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United · Route guide

Washington Dulles to Paris CDG Flight Route

Everything you need to fly Washington D.C. to Paris: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

1 airline on this route · Daily Year-Round

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Airline

United

Aircraft

B787-9

Service

Daily Year-Round

Region

Europe

The route

The direct connection between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is a premier transatlantic route operated by United Airlines. This daily, year-round service bridges the United States capital with the heart of France, catering to a mix of government officials, business professionals, and leisure travelers seeking the City of Light.

United Airlines operates flight UA-IAD-CDG using the advanced Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This route covers the vast distance across the Atlantic in approximately 7.5 to 8 hours, offering passengers a consistent daily schedule and modern cabin amenities suitable for long-haul travel.

As a key link between two major global hubs, this route facilitates vital diplomatic and economic exchange. It serves as a primary gateway for travelers from the Mid-Atlantic region to access Europe, while providing extensive connection opportunities through United's network at IAD and Star Alliance partners at CDG.
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Live fares from Washington D.C. to Paris across 400+ airlines, booked directly with Borderly.

One-way from

$925

Indicative fare via Duffel, ~6 weeks out

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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

IAD
Check-in
Arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights; United's check-in is located in the main terminal.
Security
Clear TSA security at the main terminal before taking the AeroTrain to the C or D gates where United departs.
Connections
The Silver Line Metro provides a direct rail link from Washington D.C. to the airport terminal.
Arrival

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

CDG
On arrival
United typically operates out of Terminal 1 at CDG; check the monitors upon landing for gate-specific baggage claim.
Ground transport
The RER B train is the most reliable way to reach central Paris, avoiding heavy road traffic.
Planning ahead
Allow extra time for passport control during the morning rush when most North American flights arrive.
Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule
Usually departs IAD in the late evening and arrives at CDG the following morning.
Duration
Eastbound flights are generally 1 hour shorter than westbound returns due to the jet stream.
Seasonality
Consistent daily operation throughout the year with no seasonal breaks.
Time zones
Paris is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Fares & booking

Booking window
Optimal booking time is 120 days before departure for the best price-to-availability ratio.
Cabin advice
Consider Premium Plus for a middle-ground experience with significantly more comfort than Economy.
Peak pricing
Prices surge during the Christmas holidays and the peak summer months of July and August.
  • Book at least 4 months in advance for the best summer fares
  • Join the MileagePlus program to earn miles on this long-haul segment
  • Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer more competitive pricing

Peak season

June to August and late December

Shoulder season

April to May and September to October

Off-peak season

Mid-January to early March

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Paris and Washington D.C., through our travel partner.

When to fly

Best Time to Fly Washington D.C. to Paris

  1. 01

    Late Spring

    May and June offer beautiful weather in Paris without the extreme crowds of mid-summer.

  2. 02

    Autumn

    September and October provide cooler temperatures and shorter lines at major museums.

  3. 03

    Winter

    January and February are the most affordable times to fly if you don't mind the cold.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Business Professionals

Direct access to the French business capital with reliable daily service.

Vacationers

Efficient way to reach France and start a European tour from a major hub.

Diplomatic Staff

Convenient link between the political centers of the U.S. and Europe.

Connections & alternatives

Nice (NCE)

Popular onward destination for travelers heading to the French Riviera.

Lyon (LYS)

Secondary French city known for its gastronomy and business centers.

Marrakesh (RAK)

CDG is a major transit point for flights into North Africa.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the Washington D.C.-Paris Route

Visa & entry

  • United States citizens require a valid passport for entry into France
  • Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your date of departure
  • Check current ETIAS requirements for travelers from non-EU countries

Airport transfers

  • Use official taxi ranks and ignore individuals offering rides inside the terminal
  • Consider the RoissyBus for a direct shuttle service to the Opera district
  • If using a ride-sharing app, follow signs to the dedicated pickup zones in the parking garages

Baggage & transit

  • United allows one free carry-on and a personal item for most international fares
  • Ensure your bags are tagged through to your final destination if you have a connecting flight in Paris
  • Keep your boarding pass handy for the frequent security checks within CDG terminals

Checklist

  • Verify passport expiration date
  • Pack a universal power adapter for European outlets
  • Notify your bank of upcoming international travel
  • Download the United app for real-time flight updates
Carriers

Airlines Flying Washington D.C. to Paris

United

Once daily flights

Utilizes the B787-9 Dreamliner featuring improved cabin humidity and pressure.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying Washington D.C. to Paris.

Does United fly direct from Washington Dulles to Paris?

Yes, United operates a daily non-stop service from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

What is the flight time between IAD and CDG?

The average flight time is approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes for the eastbound journey.

Which aircraft is typically used on the UA-IAD-CDG route?

United primarily uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for this transatlantic route.

Which terminal does United use at CDG airport?

United flights typically arrive and depart from Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Are meals provided on this flight?

Yes, United provides full meal service and complimentary beverages on its long-haul international flights between IAD and CDG.

Your travel vault

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Three steps

  1. 1Use the Borderly flight tracker to log your UA-IAD-CDG segments
  2. 2Save your digital boarding passes to your mobile wallet for record-keeping
  3. 3Review your MileagePlus activity to see your lifetime flight statistics
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