Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I’ve arrived at 10pm to pass security and I get refused because my next flight is too early. I tell the employee I plan on sleeping here, and she BEGGED me not to. – skinnyqueen21
CDG Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport (code: CDG).
What to Expect
As one of the world’s busiest airports, Paris CDG Airport is large and notorious for its confusing layout, so be prepared to walk a lot. It features three main terminals (1, 2, and 3), with Terminal 2 subdivided into seven satellite (2A–2G), making it the trickiest to navigate. The free CDGVAL light-rail shuttle connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3, parking lots, and train stations. Your experience will vary greatly depending on your terminal and concourse hall. For instance, travellers agree that the new part of Terminal 2E is an airport highlight. Still, the facilities in Terminal 1 are old and need renovating (or complete demolition, depending on who you ask).
You’ll find a bevy of shops, cafes, and restaurants, though everything closes by 11:30 PM, so purchase midnight snacks ahead of time. A few features travellers appreciate are the free WiFi and free mobile charging boxes. Economy Class travellers who want to upgrade their layover can pay to enter several airport lounges, a few of which have shower facilities.
Sleeping in Paris CDG Airport
As a major international airport, you won’t be the only one camping out overnight. Travellers report very mixed landside experiences: some feel safe (especially in Terminals 2 and 3), while others—particularly solo women in Terminal 2F—describe pickpockets, drug users and an overall unsafe atmosphere. Security often closes overnight and may refuse early access to the airside, forcing travellers to wait in bright, noisy landside areas until screening reopens around early morning. The seating availability here varies widely across the many terminals and concourses. Most chairs have metal armrests or bars, making it hard to lie down, and many travellers end up on the floor.
Reported Sleep Locations by Terminal
- Terminal 2F, Airside: Soft benches near gates F27–F33; long, slightly padded red benches along windows F29–F33 (cold but armrest-free).
- Terminal 2E, Airside: Rest area near gate L35 by the giant sleeping cat statue (reclined seats, outlets); quiet carpeted corridor leading to YOTELAIR with many sockets and nearby clean toilets.
- Terminal 2G, Airside: Very comfortable sofa suitable for sleeping.
- Terminal 3, Landside: Bright lighting, noise from cleaning machines, and limited armrest-free seating, but several travellers felt generally safe.
- Terminals 2B and 2D, Landside: Security closed 1:30 AM–3:00 AM; cold floors, bright lights, armrested seating, and homeless individuals nearby.
Recent reviews indicate some security guards assist solo travellers or women by suggesting safer spots, but others report inconsistent enforcement, with sleepers occasionally moved from isolated areas. Travellers recommend avoiding the Metro stop for sleeping. Security guards may not patrol the station itself, so homeless and vagrants tend to gather here.
For uninterrupted sleep, check out the sleep cabins in Terminal 2E or head to several on-site or nearby hotels. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Paris Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
Paris CDG terminals are not fully open overnight, and access is limited outside published hours. Overnight stays are generally discouraged, and travellers without a valid boarding pass may be asked to leave at closing time.
Based on official airport information and recent traveller reports, terminal hours are as follows:
- Terminal 1: 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Terminal 2A: 3:30 AM – 12:30 AM
- Terminal 2B: Unverified – Reader reports indicate overnight closure (March 2025), but no official confirmation is published
- Terminal 2C: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Terminal 2D: 4:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Terminal 2E & 2F: 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Terminal 2G: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Terminal 3: 4:30 AM – 11:30 PM
According to the airport, passengers holding a valid boarding pass may be allowed to remain while waiting for an early departure, but overnight access is not guaranteed and enforcement varies.
Rest & Relaxations Zones
CDG has limited rest areas, and none are designed specifically for sleeping. Seating comfort varies by terminal and crowd levels. Known rest locations include:
- Terminal 1:
- Landside, Level 2
- Terminal 2E:
- Airside, Gates L, Level 2
- Airside, Gates K, Level 2
- Terminal 2F:
- Landside, Level 0
- Airside, L Gates, Level 1
- Airside, Level 2
A traveller report notes soft benches near Gates F27–F33 and padded red benches by windows in Terminal 2F. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
CDG does not provide cots to stranded travellers. During major disruptions, airlines or staff might distribute blankets, but cots are not offered. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Paris Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a hotel inside CDG airport and several hotels on the airport grounds. The YotelAir is the only transit hotel at Paris Airport. More hotels on airport grounds are either connected to the airport or accessible by way of a free hotel shuttle or the CDGVAL Train. Some of these on and off-site hotels at CDG offer day rooms, but if you are a transit passenger, you must pass through security.
Hotel inside CDG Airport
YOTELAIR Paris Charles de Gaulle – The YotelAir offers several rooms/cabins with prices starting at € 240 (January 2026). Cabins have a private shower. They also offer shower-only packages for people who only want to freshen up (20€ for 45 minutes). Location: Terminal 2E, Satellite L, Airside, Transit Area. This location can only be accessed by passengers with a departing international flight outside of the Schengen Area (with the exception of the United Kingdom) from Terminal 2E, K, L, M or passengers that are in transit to or from an international flight outside of the European Union from Terminal 2E, K, L, M. » Check Rates
More hotels at Paris Airport
- Ibis Paris Airport – A budget hotel opposite Terminal 3 at the RER Roissy 1 exit. From Terminals 1 & 2, take the CDGVAL free automatic metro to the Terminal 3 (Roissypôle) stop. The free metro runs every four minutes from 4:00 AM – 1:00 AM. » Check Rates
- CitizenM – (Five-minute walking distance to Terminal 3). From Terminal 1 or 2, you can take the free CDGVAL shuttle to Terminal 3 (Roissypôle) and walk from there. » Check Rates
- Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport – (Five-minute walk from Terminal 3) Day rooms are available between 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. From T1: Take the free CDGVAL high-speed train, which runs every four minutes, 4:00 AM – 1:00 AM, seven days a week (free of charge) and stop at T3/Roissypole. » Check Rates
- Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel – (Two-minute walk from Terminal 2) Located in Terminal 2. The hotel is just steps from the CDG VAL, a free automatic shuttle service linking the three airport terminals. » Check Rates
- Novotel CDG Terminal – (Two-minute walk from Terminal 3) From terminals 1 and 2: Take the CDGVAL free automatic metro, Roissypôle stop; the hotel entrance is at the RER train station. From terminal 3: Follow signs for Gare RER (two-minute walk), hotel entrance in the RER train station. Day rooms are available. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near CDG Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.
Hours: 7:15 AM – 2:00 PM (check with American Airlines for reopening). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($79 USD, subject to availability) • Lounge membership programs (Admirals Club members) • First or Business Class passengers on American Airlines or Oneworld partners • certain credit cardholders (Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Card).
- (Terminal 2E, Hall K) – Location: Terminal 2E, Airside, near Hall K gates, after security and immigration. Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:30 AM (subject to flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Terminal 2E, Hall L) – Location: Terminal 2E, Airside, near L gates, past security and immigration. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (subject to flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Terminal 2E, Hall M) – Location: Terminal 2E, Airside, near M gates, past security and immigration. Hours: 5:30 AM – 4:00 PM (subject to flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No.
YOTELAIR Paris Charles de Gaulle – Location: Terminal 2E, Airside, above Gate L, after security. Hours: 24/7. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (compact cabins with beds, bookable for 4+ hours). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door rates available. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Star Alliance Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 10, Schengen flights only. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (subject to flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: First or Business Class passengers on Star Alliance airlines • Star Alliance Gold members.
Drinking Water
Drinking water fountains and bottle refill stations are available throughout CDG terminals. Refill points are increasingly common, particularly in Terminal 2.
Food & Drinks
No food outlets operate 24 hours. Travellers staying late should buy food and water before evening closures. Food hours vary by terminal, with some venues opening as early as 4:00 AM and others closing around 11:30 PM. Options include Brioche Dorée, Costa Coffee, Eric Kayser, Illy, Exki, McDonald’s, Naked, Pret A Manger, and Starbucks.
Marks & Spencer Food stores sell fresh snacks and prepared meals at the following locations:
- Terminal 1: Landside, Arrivals, Level 5 (6:30 AM – 8:30 PM)
- Terminal 2F: Landside, Level 0 (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
- Terminal 2E: Landside, Level 0 (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Bagages du Monde provides short- and long-term luggage storage. Location: Terminal 2, Landside, TGV-RER Station, Level 4 (opposite Sheraton). Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Sample rates:
- €3 (3 hours, small item)
- €10 (24 hours, small item)
- €7 (3 hours, large item)
- €20 (24 hours, large item)
Mobile Charging
Standard power outlets are also available near many boarding seats. Charging points are widely available, particularly in Terminal 2, including seating areas, gates, and public spaces.
Free ChargeBox lockers allow phones to be locked while charging. Full charge time typically ranges from 30–90 minutes. Known locations include:
- Terminal 1: Gates 40–48, 50–58, 60–68
- Terminal 2D: Gates 56, 66
- Terminal 2E: Gates L and M25, M29, M41, M47
- Terminal 3: Gates 4, 11
Showers
Showers are available through select pay-to-use lounges and inside the YOTELAIR transit hotel. Availability depends on terminal access and flight eligibility. See Hotels and Lounges above.
WiFi/Internet
Unlimited free WiFi is available. Connect to either “WIFI-AIRPORT” or “WIFI-AIRPORT-STANDARD.”
Security & Safety
Airport staff are generally tolerant of sleepers and overnight campers. Some travellers have mentioned specific reports of security guards helping them with their overnight stay, especially women and those travelling alone. Ask airport staff where they recommend you spend the night, as they may direct you away from dark corners or towards a more popular spot with better visibility and safety.
A few travellers have reported homeless and vagrants congregating in the Metro station. One incident in particular involved a person pretending to need help and asking for 15 euros to “borrow” for a few minutes, only to disappear altogether.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain risk level, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Baby-changing tables and child-friendly restrooms are available landside and airside throughout the terminals, near standard restrooms on Arrivals and Departures levels.
- Games – Gaming zones with console games, arcade machines, and table games are scattered across several terminals, offering short distractions for kids and teens while waiting.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, airport information desks are available.
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Trolley – Need a hand with your luggage? Free luggage trolleys are available throughout all terminals.
- Luggage Wrapping – Paid luggage-wrapping services are available in multiple terminals.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – Emergency and urgent medical care is available 24 hours.
- Pharmacy – Pharmacies operate landside in select terminals, generally during daytime and evening hours.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside throughout the terminals. Fees may apply depending on your bank.
- Banking Services – A full-service bank branch is located near the TGV station, operating weekdays only.
- Currency Exchange – Foreign currency exchange desks are available across multiple terminals, with hours varying by location.
- Tax Refunds – Non-EU residents can process VAT refunds using staffed counters or automated machines located throughout the terminals.
Postal Services – A post office is located near the TGV station, with additional mailboxes available throughout the terminals before and after security.
Religious Spaces – Multi-faith prayer spaces (including chapel, Muslim prayer area, and synagogue) are available in Terminals 1, 2E, 2F, and 3. Hours and exact locations vary by terminal.
Shopping – Paris Duty-Free shops are located in departure and boarding areas across all terminals. A wide range of retail stores is available, including numerous Relay convenience shops for snacks, reading material, and travel essentials.
SIM Cards – Orange sim card kiosks can be found in the following locations: T1, Airside, Level 5 • T2E, Airside, Level 0.
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – Art and cultural exhibitions are displayed throughout the terminals. The Espace Musée in Terminal 2E (Hall M) hosts rotating exhibitions featuring works from major French museums.
- Music Lounge – Live music and performances have been hosted in the past, but schedules are not consistently published.
Workstations – Workstations with power outlets are available in several terminals, typically near boarding lounges.
Bus
CDG airport is well connected to the bus system. Whether you are looking for a non-stop connection to Paris, need to reach your hotel in the city or get to Disneyland Paris, there is probably a bus for you. For more information and to plan your trip, visit the Paris CDG Airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies have rental desks in Terminals 1, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F: Advantage • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • National • Sixt • Thrifty. Other car rental agencies are available in some of the terminals.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Aiden by Best Western by Paris Roissy CDG • B&B HOTEL • B& B Hotel Paris Nord 2 CDG Aeroport • Best Western • Best Western Plus Paris Roissy • Campanile Roissy • Geographotel Paris Roissy CDG • Golden Tulip Paris CDG Airport – Villepinte • Holiday Inn Express • Holiday Inn • Hotel Campanile Roissy • Hotel ibis Styles Paris Roissy-CDG • Hotel Inn Paris CDG Airport • Hotel Mercure Paris CDG Airport & Convention • Hotel Oceania • Hotel Premiere Classe Roissy – Aeroport CDG – Le Mesnil Amelot • Hotel Premiere Classe Roissy Aeroport • Ibis Budget Roissy CDG Paris Nord 2 • Ibis Paris CDG Airport • Mercure Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Hotel • Millennium Hotel • Moxy Hotel • Nomad Hotel • Novotel Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport • Novotel Suites Paris CDG Airport Villepinte Hotel • Paris Marriott Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel • Standing Hotel Suites by Actisource.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
The N1 shuttle, the N2 shuttle and the CDGVAL (automatic rail service) connect passengers to all Terminals, Car Parks, SNCF Railway Station (north), Sheraton Hotel, Left Luggage and more. Hours: 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, every 4 minutes. To find your way around the airport grounds, visit the Paris CDG Airport website.
Taxi
Officially licensed taxis operate from the taxi ranks outside the baggage claim area exits of Terminals 1, 2A/C/D/E/F/G and 3. Only official licensed taxis are permitted to pick up passengers at the airport and are easily identifiable by a light on the vehicle rooftop and inside meter. For safety reasons, use only the taxis at the taxi ranks and do not accept rides from people approaching you at the airport. As of this update, the fare for a taxi ride into the city is around €56-65.
Train
The airport is served by the CDGVAL automatic people mover, The RER B regional rapid transit line and the TGV high-speed train lines. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Paris CDG Airport website.
Layover Sightseeing
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Paris Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Paris on Tripadvisor.
Last updated: 2026-01-08
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.