Practical guide: What time should I leave Paris for a flight from CDG or Orly?
Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the busiest airport in France and the third-busiest in Europe. With around 72 million passengers in 2025 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’s English-speaking chauffeurs meet you at every terminal, day and night.
The CDG terminals
Terminal 1
With its iconic circular architecture, Terminal 1 serves many international airlines, with satellites linked to the central building. Check your terminal on your boarding pass: airlines sometimes change terminals.
Terminal 2
The largest terminal at CDG, divided into 7 halls (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G). It is the Air France hub: the airline operates from halls 2E, 2F and 2G. Note: hall 2G is separate and is reached by a free shuttle.
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, reserved for La Première passengers.
- Air France Business Lounge (T2E/F) — Access for Business and SkyTeam Elite Plus.
- Star Alliance Lounge (T1) — For Business passengers of Star Alliance airlines.
- Yotel (T2E) — Paid rest cabins by the hour. Perfect for a long layover or a night flight.
How to reach Paris from CDG
Several 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 | €115 | Door-to-door, flat rate, name-sign welcome, flight tracking |
| Regulated taxi | 40-60 min | €56-65 (flat fare) | Regulated flat fare, queue often long |
| RER B (train) | 35-50 min | €14 | Economical, frequent, stops at Gare du Nord and Châtelet |
| Roissybus | 60-75 min | IDFM fare | Direct to Opéra, comfortable, easy with luggage |
| Shared shuttles | 60-90 min | €20-30 | Budget, but unpredictable schedules and multiple detours |
A pre-booked private car service combines a fixed rate announced before departure, a personalised welcome 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: we track your flight and adjust the pick-up time — no need to rush, no penalty for delays.
Immigration and customs
Passengers arriving from the Schengen area have no border check. Non-Schengen travellers (United States, United Kingdom, Asia, Middle East) go through border police: allow extra time. PARAFE e-gates (biometric passport) speed up the check, notably for EU and Swiss nationals.
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 does not run in the middle of the night, and neither does Roissybus. Noctilien night buses take over, with long journey times and reduced frequency.
A pre-booked private chauffeur remains the simplest 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
For clients travelling from abroad — United States, United Kingdom, Asia, Middle East — our service is built around them.
All our chauffeurs speak French and English. On request: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese. Please mention it when booking.
Real-time tracking of arrivals from JFK, EWR, LGA, LAX, HKG, NRT, HND, SIN, DXB. We track your flight and adjust the pick-up time to the actual landing time.
American Express cards accepted. Payment in euros. Invoice emailed after your ride, in French or English on request.
Help in French and English on WhatsApp +33 7 69 70 00 20. Our team replies during the day; online booking is open 24/7.
Pick-up from the great Parisian hotels (Plaza Athénée, Le Bristol, Ritz, Crillon, Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental…); luggage carried to the hotel reception, or up to your apartment at a private address if requested when booking.
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) can be signed on request. No logo on the vehicle. Total discretion on passenger identity.
International FAQ
Mercedes E-Class from €115, name-sign welcome, guaranteed flat rate 24/7.