If you’re like me, navigating Paris airports and train stations can be tricky, especially for non-French speakers.
Since I often take a train from Avignon to Charles de Gaulle Airport, I created this photo guide for the SNCF/TGV Trains at CDG Airport to help me remember where to go.
This beginner-friendly guide explains how to find the CDG train station, where to catch the SNCF/TGV Trains at CDG, and how to connect to the RER B from CDG to Paris.
CDG Airport Train Guide
“Gare” = Train
The first thing for non-French speakers to know when looking for a train station is the word for “train station” in French. It’s “GARE. “If you remember that word, you can read the right signs.
Next, you should know that SNCF/TGV Trains at CDG depart from the same station. They make connections across France and Europe.. Those acronyms should also be committed to memory, as you will need to watch for them on the signage along the way.
International arrivals
The most important thing for you to remember is that the SNCF/TGV Trains at CDG arrive at the station (GARE) between Terminal 2 (A), (B), (C), (D), and Terminal 2 (E), (F)
Arriving at Terminal 2 A-F
🚶 4-Minute Walk from Terminals 2A–2
If you arrive at CDG Terminal 2A–2F, the station for the SNCF/TGV Trains at CDG is just a 4– to 10–minute walk away. Follow the blue/white airport signs marked Gare / SNCF / TGV.
➡️ Follow → Arrow icon on blue/white signs: Gare/SNCR/TGV
👀 Look →Between 2C/2D and 2E/
The underground concourse between Terminals 2C/2D and 2E/2F.
You’ll see ticket counters, escalators, and large departure boards — just like a central train station.
Arriving at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3
If you arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, you have to take the shuttle from “Aeroport CDG 1” at Terminal 3 to “Aeroport CDG 2-TGV (see below)
After the Shuttle
When you exit the shuttle, signs for “Gare SNCF” will guide you to the SNCF/TGV Trains at CDG. This is a multi-level building. The station and trains are on the lower levels. Refer to the map of CDG Terminal 2 and SNCF/TGV above.
Take a left when you pass Paul’s
If you have plenty of time and you’re hungry, stop and eat. There aren’t many food options beyond this point.
When you round the corner from Paul’s, you’re almost there!
You made it to the SNCF/TGV Trains at CDG
Look for the Departure and Arrival signs that list destinations in France and Europe. (Trains leave this same station for your destination inside Paris, so be sure you’re looking at the correct sign.)
Have a seat and wait for 20 minutes until it’s time for your train. That’s when they post the platform where you board. If you don’t see the name of your destination right away, don’t worry. The train must arrive within 20 minutes or so from the terminal to be displayed on the board.
If you miss your train, like I did, you’ll need to look for the SNCF information office. It’s located on this floor, and the entrance is clearly marked. The information agents also help with TGV. Be sure to grab a ticket when you walk in the door, or you’ll never be served. The line moves quicker than you think, so don’t take a ticket and walk out.
BUY INSURANCE – It’s relatively inexpensive to purchase trip insurance when you make your original purchase, especially when arriving from an international flight.
If you miss your train, you’ll receive a full refund deposited into your bank account. Unless you have lots of time at the station, don’t worry about getting a refund on the spot. The attendant at the information office will assist you in purchasing a new ticket, and you can obtain a refund for the missed train from the insurance company later. Ask for a duplicate of your new ticket so you can send it to the insurance company if they request it. You have five business days to file for a refund.
CDG Airport Photo Guide
How to find the right train car.
Since I make every mistake possible, I’m going to assume you’re as uninformed as I am about trains and how to board them.
On the ticket pictured below, I’ve circled the train car and seat numbers. VOITURE = CAR # PLACE ASSISE = SEAT #
“Depart” and “Arriv.” are self-explanatory — except remember you’re on a 24-hour clock!
All that’s left to know is the platform where you meet the train. You find that out from the board inside the terminal about 20 minutes before the train’s arrival. (See above.)
Assuming you’ve found the right platform, you’ll find electronic displays on the platform indicating where each car of the train will be located for boarding. You can use this chart to find the mark on the platform corresponding to the car you would like to board. Don’t hesitate to ask another passenger or a railway agent for help. Even if the person doesn’t speak English, you can show them the “car” and “seat” numbers on your ticket, and they’ll point the way.
CDG Airport Photo Guide
First class or second?
I enjoy sharing budget-conscious tips with others when I can. Having traveled in France by train, both first and second class, there are a few distinct differences: crowds, space, and noise. Every time I’ve traveled first class, I’ve had a place that seats four all to myself. This time, in the second class, all four seats were filled. There were also lots of children and babies.
If you can deal with these differences, the cost of second-class vs. first-class is sometimes as much as half. They both arrived at the same place at the same time.
Hope this has been helpful.
For more information, please refer to this TGV post, which includes additional photos, videos, and explanations.
Here’s a post with tips for safe traveling through CDG for 60+ travelers
While you’re traveling, check out the many adventures waiting for you in France!
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