24-Hour Layover in Paris: What To Do
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · France
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Key Facts
- Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Country: France
- Layover window: 24 hours
- Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
- Visa & Entry: France is Schengen — same rules as all EU/EEA countries. ETIAS launching 2025 for US, UK, AUS visitors. Currently visa-free for most Western passports.
Insider tip
CDG is 35km from central Paris. The RER B runs direct but is notoriously unreliable. Buy tickets before boarding — inspectors are common and fines are €50+.
Getting to Paris City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| RER B train (to Gare du Nord / Châtelet) | €13 | 35 min |
| Taxi | €50–70 | 30–60 min |
Top Paris: Where to Go
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
50 min from city centreWalk up from Abbesses metro station. The Funiculaire saves the climb (metro ticket valid). Best views at sunrise.
Le Marais (3rd & 4th arr.)
50 min from city centreMedieval Paris intact — Jewish quarter, LGBTQ+ scene, and the Picasso Museum. Most alive on Sunday.
Marché d'Aligre
50 min from city centreParis's most affordable and local market, open Tuesday–Sunday mornings. Covered hall + open-air produce section.
Eat Like a Local in Paris
Croissant at Du Pain et des Idées near Canal Saint-Martin — consistently Paris's finest, €1.50. Queue before 9am.
24-Hour Itinerary
Day 1 — Morning
Check into hotel near city centre
Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.
Day 1 — Midday
Paris signature experience
Use your first afternoon for the city number 1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.
Day 1 — Evening
Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar
Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.
Day 2 — Morning
Second neighbourhood exploration
Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.
Day 2 — Late Morning
Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight
Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Paris?
It depends on your passport and the destination. Many countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan) offer free transit visas for 4-24 hour layovers. Schengen countries usually require a visa even for short stops. Check the visa note specific to this guide before you book.
Is 24 hours enough to leave Charles de Gaulle Airport?
For 3-hour layovers, leaving airside is risky. For 6+ hour layovers, you can comfortably see one neighbourhood. For 12-24 hour layovers, you can experience the city properly. Always factor in immigration queues (30-90 min) and security on return (60-90 min).
What is the best way to get from Charles de Gaulle to Paris city centre?
Most major hub airports have an express train or metro link that is faster and cheaper than taxis. For short layovers, prioritise the train (no traffic risk). For overnight or late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is safer.
Is there luggage storage at Charles de Gaulle?
Most major airports have official luggage storage at USD 8-20 per bag per day. For cheaper rates, Radical Storage partner shops in the surrounding city charge USD 5-7 per bag per day — book on-app before you land.
Connect with other travellers at CDG
Book a transfer or rental from Charles de Gaulle Airport
Fixed-price airport transfer, licensed drivers, or pick up a rental car — compare and book ahead so you skip the taxi queue.
Things to do in Paris
Tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences — book ahead to skip queues.
Trains & buses from Paris
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Paris
Compare 400+ airlines departing Charles de Gaulle Airport
Hotels near Paris Airport
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
Other layover guides for Paris
Planning a longer stay in Paris?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Paris Destination Guide →