CDG Airport Wheelchair Guide: From Landing to City Center

Charles de Gaulle Airport handles over 67 million passengers a year. It is sprawling, complex, and can feel overwhelming if you use a wheelchair. But the airport has solid accessibility infrastructure once you know how it works and what to request in advance.

This guide covers everything from booking assistance before your flight to getting into central Paris after you land.

Book Assistance Before You Fly

Airlines are required by EU regulation EC 1107/2006 to provide free wheelchair assistance at all European airports. You must request it at least 48 hours before departure, though booking at the time of your flight reservation is better.

Contact your airline directly to request assistance. Specify what you need: meet at the gate, help through customs, transport to baggage claim, or full assistance from aircraft door to the taxi rank. Be specific. Vague requests lead to long waits.

You can also contact the CDG airport assistance service directly:

• Phone: +33 1 70 36 39 50 (available 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
• Online: Through the Paris Aeroport website under "Passengers with Disabilities"

Terminal Layouts

CDG has three terminals. Each one has different accessibility characteristics.

Terminal 1

The oldest terminal, circular in design. Elevators connect all levels and are wide enough for power wheelchairs (door width 90 cm, cabin depth 140 cm). The main challenge is distance. The walk from gates to baggage claim can be 400 to 800 meters depending on your gate. Moving walkways are available but not all of them are wide enough for larger power wheelchairs. Request an electric cart when booking your assistance.

Accessible toilets are located near every gate cluster and at baggage claim level. All have grab bars, emergency pull cords, and door widths of at least 85 cm.

Terminal 2

The largest and most complex terminal, divided into seven sub-terminals: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G. Terminal 2E and 2F handle most long-haul flights. The CDGVAL automated train connects Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The CDGVAL is fully accessible with level boarding and wide doors.

Distances within Terminal 2 are significant. From some gates in 2E to the RER B train station, the route can be over 1 kilometer. Assistance agents use electric carts for these distances, which is another reason to book ahead.

Terminal 3

The smallest terminal, used mainly by low-cost carriers. It is a single-level building with short distances. Accessibility is straightforward here. The main concern is the connection to other terminals, which requires the CDGVAL train.

At the Gate and Deplaning

If you use your own wheelchair, it will be gate-checked and returned at the aircraft door or at baggage claim depending on the airline and airport setup. At CDG, most airlines return gate-checked wheelchairs at the aircraft door. Confirm this with your airline when booking.

Assistance agents meet you at the aircraft door with an aisle chair if needed, then transfer you to your own wheelchair or an airport wheelchair. From there, they escort you through the terminal to passport control and baggage claim.

Passport Control and Customs

All passport control booths at CDG have at least one accessible lane marked with the wheelchair symbol. These lanes have lowered counters and wider passages (minimum 90 cm). Assistance agents will guide you to the correct lane.

The e-gates (automated passport machines) are not reliably accessible for wheelchair users. The camera angle and document scanner height assume a standing position. Use the staffed booth instead.

Baggage Claim

All baggage carousels at CDG are at ground level. The belts are at a height of about 70 cm, which is reachable from a seated position. If your assistance agent is with you, they will help retrieve your luggage. Luggage carts are free at CDG and available near every carousel.

Getting from CDG to Paris

The airport is 25 km northeast of central Paris. You have four main options, each with different trade-offs for wheelchair users.

Option 1: G7 Access Taxi (Recommended)

G7 Access operates wheelchair-accessible vehicles with rear-loading ramps that can handle power wheelchairs. This is the most reliable door-to-door option.

• Phone: +33 1 47 39 00 91
• App: G7 (request "Access" vehicle type)
• Cost: 55 to 75 euros to central Paris (flat rate applies from CDG)
• Time: 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic
• Booking: Reserve at least 24 hours in advance. During busy periods, book 48 hours ahead.

Standard taxis at CDG are not wheelchair-accessible. The regular taxi rank outside each terminal has standard sedans. If you can transfer from your wheelchair to a car seat and your wheelchair folds, a standard taxi works. The flat rate from CDG to Paris Right Bank is 56 euros and to the Left Bank is 65 euros.

Option 2: Accessible Shuttle Services

Several private companies operate accessible airport shuttles with ramp-equipped vehicles.

• Wheeliz: Ramp-equipped vans, book online at least 48 hours ahead. Prices start around 80 euros one-way.
• Adapted Transport Paris: Specializes in wheelchair transfers. Book by phone at +33 1 45 06 11 59 or online. Prices from 90 euros.

These services pick you up directly at the terminal exit and drop you at your hotel door. They cost more than a taxi but guarantee an accessible vehicle without the uncertainty of availability.

Option 3: RoissyBus

The RoissyBus runs between CDG and Opera Garnier in central Paris. Buses are low-floor with a deployable ramp at the front door.

• Cost: 16.60 euros (Navigo card accepted)
• Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes from 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM
• Time: 60 to 75 minutes
• Pickup: Outside each terminal at marked RoissyBus stops

The ramp is deployed by the driver. Space for one wheelchair per bus is available in the designated area near the front. Luggage goes in the underfloor compartment, loaded by the driver. This is a good budget option if you are comfortable with bus travel and your destination is near Opera.

Option 4: RER B Train

The RER B connects CDG directly to central Paris stations including Gare du Nord, Chatelet-Les Halles, and Denfert-Rochereau.

• Cost: 11.80 euros
• Time: 35 to 50 minutes to Gare du Nord
• Station: CDG Terminal 2 (accessible via CDGVAL from Terminals 1 and 3)

Practical Tips

1. Charge your power wheelchair fully before landing. Airport distances are long, and you may need to travel between terminals via the CDGVAL if your gate changes or you have a connection.
2. Carry your wheelchair specs on paper. Battery type (lithium-ion or sealed lead acid), weight, dimensions, and any disassembly instructions. Airlines and ground crew ask for this information regularly, and having it printed saves time.
3. Arrive at the assistance meeting point early. Signs marked with a wheelchair symbol direct you to designated meeting points at each terminal entrance. If no one is there within 10 minutes, call the assistance number: +33 1 70 36 39 50.
4. Use the Sunflower Lanyard program. CDG recognizes the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. Wearing one signals to staff that you may need extra time or assistance, even if your disability is not visible.
5. Download the Paris Aeroport app. Available in English, it has terminal maps, real-time flight info, and a built-in navigation feature that shows accessible routes through the airport.

Summary

• Book assistance at least 48 hours before your flight. This is the single most important step. Without a booking, you face long waits.
• G7 Access taxi is the best transport to Paris for wheelchair users. Book 24 hours ahead at +33 1 47 39 00 91.
• RoissyBus is a solid budget alternative with low-floor buses and a ramp. It runs to Opera Garnier every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Avoid the RER B unless you are experienced with gap boarding and crowded trains. The cost savings are not worth the difficulty for most wheelchair users.
• Inspect your wheelchair before leaving baggage claim. Photograph any damage and report it immediately at the airline desk.