel between them a fairly straightforward and speedy process.

Terminal 2

There are seven terminal buildings contained within Terminal 2: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and the further 2G. All of them are relatively close, with the exception of 2G.

Flights departing from 2G require that travelers take a bus to transfer, and must go some 2.5 km (1.6 mi) away from the other terminals in order to connect. The other terminals are linked by one very long hallway, making them relatively easy to access.

Terminal 3

This building is one single hall, located relatively close to terminal 1. However, it is inadvisable to walk from Terminals 1 to 3, as the walking path is almost 3 km (2 mi) long. Taking a train is much faster and a much shorter distance.