2026 layover guide
Paris (CDG) connection time
At Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, plan on at least 1 h 15 min for a same-terminal connection, 1 h 35 min if you change terminals outside security. Here's why, step by step.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Comfortable: 1 h 45 min
By shuttle buses and walkways, with another security check
A few changes mean security again
Quick answer
Plan on at least 1 h 15 min for a same-terminal connection at CDG, 1 h 35 min if you change terminals. Some terminal changes mean going through security again.
- Same terminal
- 1 h 15 min (comfortable: 1 h 45 min)
- Changing terminals
- 1 h 35 min by shuttle buses and walkways
- Hub airlines
- Air France
How long a layover do I need?
- Get off the plane and walk to your next gate25 min
- Transfer security screening20 min
- Be at the gate before boarding closes15 min
- Buffer for a small delay15 min
Our estimate, rounded up, not the airline's official minimum connection time. If both flights are on one ticket, the airline will rebook you if a delay makes you miss the second one. How we calculate this
Recommended layovers at CDG
Our estimates for common connections, rounded up. Comfortable times leave room for a late arrival.
| Connection | MinimumRecommended minimum |
|---|---|
Same terminal, no passport control Transfer security where required | 1 h 15 min Comfortable: 1 h 45 min |
Changing terminals, inside security By shuttle buses and walkways | 1 h 35 min Comfortable: 2 h 15 min |
Changing terminals, outside security Includes another security check | 1 h 35 min Comfortable: 2 h 15 min |
Crossing passport control For example a U.S. flight to a Schengen flight | 1 h 50 min Comfortable: 2 h 45 min |
Separate tickets with checked bags No protection if you miss it | 2 h 15 min Comfortable: 3 h |
Airlines' official minimum connection times can be shorter: if you booked both flights on one ticket, the airline has already checked that the connection is legal and will rebook you if a delay makes you miss it.
Getting around CDG
Terminals
Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (halls 2A–2G) and Terminal 3.
Changing terminals
Most Air France connections are within Terminal 2, whose halls are linked by walkways and airside shuttle buses. The CDGVAL train links Terminals 1, 2 and 3 outside security.
Passport control and transfers
Connecting between a non-Schengen flight (such as one from the U.S.) and a Schengen flight means passport control, and most transfers include a security check.
Tips for connecting at CDG
- •Hall 2G is reached by shuttle bus; give it extra time.
Plan your trip through CDG
The airport guide, and the bag rules for the airlines you're likely to connect on here.
CDG connection FAQ
Airlines set their own official minimums at CDG and only sell connections that meet them, so a one-ticket itinerary is always "legal". In practice we recommend at least 1 h 15 min for a same-terminal connection and 1 h 35 min when you change terminals.
Other airports
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Terminals and connection rules change, so check your airline's connection instructions before a tight layover.
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
Cheap flights, any connection
Pick your home airports and we'll email you when fares drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.
Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime