Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal Transfer Guide: T1, T2, T3, CDGVAL, Navette Shuttles, Minimum Connection Times, and Baggage Rules (2026)

Quick Summary

• Primary Update: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) facilitates inter-terminal transit through two complimentary rail links—the landside CDGVAL light rail and airside LISA shuttle—supported by a network of color-coded airside Navette buses connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
• Transit Impact: Affects all passengers connecting across Terminal 1 (Star Alliance), Terminal 2 sub-terminals 2A through 2G (Air France, SkyTeam, and Oneworld), and Terminal 3 (low-cost operators), determining whether travelers must clear French border police (PAF) checkpoints, re-clear security, or collect checked luggage.
• Traveler Advice: Allow at least 75 to 90 minutes for single-ticket connections within Terminal 2 (such as 2E non-Schengen to 2F Schengen), 90 to 120 minutes for cross-terminal transfers between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and a minimum of 180 to 240 minutes (3 to 4 hours) for self-transfers on separate tickets.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), operated by Groupe ADP (Aéroports de Paris), ranks as one of Europe’s largest intercontinental aviation hubs and the primary global home of Air France and the SkyTeam alliance. Spanning more than 32 square kilometers northeast of Paris, the airport features three sprawling terminal complexes that process over 67 million passengers annually.

For connecting travelers, navigating Charles de Gaulle requires understanding the distinct functional layouts of Terminal 1, the fragmented sub-terminals of Terminal 2 (2B, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G), and Terminal 3. Connection pathways vary significantly depending on whether your itinerary stays within the international airside transit corridor, crosses between Schengen and non-Schengen zones, or requires collecting baggage landside to check in for a separate onward flight.

Paris CDG Terminal Architecture and Airline Allocations

Charles de Gaulle is organized into three distinct passenger complexes connected by automated rail, covered pedestrian walkways, and airside apron shuttle buses:

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                   PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT (CDG)                │
└──────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────┘
                                                                         │
         ┌─────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────┐
         ▼                         ▼                         ▼
┌─────────────────┐       ┌─────────────────┐       ┌─────────────────┐
│   TERMINAL 1    │       │   TERMINAL 3    │       │   TERMINAL 2       │
│ (Star Alliance) │       │ (Low-Cost/Chart)│       │ (SkyTeam/Oneworld)
├─────────────────┤       ├─────────────────┤       ├─────────────────┤
│ • Circular Main │◄═════►│ • Roissypole    │◄═════►│ • 2B / 2D          │
│   Terminal      │ CDGVAL│ • RER B Rail    │ CDGVAL│ • 2E (K, L, M)     │
│ • Satellites    │ (Free)│ • Bus Station   │ (Free)│ • 2F (Schengen)    │
│   1 through 7   │       │                 │       │ • 2G (Regional)    │
└─────────────────┘       └─────────────────┘       └─────────────────┘

1. Terminal 1: Star Alliance and Long-Haul Carriers

Terminal 1 is an iconic circular central building (le camembert) encircled by seven underground satellite boarding concourses. Reopened following extensive renovation, Terminal 1 primarily hosts Star Alliance airlines, select Oneworld members, and independent international carriers:

• Major Operators: Air India, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, EVA Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific.
• Concourse Structure: Check-in, baggage claim, and customs occupy the central circular building, while gates 10 through 78 are distributed across radial satellites connected to the main terminal via moving walkways inside inclined tubes.

2. Terminal 2: The Multi-Building Air France & SkyTeam Hub

Terminal 2 is not a single building, but an expansive semi-circular chain of seven interconnected sub-terminals (2A through 2G), extending over two kilometers:

• Terminal 2E (Non-Schengen Flagship): Dedicated to Air France long-haul international flights and SkyTeam alliance partners (Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, Vietnam Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Kenya Airways). Terminal 2E is divided into three massive gate boarding halls:
  • Hall K: Gates K31–K54 (attached directly to the main terminal check-in hall).
  • Hall L (Satellite 3): Gates L21–L53 (accessible via the automated LISA airside train).
  • Hall M (Satellite 4): Gates M21–M50 (accessible via the automated LISA airside train).
• Terminal 2F (Schengen Hub): Dedicated to Air France domestic and European Schengen flights, as well as SkyTeam partners operating within Europe (KLM, SAS, ITA Airways, Air Europa). Features gates F21–F56 arranged in two parallel glass boarding peninsulas.
• Terminal 2G (Regional Outpost): Serves regional European routes operated by Air France Hop! on Embraer aircraft. Terminal 2G is situated in a detached compound east of Terminal 2 and is accessible exclusively via dedicated shuttle bus (Navette Orange) from Terminal 2F.
• Terminals 2B and 2D: Jointly renovated to serve European non-hub carriers and low-cost operators, including easyJet, British Airways, Air Canada, Finnair, Iberia, Royal Air Maroc, and Norwegian.
• Terminals 2A and 2C: Historically handled long-haul international services; currently undergoing phased restructuring and modernization programs.

3. Terminal 3: Charter and Budget Operations

Terminal 3 consists of single-story departure and arrival halls designed for point-to-point and budget travel:

• Major Operators: Transavia France, Air Arabia, Pegasus Airlines, Flyone, and seasonal charter carriers.
• Location: Situated next to the central Roissypole transit exchange, between Terminals 1 and 2. It has no airside connections to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2; all transfers to and from Terminal 3 must be conducted landside.

Inter-Terminal Transit Systems: Automated Rail and Airside Buses

Groupe ADP maintains two distinct transit networks: the CDGVAL landside automated light rail system open to the general public, and a fleet of color-coded Navettes Airside (apron buses) and the LISA people mover running inside the secure international zone.

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                   CDGVAL AUTOMATED LIGHT RAIL ROUTE                    │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
  [ Terminal 1 ]
        ▲
        │ (2 min)
        ▼
  [ Parking PR ] ◄── (Long-term car park)
        ▲
        │ (1 min)
        ▼
  [ Terminal 3 / Roissypole ] ◄── (RER B rail to Paris, regional buses)
        ▲
        │ (2 min)
        ▼
  [ Parking PX ] ◄── (Economy car park)
        ▲
        │ (3 min)
        ▼
  [ Terminal 2 ] ◄── (TGV high-speed station, RER B rail, 2C/2D/2E/2F)

1. The Landside CDGVAL Automated Light Rail

The CDGVAL (Charles de Gaulle Véhicule Automatique Léger) is a driverless rubber-tired light rail system operating outside the secure zone. It connects all three terminal complexes and the central parking facilities:

• Operating Hours: 04:00 to 01:00 daily (every 4 to 5 minutes). Between 01:00 and 04:00, replacement night buses run every 20 minutes between the terminal forecourts.
• Travel Time: 8 minutes end-to-end between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• Fare: Completely free. No tickets, transit passes, or travel documents are required to board.
• Stations:
  • Terminal 1 Station: Located on the shopping level, accessible by escalators from Arrivals and Departures.
  • Terminal 3 / Roissypole Station: Direct access to Terminal 3 check-in (300-meter covered walk) and the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 RER station.
  • Terminal 2 Station: Positioned in the central TGV/RER rail complex on Level 4, directly between sub-terminals 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F.

2. The Airside LISA People Mover (Terminal 2E)

Within the international sterile zone of Terminal 2E, the automated LISA (Liaison Interne Satellite Aérogare) shuttle links the main terminal check-in hall with the remote satellite boarding piers:

• Route: Terminal 2E (Hall K) ◄► Terminal 2E (Hall L / Satellite 3) ◄► Terminal 2E (Hall M / Satellite 4).
• Frequency: Every 2 to 3 minutes, 24 hours a day.
• Travel Time: 2 minutes from Hall K to Hall L; 4 minutes from Hall K to Hall M.
• Access: Reserved exclusively for ticketed transit and departing passengers holding boarding passes for gates in Halls L or M.

3. Terminal 2E to Terminal 2F Covered Pedestrian Corridor

Travelers connecting between Air France international flights (Terminal 2E, Hall K) and Air France European Schengen flights (Terminal 2F) do not require a shuttle bus. A direct enclosed walkway connects the two buildings:

• Walking Time: 10 to 12 minutes.
• Checkpoints: Includes dedicated Police aux Frontières (PAF) passport control booths and automated PARAFE biometric e-gates, followed by security screening before entering the 2F boarding lounge.

4. Airside Navette Shuttle Buses (Sterile Transit Network)

For connections between different sub-terminals that do not share a pedestrian bridge, Groupe ADP operates free airside shuttle buses. These buses drive directly on the aircraft apron, allowing passengers to transfer without entering France or clearing landside customs:

BUS LINE        │ CONNECTING SECTORS                   │ FREQUENCY

Navette Bleue   │ Terminal 2E (Halls K & L) ◄► 2B / 2D │ Every 7–10 min
Navette Verte   │ Terminal 1 ◄► Terminal 2E / 2F       │ Every 10–12 min
Navette Orange  │ Terminal 2F (Schengen) ◄► 2G         │ Every 5–6 min
Navette Jaune   │ Terminal 2G ◄► Terminal 2E (Halls K) │ Every 10–15 min

• Navette Bleue (Blue Shuttle): Connects Terminal 2E (Gates K and L) with Terminals 2B and 2D. Operates daily from 05:00 to 23:45. Used by international passengers connecting between SkyTeam and Oneworld/independent carriers who remain outside the Schengen zone.
• Navette Verte (Green Shuttle): Connects Terminal 1 with Terminal 2 (sub-terminals 2E and 2F). Operates daily from 05:30 to 22:30. Used for cross-alliance international airside connections.
• Navette Orange (Orange Shuttle): Connects the Schengen departures area of Terminal 2F (near gate F21/F36) directly to regional Terminal 2G. Operates daily from 05:30 to 23:00. Transfer time is 7 to 10 minutes.
• Navette Jaune (Yellow Shuttle): Operates between Terminal 2G and Terminal 2E (Halls K and L), catering to passengers transferring between regional European flights and non-Schengen intercontinental services.

Paris CDG Transfer Logistics and Operational Metrics

The following structured matrix outlines transfer routes, transit modes, operating hours, travel times, and border clearance requirements across Paris Charles de Gaulle connections:

Minimum Connection Times (MCT) Explained

Minimum Connection Time (MCT) represents the tightest connection window recognized by airlines and global distribution systems (GDS) for single-ticket bookings. Connecting flights booked on a single ticket automatically meet these parameters; if an inbound flight arrives late, the operating airline must rebook the passenger at no additional charge.

CONNECTION TYPE                      │ RECOMMENDED BUFFER

Same Hall (T2E Hall K to Hall K)     │ 60 minutes
Intra-T2E (Hall K to Hall L or M)    │ 60 – 75 minutes
T2E to T2F (Non-Schengen to Schengen)│ 75 – 90 minutes
T2F to T2E (Schengen to Non-Schengen)│ 75 – 90 minutes
T2E or T2F to Terminal 2G            │ 90 minutes
Cross-Terminal (T1 to T2 or T2 to T1)│ 90 – 120 minutes
Terminal 3 Connections (Landside)    │ 120 minutes
Separate Tickets / Self-Transfer     │ 180 – 240 minutes (3 to 4 hours)

Connection Nuances at CDG

• Passport Control Queues: Terminal 2E to Terminal 2F connections involve crossing the external border of the Schengen zone. During early morning long-haul arrival banks (06:00 to 09:00), queues at Police aux Frontières (PAF) checkpoints can reach 30 to 45 minutes.
• Satellite Separation: If arriving in Terminal 2E Hall M and connecting to a flight in 2F, you must board the LISA train to Hall K, walk to 2F via the covered corridor, clear passport control, and pass security screening. Budget at least 80 minutes for this route.
• Self-Transfers: If purchasing separate tickets on two different airlines, MCT guidelines do not protect you. If your first flight is delayed and you miss your connection, the onward carrier can cancel your seat as a no-show.

Schengen Border Control and French Transit Visa Rules

Understanding whether you need a visa to connect at Paris Charles de Gaulle depends on your nationality, routing, and ticket structure:

1. Non-Schengen to Non-Schengen Connections (Airside Transit)

If you arrive from an international destination outside the Schengen Area (such as India, the UK, the United States, Canada, or the UAE) and depart for another non-Schengen destination:

• You remain in the international transit zone. You do not pass French passport control.
• Airport Transit Visa (ATV) Mandate: Citizens of certain countries (including Indian passport holders) generally require an Airport Transit Visa (Visa de Transit Aéroportuaire - VTA) to transit airside through French airports.
• Exemptions from ATV: Indian passport holders do not need an ATV if they hold:
  • A valid visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen member state, the European Union, or the European Economic Area.
  • A valid visa or residence permit issued by the United States, Canada, Japan, or the United Kingdom.
  • A residence permit guaranteeing unrestricted right of return issued by Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or the Vatican.

2. Non-Schengen to Schengen Connections (Entry into the European Union)

If your onward flight heads to a destination within the 29 Schengen member states (such as Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, or domestic France):

• Paris CDG is your formal point of entry into Europe.
• You must clear Police aux Frontières (PAF) immigration control at CDG.
• You must hold a valid Schengen Short-Stay Type C Visa or be an exempt passport holder (such as US, Canadian, or British citizens traveling under visa-waiver rules).
• Your passport will be stamped at CDG, and your subsequent flight from Terminal 2F operates as an internal Schengen domestic service without further passport control.

3. Schengen to Non-Schengen Connections (Exit from the European Union)

Connecting from a European city to an intercontinental flight:

• You will exit the Schengen zone at Paris CDG.
• You must pass PAF exit border control in Terminal 2E before entering boarding Halls K, L, or M.
• Your passport will receive an exit stamp at CDG.

Checked Baggage Transfer vs. Self-Transfer Re-Check Rules

How your checked luggage is handled at CDG depends strictly on whether your journey was booked as a single integrated ticket or separate point-to-point itineraries.

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                        BAGGAGE ROUTING PROTOCOLS                       │
└──────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────┘
                                                                         │
         ┌─────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────┐
         ▼                                                   ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────┐       ┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│     SINGLE-TICKET ITINERARY     │       │    SEPARATE-TICKET / SELF-TX │
│    (Through-Checked Luggage)    │       │     (Point-to-Point Booking) │
├─────────────────────────────────┤       ├─────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Tagged to final destination   │       │ • Tagged ONLY to Paris (CDG) │
│ • Baggage transfers airside     │       │ • Passenger MUST clear PAF exit │
│ • No baggage collection at CDG  │       │ • Collect bags at carousel   │
│ • Follow "Correspondances" signs│       │ • Transfer landside via CDGVAL  │
│ • Clear security/customs at gate│       │ • Re-check at departure desk │
└─────────────────────────────────┘       └─────────────────────────────────┘

1. Through-Checked Baggage (Single Ticket / Alliance Flights)

If your itinerary is issued under a single booking reference (PNR) on Air France, SkyTeam partners, or interline airline partners:

• Bags are checked through to your final destination at your origin airport.
• You do not collect baggage at CDG. Ground handlers transfer your luggage automatically across terminals.
• When disembarking, ignore signs for "Baggage Claim / Sortie" and follow bright yellow signs marked Correspondances / Flight Connections.

2. Self-Transfer Baggage Re-Check (Separate Tickets / Budget Airlines)

If you booked two independent tickets (for example, an Air France flight arriving at Terminal 2E and a separately booked easyJet flight departing from Terminal 2B, or a Transavia flight from Terminal 3):

• Your baggage is checked only to Paris Charles de Gaulle.
• You must enter France to retrieve your bags. This requires valid Schengen entry authorization (visa or exemption).
• Step-by-Step Procedure:
  1. Clear PAF border control in your arrival terminal.
  2. Proceed to the baggage claim carousel and retrieve your luggage.
  3. Exit through French customs (Douane).
  4. Take the CDGVAL train or walk to your departure terminal.
  5. Locate your departure airline’s check-in desks and drop your luggage before the check-in cutoff window (typically 60 minutes prior to departure for international flights, 45 minutes for European flights).
  6. Clear outbound passenger security screening.

Traveler Logistics Guide

Navigating Charles de Gaulle efficiently requires following standardized terminal corridors and noting terminal-specific operational procedures.

Connecting Within Terminal 2 (Air France 2E to 2F Step-by-Step)

This is the most common connection at CDG, linking long-haul arrivals to European destinations:

1. Disembark and Follow Signs: Follow the yellow "Correspondances" signage toward Terminal 2F.
2. Satellite Transfer (if arriving at Hall L or M): Board the automated LISA shuttle to Hall K (2 to 4 minutes).
3. Follow the Corridor: Follow the overhead walkway connecting 2E and 2F.
4. Border Control: Present your passport and boarding pass at the Police aux Frontières checkpoint. Eligible travelers with biometric passports can use the PARAFE automated gates.
5. Security Screening: Place carry-on luggage, electronics, and liquids in inspection trays at the 2F central screening checkpoint.
6. Enter Boarding Lounge: Proceed to your assigned gate (F21 through F56).

Connecting to Regional Flights at Terminal 2G

Terminal 2G is situated separately from the main terminal complex:

1. Proceed to Terminal 2F following flight connection signs.
2. Inside Terminal 2F, locate the boarding area near gate F21/F36.
3. Follow signs for Navette 2G (Orange Shuttle).
4. Board the bus for the 7 to 10-minute apron drive to Terminal 2G.
5. Disembark directly into the Terminal 2G boarding area. No additional security check is required when transferring from 2F.

Connecting Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Airside

If connecting between Star Alliance (Terminal 1) and SkyTeam/Oneworld (Terminal 2) on an interline single ticket:

1. Disembark at Terminal 1 and follow yellow "Correspondances" signage toward the airside bus transfer station.
2. Board the Navette Verte (Green Shuttle) to Terminal 2E or 2F.
3. The bus trip takes 15 to 18 minutes across the airfield perimeter.
4. Upon arrival at Terminal 2, clear required security screening before accessing your departure gate.

Overnight Layovers and Airside Accommodation

If you have an extended connection or overnight layover:

• Inside Secure Transit Area: YOTELAIR Paris Charles de Gaulle operates directly within the transit lounge of Terminal 2E (Satellite Hall L). Passengers must hold a boarding pass for Terminal 2E (Halls L or M) to access this facility. It allows overnight rest without entering France or clearing passport control.
• Landside Hotels at Roissypole: Adjacent to Terminal 3 and connected via the CDGVAL (Roissypole station), numerous hotels are accessible to travelers who have entry rights into France (CitizenM, Hilton, Novotel, Ibis).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer from Terminal 2E to Terminal 2F at Paris CDG, and how long does it take?

Transferring from Terminal 2E to Terminal 2F takes 20 to 35 minutes under normal conditions, though you should allow 75 to 90 minutes for your overall connection buffer. If arriving at satellite Hall L or Hall M, take the automated LISA train to Hall K. From Hall K, walk through the enclosed pedestrian corridor connecting directly to Terminal 2F. Along this corridor, you will clear French border police (PAF) passport control to enter the Schengen Area, followed by security screening before entering the 2F gate concourse.

Do Indian passport holders need a transit visa for an airside connection at Paris CDG?

Indian passport holders require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for international airside connections between two non-Schengen flights at Paris CDG, unless they meet specific exemption criteria. You are exempt from the ATV requirement if you hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state, the United States, Canada, Japan, or the United Kingdom. If your connection involves entering the Schengen Area (such as flying Paris to Rome or Frankfurt), you must hold a standard Schengen Short-Stay Type C visa regardless of transit status.

Is the CDGVAL train free, and how often does it operate?

The CDGVAL light rail is completely free for all passengers and airport visitors, requiring no tickets or boarding cards. The train operates daily from 04:00 to 01:00, departing every 4 to 5 minutes. The 8-minute journey connects Terminal 1, Parking PR, Terminal 3 / Roissypole (regional bus and RER B station), Parking PX, and Terminal 2 (TGV and RER B station). Between 01:00 and 04:00, replacement buses operate between the terminals every 20 minutes.

What should I do if I have a self-transfer with checked bags on separate tickets at CDG?

If you booked separate tickets on different airlines, your luggage will not be transferred automatically. You must clear French passport control, collect your bags from the luggage carousel, pass through customs, and take the free CDGVAL train or walk to your next departure terminal. You must then check your bags at the departure desk before check-in closes (usually 60 minutes before international departures). You must possess valid entry documentation for France (such as a Schengen visa) and maintain a connection window of at least 3 to 4 hours.