Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I asked security if its ok to sleep here and they welcomed me warmly. They said that I should just find some isolated corner and I could sleep on the floor in my sleeping bag. I slept next to a huge window and what can I say… Better than the hostels. 😀 -kekkosen
CDG Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (code: CDG).
What to Expect
As one of the world’s busiest airports, Paris CDG Airport is large and notorious for its confusing layout, so be prepared to walk a lot. The airport has three terminals (1, 2, and 3). Terminal 2 is the trickiest to navigate, thanks to eight separate satellite terminals. Your experience will vary greatly depending on your terminal and concourse hall. For instance, travellers agree that the new part of Terminal 2E is an airport highlight. Still, the facilities in Terminal 1 are old and need renovating (or complete demolition, depending on who you ask).
You’ll find a bevy of shops, cafes, and restaurants, though everything closes by 11:30 PM, so purchase midnight snacks ahead of time. A few features travellers appreciate are the free WiFi and free mobile charging boxes. Economy Class travellers who want to upgrade their layover can pay to enter several airport lounges, a few of which have shower facilities.
Sleeping in Paris CDG Airport
As a major international airport, you won’t be the only one camping out overnight. In general, travellers report feeling safe, but homeless people do wander the pre-Secure areas at night. The seating availability here varies widely across the many terminals and concourses, though the seats are equipped with armrests. Some travellers have luck pushing seats with armrests together to form makeshift beds. Terminals 2A and 2E are reportedly the most comfortable for overnight stays, with T2E offering the most seating options.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- In Terminal 2D, look for the coffee machine with a small nook that, aside from the noise of the cleaning staff and the lights left on, reportedly provides a quiet and comfortable spot for sleeping.
- In Terminal 2E, head to Gate L, upstairs from the train, for orange couches.
- In Terminal 2E, a free rest area near Yotel has carpeting, making it much quieter.
- Landside, many check-in counters have soft seating areas in front of them.
- There are designated rest zones with semi-reclined lounge chairs, perfect for relaxing and napping before your flight. At least one such rest zone is at the far end of Terminal 2E, near Gate K30.
Travellers recommend avoiding the Metro stop for sleeping. Security guards may not patrol the station itself, so homeless and vagrants tend to gather here.
For uninterrupted sleep, check out the sleep cabins in Terminal 2E or head to several on-site or nearby hotels. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Paris Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport terminals hours of operation are as follows: Terminal 1 (Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM) • Terminal 2A (Hours: 3:30 AM – 12:30 AM) • Terminal 2B (currently closed for renovations) • Terminal 2C (Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM) • Terminal 2D (Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:30 PM) • Terminal 2E and 2F (Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM) • Terminal 2G (Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM) and Terminal 3 (Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:30 PM. Overnight stays are discouraged, and you may be asked to leave the building at closing time, but according to the airport’s website, “if you have a travel agent’s notification/boarding pass for a flight, you may wait for your departure flight.”
Rest & Relaxations Zones
The Instant Paris Lounge is a free resting area for passengers in transit. Located in Terminal 2E, you will find areas with comfortable lounge-style seating, and close by is the Yotelair Hotel, where you can shower.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Paris Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a hotel inside CDG airport and several hotels on the airport grounds. The YotelAir is the only transit hotel at Paris Airport and the only airport hotel with hourly rates available. More hotels on airport grounds are either connected to the airport or accessible by way of a free hotel shuttle or the CDGVAL Train. Some of these on and off-site hotels at CDG offer day rooms, but if you are a transit passenger, you must pass through security.
Hotel inside CDG Airport
YOTELAIR Paris Charles de Gaulle – The YotelAir offers 80 rooms/cabins. At one point, the hotel rented cabins in four-hour blocks, but it seems that is no longer the case because the rates start at € 259 (April 2024). Cabins have a private shower. They also offer shower-only packages for people who only want to freshen up (20€ single use for 30 minutes or 30€ for 45 double use for minutes). Location: Terminal 2E, Satellite L, Airside. This location can only be accessed by passengers with a departing international flight outside of the European Union (with the exception of the United Kingdom) from Terminal 2E, K, L, M or passengers that are in transit to or from an international flight outside of the European Union from Terminal 2E, K, L, M. Overnight rates from 6:00 PM – 9:00 AM can be pre-booked. » Check Rates
More hotels at Paris Airport
- Ibis Paris Airport – (Two-minute walk from Terminal 3) A budget hotel opposite Terminal 3 at the RER Roissy 1 exit. From Terminals 1 & 2, take the CDGVAL free automatic metro to the Terminal 3 (Roissypôle) stop. The free metro runs every four minutes from 4:30 AM – 1:00 AM and every 20 minutes from 1:00 AM – 4:30 M. » Check Rates
- CitizenM – (Five-minute walking distance to Terminal 3). From Terminal 1 or 2, you can take the free CDGVAL shuttle to Terminal 3 (Roissypôle) and walk from there. » Check Rates
- Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport – (Five-minute walk from Terminal 3) Day rooms are available between 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. From T1: Take the free CDGVAL high-speed train, which runs every four minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week (free of charge) and stop at T3/Roissyp le. Free shuttle from Terminal 2 (Shuttle Hours: every 20 minutes, 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM and on request during unscheduled hours). » Check Rates
- Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel – (Two-minute walk from Terminal 2) Located in Terminal 2 across from the RER Stat on. The hotel is just steps from the CDG VAL, a free automatic shuttle service linking the three airport terminals. Day rooms are available from 8:00 AM to 6:00 M. » Check Rates
- Novotel CDG Terminal – (Two-minute walk from Terminal 3) From terminals 1 and 2: Take the CDGVAL free automatic metro, Roissypôle stop; the hotel entrance is at the RER train station. From terminal 3: Follow signs for Gare RER (two-minute walk), hotel entrance in the RER train station. Day rooms are available from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near CDG Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal 1
- Icare Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, International Departures. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
- Star Alliance Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 11. Schengen Flights only. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 2A/2D
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Terminal 2A, Airside, near Gates A37-39. Lounge Access: Purchase at time of online check-in • Lounge membership programs.
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 2A. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
- Terminal 1: Galaxy Lounge (Airside) • Lufthansa Business Lounge • SAS Lounge (Airside) • Star Alliance (Airside)
- Terminal 2A-2C: Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge (Airside) • The Emirates Lounge (Airside) • El Al Israel Lounge (Airside) • Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge (Airside).
- Terminal 2C: Air France The Arrivals Lounge (Landside).
- Terminal 2E: Air France La Premiere Lounge (Airside) • Air France (Concourse L) Lounge (Airside) • Air France (Concourse K) Lounge (Airside) • Air France (Concourse M) Lounge (Airside).
- Terminal 2F: Air France Lounge (Pier F1, Airside) • Air France Lounge (Pier F2, Airside).
- Terminal 2G: Air France Lounge (Airside).
Related Pages: Paris Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
A reader tells us there are water fountains throughout the terminals to refill your water bottles. (June 2024)
Food & Drinks
No food concessions stay open 24 hours, so stock up on food and water before the eateries and convenience stores close for the night. Food concessions operate on varying schedules, with some open as early as 4:00 AM and closed as late as 11:30 PM. Some of the dining options include Boco • Brioche Doree • Costa Coffee • Eric Kayser • Espressamente illy • Exki • McDonald’s • Naked • Pret a Manger • Red d’Hippo • Starbucks • Zumo. The Marks & Spencer shops sell fresh snacks and prepared foods. Locations: Terminal 1, Landside, Arrivals, Level 5 • Terminal 2F, Landside, Level 0 • Terminal 2E, Landside, Level 0. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Bagages du Monde offers short and long-term storage. Sample rates: 3,00€/3 hours/small item • 10,00€/24 hours/small item • 7,00€/3 hours/large item • 20,00€/24 hours/large item. Location: T2, landside, TGV-RER Station, Level 4 opposite Sheraton Hotel. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Mobile Charging
Look for one of the ChargeBox columns, which contains a group of small lockers equipped with charging leads for most phones. Phones take about 30 – 90 minutes to fully charge. Just plug in your phone, lock it up and take the key with you while you shop or dine! Rate: Free to use! Chargebox locations: T1 (six stations) • Terminals 2E, 2F, 2G (18 stations) • T3 (two stations) • Terminals 2A, 2C, 2D (seven stations). Additionally, outlets are available next to most seats in the boarding areas.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Showers are available in a few pay-to-use lounges and the YOTELAIR transit hotel. See Hotels and Lounges above.
WiFi/Internet
Unlimited free WiFi is available at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Just connect to either the “WIFI-AIRPORT” or “WIFI-AIRPORT-STANDARD” network. Members of the “My Paris Aéroport” can access the “WIFI-LOYALTY-PROGRAM” network. Additionally, there are also two interruption-free premium WiFi services at CDG:
- Faster: 4x faster than the standard free WiFi. The rate is € 2.90 for 20 min. or € 5.90 for 60 minutes.
- Stronger: 10x faster than the standard free WiFi. The rate is € 9.90 for 24 hours, and you can connect up to five WiFi devices.
Layover Sightseeing
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Paris Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Paris on Tripadvisor.
Security & Safety
Airport staff are generally tolerant of sleepers and overnight campers. Some travellers have mentioned specific reports of security guards helping them with their overnight stay, especially women and those travelling alone. Ask airport staff where they recommend you spend the night, as they may direct you away from dark corners or towards a more popular spot with better visibility and safety.
A few travellers have reported homeless and vagrants congregating in the Metro station. One incident in particular involved a person pretending to need help and asking for 15 euros to “borrow” for a few minutes, only to disappear altogether.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain risk level, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Sanitary changing tables and children’s toilets are available in the colourful baby care areas, landside and airside in all the airport restrooms on the Departures and Arrivals levels.
- Children’s Play Areas – Colorful play areas featuring Gulli network TV programs and games are available in these locations: Terminal 2C, airside, Departures lounge • Terminal 2F, airside, Departures lounge • Terminal 2D, airside, Departures lounge. Disney-themed play areas are available for children ages 4 to 10 years, featuring interactive toys, games, a TV corner with Disney shows, and soft puffy seating. Locations: A Cars-themed play area is in T2E, and two Cars/Princesses play areas are available in the Satellite 4 (S4) terminal.
- Games – Playstation gaming areas and multi-touch games carousel tables can be found airside in these locations: Terminal 2A (Gate 39) • Terminal 2B (Gates D40, B26, B22) • Terminal 2C (Gate 82, 88) • Terminal 2E (Gates F21, F23, F29, F32, K36, K41, K43, K49, L32, M25, M27, M29) • Terminal 2F (Gates F21, F23, F29, F32) • Terminal 3 (International Gates).
- Strollers – Strollers are available for use, free of charge, airside in Terminal 2E. Pick one up at one of two Pushchair Stations, located just after the security checkpoint, and leave it at the boarding gate when you depart for your flight.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, stop by one of the airport information desks for assistance. Locations: T1 Gate 2 (Departures) and Gate 36 (Arrivals) • T2A (Gate 6) • T2C (Gate 6) • T2D (Gate 6) • T2E Gate 6 (Departures) and Gate 8 (Arrivals) • T2F (Gate 7) • T2G (Public Hall) • T3 Entrance Halls in Arrivals and Departures. Hours: Open daily according to flight schedules. Terminal 2E also has a touchscreen display, Information Terminals, designed to look like giant smartphones.
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Trolley – Need a hand with your luggage? Luggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout all the terminals.
- Luggage Wrapping – Safe Bag luggage wrapping service is available for €13 per bag. Locations: available at 7 locations (T2A • T2B • T2C • T2E (x3) • T3).
Massage Chairs – Location: Terminal 1, satellites 1 to 6; Terminal 3, both departure areas; Terminal 2, zones 2A, 2C, 2D and 2E (near desks E68 and E55). Fee: Starting from €2,00.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – Urgent and emergency medical treatment are available at CDG Airport. Location: T2F, landside, Arrivals level, Entrance 017. Hours: 24 hours.
- Pharmacy – Locations: T2, landside, AC connector corridor (Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM) • T2E, landside, Departures level (Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM) • T2F, landside, Departures level (Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM).
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs operated by HSBC are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside.
- Banking Services – A branch of HSBC can be found in Terminal 2D-2F, Landside, TGV Station. Hours: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri).
- Currency Exchange – Foreign currency exchange, money transfers, VAT refunds and more are available at Travelex. There are 16 locations throughout T1, T2 A/C/D/E/F and T3. Hours: Vary per location.
- Tax Refunds – Non-EU residents are eligible to receive a refund for the VAT they have paid on their purchases when they spend €175, incl. VAT at the same store. Tax refunds can be processed at one of five refund offices or six PABLO terminals. Locations:
- Offices – Terminal 2E (Landside, Arrivals Level • Baggage Claim, Arrivals Level • Departures Level, Gate K • Departures Level, Gate L) • Terminal 2F (Landside, Arrivals Level • Landside, Departures Level).
- Terminals – T1 (CDGVAL Level, Hall 6) • T2A (Departures Level, Gate 5) • T2C (Departures Level, Gate 4) • T2E (Departures Level, Gates 3/4) • T2F (Arrivals Level) • T3 (Arrivals Level).
Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards, buy stamps and more at the airport’s Post Office. Location: Terminal 2E, SNCF-TGV station, Arrivals level. Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Mailboxes are available in each terminal before and after security. Hours: 24 hours.
Religious Spaces
- Terminal 1 – temporarily closed – Chapel (Scheduled Catholic Mass, Protestant service, and Christian prayer time available) • Muslim Prayer Area • Synagogue. Location: Level CDGVAL, Halls 5 and 6. Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM.
- Terminal 2E – Multifaith prayer area. Location: Airside, boarding area of Hall L, next to Gate L33. Hours: 24 hours.
- Terminal 2F – Chapel (Scheduled Catholic Mass, Protestant service, Christian prayer time, Eucharistic adoration, and Rosary prayer time available) • Muslim Prayer Area • Synagogue. Location: Arrival level, between exits 1a and 2a. Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:30 PM.
Shopping – Buy Paris Duty-Free shops are located in the boarding areas or departure lounges of T1, T2 (A/D/E (Hall K)/F/G) and T3. A wide variety of retail shops are also available throughout the airport, including 30+ Relay shops for any last-minute items.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted in designated areas throughout the airport as follows: T1, Rotunda • T2C, near Gate C82 • T2F, near Gate 2 • TE, near Gate 6 and Gate 8.
Spa & Salon Services – Massages, facials, and various beauty treatments are available at Be Relax Spa in Terminal 2E, Hall M. Seated massage is available at the Be Relax kiosks, located in T2 A/C/G/F1/F2/E/G.
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – Works of Parisian art and culture are on display in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2E (Halls L & M), along with the Espace Musée (Terminal 2E), which is a miniature art gallery featuring a bi-annually rotating exhibit featuring art from the Louvre, Palace of Versailles and more!
- Music Lounge – Soothe your pre-flight jitters with the sound of music! The Espace Musique lounge is a relaxing area with comfortably-furnished individual listening stations featuring free touchscreen access to the Universal Music Catalogue and a selection of Webradio stations. You can even play your own music via your smartphone or MP3 player! Rate: Free to enter. Location: Terminal 2E.
- Sony HD Viewing Room & Soundcorner – Watch the latest films and shows from the Sony catalogue, free of charge, in the Sony Video Lounge. The lounge is furnished with individual viewing modules, featuring 3D HD TVs and comfortable seating with built-in speakers. Location: Terminal 2E, Halls L and M.
Workstations – Equipped with an electric socket to plug in your portable computer, the business workstations are designed for you to make the most of your waiting time. Locations: Terminal 1, airside, in the boarding lounges • Terminal 2D, airside, near gate D55 • Terminal 2EF, landside and airside, in the boarding lounges • Terminal 2G, airside.
Bus
CDG airport is well connected to the bus system. Whether you are looking for a non-stop connection to Paris, need to reach your hotel in the city or get to Disneyland Paris, there is probably a bus for you. For more information and to plan your trip, visit the Paris CDG Airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies have rental desks in Terminals 1, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F: Advantage • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Europcar • Firefly • Hertz • Interrent • National • Sixt • Thrifty • TT Car Transit.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: B&B HOTEL • Best Western • Best Western Plus Paris Roissy • Campanile Roissy • Geographotel Paris Roissy CDG • Golden Tulip Paris CDG Airport – Villepinte • Holiday Inn Express • Holiday Inn • Hotel Campanile Roissy • Hotel ibis Styles Paris Roissy-CDG • Hotel Mercure Paris CDG Airport & Convention • Hotel Oceania • Hotel Premiere Classe Roissy – Aeroport CDG – Le Mesnil Amelot • Hotel Premiere Classe Roissy Aeroport • Hyatt Regency Paris Charles de Gaulle • Ibis Budget Roissy CDG Paris Nord 2 • Ibis Paris CDG Airport • Mercure Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Hotel • Millennium Hotel • Moxy Hotel • Nomad Hotel • Novotel Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport • Novotel Suites Paris CDG Airport Villepinte Hotel • Paris Marriott Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel • Standing Hotel Suites by Actisource.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
The N1 shuttle, the N2 shuttle and the CDGVAL (automatic rail service) connect passengers to all Terminals, Car Parks, SNCF Railway Station (north), Sheraton Hotel, Left Luggage and more. To find your way around the airport grounds, visit the Paris CDG Airport website.
Taxi
Officially licensed taxis operate from the taxi ranks outside the baggage claim area exits of Terminals 1, 2A/C/D/E/F/G and 3. Only official licensed taxis are permitted to pick up passengers at the airport and are easily identifiable by a light on the vehicle rooftop and inside meter. For safety reasons, use only the taxis at the taxi ranks and do not accept rides from people approaching you at the airport. As of this update, the fare for a taxi ride into the city is around €53-58.
Train
The airport is served by the CDGVAL automatic people mover, The RER B regional rapid transit line and the TGV high-speed train lines. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Paris CDG Airport website.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.