04/09/2024
Travelling for the first time to Paris. Here is a step-by-step guide to arriving at CDG for first-timers.
Arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the Paris largest and most important airport, for the first time can be a bit overwhelming due to its size and complexity. CDG is where most international flights arrive. You're more likely to arrive at CDG than at the other Paris airport: Orly (ORY). But check your flight ticket to be sure.
CDG is located north of Paris (while ORY is located south of Paris).
Most visitors coming to France for a vacation or for work land at CDG and then move from there. Some visitors may have a connecting flight to other smaller airports within the country, like Nice, Marseille, Toulouse or Bordeaux.
But first thing first: check if you need a visa
Nationals from non-Schengen countries might be required to have a visa. Visas are tailored to specific situations (students, work permit, etc). Non-Schengen countries are divided in 2 groups:
Nationals of the 1st group, including the USA, Australia, Canada and many more, DO not need a visa for a vacation in Europe for a maximum of 3 months.
Nationals of the second group will always need a visa to enter the EU.
We strongly suggest you contact your Personal Travel Advisor to learn more about any regulations you might be subject to. You do not want to land in CDG only to learn that you'll be put on the next flight home.
So, now here are some tips to help you navigate the airport smoothly:
1. Know Your Arrival Terminal
- CDG has three main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (subdivided into several halls: 2A, 2B, etc.), and Terminal 3. Be sure to know your arrival terminal in advance, as they are spread out and might require shuttle transport between them. You may also use the FREE driver-less tram that runs automatically between all 3 terminals every 5-10 minutes.
- Check your boarding pass or flight information for terminal details.
2. Follow the Signs
- The airport has clear signage in multiple languages, including English. Follow the signs for arrivals, baggage claim, customs, and ground transportation.
- Look for yellow signs indicating important areas like passport control and baggage claim.
3. Prepare for Passport (and visa) Control
- Depending on your nationality (and not where you're flying from), you'll go through different lines for Passport Control.
If you are from a EU/EEA country or a Swiss citizen (usually refered to as the Schengen Area, which is more or less the EU - you may find more info at https://www.vie-publique.fr/carte/287827-carte-les-etats-membres-de-lespace-schengen), the line is typically faster.
Other nationalities (non-Schengen country) should expect potentially longer waits, depending on the time of day. You'll go through passport control. Have your passport ready.
4. Navigating Baggage Claim
- After passport control, follow the signs to baggage claim. Check the monitors for your flight number and corresponding carousel.
- CDG is a large airport, so it might take some time for your luggage to arrive. Use this time to locate restrooms or prepare for customs.
5. Customs and Security
- After collecting your luggage, you'll pass through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you can proceed through the green "Nothing to Declare" lane.
- French customs are usually straightforward, but be aware of restrictions on certain goods.
This is where we suggest that you do not play fool or try to conceal items that are not wanted. Well-trained dogs are on the job, and custom officers are really good at reading people.
6. Transportation Options - perhaps the most important section: How to reach Paris center? How to go to your next destination if you are not staying in Paris?
A / RER Train, the B line - it's like a Regional Train - it's also the least expensive option
The RER B line connects CDG to central Paris. Follow the signs for "Paris by Train" or "RER B." The journey to central Paris takes about 30-40 minutes. By connecting you to central Paris, the train stops at several stations within Paris, most notably:
Paris Gare du Nord, one of the Paris train stations.
Chatelet-Les-Halles metro station - can't go more central than this one
Saint-Michel Notre Dame metro station
Denfert-Rechereau metro station
From these stations, you may transfer to other transportation options: local trains, metros, trams, etc.
B / Taxis & Uber:
Official taxis are available at designated ranks outside each terminal. Avoid unauthorized taxi drivers who might approach you inside the terminal. The fare to central Paris is fixed (€55 to the Right Bank, €62 to the Left Bank).
Uber is widely available in Paris. Download the app before your arrival.
C / Shuttles and Buses:The Roissybus and other shuttle services also connect CDG to various parts of Paris. Consider these if you have a lot of luggage.
D / Car Rentals: If you’re renting a car, follow the signs to the rental desks, which are well-marked.
OUR PIECE OF ADVICE
Do not take the RER B, especially if you have lots of luggage, or even a large and heavy piece of luggage. RER B could be crowded, noisy. Also, it's not always reliable. Honestly, it's not necessarily the first thing we would like you to witness upon your arrival in France.
In fact, should you be going to central Paris (to a train station to catch a train or to a hotel), we suggest that you book a private transfer in advance. It's not a lot more expensive than a taxi or a Uber.
More importantly:
It'll take you exactly where you want to go
You'll know the fare in advance, no bad surprise
The size of the vehicle will be adapted to the number of persons in your party and your luggage
Contact us at [email protected], we'll arrange it for you in no time.
7. Stay Connected
- CDG offers free Wi-Fi, so you can easily access maps, contact your accommodation, or check travel details. Look for "WIFI-AIRPORT" to connect.
By following these tips, your first experience at CDG and your arrival in France should be smoother and less stressful. Bon voyage!
