Flights Los Angeles (LAX) - Paris (CDG)

About the flight from LAX to CDG

Flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Paris travel a distance of 5,670 miles, crossing the American continent and the Atlantic Ocean. In total, passengers will be in the air for around 11 hours 50 minutes, making it a fairly long haul.

Journeys start at LAX, which has good links to the LA metropolitan area. Located about 18 miles from the city center, it handles over 60 million passengers per year, making it the world's 3rd busiest airport. Flights then arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which can be found 23 miles north-east of the city center of Paris.

Plenty of airlines cover the Los Angeles to Paris route without any changes, including Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, Norwegian, American Airlines, and Delta. There are generally five direct flights from Los Angeles to Paris every day of the week, with no seasonal drop-offs. If travelers are happy to include a stopover in their schedule, the options become even wider, with as many as 53 indirect flights to choose from.

Public transportation, parking, and ride-shares at LAX and CDG

FlyAway shuttle buses run from four locations in the LA area, while City Buses run from the center of town. Drivers are also well catered for, with short and long-stay parking lots. There are variable rates for outdoor and indoor locations, larger vehicles, and spaces that are closer to the departure terminal.

CDG is connected to Paris via the RER B overground rail service, which runs to various central stations and takes about 30 minutes. Le Bus Direct provides coach links to 5 downtown stops as well, which leave from Terminals 1 & 2. The airport also hosts numerous parking lots, with both long and short-stay options.

Practical information

When they head to France, visitors from Los Angeles should set their watches nine hours ahead, and prepare for the time difference. Aside from that, the French drive on the right hand side, so American drivers should settle in fairly quickly.

Visitors from the United States will not require a visa to enter France, and a valid US passport will suffice. However, a visa will be required for stays lasting more than 3 months (90 days), including most student courses. And remember: passports must be valid for at least three months following travelers' scheduled departure.

The weather in Paris tends to be highly seasonal. Summers are very hot, and often humid, while winters are far cooler. May is the wettest month, while February is the driest. Temperatures tend to be fairly mild, with daily averages over 60 F from April to October.

Top Travel Tips

If travelers intend to rent a vehicle, they must be 21 years old and above, and those under 25 years of age may have to pay a "young driver" fee. Drivers will also need to have held their licenses for one year. Otherwise, driving in Paris should pose few problems.

France uses the Euro as its currency, so changing some dollars at LAX makes sense. As of October 2019, 1 dollar was worth 0.91 Euros - so the two currencies are roughly equal, making it relatively easy to calculate prices. Standard US credit cards are accepted across Paris, so carrying large amounts of cash isn't necessary.

The French don't appreciate loud behavior in general, and respect visitors who can master a few words of their language. Learning greetings and how to ask for food or items in stores will take vacationers a long way, and help to make visiting Paris extra special.

What to see in Paris

Visit the Louvre

Possibly the most famous art gallery in the world, the Louvre is famous for hosting the Mona Lisa (expect crowds), the Venus di Milo, and for its iconic pyramid structure. But highlights can be found all over this massive museum, which holds over 380,000 items, from ancient Greek statues to modern masterpieces.

Scale the Eiffel Tower

Built for the 1889 Paris Exposition, the Eiffel Tower still amazes with its elegant use of steel, and unmistakable appearance. Take Instagram snaps from Montmartre or Seine cruises, but be sure to take the elevator to the summit. The views are incredible.

Schedule a day of luxury shopping

Paris is a global hub for fashion and design, and there's no better city for window shopping. Head to the Marais district for craft and design, stroll covered arcades like Galerie Vivienne and sample the latest designer creations at Printemps Hommes or Centre Commercial.

Read more about Paris

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