Navigating Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): The Ultimate Terminal & Transit Guide
If you are flying through Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the most critical thing to know right now is that the airport is currently undergoing a massive terminal renumbering overhaul to switch to a sequential 1–7 system. Because this rollout is ongoing, your airline ticket might already list a new terminal number while physical road signs and GPS maps still display the old lettered names (like 2E or 2F). To avoid missing your flight, always double-check your terminal mapping ahead of time, utilise the free CDGVAL automated train to move between hubs , and budget an extra 20 to 30 minutes of transit buffer time to account for recent peak-hour shuttle delays and post-security train rides to your gate.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is notoriously vast and complex. Navigating its sprawling layout requires a bit of foresight to avoid pre-flight stress. If you’re flying through CDG soon, here is everything you need to know about the terminal setups, how to move between them for free, and critical layout updates to keep in mind.
The CDG Terminal Guide: Who Flies Where?
CDG is composed of three major terminal hubs, though one of them is highly fragmented:
- Terminal 1: This terminal primarily houses Star Alliance airlines. If you are flying with carriers like United, Lufthansa, or Singapore Airlines, this is where you will likely start your journey.
- Terminal 2: By far the airport’s largest hub, Terminal 2 is split into seven distinct sub-terminals running from 2A through 2G.
- Terminals 2E & 2F: These function as the primary bases and main hubs for Air France and Delta.
- Terminal 2G: This is a separate satellite terminal dedicated specifically to smaller regional flights.
- Terminal 3: A separate, much simpler terminal building that is dedicated mostly to charter and low-cost airlines.
How to Move Between Terminals Seamlessly
The good news is that all internal airport transport at CDG is completely free of charge and specifically designed to facilitate smooth connections. Here are your primary transit options:
1. The CDGVAL Automated Shuttle Train
The CDGVAL is the most important tool for travellers navigating the airport. This free, high-speed automated train provides the fastest way to travel between the three main terminals (T1, T2, and T3) and Roissypôle, which is where the hotels and RER B regional train station are located.
- Operating Hours: The CDGVAL operates daily from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
- Traveller Advisory: While the system is advertised as running every 10 to 15 minutes, peak hours have seen wait times stretch up to 30 minutes due to high passenger volume and staffing shortages. Make sure to account for this if you are travelling during peak windows.
2. Free Shuttle Buses
Complementary shuttle buses are available to bridge specific gaps between the different sections of Terminal 2:
- The N1 Shuttle: This free bus specifically connects passengers to the TGV-RER high-speed and regional train station located inside Terminal 2.
- The Terminal 2G Connection: Because Terminal 2G is a separate satellite building, it cannot be reached on foot; it is accessible only via a dedicated shuttle bus operating from Terminal 2F.
- The LISA Shuttle: This train is located past security checks. It is strictly reserved for passengers in Terminal 2E to transport them directly to boarding halls K, L, and M.
Crucial Travel Tips to Keep in Mind
To ensure your journey through CDG goes off without a hitch, keep these essential insights in mind before you arrive at the airport:
The Great Terminal Renumbering Overhaul
The airport is currently working on simplifying its naming conventions by completely removing the sub-terminal letters. From March 16, 2027, the layout will transition to a clean, consecutive numbering system from Terminal 1 to Terminal 7.
⚠️ Watch Out for Mismatched Signage: The transition officially began rolling out. Because of this timeline, many travellers are discovering that their airline tickets or booking confirmations display the new terminal numbers, but physical road signs and GPS maps at the airport still reflect the old sub-terminal names (like T2A, T2E, etc.). Always double-check your documents against the old/new terminal equivalents before you arrive.
Budget Extra Time for Terminal 2E Gates
If you are flying out of Terminal 2E, check your precise gate number as early as possible. This sub-terminal features three entirely separate boarding “halls” (K, L, and M). Reaching these halls requires clearing security and boarding the internal LISA shuttle train. Because of this multi-step transit process, always allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes to reach your departure gate comfortably.
Planning to drive to the airport? While this guide focuses on navigating between the gates, finding the right spot to leave your vehicle is just as critical. To save time and lock in the best spots, check out our pages for Parking at Terminal 1, Parking at Terminal 2, and Parking at Terminal 3 before you head out!
The Complete CDG Terminal & Airline Mapping Table
| New Name | Old Name | Extensive List of Airlines Departing From It |
| Terminal 1 | Terminal 1 | Star Alliance & Unaligned Long-Haul: • Lufthansa • United Airlines • Singapore Airlines • Air Canada • ANA (All Nippon Airways) • Swiss International Air Lines • Austrian Airlines • Turkish Airlines • SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) • Thai Airways • EVA Air • Air China • Asiana Airlines • EgyptAir • Ethiopian Airlines • Emirates • Qatar Airways • Etihad Airways • Cathay Pacific • Kuwait Airways • Oman Air • SriLankan Airlines |
| Terminal 2 | Terminal 3 | Low-Cost & Charter Carriers: • Ryanair • Volotea • Vueling • Wizz Air • Flyplay (Play) • Jet2.com • Norwegian Air Shuttle • Air Transat • Corendon Airlines • Various seasonal charter flights |
| Terminal 3 | Terminals 2A & 2C | Oneworld & Premium International Carriers: • American Airlines • British Airways • LATAM Airlines • Air Côte d’Ivoire • Vietnam Airlines • Aeromexico • El Al • Air Austral • Air Madagascar • Air Tahiti Nui • Royal Air Maroc • Gulf Air • Saudia (select non-SkyTeam routes) |
| Terminal 4 | Terminals 2B & 2D | Schengen & European Medium-Haul (The easyJet Hub): • easyJet • Air Baltic • Air Serbia • Croatia Airlines • Finnair • Iberia • ITA Airways (Non-Schengen routes) • Air Algerie • Royal Jordanian • Tarom • TUI fly Belgium • Azerbaijan Airlines |
| Terminal 5 | Terminal 2E | Air France & SkyTeam Long-Haul (Non-Schengen): • Air France (Long-haul flights to USA, UK, Asia, Gulf) • Delta Air Lines • Air Mauritius • China Eastern Airlines • Korean Air • Xiamen Air • Middle East Airlines (MEA) • Kenya Airways |
| Terminal 6 | Terminal 2F | Air France & SkyTeam Medium-Haul (Schengen): • Air France (European/Schengen flights) • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines • Air Europa • ITA Airways (Schengen routes) • Tarom (Schengen operations) |
| Terminal 7 | Terminal 2G | Regional & Satellite Flights: • Air France HOP! (Regional short-haul) • Transavia • Luxair • Specific regional partner affiliates |
