Plan your connection at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) with confidence. This guide provides essential information about connecting flights, minimum connection times, layovers, baggage transfer, security and passport control, and terminal transfers to help you navigate CDG Airport smoothly.
Transfer Between Terminals
Find practical information about the routes, signs and directions to follow when transferring between terminals at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Learn which paths and signage to follow to reach your departure gate quickly and easily.
Single Booking vs Separate Tickets
Single Booking (Through Ticket)
If your flights are booked under a single reservation, your connection at CDG will generally be seamless. This typically applies when traveling with the same airline, such as Air France, or with alliance partners including Delta and KLM.
You will receive all boarding passes at your initial departure airport, and no additional check-in is required at CDG. Your checked baggage will be automatically transferred to your final destination.
In most cases, you will remain within the secure transit area (airside) and proceed directly to your departure gate.
If your first flight is delayed and you might miss your connection, the airline may automatically rebook you on the next available flight. You’ll usually be notified of the change once you land.
Separate Tickets (Self-Transfer)
If your flights are booked separately under two different tickets, you are considered a self-connecting passenger. This type of connection requires additional time and careful planning.
You will need to collect your checked baggage at the arrivals carousel, exit the transit area and check in again with your onward airline at the appropriate terminal. Please ensure that you meet all applicable entry and visa requirements, as you may need to enter France, even briefly, before continuing your journey.
If your first flight is delayed and you miss your connection, airlines are generally not required to provide rebooking or assistance for passengers traveling on separate tickets.
For a smooth self-transfer at CDG, we recommend allowing 3 to 4 hours between flights to accommodate baggage reclaim, terminal transfers and security screening procedures.
Minimum Connection Times
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a major international hub. To ensure a smooth and stress-free connection, allow sufficient time between flights when booking your ticket.
To help you plan your journey, consider possible flight delays, airport congestion during peak travel periods, security or passport control procedures, and walking distances between terminals and your departure gate.
Passengers traveling with young children, reduced mobility, or requiring assistance should allow extra connection time.
Recommended minimum connection times
Please note that these are not official times. The recommendations below are based on CDG Airport Guide.
■ Same terminal (airside transfer) ➔ 60–75 minutes
If your flights depart from the same terminal and you remain within the transit area.
■ Different terminal ➔ 90-120 minutes
If you need to transfer between terminals and complete security and/or passport control.
■ Self-transfer (re-check baggage or check-in again) ➔ At least 180 minutes
You will need to collect baggage, exit the transit area, check in again and complete security and/or passport control.
Security and Passport Control
When connecting at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the security and passport control checks you need to complete depend on your travel route, including your arrival and departure countries, and whether you are traveling within the Schengen Area or between Schengen and international destinations.
Security or passport control procedures may not always be required depending on your route.
Schengen Area countries : France + Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
■ Schengen ➔ Schengen
No passport control required.
■ Schengen ➔ Non-Schengen
Passport control required.
■ Non-Schengen ➔ Schengen
Passport control and security screening required.
■ Non-Schengen ➔ Non-Schengen
Security screening required.
If you leave the transit area to collect baggage or check in again, you must clear security and/or passport control. Always ensure you meet French entry & visa requirements.
Shopping and eating
If you have time between flights, Paris-Charles de Gaulle offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and lounges across all terminals.
If your connection is within the same terminal, you can easily explore the shops and dining options nearby. If you’re transferring between terminals but staying airside, you’ll also have access to various services along your route to the gate. Keep in mind that access to other terminals is only permitted if you hold a valid boarding pass for a flight departing from that terminal.
Make sure to keep an eye on boarding time while enjoying your meal or shopping, as walking distances can be long in some terminals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Paris during my layover ?
Charles de Gaulle airport is about 26 km (16 miles) from Central Paris, It does take about 45-60 minutes to reach the city center, so we only recommend leaving the airport for the city if you’ve got at least 6-7 hours between flights.
You can store your luggage nearby the railway station and then take the RER B train to Paris.
A few bus routes and taxis are available, too, but traffic can really slow you down.
Remember to keep 2 hours minimum for the transportation airport to Paris and back.
Therefore, a 5-hour layover in Paris, for example, will mean 3 hours available to visit Paris.
Please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements.
Visit our dedicated page for information and details about trains, buses, taxis and shuttles to Paris.
Where can I store bags during my layover ?
There are left luggage/baggage storage facilities in terminal 2 public area (close to the train station).
Baggage and luggage items can be stored for a few hours or up to 90 days.
How long to connect between flights at CDG ?
Your connection time depends on your route, airline and whether you need to pick up baggage or change terminals, so there’s no single answer.
If you book a through-ticket with an airline or travel agent, your airline will generally quote a ″minimum connection time″.
However, if you booked your flights separately, these minimum connection times don’t apply, you should allow plenty of extra time to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, then check in and clear security for your outbound flight.
What to do if you miss your flight ?
If you miss your connecting flight or your flight is cancelled, please go to your airline’s desk. The airline staff will assist you with rebooking your flight and provide information on your next steps. Make sure to have your travel documents and booking reference handy to speed up the process.
If you purchased two separate tickets, you will need to make a new reservation at your own expense.
Do I need to collect my bags at CDG ?
Passengers will be advised at the airport of origin regarding where they should collect their luggage.
In most cases, your baggage will be labeled to go directly to your final destination.
The baggage tag receipt always states your bag’s final destination.
In the event that your baggage is not through-checked you must follow signs for Arrivals, reclaim baggage, then check your bags in the departure terminal.
Please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements.
I need to check-in, where do I go ?
If you need to check-in baggage, you should leave the transfer zone (there are no check-in counters in the transfer zone) and proceed to the departure terminal of your connecting flight.
If you need a boarding pass for your connecting flight, you can use a self service kiosk (available for Air France customers in the transfer zone of terminals 2E & 2F) or proceed to the check-in desks for your airline in the departure terminal (please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements).
Where do I get my boarding pass ?
Your airline should give you all the boarding cards you need, including those for any connecting flights, when you first check in.
If you don’t have yours, please contact your airline in the relevant terminal.
Do I need a visa to transfer at CDG ?
Passengers travelling between non-Schengen countries do not need a visa for connecting flights at Paris-CDG.
Non-EU nationals entering France or travelling to a Schengen country may need a visa, depending on their nationality and on the rules in the country where they wish to travel to.
Do I have to go through immigration on connecting flights ?
It depends on where you’re flying to and from !
See ″Immigration & Security″ section above.
How to transfer to Orly airport ?
Follow the ″Baggage-Exit″ signs, leave the transfer zone, pick up bags then make your way to Orly airport using Taxi or Train (RER B + Metro 14).
How to transfer to a TGV train ?
Follow the ″Baggage-Exit″ signs, leave the transfer zone, pick up bags then make your way to the railway station underneath terminal 2.
How do I get fast track at CDG airport ?
Fast lanes are available to select passengers only.
Premium and select non-premium passengers will be issued an access voucher from their airline.
Follow the signs marked “Accès no. 1” or “Sky Priority” at immigration and security check.
Does CDG airport have e-gates ?
You can use the ″PARAFE″ smart gates in terminals 1, 3 and 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G.
Citizens (over 18 years old) holding valid biometric passports of the European Union, the European Economic Union and the Swiss Confederation are eligible.
How do I ensure that I catch my connecting flight ?
For a stress-free experience, you should plan enough time between your incoming flight and the time of departure of your outgoing flight when purchasing your flight tickets.
The more time you have, the better !
How do I find out my flight's terminal ?
The flight terminal is sometimes included on your boarding pass, along with the gate number, when you check in.
Monitors and signs within the airport will also be able to direct you to the correct terminal.
Can I go shopping in a different terminal ?
No, it is not possible to shop in another terminal without a valid boarding pass.
Can I leave the airport transit area ?
You can leave the transit area (and airport) but you’ll have to clear security and-or immigration again on your way back into the terminal.
Citizens from certain countries leaving the transit area may need a visa.
Please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements.
Where can I take a shower and relax ?
Currently, CDG airport has no public showers.
You may proceed to your airline’s lounge (by invitation only).
Where can I sleep overnight ?
There is nowhere to sleep in the terminals (except Yotel at terminal 2E) but there’s a great choice of hotels nearby.
If your booking includes a stopover in a local hotel, please follow the signs to Arrivals.
Please ensure that you comply with entry & visa requirements.
Can I smoke in the terminals ?
Please not that smoking is not permitted except in the dedicated smoking booths located in all terminals, near the boarding areas.
How do I request extra assistance at CDG airport ?
You can request additional assistance at the time of booking your flight ticket.
Please ensure that you make your request to your airline or travel agency up to 48 hours before departure.
Does CDG airport have wifi ?
You can enjoy free wireless internet access via your notebook computer or handheld device in all terminals.
Connect to “WIFI-AIRPORT” or “WIFI-AIRPORT-STANDARD“.