Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the largest airport in France and the second-largest in Europe. With more than 70 million passengers each year and three terminals, it can feel intimidating on a first visit. This guide gives you every key to navigate CDG in 2026 without stress — whether you are arriving from JFK, Heathrow, Hong Kong or Dubai. Precellence Service deploys English-speaking chauffeurs across all terminals, 24/7.
The CDG terminals
Terminal 1
With its iconic circular architecture, Terminal 1 serves mainly the international carriers of Star Alliance. You will find Air China, Lufthansa, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines and other long-haul carriers here. The terminal has 8 satellites connected by automatic walkways. Plan around 10 minutes of walking between the gate and baggage claim.
Terminal 2
The largest terminal at CDG, divided into 7 sub-terminals (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G). It is the main hub for Air France and its SkyTeam partners. Terminal 2E is the most recent and handles Air France long-haul flights. Satellite S4, recently inaugurated, offers bright and modern spaces. Note: Terminal 2G is separated and requires a free shuttle (5 minutes).
Terminal 3
Formerly called T9, Terminal 3 is dedicated to low-cost carriers and charter flights. The infrastructure is simpler, with fewer shops and restaurants. Security queues can be long in high season. Plan to arrive 3 hours before your flight.
CDG lounges
CDG offers about ten lounges accessible with a loyalty card, a Business/First-class ticket, or a paid day-pass:
- Air France La Première (T2E) — The most exclusive lounge at CDG. Access reserved for La Première passengers. Chef-prepared cuisine, spa, private suite, Krug champagne.
- Air France Business Lounge (T2E/F) — Gourmet buffet, wine bar, showers, quiet rest area. Access for Business and SkyTeam Elite Plus.
- Star Alliance Lounge (T1) — Panoramic tarmac views. Ideal for Lufthansa, United and Singapore Airlines Business passengers.
- British Airways Lounge (T1) — Intimate lounge, hot and cold snacks, full bar. Access for Gold Executive Club members.
- Yotel (T2E) — Paid rest cabins by the hour. Perfect for a long layover or a night flight.
How to reach Paris from CDG
Five main options to reach central Paris. The right choice depends on your budget, luggage volume and arrival time:
| Mode | Duration | Price | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precellence private car service | 35-55 min | €87 | Door-to-door, flat rate, meet & greet with name sign, flight tracking |
| Regulated taxi | 40-60 min | €52 | Regulated flat fare, queue often long |
| RER B (train) | 35-50 min | €11.80 | Economical, frequent, stops at Gare du Nord and Châtelet |
| Roissybus | 60-75 min | €16.60 | Direct to Opéra, comfortable, easy with luggage |
| Shared shuttles | 60-90 min | €20-30 | Budget, but unpredictable schedules and multiple detours |
A private car service remains the only option guaranteeing a fixed rate announced in advance, a personalised meet & greet in the arrivals hall with a name sign, and a direct journey without stops. For non-EU passengers arriving with multiple suitcases after a long-haul flight, the difference in comfort is immediate.
Practical tips
Baggage claim
Plan 15 to 40 minutes between landing and exiting the terminal, depending on the terminal and aircraft size. Long-haul flights at T2E can take up to 45 minutes. Give your Precellence chauffeur your flight number: he tracks your arrival in real time and adjusts his arrival accordingly — no need to rush, no penalty for delays.
Immigration and customs
Schengen passengers pass a fast check (5-10 min). Non-Schengen travellers (United States, United Kingdom, Asia, Middle East) should plan an additional 15 to 30 minutes. PARAFE biometric e-gates speed up the process for EU and Swiss nationals. American and British passport holders with the e-passport chip can also use PARAFE since 2025.
Free Wi-Fi
CDG offers unlimited free Wi-Fi in all terminals. Network: "WIFI-AIRPORT". The connection is adequate for email and messaging. For streaming or video conferences, the lounges offer faster premium Wi-Fi.
CDG at night
Particular care is needed if your flight lands after 23:00 or departs before 06:00. The RER B stops running around 00:30 and resumes around 04:50. Roissybus also halts its night service. The Noctilien night bus (N140 and N143) operates but with journey times of 90 to 120 minutes and reduced frequency.
A private chauffeur is the only reliable option for late-night arrivals and early-morning departures. At Precellence, the rate stays the same day and night: zero surcharge. Your chauffeur waits for you even if your flight is delayed, thanks to real-time flight tracking. All our chauffeurs are English-speaking — useful when you land at 03:00 after a 12-hour flight and simply want to be taken to your hotel without explanation.
For our international clientele
Precellence serves an international clientele — United States, United Kingdom, Asia, Middle East — booking from JFK, LAX, Heathrow, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore or Dubai. Our service is calibrated accordingly.
All our chauffeurs speak fluent French and English. On request: Italian, Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese, German, Spanish, Russian. Specify when booking.
Real-time tracking of arrivals from JFK, EWR, LGA, LAX, HKG, NRT, HND, SIN, DXB. Chauffeur automatically adjusts arrival to actual landing time.
All Amex cards accepted (Centurion, Platinum, Business). Receipts available in French or English. USD / GBP / EUR billing or SWIFT transfer for international corporate accounts.
Support in French and English via WhatsApp +33 6 95 87 81 86 and WeChat. A human responds, day and night.
Coordination with Plaza Athénée, Le Bristol, Ritz, Crillon, Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental. Hotel pickup or direct room delivery on request.
All our chauffeurs are bound by non-disclosure agreement. Discreet plates, no visible vehicle branding. Total discretion on passenger identity.
International FAQ
Mercedes E-Class from €115, meet & greet with name sign, guaranteed flat rate 24/7.