public transport paris tourist

Tipping in Paris

Day Trips From Paris

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Best Paris Parks & Gardens

Best Museums in Paris

Cabaret in Paris

Live Music in Paris

Shopping in Paris

Bastille Day in Paris

French Dishes to Try in Paris

The Best Restaurants in Paris

Where to Eat With Kids

Nightlife in Paris

Craft Beer Bars in Paris

Weather & Climate

The Airports of Paris

Neighborhoods to Know

Driving in Paris

Paris Public Transportation

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

Learn to Use the Paris Metro, Bus, RER & Tramway System With Zero Stress

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Paris boasts one of the world's safest and most efficient public transportation systems. While the metro subway system is extensive, it's generally safe and easy to use once you familiarize yourself with it a bit. Trains usually arrive on time; buses are well-appointed and spacious, and commuter express (RER) trains service the city's most important stops in record time. What's not to love?

There are admittedly a few things that travelers can find confusing or downright unnerving about the French capital's transportation system. For one thing, trains and buses are more often than not overcrowded — and Paris' status as one of the world's most-visited cities doesn't help matters. For another, many metro lines lack air-conditioning — positive from an ecological standpoint, but watch out for those summer steambaths (and grouchy travelers). Public transportation here is also notoriously lacking with accessibility to disabled visitors. Gym rats may rejoice at the endless tunnels and stairs that snake through the Paris underground, but after a day visiting the city, the lack of elevators or escalators in some stations can be a real headache. Parents with young children or strollers may find this point particularly frustrating.

The good news? The Paris city government takes public transport very seriously, and every year a big chunk of the budget is reserved for improving traffic and passenger conditions in Paris trains, buses, and tramways. In the coming years, you can expect Paris public transportation to become more efficient, accessible and comfortable. Lots of new stations are also being added, making it easier than ever to get around.

Keep reading to learn how to navigate Paris public transport like a pro, including advice on the best tickets and passes, plotting your trip, safety and more.

How to Ride the Paris Metro: Tips & Tricks

• The Paris metro system has a total of 16 lines identifiable by number, color, and end-of-line names. These will help you figure out whether you're heading in the right direction and assist in planning line transfers.
• For example, line four is magenta, currently has 27 stations, and is called "Porte de Clignancourt/Mairie de Montrouge" because it runs from the Mairie de Montrouge station south of the city to Porte de Clignancourt in the north.
• Accordingly, you should always first figure out which direction you need to go relative to the line's endpoints. If you are at Chatelet and need to get to Odeon, you'd look at the map and see that Odeon is located south of Chatelet, toward Porte d'Orléans.
• This is important because once you take the metro in one direction, it's impossible to change directions without exiting the turnstile and going through again. This becomes a costly mistake if you have single tickets, rather than a weekly or monthly pass. In addition, certain lines (notably lines 7 and 13) fork in several different directions at key points, so make sure to check your destination carefully before getting on one of these trains, ensuring that the train you're boarding goes to your stop.

Hours of Operation

• During normal operating times, the metro runs Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:40 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 1:40 a.m. The same late services also run the night before a public holiday.
• To ensure you catch the last train, you should generally aim to arrive at the station approximately 30 minutes before closing, as final trains depart at different times depending on the station.
• Certain metro lines open all night long for certain holidays and city events, including New Year's Eve and the October museum and exhibitions event known as Nuit Blanche (White Night). If participating in these events, check the official Paris public transportation authority website for more information .

Safety on Paris' Public Transportation

The metro and other public transport is generally safe, but pickpockets operate on many lines. Keep your wits about you and your valuables close to your person. See this page for more information on traveling safely , including advice on what to do in case of an incident or emergency.

Accessibility

• Only certain Paris metro lines are wheelchair accessible. If you have disabilities or limited mobility, check the box for accessible itineraries at this page .
• Onboard trains, passengers are obligated to give up their seats to travelers with disabilities, elderly passengers, pregnant women or passengers traveling with small children. Don't hesitate to ask for a seat if you need one, and remember to look out for any travelers who may have difficulty standing, and offer them your seat.

Where to Buy Paris Metro Tickets

You can buy tickets and passes for Parisian public transportation networks at any metro, RER or tramway station, and when boarding buses. They are also available at Paris Tourist information centers around the city, and can sometimes be found at newsstands or tabacs (tobacco vendors).

• When purchasing tickets from an automatic distributor in a Metro or RER station, only debit cards and coins are accepted in some stations. If you have only bills you may need to purchase tickets from a vendor at the "Vente" (Sales) desk.
• When boarding Paris buses, pay in exact change. Remember that your metro ticket usually does not allow for transfers to the bus; you'll need to pay for a transfer by asking the bus driver. Tell the driver your destination when you board so he or she can charge the correct fare. If you plan to use the bus frequently, buy a " carnet " (packet) in advance from a metro station.
• You can change the interface language of the self-service ticket machines to English. This should make it easier to find the tickets you need, despite the machines' reputation for being a little less than user-friendly.

Paris Metro Tickets and Passes: What Kind Should You Buy?

Depending on the length of your stay, how much you'll use public transport, and whether you plan on day trips to places like the Chateau de Versailles or Disneyland Paris , you'll need to choose between single metro tickets, packs of tickets (called "carnets"), or one of several useful transport passes. Below is a rundown of your options and some tips on how to choose the right one. Never purchase tickets from vendors on the street or vendors hovering around the entrance to stations; these tickets might be counterfeited and could cost you later in fines and extra time and money spent.

Standard "T+" Metro Tickets

• These tickets are good for one metro, RER, bus, or tramway ride within Paris (zone 1 only), including transfers. You may transfer from the Metro to the RER for two hours between the first validation, as well as buses or tramways up to 90 minutes from the first validation. Always keep your ticket in hand.
• Special tickets are required for buses and trains traveling to and from Paris airports. See our Paris airport ground transport guide for more details.
• Buy these if you're staying for a short time and will use public transport sparingly. You don't plan to take day trips.
• As of October 2020, a single ticket costs 1.90 euros, while a bus ticket purchased onboard is 2 euros. A package of 10 tickets (" un carnet ") may be purchased for 16.90 euros, or 8.45 euros for children under 10. Airport tickets range from 2 euros to 17 euros depending on the mode of transport chosen.

The Paris Visite Pass: For Unlimited Travel

• This pass is good for unlimited travel in Paris (Metro, RER, bus, tramway, and regional SNCF trains) and the greater Paris region, for up to five days. Also provides special offers at select museums, attractions, and restaurants. For a list of current fares and details on how to use the pass, see this page .
• Choose this pass if you're planning to travel extensively around the greater Paris region. Choose the zone 1-5 card to see Versailles or Disneyland Paris, and 1-8 for greater coverage. As we explain in our complete guide to the Visite pass , it may be worth your while to buy this special ticket that allows you to ride freely on metro, RER, and buses and also allows entry to many popular Paris attractions . If you're planning on hitting several major museums and monuments on your trip, it's worth considering.

For more information on using the Paris Metro system, see the local transport authority RATP's official website (in English). You can download free maps, search timetables and plan your itinerary, as well as find information on current rates, network issues and other information.

How to Ride the Paris RER (Commuter-Line) Train System

The RER, Paris' commuter train system, consists of five express trains that travel within Paris and the greater region (contrary to the metro, which stops just outside the city limits). The RER can get you to your destination much faster since it stops at far fewer stops than the Metro.

The primary hub for outgoing and incoming RER trains is the Châtelet-Les Halles station. Other major hubs include Gare du Nord, St. Michel/Notre Dame, and Gare de Lyon. The RER, which is run by a different (public) company than the Paris Metro, can be a bit complicated at first, but the time gained is generally worth it.

For example, it takes roughly 10 minutes to get from Denfert-Rochereau in South Paris to Gare du Nord in the North on RER. The same route by metro adds at least ten minutes to your journey.

RER Lines, Routes, and Hours

Like the metro, RER lines are identifiable by letters (A through E) and end-of-line names. However, the RER is more complicated than the metro because each line breaks into different directions at a certain point, making it easy to get lost (and waste funds and time) if you hop on the wrong train. Follow these tips to make your journey go more smoothly:

• To avoid surprises, check your direction carefully before boarding, and use the train itineraries located in RER stations to help you get oriented. If in doubt, ask for help. If you have a smartphone or tablet, consider installing a Paris Metro/RER app. Many are free, and are very handy to have so you can navigate what even locals often consider to be a confusing system .
• Another tricky point in riding the RER is getting the fares straight. The RER covers five zones within the Paris region, and if you travel further than your ticket or pass allows for, you can be fined. Make sure your metro ticket or pass covers the zones you need for the destination, and if in any doubt, double-check your destination's zone and required fare with a ticket agent before boarding.
• Remember that you'll need to save your ticket in order to exit most RER stations.

Operating hours for RER lines vary, but on average the commuter trains run from 4:50 a.m. to midnight or 12:30 a.m. For itineraries and hours, consult the RATP itinerary-finder page.

How to Ride the Bus in Paris

When visiting Paris, trying to figure out how to use buses to get around the city can seem like a challenge. Yet the bus can be both more scenic and less claustrophobic than the metro or RER. Taking time to get familiar with the city's clean and pleasant buses can pay off. With a total of 64 lines operating within the Parisian city limits, you can get just about anywhere the metro will take you — and often to a wider variety of destinations.

If you're a disabled or elderly traveler, you may find taking the bus much easier: most are now equipped with ramps, unlike the metro which is still woefully inadequate where accessibility is concerned.

Lines and Stops

Bus stops are found all around the city and more often than not are hubs for several different lines. Recently, a majority of bus stops were equipped with electronic information systems that tell you when to expect the next bus. Neighborhood maps and bus routes are also displayed at most stations, as well as at Paris tourist information offices.

Paris buses are marked by double numbers and the name of the end of the line marked on the front. You can use T+ metro tickets or weekly and monthly passes to ride the bus, but if you've already used a single ticket in the metro, you can't transfer to the bus. You can, however, transfer between two buses without extra cost providing you do so within 90 minutes of boarding the first bus. Ask the driver to stamp ("valider") your ticket when you board the first bus.

Using Buses to Tour the City: An Inexpensive Alternative

Certain bus routes are particularly scenic and can be a cheap alternative to Paris bus tours. You can view a map of bus lines in Paris here .

• Line 38 runs north to south through the city center and provides memorable views of the Latin Quarter , the Seine river, or Notre Dame Cathedral .
• Line 68 offers a vantage of the Musee d'Orsay , Saint-Germain des Pres , the Seine, The Louvre , and the Opéra Garnier .
• Line 28 offers lovely views of the École Militaire, the Assemblée Nationale, the Seine River, the Grand Palais , and the Champs-Elysées .
• Line 96 winds through beautiful spots on the right bank, including Hotel de Ville, the medieval Marais neighborhood , and trendy Bastille.

Hours vary considerably, but major lines run from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. On Friday and Saturday, buses run up until 1:45 a.m. Buses leave from most spots around the city at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes.

How to Ride the Tramway in Paris

Paris had a tramway in the 19th century, which was subsequently dismantled and replaced with the metro. But a swelling city population and a need to connect Paris with its suburbs has led to the revival of the tramway in the city of light.

The city now has a total of 10 tramway lines running within Paris' city limits , mostly around the outer bounds and numbered T1 through T11.

• You can ride the tramway using regular metro tickets and passes, and it can be a nice way to see the city from above-ground and experience some of the capital's lesser-known areas.
• On the downside, trams almost never serve the city's big-ticket tourist attractions. This isn't the mode of transport most visitors will end up privileging, unless you choose to stay near the outer limits of the city.
• For itineraries on the Paris tramway, consult the RATP itinerary-finder page. Please note that you cannot purchase tram tickets on board, but tram stations are equipped with ticket vending machines.

Taking a Taxi in Paris

Many tourists wonder when or whether to take a taxi in Paris. The short answer is that you won't usually need to, unless you have special needs owing to a disability or limited mobility, or you don't like walking or taking public transportation.

If you do choose to take a taxi, make sure to keep these tips in mind:

• Never get in a taxi or agree to a ride unless it is equipped with a red and white "Taxi Parisien" sign on its rooftop and has a visible meter inside. Scams are common, and it can also be unsafe — especially for women traveling alone — to accept a ride without verifying the status of the driver.
• For short fares, drivers often prefer cash. For longer rides (e.g., across town or to the airport, Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted. It is unusual for cabs to accept American Express and traveler's checks are not generally accepted. Ask the driver before agreeing to a ride what forms of payment are allowed.
• Don't hesitate to give your driver a desired route. Be aware, however, that it is not unusual for drivers to have minimal English. Loading a map on a digital device and showing them your preferred route or destination can be helpful.
• At rush hour and during peak tourist months, traffic can be quite heavy. It may end up taking quite a bit longer to travel by taxi — which is why many tourists opt against it.

Getting Around by Bike in Paris

If you enjoy getting around by bike, you may wonder whether it's a good idea to attempt to do so during your stay in the French capital. While Paris does have a bike rental scheme called Velib', it has numerous downsides:

• Helmets, which are highly recommended, are not provided, so you'll have to bring or buy one yourself.
• Cycling lanes do exist in the city, but are inconsistent and safety conditions are often less than optimal for bikers, even experienced urban cyclists.
• The payment scheme for Velib' isn't especially well adapted to travelers, especially for short visits.

For all these reasons, we don't generally recommend Velib' to tourists. However, many tour companies offer guided bike and Segway tours around the city, including fun night tours. They generally provide helmets, know the best and safest routes to take, and watch out for visitors' general safety and well-being.

More Tips for Getting Around Paris

Paris is a relatively easy city to get around if you arrive armed with the right information. Here are some tips to help you navigate public transport like a local — and avoid unnecessary frustration and claustrophobia en route.

• Get a decent metro map. These are available free of charge from any metro information booth, and can also be downloaded online . There's no use scurrying around through the underground tunnels struggling to find your way. A map will do the trick.
• Some great free apps are now available for your smartphone, iPhone or tablet. The RATP transport company's own app, downloadable here, works well.
• Avoid riding the metro or RER (express trains) at rush hour, if you can. During these times, opt to walk or take the bus. One word of warning, though: some bus lines are also swamped at these hours.
• Metro lines 1, 2, 4, 11, 12, and 13 are generally the most overcrowded lines, especially at rush hour. Bus lines 38, 28, 68 and 62 are among the most cramped — but they also service many of the city's most central areas.
• Metro lines 6 and 2 run above-ground much of the way, sometimes offering impressive views of the city. Line 6 offers spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower near the Bir-Hakeim station. From line 2, a less striking view of the Sacré-Cœur can be seen.
• Learn to ride the RER when it makes sense to. Many visitors to Paris never set foot on board Paris' five higher-speed commuter trains, but they can be a boon if you need to traverse the city quickly from one point to the next. The RER is also quite useful if you're planning on taking a day trip to destinations including Disneyland Paris, Versailles, or the large park and "wood" known as the Bois de Vincennes.
• Take advantage of extended Metro hours on weekend nights; the last trains arrive at their final stop by 1:40 am between Sunday to Thursday. On Friday, Saturday and the evening before public holidays many lines run until 2:15 am. See the RATP timetables for full hours and schedules .
• Taxis can be a more time-consuming — and far more costly — way to get around. Especially in the city center and during rush hours, you can expect taxi trips to take quite a bit longer than the metro and even bus journeys. Buses often have dedicated lanes, while metro, RER and tramway lines avoid surface traffic altogether.
• In some cases, walking may be your best bet for a quick and more stimulating journey from one point to the next. Don't automatically hop on the metro or bus to your next destination. Instead, use Google Maps, a street map or the RATP Itinerary planner to check whether walking would actually be speedier. It's almost guaranteed to be more interesting — and you'll get some fresh air, too.

Taking the Roissybus to or From Charles de Gaulle Airport

Getting Around Madrid: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Navigate Paris Train Stations and Transfers

Getting Around Barcelona: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel Around Paris Like a Local

Getting Around Seattle: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Mexico City: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

Guide to Public Transportation in Washington, D.C.

Guide to Bus and Train Travel in Spain

Getting Around Salt Lake City: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel From Zurich to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Getting Around Beijing: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around New York City: Guide to Public Transportation

Are Paris Car Rentals Worth the Trouble? Some Pros & Cons

Getting Around Pittsburgh: Guide to Public Transportation

Public Transport

• Best City Pass
• Audio Guides
• Parisian Metro
• Train Stations
• Charles de Gaulle Airport

Taxis in Paris

• Attractions
• For Children
• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Restaurants
• French Cuisine
• Seine Cruise
• Where to stay?
• Honeymoon Hotels
• Disneyland Hotels
• Affordable Hotels
• Hotels in Latin Quarter
• Hotels in Montmartre
• Hotels with Eiffel Tower View
• Group Travel
• City Card, Tickets & Tours

Public Transport Guide in Paris

A Complete Guide to Parisian public transports, routes and ticket options for locals and travelers in Paris. Get easily from one place to another.

Paris has a very well-developed and efficient public transport system with an extensive metro, train (RER), bus, and tram network , serving the entire city and suburbs.

In this guide, l earn about the different means of public transport, what tickets are available and which one you should buy for your trip, as well as other important details.

Other Recommended Articles: Top 10 Things to do in Paris Best Museums to Visit in Paris Best Things to do with Kids in Paris Best Places for Shopping in Paris Best Restaurants in Paris

Which City Pass is worthwhile for Travelers in Paris?

Best City Card Options 

A city pass for Paris is a fantastic option for travelers who want to make the most of their trip. It offers discounted or even free access to the city's key attractions and activities, s aving you both time and money. Having a city pass allows you to easily plan your itinerary and explore the rich culture and history of the French capital without breaking the bank.

Comparison Table for City Pass Options in Paris

Our Recommendation:   We highly recommend the Paris Welcome Card , a budget-friendly city pass for exploring Paris. What sets it apart from other city card options is  the flexibility to create your own personalized card by selecting only the activities you wish to experience. As a bonus, you are not restricted to a specific number of activities and can take full advantage of discounted ticket prices. 

• For more information on the Paris Welcome Card and other Paris city pass options, please refer to our comprehensive guide: Best City Pass for Paris | Compare Prices & Included Activities .

How does public transportation work in Paris?

In Paris, the urban transport consists of:

• a metro network called Le Métro Parisien
• a well-developed bus network called  Réseau de bus RATP
• a  Paris suburban railway  called  Le RER
• various  tram lines  called  Tram  

Tariff: 

Ticket T+ single trip ticket costs €1.90. The 10-pack called "Carnet" costs €16.90. Single trip ticket for children between 4 and 10 costs €8.45. Children under 4 do not need a ticket.

Mobilis daily ticket costs €7.50.

Paris Visit ticket   costs between €12 and €38.35 depending on the number of days you select.

One way regular transport tickets, called " Tickets T+ ", can be bought at all metro and RER stations in Paris, either at ticket offices or from ticket machines. They are single-usage for metros, bus and RER, but only inside Paris. 

There are 2 complementary ticket options available for travelers or locals:

• The Mobilis tickets give you access to the zones you paid for during one whole day . The Zones to select for the center of Paris are Zone 1-2. This day ticket pays off from four single trips.
• The Paris Visit tickets give you access to the zones you paid during the number of days you selected (1, 2, 3 or 5 days available). 

They are both available to buy in metro or RER stations at the ticket offices or from ticket machines. When you bought them, then you must stamped them at the turnstiles before you can access your train.

Means of Transport in Paris

• Metro: Paris boasts 16 metro lines, spanning 220 kilometers with 304 stops. Its efficient network seamlessly connects neighborhoods and attractions, making it a convenient and cost-effective mode of transport to reach almost anywhere in Paris. Each line is identified by a distinct color and number, and metros are frequent, usually arriving every few minutes. This ensures easy and efficient transportation for both locals and visitors. Read More: How to use the Metro in Paris
• RER: Paris's rapid-transit RER system consists of 5 lines, connecting the city center to suburbs . With bigger and faster trains than metros, it offers time-saving transportation for longer distances. Additionally , 8 TER line s further extend travel options for exploring destinations beyond Paris's immediate outskirts. Tourists frequently utilize the RER to conveniently travel to popular destinations like Versailles and Disneyland Paris .
• Bus: Paris boasts 350 bus lines, providing extensive coverage throughout the city. While traffic may impact reliability, buses offer a scenic means of exploration and access to destinations beyond other modes of transport. There are night buses, which   run from 12.30am to 5.30am, but their nighttime travel experience may vary in comfort and pleasantness.
• Tram :  Paris features  8 tram lines  that primarily serve the city's outskirts, making them  less attractive to visitors . Consequently, tourists tend to opt for alternative modes of transportation within the main areas of the city, rather than utilizing these tram lines

Which transport tickets should you buy in Paris ?

Here you will find an overview of the most important tickets and their conditions.

Which one will suit your needs during your trip to Paris ?

• 1 Single trip: The ticket is valid for 1.5 to 2 hours, you may change, but not interrupt. The ticket costs 1,90€. Paris is divided into zones, this price is valid for zones 1 and 3, the inner city area.
• 2 One-Day ticket: Mobilis   Tickets are valid for 24 hours from midnight to midnight. Any number of journeys is possible, you may change and interrupt the journey. The ticket is valid on all Parisian lines, except for the special connections to the airports. A one-day ticket costs €7.50. More information on RATP website .
• 3 Day tickets for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days: Any number of journeys is possible, you may change and interrupt the journey. The ticket is valid on all Parisian lines, except for the special connections to the airports. For example, for zones 1 - 3, Paris Center, 5 days cost €38.35, while zones 1-5, which include Versailles and Disneyland Paris, cost 65,80 €. But I you will go to Versailles or Disney only one day, you can buy an extra ticket that goes to zone 5 only for that day. More information on RATP website .
• 4 Ticket to the airports:  Shuttle buses run regularly to airports, both Charles de Gaulle and Orly, and Air France buses can also be used by guests of other airlines. Neither airport is located in the city center and a ticket for zones 1-5 is required. More information on RATP website.

For an additional overview, visit the Paris RATP site, which lists all special fares. Prices are generally increased annually on the 1st of January. 

Special Tickets

Here is an overview of special tickets for public transport in Paris. These include, for example, annual tickets, student tickets and senior tickets. 

• 1 Weekly ticket:  The ticket is valid for all zones in the metropolitan area of Paris and costs €22,80. You need a passport photo and a one-time issuing fee of €5,00 is charged. The weekly ticket is always valid from Monday to Sunday.
• 2 Monthly ticket:  The ticket is valid for all zones in the greater Paris area and costs €75,20. You need a passport photo and a one-time issuing fee of €5,00 is charged. The monthly ticket is always valid from the 1st day to the last day of a month.
• 3 Reduced tickets:  These include youth tickets, senior tickets, semester tickets and tax-deductible company tickets.

More information on the price of the individual tickets can be found on the webpage of the Parisian public transport companies . It also contains an overview of tickets for supported groups of people. 

Network of Paris lines

The inner area of Paris is served by the metro, so all major sights are within easy reach. It is said that in Paris there is a metro stop every 300 meters. There is also a very well-developed bus network. The trams run in the suburbs of Paris.

An overview of the metro lines can be found here, an overview of the buses can be found under this link.    

Contact of the transport companies

• RATP: For metro, bus and tram.  Call center: +33-(0)1 - 3424 / Website: https://www.ratp.fr/en
• SNCF : For RER-trains. Call center: +33-(0)1 - 3635 / Website: https://www.sncf.com/en    

The Transport App in Paris: RATP

Download the free transport App of Parisian Railway System called RATP and find your way easily in the French Capital.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where can I find the timetable of the Parisian public transport lines?

You can find the timetable of the Parisian public transport lines under the following link: Pariser Linien

Is there a one-day ticket in Paris?

Yes, there is a one-day ticket for travel on public transport. It becomes profitable from four trips on public transport in one day. 

Tickets for single trips are also sold in packs of ten, as so-called "carnet". Carnets are about 30% cheaper than normal single tickets. As they are not personal, several people can share a "carnet".

Is there a separate ticket for tourists in Paris?

The Paris Welcome Card is a card for public transport in combination with discounts at the entrance to sights, museums and attractions.

From how many trips does a day ticket become profitable?

The purchase of a one-day ticket becomes profitable in Paris from four single trips with the normal price. This applies to the entire public transport network. Tickets for single journeys are also sold in packs of ten, known as "carnet". Carnets are about 30% cheaper than normal single tickets. As they are not personal, several people can share a "carnet".

Also interesting:

Best areas to stay in paris, guide to gare du nord train station in paris, disneyland paris: tickets, rides, hotels and deals.

Paris Welcome  Card

by ParisTouristInformation.fr

Be Flexible and Independent. Create Your Own Digital Pass

Email Us: [email protected]

Support Hotline

24/7 on 365 Days of the Year

Contact Form

Blog and Influencer

Press, TV and Media

School, Education, University

Tourism Agencies

M.I.C.E. (Group Travel)

Things To Do

Hotels in Paris

Paris Lifestyle

Paris Welcome Card

Airports in Paris

Airport Transfer

Shopping Tips

Staying Safe

© Copyright 2024 . All rights reserved.

How to navigate your way around Paris

Mar 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Find your way around Paris with this guide to public transit, bike hire and taxis © Charday Penn / Getty Images

Alexis is one of the author's of our  latest Paris guidebook . Here she shares her tips on navigating Paris' public transport, taxis and more.

Paris is a gorgeous sprawl of beautiful monuments and interesting neighborhoods and, for many, walking is the way to go.

To cover the most ground, the convenient Paris metro blankets the city. Meanwhile, the comprehensive bus system allows you to sightsee while traveling , and cycling in the open air is as delightful as it looks. Here's what you need to know about Paris’ transport network, tickets and taxis.

The quickest way to get around is on the metro and RER

Paris’ train network consists of two separate but linked systems: the metro and the RER. The metro currently has 16 lines (numbered 1–14, plus two secondary lines, 3bis and 7bis). The network is currently being expanded to add another four lines as part of the Grand Paris Express project. The RER has five main lines, A to E. The systems are fully integrated and you can easily transfer from one train to another. RER express trains save time crossing the city and serve the suburbs.

Escalators and elevators ease long climbs within the stations, but are not available at every station. Service is very frequent, with wait times generally under five minutes. Some metro lines run above street level, offering scenic views. It's usually quicker to walk than to take the metro for only one or two stops.

For a better look at the city, hop on the bus

With no stairs, buses are widely accessible and are good for parents with prams/strollers and people with limited mobility. Bus lines complement the metro: for some journeys a bus is the more direct – and scenic – way to go. Stops show schedules, routes and often the wait time until the next bus.

A local’s tips for taking the metro, RER and bus

Use the RATP , IDF Mobilités and SNCF apps for journey planning, route maps and wait times for the next train or bus, or to charge up your travel passes. Also, metro and bus maps of various sizes and degrees of detail are available for free at metro ticket windows.

In metro stations and on board, keep an eye out for pickpockets – they’re top zones of action.

Sail in style on the Batobus

Combining scenery and convenience, the Batobus is a handy hop-on, hop-off service stopping at nine key destinations along the Seine. In warmer months the service runs regularly through the day and offers a chance for a river cruise at a fraction of the price of a tour boat.

Cycle the streets with Vélib’ bike-share

The Vélib’ bike-share scheme has over 20,000 bikes, both classic (green) and electric (blue) at 1400 stations citywide. Buy a subscription online using your RATP Navigo transit pass or credit card, or at docking stations (it only accepts European-compatible chip-and-pin credit cards). There are single-trip, day and multiday pass options. App-based electric trottinettes (scooters), wildly popular with tourists, were discontinued in September 2023 by popular vote.

Consider getting a Navigo transport pass

The cheapest and easiest way to use public transport in Paris is via the Navigo Easy card. Sold for €2 at all metro and RER ticket windows as well as RATP-affiliated outlets (eg tobacconists and markets), this credit-card-sized farecard is used for all your ticketing needs. You can also charge one up virtually on the RATP app for free.

Navigo, like London’s Oyster card or Hong Kong’s Octopus card, is a system that provides a full range of fare options. You load the card with value which is then deducted for each ride. To save money, buy carnets, which are credits for 10 rides sold at a discount (this is the cheapest way to ride the metro and buses). You can also buy various passes that are good for unlimited rides across a range of fare zones and durations (such as Mobilis, with one day of unlimited travel). However, one disadvantage of passes is that they are tied to the calendar eg a one-day pass starts at 12:01am, a seven-day pass always begins on Monday, and a monthly pass always begins on the first day of the month.

Paris transportation FAQ and things to consider

Is parking widely available in paris .

Parking in Paris is costly and difficult. If you’re renting a car to take to the countryside, don’t pick it up until you are leaving town. And if you’re driving your own car, know that to enter the city within the Boulevard Périphérique (ring road) between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, a Crit'Air Vignette (compulsory anti-pollution sticker) is needed for all cars, motorcycles and trucks registered after 1997, including foreign-registered vehicles. Older vehicles are banned during these hours. The sticker is not necessary for the ring road itself.

Can I use taxis and ride-share apps?

Find taxis at official stands or via private companies and apps. There are queues of available cabs at major train stations. Paris taxis are expensive but can be a blessing if you have a lot of luggage and can't face the metro steps. Ride-share apps like Uber are active.

What’s the best way to get into the city from the airport?

Trains are the best ways to get to and from Paris' airports. The RER B line from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) crosses under the middle of Paris, with stops that include Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, St-Michel–Notre Dame and Luxembourg. Some trains run express through the suburbs, saving about 10 minutes. An even faster express route is slated for 2027. From Orly Airport, you can connect to the RER B. Beginning in mid-2024, the airport will also be served by Line 14 of the metro. Aéroport de Beauvais, used by some budget airlines, is a long and slow 75km (47 miles) by bus from Paris.

Taxis and ride shares are also convenient, but can get mired in traffic and become costly.

Paris is working to make its transportation more accessible

Paris is an ancient city and therefore not particularly well equipped for visiteurs handicapés (disabled visitors): kerb ramps are few and older public facilities and the metro are mostly inaccessible for those in a wheelchair (fauteuil roulant) . Efforts are being made to improve things, however, especially ahead of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games .

Paris’ airports are fully in line with international standards for accessibility. Note however that transport to and from the airports may be an issue as many metro stations in the city are not fully accessible – the RATP makes info available through its app and website. Paris buses, however, are all accessible, with low floors and wide doors.

The SNCF has made many of its train carriages more accessible to people with disabilities, including the RER trains. For information and advice on planning your journey from station to station, contact the service Accès Plus .

Taxis G7 has hundreds of low-base cars and over 100 cars equipped with ramps, and drivers trained in helping passengers with disabilities. Guide dogs are accepted in its entire fleet.

An excellent first stop is the Paris Tourist Office 's website for a wealth of useful information organized by theme as well as practical information such as where to rent medical equipment or locate automatic public toilets. You can download the up-to-date Accessible Paris guide , which is also available in hard copy from tourist information centers in the city.

This article was first published May 2021 and updated March 2024

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

May 19, 2023 • 12 min read

From bike to bus and train to plane, here's everything you need to know about getting around in France.

Apr 1, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 29, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 27, 2024 • 15 min read

Jan 10, 2024 • 5 min read

Dec 25, 2023 • 11 min read

Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 25, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 17, 2023 • 10 min read

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Arts & Culture
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Your essential guide to public transport in Paris

From buses via trains to the metro, here’s everything you need to know about public transport in Paris

Paris is an excellent city to explore on foot – but even on a short trip, you’re likely to use public transport at least once. The great French tradition of grèves (strikes) aside, the RATP-run network is mostly cheap and efficient.

The Paris metro is of course one of the symbols of the city, with its art nouveau entrances and quirky station designs (check out Arts et Metiers’ copper-clad platforms). Lines are shallow and trains run every few minutes, so it’s easy to hop on and off. Buses can also be handy, especially if you don’t mind making sacrifices on style to stay above ground. Taxis and ride-hailing apps take over after dark, while the brave can hit the roads on a Vélib’.

To reach the airports or explore further afield, you’ll find yourself on the RER network or regional train services. You’re unlikely to take one of the eight lesser-known tram lines on the city’s fringes.

Tickets can be picked up from machines in any mainline or metro station, all of which have an English-language option. For journeys in the centre of Paris, a €1.90 t+ ticket can be used for a single trip in zones 1 and 2 on the metro, bus, RER or tram. It’s usually worth buying a carnet of 10 for €16.90. For longer journeys, you can pick up point-to-point tickets or set-fare one-way tickets to and from the airports.

If you want unlimited travel, buy a Mobilis one-day ticket or a five-day Paris Visite pass. Rechargeable weekly, monthly or annual Navigo passes are only really worth it if you’re here for the long haul. You’ll need to purchase the card for €5 and it’s only valid in its clunky plastic casing affixed with a passport-sized photo.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris

Busca alojamiento

An email you’ll actually love

Public transport in Paris: Your essential guide

The metro will take you almost anywhere you need to go. Each line has a colour and number, with the final stop indicating the direction of travel. Trains run from around 6am until around 1am from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, and until around 2am on Friday and Saturday. A standard t+ ticket is valid for one journey, including changing lines. You don’t need your ticket at the exit barriers, but inspectors can ask you to present it at any time – lose it and you risk a heavy fine.

Underground etiquette can be baffling, especially when everyone tries to embark and disembark simultaneously, but travelling by metro is generally safe. Different lines have different reputations: the 1 is automated and so clean and efficient, the 13 is renowned for being obscenely over-crowded and the 6 offers brilliant views of the Eiffel Tower as you cross the Seine. Changing lines in the labyrinth of tunnels at Châtelet is best avoided unless you’ve got half an hour to spare.

Thanks to Parisian traffic, bus timings are not always reliable. That said, their slow pace allows plenty of time to take in the sights. As in most European cities, Citymapper is indispensable for planning your route. A single journey costs €2 if you buy a ticket from the driver, or with a t+ ticket you can also change lines within 90 minutes. Validate your ticket as you board.

Noctilien night bus services run from 12.30am to 5.30am, but this isn’t always the most pleasant way to travel after dark.

The RER is a metro-rail hybrid, its single- and double-decker trains connecting dark and dirty interchanges in the centre of Paris to above-ground stations in the suburbs. Many stations are outside zone 2, so the t+ won’t be valid and you’ll need to buy a point-to-point ticket.

There’s a noticeable contrast in atmosphere (and some say reliability of service) on the trains that run to the city’s bougie suburbs and those that serve more marginalised communities. You’re most likely to take the RER to Versailles or the airport. Watch your wallet and phone: pick-pocketing of disoriented, jet-lagged foreigners is rife.

A few close-to-Paris sights, such as Giverny and Chantilly , are served by regional trains rather than the RER. You’ll need to buy rail tickets online from en.oui.sncf or at the station. They’re usually cheaper when bought a few weeks in advance. If you have a paper ticket, remember to validate it at one of the machines on the platform.

The official Taxis Parisiens are safe and not too extortionate for short trips (expect to pay around €15–€20 for a 20-minute ride). You can hail them on the street or queue at ranks near large stations. Many only take cash.

It’s hard to recommend Uber based on their record of dodging both tax and sexual harassment claims – not to mention their increasingly variable fares. Parisian ride-hailing app Kapten is often cheaper and the drivers more courteous.

If you’re up to battling the traffic on two wheels, you can sign up for a one- (€5) or seven-day (€15) pass for the city’s bike sharing scheme. Rides of less than 30 minutes are free on the regular bikes or start at €1 on the newer light-blue electric versions.

Paris has a fantastic network of bike lanes, shared with an ever-expanding range of electric scooters. Lime , Bird and Dott and among the main players to have made inroads so far.

After more solid recommendations?

50 unmissable attractions in Paris

• Attractions
• Sightseeing

Whether you’re a first-timer or a Paris regular, the same goes – how do you even go about planning a day out here? You may not be able to fit them all in one trip, but these are the 50 attractions you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Premium Profiles
• Time Out Worldwide
• Paris print guides

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

How To Get Around Paris: A Guide to All the Transport Options in Paris

Last updated: June 24, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 14 Comments

We love visiting Paris. The city has so much to offer, from iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower , through to world class museums like the Louvre and famous shows like the Moulin Rouge .

Then there are all the fun neighbourhoods to explore, the fantastic dining options, the cafes – the list goes on!

Paris isn’t exactly compact though, so when you visit you are going to need a plan for how to get around. While you certainly can walk, you will be able to fit more sights in if you take advantage of one of the many transport options available to you.

There are quite a few of these in the city. In this guide, I’m going to share with you all the options you have for how to get around Paris. This will cover all the transport options in Paris, including public transport (e.g., metro, bus, tram etc.) and private hire (e.g. taxi, ride-share etc.).

This guide accompanies our other Paris content, which includes itineraries for Paris , guides to where to eat in Paris , and many other posts. See more of these in the resources section at the end of the post.

Public Transport Zones in Paris

Before jumping into the individual transport options for Paris, I will share a quick overview of the zone system in Paris so you have an idea of how this works.

Like many cities in the world, the public transport system in Paris is divided into zones. There are five transport zones in Paris, which are formed as circles.

Zone 1 is the inner zone and covers the centre of the city, and the zones then radiate outwards to Zone 5.

Zones 1 to 3 cover the majority of the city centre and most attractions that visitors will want to visit.

There are some locations that are outside of zones 1-3. For example, Versailles and Orly Airport are in Zone 4. CDG Airport, Disneyland Paris, and Château de Fontainebleau are located  in Zone 5.

Unlike a city like London, the fare zones in Paris do not affect individual metro ticket pricing. A single metro ticket in Paris is good for any journey, regardless of zones covered. Instead, the zone system is primarily for pricing transport passes.

For example, you can buy a Paris Visite transport pass which covers all your public transport journeys in Zones 1-3, or Zones 1 – 5. The latter will be more expensive.

How to Buy Tickets for Public Transport in Paris

There are a number of ticket options for using the public transport in Paris, which includes the Paris metro, bus, tram and RER trains. These transport options are all operated by RATP, and you can see the English version of the RATP site here for more information.

Tickets for Travel in Central Paris

For a single journey, you can buy an individual ticket known as a t+ ticket. This currently costs €2.10 when bought in advance (price valid as of April 2023). These can be bought from any station, and can be used for any of the following:

• a single journey on the metro in any zone (you can transfer lines and travel for up to 90 minutes from validation). You can also transfer to the RER for Zone 1 travel.
• zone 1 travel on the RER
• a bus journey of up to 90 minutes from the first to last validation, including bus changes and change to the tram
• a tram journey of up to 90 minutes fro the first to last validation, including changing to another tram.
• a single ride on the Montmartre Funicular

It is also possible to purchase a single t+ ticket when boarding a bus, this costs €2.50.

If you will be doing more than one journey, it will generally be more cost effective to buy a packet of 10 t+ tickets, known as a carnet. You can also buy a pass that covers multiple journeys over a period of time.

A carnet of 10 t+ tickets used to be available as a pack of physical tickets, however Paris is transitioning from a cardboard based ticketing system for single tickets to an electronic card system known as Navigo Easy .

Now you need to buy a Navigo Easy card onto which you can load a pack of 10 t+ tickets for €16.90 (as of April 2023). You can also load it with individual t+ tickets for €2.10.

The only downside to a Navigo Easy carnet of 10 t+ tickets compared to the former cardboard system is that you can no longer buy a pack of 10 t+ tickets to share between a few people as each person needs their own Navigo Easy Card.

A Navigo Easy card costs €2 to buy, and can be purchased from ticket offices at most metro stations. It’s about the same size as a credit card. Once purchased, you preload it with tickets.

Both the Navigo Easy cards and single t+ cardboard tickets can be purchased from metro stations, as well as some bus stations, tram stations, train stations and tabac stores.

At metro stations, there will be vending machines selling paper tickets, and these accept both card and cash payments. The machines also allow you to top up your Navigo Easy card. There will also often be machines solely for recharging the Navigo Easy card. These are purple and say “Rechargement Navigo”.

For the Navigo Easy card, these need to be purchased at ticket offices.

These machines are also multilingual, so you can choose your preferred language when you buy the ticket.

Often there will also be a ticket window where you can purchase tickets. This is also where you will need to go to buy a Navigo Easy card.

If you would prefer to use your smartphone to pay for your travel in Paris, this is an option. You can use the Bonjour RATP app on your smartphone. This can be used instead of a Navigo Easy card, and saves you the €2 fee for the Navigo Easy card.

The app is available in English, however you do need a compatible smartphone and some users do report difficulties getting it to work. Most modern smartphones should work, although sometimes you need to install an additional app like Mes Tickets Navigo and / or Ticket Sans Contact .

Once you have the Bonjour RATP app up and running though you can preload it with t+ tickets and a carnet for the same price as preloading a physical Navigo Easy card. You can also use the app to manage physical Navigo Easy cards, you can check the balance of tickets on a Navigo Easy card by holding it to the phone for example, or reload a carnet.

Note that to top up cards and purchase tickets your device will need an internet connection.

The Bonjour RATP app also includes journey planning capabilities as well as offline mapping.

Passes for Travel in Paris

There are also other ticket options for using Paris Public transport, including day passes and multi-day passes.

Passes to consider that include transport in Paris include the following:

• Paris Visite Pass
• Navigo Decouverte
• Navigo Jour 1 Day Card (loaded onto a Navigo Easy or Navigo Decouverte Card, can buy online here if you have one of these cards already)

Which of these is best for you will depend on the types of transport you intend to use in Paris, and how often you will use them.

Tickets for Travel to Charles de Gaulle Airport and Versailles from Paris

If you plan to travel outside of central Paris, you will need a different ticket. Common destinations from central Paris that visitors want to get to include Charles de Gaulle Airport, Versailles and Disneyland Paris. These are all accessible via the RER train lines.

Versailles can be reached via RER line C, Paris CDG airport is on RER line B and Disneyland Paris is on RER line A.

Ticketing for the RER varies depending on where you are going. For travel inside Zone 1 only, you can use a standard t+ ticket as discussed in the previous section.

If you want to travel outside Zone 1, you will need a different ticket, marked “iledeFrance”. You can see the difference between a metro ticket (left) and an IledeFrance ticket (right) in the image below.

You can also use the Paris Visite card for travel on RER trains. However it is very important to check the zones you are travelling through when using these cards.

Paris Visite cards come in Zones 1-3, or Zones 1-5.

You can also buy individual tickets to specific destinations. The ticket machines at all metro and RER stations are capable of issuing both RER and Metro tickets. If you put in Versailles as your destination, it will give you the correct IledeFrance ticket for the journey.

This IledeFrance ticket can be used across the metro and RER system to get from your starting point to your ending point.

Summary of Ticket Options for Travel in Paris and Recommendation

We usually find that the 10 pack of t+ tickets work fine for us when visiting Paris, with the Navigo Easy card on a smartphone being the most cost-effective way of buying these tickets, and the physical card being a bit easier to use in our opinion.

We then buy individual tickets when travelling to Paris CDG airport or Versailles.

If you think you will be doing a lot of travel on public transport, then a Paris Visite card might work out to be better value.

How To Get Around Paris

There are many options for getting around Paris. Below I will go through each of these options so you can pick the right one for your needs.

Some of these are public transport options, such as the Metro, bus and RER. These are operated by RATP, and you can see full fare information and schedules for these services here .

Other services include taxis, ride shares, and bicycle hire. I will link to the relevant websites for these under each entry.

The Paris Metro is our preferred way to get around the city when we travel around central Paris. This is because it is fast, affordable, has a regular service, and it covers the majority of the attractions in the city centre.

The Paris metro system is currently made up of 16 lines and 302 stations. It primarily covers transport zones 1 and 2. Basically wherever you are in central Paris you shouldn’t be too far from a metro stop.

Each line has a number, from 1 to 14. The two extra lines are labelled 3bis and 7bis – these were originally branch lines that have since become separate lines.

As well as a number, each line also has its own color. The street level entrance to each metro stop will  usually have signs denoting which line or lines the station serves. The number of the line will be surrounded by a circle that denotes the line color.

When you enter the station you will need to know which direction to take the line in. The direction is indicated by the station at the end of the line. So you need to know which end of the line you want to move towards when searching for the platform.

Let’s look at an example. To travel from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre by metro, you would take metro line 1. This is indicated in yellow.

You would enter the closest metro to the Arc de Triomphe, which is called Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. Line 1 runs from La Defense in the west to Chateau de Vincennes in the east.

If you check the metro map, you will see that to go from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre, you need to take the train in the direction of Château de Vincennes. So you will need to follow signs for Line 1, direction Château de Vincennes.

To enter the platform you will need a valid ticket, either a physical ticket or a Navigo Easy card which you will scan on the turnstiles on your way through the station.

The metro in Paris operates from around 5.30am through to 00.40am Sunday to Thursday, and 5.30am through to 1.40am on Fridays and Saturdays. Of course, this will vary by station, so I would advise checking the official timetables here .

Note that due to the age of the metro network in Paris, there is limited accessibility for those with reduced mobility. You can see information on accessible travel in Paris, and download a map of accessible stations here . The RATP website also has a guide to accessibility across their network here .

There are around 70 bus routes across central Paris. These are primarily found across zones 1-3. You can see a full map of the bus network operated by RATP here .

The labelling for Bus routes is similar to the metro routes, in that they have both a number and a colour. As there are so many bus routes, not all the colours are unique, but each number is unique.

Depending on the route you want to take, you might find that the bus is faster than the metro, especially if you can find a direct bus route that replaces an indirect metro route.

However, obviously traffic plays a factor, even though many roads have dedicated bus lanes.

There are other advantages to using the bus. In terms of accessibility for example, nearly every bus is wheelchair accessible with roll on roll off electric ramps. You can see a list of accessible bus routes here .

You also get a much better view of the city if you travel by bus versus underground on the metro.

To use the bus, you just need to find a bus stop. Each bus stop will have a sign indicating which bus routes service it. They may also have an electronic information board showing upcoming bus arrivals.

Note that many bus stops are request only, so when you see your bus approaching be sure to indicate you wish to board by signalling at your drive. A raised arm will usually suffice.

The Paris bus system uses the same tickets as the metro, and so fares are the same. Again, you can use paper tickets or a Navigo Easy card.

With single paper tickets, when you board the bus you must validate your ticket on the machine, and then hold onto it as proof.

If you are using the Navigo Easy card, you must validate it on the round purple Navigo reader on the bus.

You can also use the Paris Visite pass on buses. You do not validate these cards, instead, show them to the driver when boarding.

If you are not in possession of a ticket when boarding the bus, you can usually buy a single ticket from the driver for €2.50 – slightly more than the price if you buy it from the machine. You will need to have the exact change.

Otherwise, tickets can be purchased from metro stations or tabac (tobacco) stores. We recommend having tickets or a pass before boarding so you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket from the driver.

The bus service in Paris generally runs from 5.30am until midnight. There are also night buses, known as “Noctiliens”, which continue a limited service throughout the night. These can be a good option if you are out late and the metro has stopped running, assuming you can find a route that goes where you are going.

RER & Train Lines

As well as the metro service, there is also a rail network across Paris.

The Paris rail network is divided into RER (Réseau Express Régional) trains, and a series of other train lines.

Both the RER and other trains primarily connect the suburban parts of the city with the city centre. In the city centre they run underground and some of them share some of the same stations as the metro, so it is important to be able to differentiate between the metro and the train lines.

There are five RER lines, which are labelled from A to E. There are  8 non RER train lines, which are lines H, J, K, L, N, P, R and U.

The RER lines have a letter inside a circle, with both the outline of the circle and the letter sharing a unique color. For example, RER line A features a red letter A inside a red circle with a white background.

This is usually accompanied by the letters “RER” in blue inside a blue circle, to really make it clear this is an RER line. Here’s an example of what you will likely see.

The other, non RER train lines in Paris are similar in design, but have a square outline instead of a circle.

There are far fewer train stops in central Paris than metro stops, so most journeys by visitors will likely take place on the metro rather than the RER or other train lines.

However, there are scenarios when visitors to Paris will use one of these train lines. For example, the easiest way to get to Versailles from the city centre is to take RER line C.

Other popular destinations for the RER are Paris CDG airport (RER B) and Disneyland Paris (RER A).

RER trains run to a scheduled service. Most trains start at around 5am and run until just after midnight. You can see a detailed timetable for all the RER routes here.

In terms of accessibility, many of the train stations and trains on the RER and Transilien network are fully accessible. You can see a map of the accessible routes here .

Paris sure has a lot of rail based transport options! As well as the metro, RER and standard suburban rail lines, there are also 10 tram lines.

The tram is actually the oldest public transport rail network in Paris, and dates from 1852. Back then it was pulled by horses, although by 1914 there was a fully electrified tram system in place. This covered the whole city, and there were in excess of 100 tram lines in Paris!

Unfortunately, the rise of the automobile meant the end of the tram, which was discontinued in 1937.

However, I’m not writing about a discontinued service. A resurgence of interest in environmentally friendly public transport options meant that the tram reappeared in Paris in the 1990s.

Today there are 10 tram lines across Paris, the majority of which operate in the suburbs. As such, most visitors to the city centre are unlikely to use the tram, or even be aware that there is a tram system.

The tram system is operated by RATP, and accepts the same tickets as the metro. So you can use the single t+ tickets, Navigo, or travel passes.

Tram stops are located above ground, and the tram system using a similar marking system as the RER. Tram lines each have their own number and color, which is displayed in a circle matching the line color. This will be prefixed with a blue circle containing the letter T. For example, Tramway 7 would have the following symbol.

Tickets for the tram, which are also valid on other RATP services, can be bought at tram stops as well as metro stations, some bus stations, and RER stations.

Using the tram is like using the bus. For T+ tickets you need to validate them on board. Navigo Easy users can validate their tickets on the purple readers. Holders of the Paris Visite card will need to show this to the driver.

Ok, I’m including this one for completeness, because Paris actually only has one funicular. And technically, whilst it was originally a proper funicular service, today the system is actually a double inclined elevator.

Anyway, the Montmartre Funicular is, as the name suggests, in the Montmartre region of Paris. Those of you familiar with the geography of Paris will know that Montmartre has a large hill, atop which sits the beautiful Sacre Coeur.

Since most standard forms of rail would struggle to ascend such a hill, in 1900 a funicular was opened to serve the residents of Montmartre.

Today this is still operated by RATP, although the version in operation today was fully rebuilt in 1991. It’s a popular option for getting to the top of the hill, as you avoid the steep steps.

There are two stations for the funicular, the lower station and the upper station, with a vertical distance of around 40 metres / 131ft between them. These are served by two cabins which operate independently of each other.

The funicular works much like the Paris metro in terms of ticketing, and so all the tickets that you can use on the metro will work here. These include the T+, Navigo passes, and Paris Visite pass.

There is a turnstile you have to pass through where you validate your ticket before accessing the platform. You can also buy tickets on site, there is a machine and a service window. However, there are not many ticket machines, so you will likely want to have picked up tickets in advance in case it is busy.

The only thing to bear in mind is that you can’t “transfer” to the funicular from another metro line. So if you have a carnet of T+ tickets, or a Navigo Easy card, the funicular will use up a whole ticket.

As with most other cities in the world, Paris has an extensive taxi network. Taxi services in Paris fall into two main categories – the taxis that you can hail on the street or at taxi ranks, and private hire firms.

The former operate a metered service across the city, with fixed pricing available for some routes such as from the Paris airports into the city.

For example, in 2019 the fare from Paris CDG to anywhere in Paris north of the river Seine has a flat fee of €50, whilst it’s €55 to the south bank. From Orly Airport to the south bank is €30, and €35 to the north bank.

Licensed taxis in Paris are officially marked and have a taxi light on the roof. If the light is green, the taxi is available for hire, if it is amber it is not.

Be wary of unsolicited offers from anyone claiming to be a taxi driver, especially at popular public locations like airports and train stations. At venues like this, if you want to hire a taxi, always go to the official taxi stand.

We have found pricing to be reasonable for both the fixed price and metered routes in Paris.

For private hire, there are a number of services offering pre-booked private hire rides. For example, Taxi2Airport lets you book a private transfer to or from the airports in Paris. You can check prices and book in advance online here .

Rideshare Options

Paris also has rideshare firms, including popular global ridesharing apps like Uber .

The ridesharing service that we have found to offer the best value in Paris is called Free Now. This gives you a fare up front, so you know what you are going to be paying, and is the service we usually use when travelling in Paris.

Hop on Hop off Bus

One popular way to get around a new city is to take a Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus service.

These are usually open top buses that operate a route or routes which visit the major attractions in the city. The best part is that you normally get a ticket which is valid for at least 24 hours, and in the time period you can get on and off the bus as many times as you like.

This means you can get between the sites you most likely want to see, without having to worry about navigating the public transport system or buying tickets.

Most hop on hop buses come with an audio narration, which is sometimes pre-recorded and sometimes done with a live guide. This makes the ride an attraction in itself, as you learn all about what you are seeing as the bus travels around.

On a nice warm day, riding an open top bus, seeing all the sights and learning about them is a great way to spend a couple of hours – even if you don’t get off!

Of course, the Hop on Hop off bus model isn’t perfect. Buses can be slower than if you took public transport or a taxi, and you don’t generally have a wide choice of routes. They are also more expensive than normal forms of public transport.

There are a number of hop on off bus services in Paris, including Big Bus Paris , which is the one we’ve used.

A hop on hop off bus pass is also included with the Paris Pass , which you can buy here .

The River Seine runs right to the centre of Paris, and goes directly by a number of the cities major attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Musee D’Orsay, the Louvre and Notre Dame.

As such, you can actually get around Paris by river boat.

There are two options for doing this. The first is to take a sightseeing river cruise. The majority of these are round-trip excursions where you stay on the boat and get off where you got on. These aren’t necessarily a great way to get around Paris, but they are certainly a lovely way to do some sightseeing!

If you are interested in this, see our guide to taking a Seine River Cruise for a full guide to all your options. A Seine river cruise is also include with the Paris Pass , which you can buy here .

If you actually want to use the river as a means of transport rather than just sightseeing, then we recommend the Batobus service . This is a Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing cruise which has 9 stops around the city.

It’s a great way to combine a river cruise with a means of transport, and it’s also quite an efficient way to get around as you skip the traffic on the roads. Boats run approximately every 30 minutes, but there’s no audio commentary as with most of the other Seine river cruise options.

You can buy hop on hop off tickets for the Batobus here .

One of the cheapest options for getting around Paris, other than walking, is to cycle.

There are a number of bicycle hire schemes in Paris, with the largest being Vélib’ Métropole . This has been in operation since 2007, and tens of thousands of bikes are used via this scheme every day. Some of these are standard bikes, whilst some are electric.

There are a range of pricing options for the Vélib’ service, depending on how often you want to use the service. For occasional users, the basic service fee is €1 for a 30 minute hire of a standard bike, and €2 for 30 minutes with an electric bike.

They also have 1 day and 7 day passes. These offer a fixed up front fee, after which the first 30 minutes of standard bike hire is free, or electric bike hire is €1. Following the first 30 minutes pricing reverts to the standard model of €1/€2 per 30 minutes.

For occasional bike riders the basic service will likely be most cost effective. If you think you will be riding quite a bit, and don’t mind switching bikes every 30 minutes, the 1 or 7 day passes offer good value for money.

There are also subscription versions, but you have to commit to an annual charge. These are more suited to long term residents of the city.

There are Vélib’ bike stations all around the city. You will need a credit or debit card to rent a bike, and you will need to register and pay a security deposit at the Vélib’ machine. These can be found at the Vélib’ stations around the city.

You can also sign up and register using the iOS Vélib’ app , the Android Vélib’ app , or the Vélib’ website . The apps also allow you to find a bike, and will give you the necessary access code and PIN number to actually rent the bikes.

Vélib’ is definitely the biggest cycle network in Paris, but it is by no means the only one. You can also rent electric bikes using Jump by Uber (look for the bright orange bikes), and there are also a range of electric scooter rental companies available.

These are going through a period of regulation, and companies are appearing and disappearing quickly, so a list would likely go out of date quite quickly. However, all these services are app based, so all you have to do is find a scooter or bike and then download the relevant app to rent it.

Please be careful when riding a scooter or bike in Paris, as cycle lanes are not available everywhere and drivers are not always looking for cyclists or scooter riders. You will also want to read up on the laws regarding where you can and cannot using bikes or scooters.

Bike tours are also a popular option in Paris, and they can be a great way to see the city and enjoy the fresh air. Some options to consider are as follows:

• This four hour tour that visits the highlights of the city
• A four hour tour that uses electric bikes to tour the city highlights
• This day tour from Paris that visits Versailles

Yes, you can, of course, also get around Paris by car. You can drive you own car (if in Europe) or rent a car at the airport or from central Paris.

However, I would suggest you don’t! The roads are busy, parking is expensive, and it’s going to end up being a far more stressful experience than pretty much any of the other options on our list.

In addition, if you have your own car, you need to make sure it means the Paris clean air standards, and has the right sticker in the window to prove it. You can read more about this here .

If we travel to Paris by car, we usually park it in a long term parking lot outside of the city centre, and then use public transport for our time in the city. We use the popular Parclick service to find parking, you can see car parks in Paris on their site here .

One of our favourite ways to get around any city if we can is on foot. Paris is a fairly walkable city for the most part, with plenty of sidewalks and features that make walking in the city safe and enjoyable for pedestrians in most areas of central Paris.

Distances are also not too great, although if you want to expedite your visit, public transport will of course be quicker in many cases.

However, nothing beats wandering along the Left Bank, exploring the Tuileries Gardens, or getting lost in the backstreets of Montmartre. If you can, we definitely recommend spending at least some of your time in Paris getting around by foot.

If you are looking for guided walks, two of our favorite walking tour companies in Paris are Take Walks and Context (10% discount on Context walks with our link). You can also find many more options here .

Some examples to consider include:

• A  full day walking tour of Paris which includes many of the highlights of Paris, including the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River Cruise
• A  three hour tour that includes Saint Chapelle and the area around Notre Dame
• A food tour of Paris , which includes some of the best flavours of the city
• There are also have more tours in Paris, see all the options here

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. We’ve stayed in a variety of places, from hotels to homestays to apartments.

Ideally you want to be fairly central if you can, to minimise your travel time. Our suggestion is to take a look at the listings for Paris on booking.com . They’re our favourite booking engine when we travel, `usually giving us the best choice and the best prices. They also have everything, from apartments and hostels to high end hotels. Here are some options we suggest, depending on your budget.

• Hotel Dress Code & Spa , a highly reviewed centrally located 4 star hotel right a few hundred yards from the opera house
• Hôtel Eiffel Turenne , a well rated 3* hotel within a ten minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
• Ateliers de Montmartre , an apartment in Montmartre with views of the Sacre Coeur
• Vintage Paris Gare du Nord by Hiphophostels , a Hostel just next to Paris Gare du Nord

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. See their listings for Paris here .

If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find  here .

Further Reading

That’s it for our guide to how to get around Paris! We’ve visited the city a number of times, and we hope our experiences have helped inform you how to get around when you visit.

We’ve also written lots of other Paris content, which we think you will find useful for your trip. There are also some third party resources we recommend.

• The official RATP website , which is useful for fares, timetables, and updates on any delays that might be affecting the Paris public transport network.
• To help you make the most of your time in Paris, we have a series of itineraries. These cover spending a day in Paris , 2 Days in Paris and 3 Days in Paris
• If you’re looking for good photos, we have a guide to the  best photography locations in Paris
• We have detailed guides to  choosing a Seine River cruise , choosing a Seine River dinner cruise , buying Paris opera tickets ,  attending a fashion show in Paris  and  saving money on Michelin starred restaurants in Paris
• We have a detailed  review of the Paris Pass , to help you decide if it might save you money
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the  best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous  Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• Are you coming to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• For walking tours in Paris, we can recommend both  Context Tours  (link gives 10% off) and   Take Walks  who both offer tours in Paris.
• If you want a guide book to Paris, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the  Rick Steves Paris  edition. We also recommend the Lonely Planet guides, and they have a  guidebook on Paris .

And that’s it! As always, if you have any questions or comments about this guide to getting around Paris, just let us know in the comments below. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 14 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

26th July 2023 at 6:58 am

Thanks a lot for great article….i was wondering, is it possible to buy different types of tickets at a time and pay the total bill ?

Laurence Norah says

26th July 2023 at 9:25 am

Yes, the ticket machines normally let you add multiple tickets to your basket and then buy them all together. They also can be changed to multiple languages to make things easier 🙂

Have a great time in Paris, let me know if you have any further questions!

Dave C. says

28th May 2023 at 4:44 pm

If you get one of the Navigo cards for the metro, you’ll need to get a photo to put on it. It can be as simple as a copy of your driver license photo.

DO NOT blow this off. You are likely to be asked to show your pass, and if you don’t have your photo on it, that will be a 35 Euro fine on the spot.

29th May 2023 at 8:17 pm

I think this depends on the type of Navigo card you get. I recommend the Navigo Easy as it’s the easiest way to get the T10+ tickets which are what we find easiest and is aimed more at visitors. The Navigo Decouverte card is the one which can hold passes and has the requirement for a photo which needs to be put on the associated paper card as described here . For shorter visits to Paris I think it’s easier to skip the ND card and just get the Navigo Easy, but it’s up to each individual of course.

22nd April 2023 at 8:22 am

Hi. Thanks for the detailed information. I also ready your Paris Pas blog. You have mentioned in it that as of 2021, the transport pass is NOT included in the Paris Pass but am getting contradictory information from other sites and has confused me. Would you be able to confirm if the transport pass is included or not in the Paris Pass please? Thanks

22nd April 2023 at 10:11 am

It’s our pleasure. So the Paris Pass definitely doesn’t include a transport pass. They removed it in 2021 and as of 2023 it’s still not included. Unfortunately many sites have not been updated to reflect this change. A hop on hop off bus is included.

I’d also add that there are ongoing changes to the pass in terms of inclusions, most importantly right now only the 4 and 6 day Paris Pass currently includes the Paris Museum Pass. We have tried to keep our content up-to-date but since December 2022 things have changed so often that we are currently waiting on more information from the folks at the Paris Pass.

Have a great time in Paris and let me know if you have any more questions!

25th April 2023 at 3:48 pm

Hey Laurence, many thanks for the response and noted on the same. Shall reach out should I have any more questions :-).

17th March 2023 at 6:47 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, Thank you both for running this wonderful site with very useful contents. I have gone through your posts regarding Paris and I have few queries for my upcoming trip. Following are points where I’m a bit confused and need your help –

– The carnet is nowadays a plastic card or a bunch of physical tickets? – Can the 10 t+ carnet be used by multiple persons? For example, to make 1 trip on the metro by 3 persons, instead of buying 3 carnets, can the 3 persons use up 3 tickets from 1 carnet and use it up for the same? If it can be done, then in case of a single plastic card, how to do it? – Regarding validity of of 1 ticket, it is mentioned that its 2 hours from first validation. Does it mean that the journey must get over in 2 hours?

Hoping for your insights on these,

Best regards,

19th March 2023 at 8:24 am

So the paper carnet tickets were phased out by the end of 2022, I need to update the content but was waiting until we were in Paris next month to make sure everything is accurate! However, as far as I understand it, the t10+ cards are now plastic and you need one per person.

For the travel, my understanding is that from validation you can take a single, one-way trip lasting up to two hours. So yes, after two hours the journey should be finished.

Thanks for your input, and I’ll be updating this post soon!

Heather says

26th May 2022 at 10:15 pm

Kia Ora! We are travelling to Paris in a weeks time. We have purchased a Paris Pass. I read on some site that the paris pass no longer is valid for amount of days you purchase. It actually works on consecutive hours. So if you buy a three day pass and activate it Monday 12pm it would expire 72hrs from this time and not the Wednesday. Does the Museum pass also work like this? Any feedback appreciated.

27th May 2022 at 10:24 am

Hi Heather!

This is a great question. So I will respond with the information I have, but I have also reached out for clarification to the Paris Pass.

As you probably know, the Paris Pass is made up of two parts, the Paris Pass itself, and then the Paris Museum Pass.

The main Paris Pass is valid for consecutive days, so if you activate a 2 day Paris Pass on a Monday, it will work on the Monday and the Tuesday.

The Paris Museum Pass changed in 2019 to be valid for consecutive hours. So a 2 day (48 hour pass) activated at 2pm on a Monday should be valid until 1.59pm on the Wednesday.

As I said, I have reached out to confirm this is correct, but as far as I am aware the above is the current situation. I’ll update when I hear back from the Paris Pass 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions!

27th May 2022 at 4:03 pm

Just to add that I have heard back from the Paris Pass folks and what I have posted is correct 🙂

Sandeep says

28th February 2022 at 3:28 pm

Hello Jessica and Laurence!

Am visiting Paris this May and came across your very useful content on the transport system. I have a question, ans that is, if I buy a single ticket, can I use it for multiple modes of transport, within its validity period? For example, if I am travelling from point A to point B and there is no direct connection between them, can I travel from A to C by metro and from C to B by tram, on the same ticket?

28th February 2022 at 4:17 pm

Hi Sandeep!

Glad you find our content useful! The good news is that yes, with a single ticket you can use multiple modes of transport. For the metro / RER it’s 2 hours from the first validation, and on the bus / tram for 90 minutes. So as long as your journey falls within the time limit, you can do it. You can see more details in English on the official RATP site here . Hopefully this answers your question – let me know if I can help anymore and have a great time in Paris!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

Getting Around Paris

Paris has an extremely extensive public transport system , which usually works quite well. In this section, we introduce the main means of transport in Paris.

Means of Public Transport

Paris metro, paris city buses, montmartre funicular, paris tramway, paris taxis, tourist routes, paris city bus tours, paris batobus.

Travelers can buy single tickets (Ticket t+) or two different types of travel cards , recommend if you plan to move a lot on public transport. 

Paris Visite

Passe navigo, you may also be interested in.

Beauvais Airport

Officially called Beauvais-Tillé Airport, Beauvais Airport is a small airport located in Tillé, near the city of Beauvais, 53 miles north of Paris. Beauvais is normally used by low-cost and charter airlines like Ryanair. 

Paris Metro (Métro in French, Subway or Underground in English) is the fastest way of getting around the city. The underground system has 14 interconnected lines (and 4 others under construction) and is also linked with the other RER trains.

Get our tips in your inbox!  Sign up

Travel France Blog

All You Need to Visit France

Getting Around Paris, a Comprehensive GUIDE

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and that’s no secret. The City of Light is known for its incredible monuments, picturesque neighborhoods, and, of course, its delicious food. Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe beckon tourists from all over the globe.

If you’re visiting this wonderful city, you’ll want to make the most of your stay and see all it offers. That’s why we’ve penned this article where you’ll find everything you need to know about how to get around Paris with the ease of a local . From navigation apps to top tips for taking taxis, we’ve got you covered.

Fortunately, Paris has an efficient public transportation system that will take you everywhere. Most of these services also provide information in English, making it easier for tourists to use them.

Public transportation in Paris comprises a network of buses, subways, streetcars, and trains covering every corner of the city.

But if you prefer walking or moving around on your own steam, perhaps exploring smaller neighborhoods around your hotel, we will also discuss those options.

Let’s get started!

Available Public Transport in Paris

As a grand European capital, Paris offers many means of transport. However, the best way to get around Paris is to use the metro system .

The Metro is a subway train system that covers most of the city. It is fast, efficient, and relatively inexpensive. You can purchase a single-ride ticket, a day pass, or a week pass using a convenient app.

Taking the bus is an option, yet it does not provide the same coverage and speed that the Metro offers.

Trains work very well in some areas. Taxis are also an option but are more expensive. If you’re fluent in French, a friendly conversation with taxi drivers can give you incredible local tips. If you plan to stay in the city longer, you can also buy a monthly metro pass.

Each of these options will be discussed in detail below. But first, we need to understand how zoning works in Paris.

• READ: The best free walking tours of Paris

Paris Public Transport by Zones

To understand how to move around Paris, we must know that the city is divided into zones and public transport uses a pricing system according to these zones.

This means that the ticket may be more expensive or cheaper depending on the area you choose to visit.

The central areas where most of the main attractions are located are from zone 1 to zone 3 . If you visit Paris as a tourist, you will need to use public transportation between these areas; the good thing is that they are the cheapest areas.

On the other hand, zone 5 is where you will transit if you visit the Palace of Versailles , Disneyland Paris, or the two main airports .

In this case, the tickets that include the transfer to zone 5 have a higher price and differ from those used in zones 1 to 3.

Paris Metro, the Best Way to Transport in Paris

The Paris metro is hugely popular with both visitors and locals alike due to its efficiency, affordability, and simplicity. It includes vast amounts of infrastructure, such as 300 stations and 219 kilometers of track, proving that Paris really is large.

Signs indicating a station may bear the inscription Métro, Métropolitain, or just the letter M.

The Parisian metro has 16 lines, which are color-coded and numbered. With these tips and tools at your disposal, the city of Paris will feel like a walk in a delightful park.

These range from 1 to 14; the additional ones are called 3 bis and 7 bis. Among these, you can find various exciting destinations to explore on your journey through the city. Passengers can enjoy the activities that each of the stations has to offer.

If your journey needs to take you to an area not exclusively on the axis covered by the metro, rest assured that the metro integrates seamlessly with the RATP’s RER (suburban train) and buses, even using the same ticket.

This makes it easy for travelers to transition from one section of the city to another without having to worry about purchasing separate tickets.

If you want to see a Paris metro map here, I will share one with you. This map can guide passengers on their journey, showing all the possible destinations and routes available.

Paris Metro timetables

Monday through Friday, the subway runs from 5:30 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. The early morning start and late close of operations ensure that both early bird travelers and night owl passengers can get to their destinations.

On Friday and Saturday nights and on the eve of holidays, they operate until 2:15 a.m. This extension is designed to cater to passengers participating in nightlife activities or those returning from holiday festivities.

Although Paris maintains a relatively low crime rate, there have been reported cases of pickpocketing. Particularly in some areas close to high tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower and major attractions, there are scammers targeting unsuspecting travelers, which I’ll detail in another post.

Tourists have reported having their wallets or cell phones stolen on the subway without realizing it. Therefore, it is highly recommended that all passengers stay vigilant and protect their belongings while traveling on the subway.

Additional information

The Eiffel Tower is located in Zone 1 of Paris and has three metro stations nearby: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9), and Ecole Militaire (Line 8).

From the Trocadero station, you can take a beautiful walk through the gardens of the Palais de Chaillot before arriving at the Tower.

Outfit Planner

EXTRA TIP : plan what you will take in advance so you take everything you need and do not have to make extra expenses at the destination. You can download the PDF here; the price is up to you!

Types of Paris Transport Tickets

In terms of journey fares, there are different types of tickets according to the time to be used and the zones included in the pass. The options range from single rides to unlimited passes, each of which will be discussed in more detail below.

It is important to note that the fares mentioned below apply for:

• Use all subway lines,
• RER (suburban train) lines,
• Ile-de-France bus lines (except Orlybus and Roissybus),
• Tramway lines
• and the Montmartre funicular.

You can buy tickets at ticket vending machines and ticket offices on the subway and RER trains, operated by RATP. Certain bus and tram stops also contain automatic machines for purchasing tickets.

You will be charged a few more cents if you buy the ticket directly on the bus.

The most popular ticket options for public transport in Paris (including RATP’s services) are:

Pass Ticket t+

This single or one-way ticket can be purchased individually or in a block of 10 tickets.

Prices are as follows (2023):

• The individual trip costs €2.10.
• While the 10 single 10 costs €16.90 for the general public.
• Children under 4 years of age are free of charge.
• Children over 4 years old but under 10 years old pay a reduced rate of 50% less.

Paris Visite

The Paris Visite ticket offers unlimited travel for a specific period of time , which can be 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. This option is popular among tourists who have many destinations on their itinerary.

This pass allows you to travel freely in Paris (zones 1 to 3) or the Paris Ile-de-France region (all zones, with access to airports including Orlyval, Disneyland Paris, and the Palace of Versailles).

The prices of the Paris Visite pass are as follows:

• 1 day costs 13,55€ or 6,75€ (reduced rate).
• 2 days cost 22,05€ or 11€ (reduced rate).
• 3 days cost 30,10€ or 15,05€ (reduced rate).
• 5 days cost 43,30€ or 21,65€ (reduced rate).
• 1 day costs 28,50€ or 14,25€ (reduced rate).
• 2 days cost 43,30€ or 21,65€ (reduced rate).
• 3 days cost 60,70€ or 30,35€ (reduced rate).
• 5 days cost €74.30 or €37.15 (reduced rate).

If you are on vacation and plan to visit places like Disneyland or Versailles, you have to choose the second option, which includes zone 5, where both places are located.

In conclusion, the Paris Visite pass is perfect for you if you want to travel without limits in Paris by all means of transport.

Navigo Pass

The Navigo pass allows unlimited travel in Paris on all public transport (except Orlyval) for a week or a month .

The validity of the weekly pass is from Monday to Sunday, just like the validity of most credit card statements. This makes it easier to plan your weekly tours and trips around the city.

In addition to this choice of time, you can opt for the “ all zones ” pass, which gives you access to all zones daily. You can freely roam from world-renowned museums to delicious restaurants.

Alternatively, the “2 zones” pass allows you to travel in the chosen zones, perfect for when you want to explore specific neighborhoods or train stations.

The Navigo pass prices for “all zones” are as follows:

• For one week 30€.
• For one month 84,10€.
• If you decide to use it only for “2 zones,” the price drops very little, and you can consult it here .

While the prices of the Navigo pass are excellent, the way to get it is more cumbersome than the Ticket t+ and Paris Visite passes.

In this case, you must bring a photo and a card, which is why this pass is mainly recommended for Parisians and residents of Ile-de-France who travel regularly or those people who will stay in the French capital for a considerable period, just like an extended tour.

Paris RER Trains

Paris RER (Réseau Express Régional) trains are regional trains. This extensive rail network connects the center of Paris with the suburbs and complements the metro network.

The RER rail network has 5 lines identified by letters (A, B, C, D, and E) and color, something like a coded guide leading you to your desired attractions or museums.

In addition, if you combine the RER with the metro, you can often use it to replace the metro, and you will be able to move faster since it has fewer stops.

Train service runs from approximately 5:00 a.m. to midnight, perfect for catching those romantic late-night dinners at Parisian restaurants or late tours around the city.

Train service runs from approximately 5:00 a.m. to midnight.

The main places that tourists access with the RER are:

• Disneyland Paris : using the RER line A, you can reach the park in about 40 minutes.
• Versailles Palace : taking line C of the RER trains.
• Charles de Gaulle Airport : Line B takes you from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the center of Paris in approximately 35 minutes.
• Orly Airport : Line C connects the Pont de Rungis station (near the airport) with the center of Paris.

Now you know how to get around Paris by train. If you prefer to avoid the confinement of the metro and see the city from the window, Paris buses are ideal for you, offering a panoramic tour-like experience.

Buses in Paris

Going to Paris by bus is a common way for Parisians and tourists. The city’s bus network is extensive, with more than 60 day lines and 40-night lines.

If you prefer to avoid the confinement of the metro and see the city from the window, Paris buses are ideal for you.

Although they work very well, you must remember that there is usually a lot of traffic during rush hour , and bottlenecks can occur. So, if you have a scheduled reservation and choose to take the bus, keep this in mind.

As with the RER trains, the buses complement various metro stops very well, allowing you to make the most of your limited time, even when you have much luggage to lug around.

You can buy the ticket directly on the bus, but in that case, you will be charged a few cents more. Alternatively, you can save those extra cents by paying with your credit card beforehand.

Below, you can find a Parisian bus map , a guide to your city-wide tour.

Daytime bus schedules generally run from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., except for the most important routes, which extend past midnight.

Night buses operate between 00:30 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Now you know how to get around Paris by bus, enabling you to travel like a local and feel the pulse of the city.

Montmartre Funicular

In the bohemian district of Montmartre, there is a funicular, which is similar to a tramway, that connects the lower part of the district with the upper part where the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur and the famous Place du Tertre are located.

To get to the top of the neighborhood, you can go traditional and climb more than 190 steps, or take a taxi if you’re carrying heavy luggage.

The ticket for the funicular is included in the Ticket t+, Paris Visite and Navigo, making it as accessible and easy as swiping a credit card.

Streetcars, another Public Transportation option in Paris

In recent years, the tramway network in Paris has expanded and now boasts 10 lines connecting the city center and part of the periphery.

Along with the tramways, bus services also adorn the city infrastructure, providing a variety of bus routes that enhance Parisian life and culture, offering unique views and accessibility to various things and places of interest.

From a tourist point of view, the T7 line is the most important as it connects Orly airport with the Villejuif-Louis Aragon metro station. This line also intersects with several bus routes, providing a comprehensive network of transportation options for tourists and residents alike.

The streetcar is a comfortable and practical transport. It encapsulates Parisian culture in a unique way, but it is also easily replaceable with the subway or bus services for the tourist.

In the following link, you can find a map of Parisian tramways .

Taxi and ride-sharing services in Paris

In Paris, while taxi services are plentiful and operational throughout the day, they may not be the most cost-effective option for transportation.

It should also be noted that taxis in Paris are regular cars, lacking a particular shade; the only way to recognize them is by the indicator on the roof that reads ‘Taxi.’ Within each vehicle, there is a taximeter and registration number.

In the city of Paris, Uber is a viable option for transportation that often costs less than the more conventional taxis, especially if you choose the UberPool selection to ride with other people.

How to Get Around Paris by Car

If you decide to visit Paris by car, you will be interested in knowing this website that shows you the parking lots in the city and their prices.

In addition, you can buy full-day passes for a single parking lot or multi-parking so that you can enter and leave as if it were your own parking space. It is a very convenient service if you travel to the city by car.

If you decide to park on the street , the price will depend on the area but can range from 1€ for 15 minutes.

You can use the “Paris Carte” card (purchased at all tobacco shops or Tabac), a bank card, or the PaybyPhone application to pay at the parking meters.

Paris by Bike, a Fun Way to Get Around in Paris

If biking is your thing, you should know that in Paris, there is a public bike rental system called Vélib .

More than 20,000 bicycles, including classic and electric bikes , are scattered throughout the city in more than 1,800 parking spots. The system operates seven days a week and 24 hours a day.

Temporary tickets are for a certain period; you can choose to take just one ride or have the bike for a few days. Subscriptions of up to 12 months are also available for longer stays.

The ticket can be obtained at the stations or parking lots, or you can consult the official Vélib ‘ website.

Paris on Foot, Walking the City of Lights

Paris has so much to see, so touring the city on foot is always a fantastic idea.

You can stroll along the Seine, listen to a street musician in Montmartre, lose yourself in the little stone streets of historic neighborhoods like Le Marais, and enjoy a stop for a croissant before continuing.

Now that you know how to get around Paris by public transport and on your own let’s see which are the best tourist routes.

Getting around Paris via Sightseeing Tours

These are some of the best sightseeing tours you can do in Paris:

• Sightseeing bus in Paris: This is a convenient way to visit the city, as the bus stops at the main attractions, and you can get on and off as many times as you wish.
• Paris tourist boat Batobus sails along the Seine River and hops on and off as many times as you want at each of the strategic stops of the Batobus.
• Seine River cruise with gourmet dinner. If you are looking for a romantic plan or an incredible way to experience the city of light, you can’t miss this night cruise on the Seine.

We hope this guide on how to get around Paris has been helpful, and we wish you an excellent trip.

Book Your Trip Here!

Find a Hotel in Paris

On Booking.com

Book Your Tours

Get Your Guide

Find Flights To Paris

Via Skyscanner.

Get Travel Insurance

On HeyMondo

Via Discovercars

Stay Online

Plan your trip to paris.

• What to bring to Paris
• The Most Famous Streets of Paris
• Where to go shopping in Paris
• What to see in Paris when you already know the city
• Most Famous Bridges on France

This post may include affiliate links. This means that we will receive a small fee if you make a purchase through our links. It has no additional cost to you. It’s a win-win!

Hi there! I’m Vero! I’ve always loved traveling! I have been living in France since 2018. And traveling around this awesome country. I love road trips and traveling by van, and also, some comfy getaways :) Check out: Touristear.com

Similar Posts

Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris: Complete Guide

Best Things to Do in Paris at Night: A Guide for Night Owls

The 15 Best Things To Do in Paris in February

Visit the Arc de Triomphe in Paris: A Must-See Landmark

Celebrate st. patrick’s day in paris.

34 Paris Hidden Gems You Must Visit During Your Trip

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Best Ways to Get Around Paris: Metro, Public Transport & Best Apps

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: November 14, 2022

There’s a lot to organize when you plan a trip to Paris: what to see, where to stay and what to pack. One detail that you may not think about until you touch down in the French capital is how you’ll get from Point A to Point B.

Paris has great public transportation, but you might feel uncomfortable using it if you’re only used to driving your car on a daily basis.

We’ve laid out all your transport options for you so you can choose what’s right for you and feel confident getting around in the City of Lights.

Last Updated: August 3 2020

Tips & Structured Options

Looking for a place to rest your head in the city of lights? Check out our guide to picking a place to stay in Paris !

Wandering around Paris aimlessly sounds romantic but not for four days.  Check out our best Paris tours and allow a local expert to show you around the charming city.

In this article we will go over:

Getting from the Airports to Paris

Paris metropolitan system, paris bus system, biking in paris.

• Paris by Food
• Taxis & Uber in Paris

There are tons of transportation options from the three Parisian airports to the center of Paris or Gare du Nord.  Check out our full article on how to get from the airports to Paris .

Paris’s metro system is incredibly well-connected and convenient. With 16 metro lines and over 300 stations, you can cover a lot of ground in Paris using the metro.

The city’s first metro line opened in 1900, so they’ve had quite a few years to perfect the transport system.

A single metro ticket costs 1.90€. You can save money if you purchase a carnet of 10 tickets for €14.90. You can also purchase Paris metro passes for 2 or 3-day durations (called Paris Visite), or even for 1 week or 1 month (a Navigo pass).

Whether you purchase a batch of single tickets or a 2 or 3-day pass depends on how much you actually think you’ll use the metro.

Where to Buy Metro Tickets

The easiest place to purchase metro tickets is inside a metro station. Most stations have automated machines you can use (an English language option is available) and some stations also have a help desk with metro attendants who you can purchase tickets from.

Make sure to keep your metro ticket with you at all times until you’ve exited the metro entirely. There are occasionally checkpoints in stations or on trains, as many people jump the barriers, and if you do not have your ticket on you, you could be fined.

• Normally fast
• Average 2-3 minutes between trains
• Great directions inside each station
• Not super clean, but not terrible
• Pickpocketing is common.

Best Mobile App

Free – RATP (official)

Paid – Paris Metro Map

The city’s bus system is also convenient, with dozens of lines connecting across the city. When you take the bus, m ake sure you push the red buttons when you see that your stop is coming up next.

If no one pushes the button, the bus driver may not stop. When you hit one of the red buttons, you will see the words Arret Demande light up in red above the space where the driver sits.

Likewise, if you are at a stop waiting for a bus, make sure you give a sign to the bus driver that you would like him or her to stop when you see the bus approaching, much like hailing a taxi.

The tickets you use on Paris’ buses are actually the same on the metro. You can purchase the tickets from metro stations or directly from the bus driver for a slightly more expensive 2.00€.

If you want to purchase tickets from the bus driver, you need to have cash. If you’re only planning on purchasing one ticket, realize that the driver most likely will not have change if you hand him a 20€ bill, so it’s best to have some coins or small bills on you, and these tickets can only be used on the bus.

• Great views from the window
• Buses are clean and come frequently

If the weather is nice and you feel like getting a little exercise in, try out Paris’s bike-sharing program, Vélib .

When you return a bike to one of the stations, make sure you have correctly locked the bike back into position.

To do this, you can pull on the bike as if you were trying to remove it from the station (and make sure it can not be removed). If the bike is not placed correctly into the hold, you can get charged for extra time.

You can purchase a one-day “V-Découverte” pass or a seven-day “V-Séjour” pass. The card can be used to borrow up to five bikes at one time, which means you’ll need only one pass for a family or small group.

The first 30 minutes with a mechanical bike are actually free, and the first 30 minutes with an electrical bike only come with a small fee.

Bike sharing can be cheap

Motorcyclists and drivers can be very aggressive. 

Paris by Foot

Paris is a very walkable city, and it’s often just as fast to walk somewhere as it can be to take the metro or bus.

Before heading anywhere, we suggest looking up how long your walk should be and compare it with the estimated public transportation times.

Free, unless you stop for a croissant along the way.

Great way to get acquainted with the city

• Great exercise and free!

Paris is large.  Walking is not always a reasonable option.

Taxi and Uber

Taxis and Ubers are used frequently in Paris, and are normally a quick and easy option.

The initial cost of a taxi ride is normally about 2.60€ – this is the amount the meter will start at.

For more exact figures, you can check online or with an app from one of Paris’s main taxi companies, like G7 . Using the Uber app, you can see the estimated cost of your total ride.

Most direct option from Point A to Point B

• No need to worry about language barrier

Most costly option

I Want More Paris!

• Not sure what to do in Paris? Check out our step-by-step guide about how to do  Paris in a Day . If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our  Paris tours .
• Parlez-Vous Francais ? Learn some of the most  important French phrases  before your trip to Paris.
• Follow our European adventures on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  YouTube . Then, comment and tell us what you want us to cover next.

About Brandon Shaw

Brandon is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He left the States to travel the world at 18 and never looked back! As an official Tour Guide of Rome and Certified Sommelier, he loves to travel the world and share these experiences with his readers.

Reader Interactions

Comment (1).

July 13, 2019

When we do citybreaks we tend to do a LOT of walking and don’t use public transport all that much. So for us, Paris’ Metro Carnet (book of 10 tickets) is perfect. Two great things about them:

1: They don’t expire so any leftover tickets can be kept & used for the next time you visit Paris. 2: They’re 10 individual tickets so you can hand tickets to friends who’re travelling with you and you both benefit from the cheaper price per ticket.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Travel Guide
• In The Press

POLICY & TERMS

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Paris public transport

Home » The best destinations in Europe » Visiting France » Paris » Paris public transport

Paris public transport works just perfectly, and it’s quite cheap. However, I still would suggest visiting Paris step by step, strolling around, because its beauty, besides museums and churches, is on the street, in the architectural and decorative styles that vary according to the street in which you are located, in doorways often revealing beautiful cozy courtyards, in the in-ceiling windows with no curtains to allow you to peek frescoed ceilings and exposed beams … to sum it up, the beauty of Paris is Paris itself and walking is the best way to discover it.

Having said that, Paris’s public transport network is a blessing and when you are in a hurry, or you have to cross the city, nothing better than to exploit it. The sole manager of public transport, including metro, RER, tram, bus, and the so-called Noctilien night buses, is the RATP , and on their website, you can calculate routes and check the traffic situation in real-time.

Getting around Paris by metro and bus

The metro opens at 5.20 a.m. and closes at 1.20 a.m., and the frequency is 2 to 4 minutes between a train and the other.

A single ticket, the T + , costs € 1.90 and is valid for an hour and a half from validation for an unlimited number of changes in metropolitan areas 1 and 2 of the metro and RER and still running until the end of the metro although in zone 3. Its validity is canceled once passed through the turnstiles to exit the station.

It also applies on the Montmartre Funicular and buses, but changes are not allowed. You can get it at any station or the tobacconists. Onboard it costs € 2.

If you plan to use it several times, you can buy a ten tickets carnet at € 14,90, getting a 25% discount.

For a single specific journey, you can also opt for the so-called Origin-Destination ticket valid from station to station, and in this case, the rate depends on the mileage range.

The pass Mobilis is a daily pass, valid until midnight and on the entire public transport network. Mobilis is personal and should be filled in with the date, name, and surname of the user. The price ranges from € 7,50 to € 17.80 from zones 1-2 to zones 1-5.

If you plan to travel only by public transport, I recommend the pass Navigo that costs 5 €, and you need a photo ID. The pass can be loaded with a flat daily, weekly, or monthly rate and shall be used as a regular ticket in any metro and RER, but needs no stamping if you take the bus.

The daily rate costs € 7.50 for zone 1-2 and € 17.80 for zone 1-5 .

The weekly flat rate is only valid from Monday to Sunday and can be purchased on Friday for the following week. If you opt for the pass for zones 1 to 5 (€ 22.80), it will be valid throughout the network except on the Orlyval between Antony and Orly airport .

The monthly flat rate  applies the same criteria and costs € 75.20.

A Facebook friend’s pic

Paris for young people

The pass Jeunes week-ends is a daily pass, valid until midnight on Saturday, Sunday, or on public holidays across the public transport network. It is personal and should be filled in with the date, name, and surname of the user. The price ranges from € 4.10 to € 8.95 from zones 1-3 to zones 1-5.

Paris for tourists

The Paris Visite pass can last one, two, three, or five consecutive days from 5.20 a.m. the first day until midnight the last day. It is a personal pass and has to be filled in with the date, name, and surname of the user. The pass also provides various discounts in the city’s major monuments, the Galeries Lafayette, Disneyland, and various other tourist attractions.

Fares for zones 1-3:

• 12 € for one day
• 19.50 € for two days
• 26.65 € for three days
• 38.35 € for five days

Fares for zones 1-5:

• 25.25 € for one day
• 38.35 € for two days
• 53.75 € for three days
• 65.80 € for five days

The Paris City Pass  or Paris Pass Lib can last two (109 €), three (129 €) or five days (155 €) and includes the  Paris Visite pass , the  Paris Museum Pass for two or four consecutive days (with entrance fees to museums and monuments without queuing!), a one-hour cruise on the Seine, a sightseeing tour on the Big Bus in Paris, a city map and a booklet of discount coupons to use in various places and shops. Having access to museums and monuments is always free for up to 26 years. Therefore this pass does not apply to teenagers and young men and women…

The Paris Pass is perfect for those who do not want to arrange anything in advance, nor to stand on queue lines or check on their budget… it includes a detailed guide to public transport and sights, an unlimited transport pass in zones 1-3, access to monuments and museums, the use of tourist buses and boats and discounts in various shops and restaurants in town. The Paris Pass is valid for two (131 €), four (€ 196), or six days (244 €) with discounts for children up to eleven years and teens up to 17 years.

Public transportation is always free for children up to 4 years and a half-price for those under 9 years.

Getting around paris by e-car and e-bike.

Several years ago, the city of Paris launched “green” initiatives for its citizens and tourists. Having a credit or debit card and an ID is enough to use the Autolib and/or Velolib services.

Autolib is an e-car self-service renting across the Parisian region, Ile-de-France. Autolib spaces are distributed a bit anywhere in town, and to use them, you need a credit card, your driver’s license, and an ID.

By placing all data in the vending machine, you receive a personal badge that unlocks the chosen car. At this point, you detach it from the power cable and leave. To return it, you have to park in the provided spaces, pass the badge in the vending machine, close the doors and reconnect the car to a power cable.

It costs 9 € per half hour. This is obviously a service designed for those who have to get around town from one place to another and not for daily trips…

Velolib is a self-service bicycle rental for older than 14 years, and you can find one more or less every 500 meters. Again you need a credit card (if you use a Maestro € 150 deposit will be charged for three days, while with Visa or Mastercard, it’s only a matter of a pre-authorization request) or a pass, Navigo. The options are a daily pass at € 1.70 with the first half-hour for free or a weekly pass at € 8, always with the first half-hour offered. After the first thirty minutes, the counter begins to apply the rental fare.

I am always available for further info or advice on Paris. Please email me!

Bon séjour à Paris !

Silvia's Trips

Hi there! My name is Silvia and after 15 years between the Paris Opera and the Palau de les Arts in Valencia I now run a boutique hotel in Cinque Terre , deal with tourism management and blogging , sail, horse-ride, play guitar and write about my solo trips around the world. For more info about me and my travel blog check my full bio .

Previous Post Paragliding in Cinque Terre

Next post my travel photography packing list, you may also like.

French ratatouille & a weekend in Brantôme

My guidebook

My guidebook on North-West Argentina . A 15 days several time tested itinerary, with detailed info and tips.

Silvia’s Trips

• This is me…
• Web Writing
• Tourism Marketing

About my pics

My pics have the Creative Commons attribution for non-commercial use . You can use and distribute for non-commercial adding my name and an active link (no ‘nofollow’) to my blog, with the same Creative Commons license. For commercial purposes, please do contact me.

Copyright © 2024 — Silvia Moggia. All Rights Reserved

• Travel tips

• Tech & Travel News

• Paris by night Paris by night
• Versailles Versailles
• Giverny Giverny
• France France
• Day trips from Paris Day trips from Paris
• Fooding Fooding
• Cruises Cruises
• Find your order
• Our Sanitary Program
• +33 (0)1 44 55 60 00

Choose a place

Getting around Paris

You want to visit Paris on your own, as a couple, with your family or friends? This big city is always active; it has one of the best public transport in Europe and offers many other alternatives to get around the city freely: self-service bike rental, taxi or private chauffeur… Discover the best tips and tricks to move around in Paris easily, freely and safely.

Parisian public transportation 

Public transportation is broadly the best option to travel in Paris easily , quickly and at an affordable price. Tickets can be bought individually or by pack of 10 tickets, if you take a days trip to Paris, you can also choose to use the 5 day “Paris Visite” pass or the Navigo pass, available for a week or even a month in case of extended stay. Prices differ according to the area served. Two different options are available when using a Navigo pass: access to 1 or 2 zones.

Metro in Paris

The Parisian metro densely connects all the inner Paris as well as many neighboring cities of Île-de-France. The Paris metro map shows 14 lines (16 if we count the lines that split) and nearly 300 metro stations. Every great touristic monument is thus served by a metro station: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur basilica, the Ile Saint-Louis or the Ile de la Cité, etc.

The network’s quality depends on the line or the section taken. Some stations are themselves a full touristic attraction. If you travel around Paris via the line 3 or line 11, for instance, take the time to stop at the Art et Métiers station where you’ll be plunge into an atmosphere worthy of one of Jules Verne’s book.

The metro schedule makes it easier to travel early in the morning or late at night.

• Metro stations open at 5:30 am.
• From Sunday to Thursday, the last train reaches the terminal at 1:15 am.
• On Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays, nighttime hours are extended to 2:15 am.

The network of regional express trains , which is tightly connected to the metro network, enables you to move around Paris easily and quickly or even reach more distant tourist destinations, such as Fontainebleau. The network consists of 5 lines, named with letters to avoid any confusion with the metro lines. It serves a total of nearly 250 stations .

Discover the whole Transilien network which gathers the SNCF transportation in Paris and in the Île-de-France region to extend your trips: in addition to the RER ones, 10 more lines are waiting for you, on 1300 kilometers of train track and 383 stations.

Transfers with other means of transportation are possible. The Île-de-France and T+ tickets enable you to use the RER and metro for synchronized trips. However, watch out the number of zones you are going to since Paris metro RER connections are not always possible with a regular metro ticket if you are going further than zone 1 & 2.

The current tramway network of Île-de-France has 10 lines (including the T3 line which splits in 2). Getting around Paris by tramway is an interesting mobility alternative, perfect compromise between speed and convenience. This network serves around 200 stations. 

Schedules vary according to the days of the week and the line: we invite you to look into the time schedule of the line you will use.

Buses and panoramic coaches

With more than 350 lines covering near 4000 kilometers , the RATP network of buses is one of the most developed in Europe. You will easily find a bus stop close to your hotel or monument visited. Traffic lanes exclusively dedicated to public transportation are useful to avoid traffic jams.

You can also choose another ideal solution for tourists who discover the French capital city: the Hop On Hop Off tourist bus . Open Tour, Big Bus and several panoramic bus lines are driving across Paris. You can easily book your tickets directly on PARIS CITY VISION website.

Vélib': biking around

What about discovering the City of Lights under the sun and your hair blowing in the wind? Paris has been offering, since 2007, a solution of self-service bike rental. More than 1100 stations in January 2019 (1400 expected) have bikes on self-service waiting to be rented. In addition to being pleasant on sunny days, cycling is an unusual way to discover the city: you can move around Paris and admire the most beautiful quarters and monuments in complete freedom.

Moving with taxis and private chauffeurs

You want to benefit from the best travel conditions in and around Paris, move quickly and with maximum comfort and safety? There are close to 1800 taxis ensuring fast and flexible travels, anytime by day or night, week-ends and public holidays included. You can hail a taxi or find one at a dedicated station. You can also use an app or a call center.

There is an alternative to taxi: private chauffeurs . You will find a lot of them in Paris via dedicated applications, you can book one and get around easily to hotels Paris. Most Paris star hotels are located in the city center.

Even though they are more expensive than public transportation or Velib’, taxis and private chauffeurs are considered as one of the most convenient and fast mobility solutions, especially at night, when returning to your Parisian hotel.

Going to the airport from Paris

If you arrive by plane, you will have to reach the city center from Orly or Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport.

The Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport is served by the RER B: expect between 35 to 45 minutes of travel to Paris hotels.

The Orly airport is served by the RER B + Orlyval (30/35 minutes), the RER C (35 minutes) and the T7 tramway (30 minutes). For more information, go to the Paris Orly page.

You can also call a taxi or a private chauffeur or even buy a direct bus ticket; however, the traffic conditions might make the trip longer and uncertain during rush hour since road traffic can be particularly congested during those peak hours.

If you are looking for an accommodation look at Paris hotel deals in star hotels.

Walking around Paris?

Enjoy a beautiful sunny day to walk around Paris best areas . The city council plans to make central Paris car-free. This measure was already initiated a few years ago with the car banning on a part of the banks of the Seine.

Quarters such as Montmartre, the Marais, the Île de la Cité are particularly adapted for walking. You will enjoy walking and crossing the parks and gardens in the capital allowing you to move faster from a place to another . For instance, you can reach the Arc de Triomphe from the Louvre Museum through the Jardin des Tuileries, the Jardins des Champs-Elysées and wander before store fronts of the most beautiful avenue in the world: it will be a pleasant walk of 3,5 kilometers and about 45 minutes / 1hour.

The Tales of a Traveler

Beautiful Destinations | Luxury Resorts | Travel Tips & Itineraries | Travel Fashion

How to Travel in Paris using Public Transport – Paris Metro Guide

November 30, 2022

Planning to hop from one beautiful neighbourhood to another one using public transportation in Paris . Here’s a quick guide to get you started and things you should know if you do plan to travel within Paris using public transportation. Read on to know how to use the metro in Paris while visiting Paris. In this post, we also share the Paris metro map, zones, tickets, prices, and official website to refer to for the latest information. This is a complete guide on how to travel in Paris using public transport.

How many zones are there in Paris?

What is the cheapest way to get around in paris, what is the difference between metro & rer, which train goes to disneyland paris from paris , does the paris metro go to the airport, how to travel from paris to versailles by train, operating hours – paris metro, day ticket –  mobilis, passe navigo ( monthly or weekly pass ), ⁠paris visite pass / paris tour travel pass, do check out our video in hindi to know more, how to travel in paris using public transport – everything you need to know.

There are 6 circular zones in Paris. There are five zones in Paris transportation Service. The Paris Metro operates exclusively in zone 1 and 2. The RER operates until Zone 6. Most of the popular tourist attractions are in Zone 1-3. 

✦ 1-3 is enough to get around the center of Paris. ✦ Zone 1-5 is useful if you need to go to the Orly Airport, CDG Airport, or Disneyland Paris.

Note: Eiffel Tower is in Zone 1 & Versailles is in  Zone 4 .

Metro –  A single metro ticket costs €1.90 and can be used for one journey, including all connections. White-colored tickets can be purchased singly or in a book of 10 (“carnet”), at the ticket offices or machines at metro stations. Metro is the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to get around Paris.

Metro and RER are not very different. Réseau Express Régional, or Regional Express Network , refers to the rapid transit system which serves Paris and its surrounding suburbs. 

If you are planning to travel longer distances, the RER is faster.  Any RER ticket which has either the starting or ending station within the Paris center can be used for Metros as well.

Only multi-use Paris Metro/RER passes can be purchased online ahead of time. Single-use RER tickets can only be purchased at ticket windows, offices, and vending machines within Paris.

You can use basic Paris Metro tickets for travel on the RER . Travel beyond Paris Zone 1 on the RER requires a special ticket: a Billet Ile-de-France .

RER A line goes to Paris Disneyland. One way ticket price is 5€ ( for Adults ) & 2.50 € ( for Children).

The RER B line is a direct rail link between Paris (Denfert-Rochereau, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, Châtelet-Les-Halles, Gare du Nord) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. A free CDGVAL shuttle connects the stations with the airport terminals.

You can find all the information about various options here .

There are 3 ways to get to Versailles by public transport. 

• Take the RER C train that crosses Paris and follows “the Seine” along the bank of the river.
• Train line L starts at Saint Lazare in the center-north of Paris, close to the famous department store of Galeries Lafayettes.
• Train line N starts in the south of Paris at Montparnasse in the chic and trendy district of Saint Germain des Pres on the 6th.

On weekdays, the metro  operates from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:15 a.m. On Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as on the eve of bank holidays, trains run until about 2:15 a.m.

The  RER  operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:20 a.m.

When the metro is closed, night buses operate from 0:30 a.m. to about 5:30 a.m.

Public Transportation in Paris – Travel Passes in Paris 

Sharing the most popular and common passes available in Paris. For a detailed guide, do check the official website and learn more about various passes . 

✦ T+ tickets are the 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞-𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 transport ticket in Paris. ✦ ⁠ This ticket allows you to make as many transfers as you want on the metro and RER networks for  2 hours (after the first validation), and for 90 minutes on the bus and tram networks (between the first and last validation) . ✦ ⁠ It is not valid in the RER and SNCF Transilien suburban train lines outside of Paris. ✦ ⁠ Allows you to travel by bus, metro, tram, and RER (within  Paris ), and on the Montmartre funicular.

Note: Use the contactless options available now as you will save money.

Read more about the  t+ Ticket pass and t+ Ticket Pass with Navgio Easy Pass to refer to.

Provides unlimited rides on the transport system of the Ile-de-France region for a stated number of calendar days in a selected region. 

Read more about the pass here .

✦ An electronic travel card that is the cheapest mode to travel across Paris including metro, bus, RER, tram, and even 𝐀𝐋𝐋 the airports & Disneyland (zones 1-5) ✦ It is used by locals & comes in 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 or a monthly pass for unlimited travel. ⁠✦ There are two versions of the card: “all zones” and ‘two zones”.  ⁠✦ For a weekly pass it costs €22.80 & travel card cost €5 which is non-refundable but valid for 10yrs ✦ You will need a Passport Photo to obtain the pass that can be purchased in airports, any Metro & RER stations. You also need to bring along a passport-sized portrait photo measuring 25 x 30mm (0.98″ x 1.18″). There are plenty of photo machines in the stations. You can get your photo printed in a photo booth at many subway stations and at the airport for € 5. It is mandatory to put your photo & name to avoid fines!

A convenient place to purchase these cards for many visitors is the RER train ticket offices at Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) or the major train stations in Paris like Gare du Nord. ⁠ The key point about this product is that the week runs Monday to Sunday, with the last day for the sale of the week is on Thursday. So if you arrive on Friday wanting to use one for that weekend – you cannot.

Note: Weekly tickets are available from the Friday preceding the Monday starting the week of validity until the Thursday of the week included in the 7 days of validity.

✦ The Paris Visite travel card allows unlimited use of the transport system in Paris: Metro, Bus, RER, Tram, etc. ✦ Travelers can purchase a Paris Visite pass for different periods of 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. ✦ It can be purchased for two different zones: 1-3 and 1-5.

Paris Visite counts calendar days from the day of first use, just like other Paris tickets, not 24-hour periods. If you arrive at night and use the pass, that will be counted as one day.

It is worth purchasing if you are planning to travel more, go to Disneyland, travel to/from the airport, and are staying in Paris for just a few days.  If this is your case, then we recommend purchasing the Paris Visite zones 1-5.

Important Info

If you are planning to travel in Paris using public transport then here a few things that are important to note. ✦ W𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 in the weekly or visite Pass to avoid any penalty. ✦ You can use the Noctilien night bus network at night when the metro is closed. ( from 0:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.)  ✦ You can buy Metro Tickets up to 6 days in advance. You have to validate the tickets. ✦ Install the “Bonjour RATP”  app for info about various routes.  ✦ Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted for buying tickets at most Paris Metro ticket machines and ticket windows. ✦ Read all about various Travel Passes and their benefits here ✦ Visit the  Official Paris Transportation Website (RATP)  to get all the details about navigating Paris and the surrounding areas. ✦ You can buy the tickets online – www.parismetro.com

We hope this post and video was helpful and it gives you an idea about how to travel in Paris using public transport.

Follow us on  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  | and Youtube for more travel stories, ideas, and photos from around the world.

Subscribe to travel stories, ideas, and contests:

Give consent that we may collect and use your data.

If you do find our article useful then do let us know in the comment section below.

Share this:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I have read and accepted the Privacy Policy *

Receive news updates via email from this site

The Tales of a Traveler is all about world’s most beautiful places, unique stays, luxury hotels, travel guides and itineraries to make your travel planning easier!

Contact: [email protected]

Get Inspired! Recieve Travel TIps & More!

Subscribe for email updates

WE ARE SOCIAL AS WELL

All Rights Reserved. Photography and written content may not be reproduced without any permission.

Copyright © 2024 The Tales of a Traveler · Theme by 17th Avenue

Privacy Overview

France Travel Blog

How to Use Public Transportation in Paris

You’ll read over and over again on this and other travel guides to Paris that the easiest, cheapest, and most efficient way to get around in Paris is by using public transportation. Most tourists get comfortable using the Paris Metro; however, that’s not the only way to make your way around the French capital.

Here’s an outline of the three forms of public transportation in Paris; including what each one costs, how it works, and when it’s best to use that instead of another method.

Paris Metro

While New York’s subway system still remains something of a mystery to me, I am perfectly at home in the Paris Metro. The tangle of colorful lines on a Metro map looked haphazard to me at first. However, after someone explained the basics of the system, I had the proverbial “lightbulb moment,” where it suddenly became perfectly clear. Here’s hoping you have that “lightbulb moment” with the Paris Metro, too, because it will make your Paris visit much easier.

What Is The Paris Metro ?

The word “Metro” is short for “Metropolitan,” and it’s Paris’ subway system. Metro is a common enough moniker for subway networks that you’ll find other cities use the same term.

How Does The Paris Metro Works ?

The Paris Metro system has 16 lines running underneath Paris’ streets, crisscrossing the city. Each line has both a number and a color designation, so whether you’re looking at one of the color-coded Paris Metro maps or a sign leading to a Metro station, if you know both the color and the number of the line you’re looking for you’ll be fine.

To determine which direction on a given line you need to go, trace the route all the way to the end and look at the name of that station. That’s the name of the direction you want. In other words, one line – with one number and color – will have two “names,” one for each direction the trains on that line travel.

What Does The Paris Metro Cost?

Tickets for the Paris Metro – called “T+” tickets – cost €1.70 if you buy them individually, or you can buy them in packets of 10 tickets (called a “carnet,” pronounced kar|NAY) for €12.00. They’re actual paper tickets, and each one is valid for 90 minutes once you pass through a Metro turnstile. This means you can change trains as many times as you need to along your route without using a second ticket, as long as the entire trip lasts less than 90 minutes.

When Should You Take The Paris Metro?

The Paris Metro is your best mode of transportation if your hotel or hostel is in the city center (one of the  arrondissements 1-20 ) and there’s a Metro station close enough to where you’re staying that you are comfortable walking back and forth between the Metro and your accommodation at any hour that you plan to be out. If you’re further outside the city center, or there’s a bus stop closer to where you’re staying, then you might want to consider another mode of transportation as well – not to replace the Metro, because it’s likely you’ll still use it to get from attraction to attraction in the city center, but to augment something that’s more convenient to your accommodation’s location.

Paris Bus System

Like any major city, Paris has a network of buses as part of its public transportation system. Because the Paris Metro is so user-friendly and covers the city center so well, most visitors never bother to learn about the buses in Paris; let alone notice they exist. But for some places in the city, buses are your best bet. Sometimes it’s just nice to see where you’re going in the city as you look out the window; instead of popping out of an underground Metro station feeling disoriented.

What The Paris Bus System?

If you’ve ever taken buses in other big cities, you’ll know essentially what to expect from the buses in Paris. There’s nothing particularly unusual about Paris buses, except that they’re far less used by travelers than by locals. Most Paris buses are run by the same company that runs the Paris Metro, RATP.

How Does The Paris Bus System Work

RATP alone operates 59 bus lines in the city center, with 205 more in the suburbs, so you can see how the Paris bus system might be both difficult to figure out and extremely handy at the same time. Maps of the bus network in Paris look much like the Paris Metro maps, with colored lines snaking through the city, and like the Metro lines, each bus line has a number and color designation.

>>  Note that buses in the city center have 2-digit numbers, while those that go into the suburbs have 3-digit numbers.

Also, like the Paris Metro, each line has two “names” – one for the terminus at each end – and the name is what you need to pay attention to figure out what direction you’re going. Bus maps aren’t as plentiful in travel guides and in hotel lobbies as Metro maps, so if you plan to travel by bus in Paris, make sure you find a place to pick up a bus map or print one off from the RATP website.

Unlike in some places, buses in Paris won’t automatically stop at every single bus stop unless a stop is requested either by someone on the bus or at the bus stop. If you’re waiting at a bus stop and you see your bus coming (pay attention to the number on the front of the bus!), raise your arm to indicate that you’d like the bus to stop. To get off the bus, press one of the red buttons to indicate that you want to get off at the next stop.

What Does The Bus Cost In Paris

Buses take the same T+ tickets as the Paris Metro. Each ticket costs €1.70 if you buy them individually, or you can buy a 10-ticket pack (a “carnet”) for €12.00. Each ticket is valid for 90 minutes of travel once it’s been validated – so if you ride a bus to a museum and only spend 40 minutes there, you can come back out of the museum and ride the bus back on the same ticket (provided the second trip doesn’t take you over the 90 minutes).

>>  Remember to validate your ticket when you board a Paris bus. Validator Machines are located at a few points inside the bus.

When Should You Take The Bus In Paris

The buses in Paris may be your best bet if you’re staying in one of the suburbs of the city instead of the city center, if the closest public transportation to your accommodation is a bus stop rather than a Metro stop, or if you’re going to be out late. The Metro stops running at midnight, while Paris’ night buses – called “Noctilien” – run limited service in certain parts of the city from midnight until 5:30am (when the Metro starts up again).

It’s possible you could descend into an underground station in Paris’ city center, slip a ticket through a turnstile, and ride a train to your destination without realizing you’ve ridden on an RER train instead of a Metro train. Yes, the trains look different, and they ultimately serve a different purpose, but there’s enough overlap that you might ride an RER train now and then without knowing it. There are some routes for which the RER is ideal, however, and you’ll want to pay attention to that.

What Is The RER in Paris

As you might guess from the all-caps writing, RER is an acronym. It stands for the French equivalent of “regional express network,” and that should give you an idea of how RER is different than the Metro. RER trains cover a wider area than the Metro, extending from the city center into the suburbs around Paris as well as  Paris Disneyland  and the city’s main airports. Think of it as a step between the Metro and the SNCF rail network that covers the entire country of France.

How Does The RER Work?

There are only five lines to the Paris RER network, so it’s much easier to make sense of on a map – but those lines extend well beyond the city center, so it’s a bigger map you’ll be looking at. RER lines are lettered rather than numbered (A through E), and although they’re color-coded on a map, the colors are less important than they can be for buses and the Metro.

As is the case with both the buses and the Metro, knowing the name of the last station on any of the five RER lines will help you figure out the “name” of the direction you want to go. On most Paris Metro maps, you’ll have RER lines listed, too – sometimes they’ll be thicker lines, sometimes you’ll just have to pay attention to whether the line has a number or a letter.

In the city center, you’ll know which Metro stops are also RER stops because the entry signs will say RER and indicate which of the five lines stops there. RER trains aren’t always underground, however, so if you’re outside the city center, be on the lookout for the RER signs without focusing solely on staircases leading underground.

What Does It Cost?

The cost of riding the RER in Paris depends on how far you’re riding the train. If you’re in the city center and the entire journey is within the same area covered by the Metro – zones 1-2 – then the RER costs exactly the same amount as the Metro. If you go beyond the city center (zones 1-2), however, then you need to buy a different kind of ticket.

The ticket you’ll buy for zones 1-2 is the same as a Paris Metro ticket – it’s a T+ ticket and costs €1.70 for one ticket or €12.00 for a pack of 10 tickets (called a “carnet”). For any other trip beyond zones 1-2, you need to buy a specific ticket for that particular journey, much as you would for a trip on the SNCF French trains, and the price will vary depending on the trip you’re taking. You can buy these tickets at ticket windows in the RER stations, or you can use the automated ticket vending machines – they allow you to choose your language right at the start, so you don’t need to understand French to use them.

In order to get to the RER train platforms, you’ll have to pass your ticket through a turnstile, which validates it. If you’re staying in zones 1-2 and using a T+ ticket, that ticket is good for 90 minutes once it’s been validated. That means you can transfer from train to train as you need to, so long as you don’t leave the station by passing through an exit turnstile, all on one ticket.

When Should You Take The RER?

As mentioned, the RER extends far beyond the Paris city center into the suburbs, making it an excellent option if your home base is outside the city center. It has the advantage over buses that may cover the same area in that trains aren’t impacted by traffic. The RER is also one of the best ways to get from Paris’ airports into Paris (and vice versa), as the RER runs out to both Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport.

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

Related Posts

Public Transport Guide For Paris

How to Use the Paris Bus System

When to Buy Eurostar Tickets

Taking The Channel Tunnel Between London and Paris

Recent posts.

• Marseille Unveiled: Immerse Yourself in the Charm of the Mediterranean with a Captivating City Break
• A Beginner’s Guide to Road Cycling
• 5 Things to Look for When Buying Digital Cameras
• How to Take High-Quality Photos: Essential Tips And Composition Rules to Consider
• Can You Drink Tap Water In Paris? (2023)
• Entertainment
• Things To Do
• Travel Guides
• Travel Ideas

Social Links

What Is The Latin Quarter Known For?

Best Museums in France

Is Corsica Safe?

Best Beaches near Brest

Best Nudist Beaches in France for 2022

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

Paris Visit

One-day or multi-day transportation pass in Paris

Paris Visite

Paris Visite is a transport pass that allows you to use all public transport networks in Paris : metro, tram, bus, RER trains and SNCF Transilien.

It is available for 1, 2, 3 and 5 days. It starts counting from the first use, even at the end of the day, take this into account to get the most out of it.

It is not a single-use plastic card, it is a simple cardboard ticket that you can buy at the station machines.

What transport can I use with Paris Visite?

With this pass you can use the public network buses , metro , RER (trains), trams , Orlyval , Noctilien (night buses) and Montmartre Funicular .

Is the entire center of Paris covered by the Paris Visit?

Yes, to move around the center of Paris you only need Paris Visit Zones 1-3.

Can I get to Disneyland Paris with the Paris Visit?

Yes. You can get to Disneyland Paris using the Paris Visite. Zones 1-5.

Can I get to Versailles Using the Paris Visit?

Yes. You can get to the Palace of Versailles using the Paris Visite. Zones 1-5.

Can I get from the airport to Paris with the Paris Visite?

Yes. You can arrive from Orly or from Charles de Gaulle Airport using the Paris Visite. Zones 1-5.

Paris Visit prices

Zones 1-3 (central paris, does not include airports).

• 1 day – €12.06
• 2 days – €19.50
• 3 days – €26.65
• 5 days – €38,355

Zones 1-3 (children under 10 years old)

• 2 days – €9.75
• 3 days – €13.30
• 5 days – €19.15

Zones 1-5 (includes Charles de Gaulle , Orly , Disneyland   and   Versailles )

• 1 day – €25.50
• 2 days – €38.35
• 3 days – €53.75
• 5 days – €65.80

Zones 1-5 (children under 10 years old)

• 1 day – €12.60
• 2 days – €19.15
• 3 days – €26.85
• 5 days – €32.90

Where to buy the Paris Visit?

You can buy the Paris Visite travel passes at the ticket offices and in the automatic vending machines of all RATP stations.

Discounts for holders of the Paris Visit

Arc de Triomphe : 20% discount Conciergerie (Palace of Justice) : 20% discount Museum of the Army or Invalides : 20% discount on admission to the permanent collection Bateaux Parisiens Ships: 25% discount Grevin Museum : 30% off discount Montparnasse Tower : 30% discount Shopping at Galeries Lafayette : 10% discount

Differences between Navigo and Paris Visite

You can see more on our page Differences between Navigo and Paris Visite .

Other transport passes in Paris:

• Tarjeta Navigo

Weekend Youth Ticket

Browser not supported

This probably isn't the experience you were expecting. Internet Explorer isn't supported on Uber.com. Try switching to a different browser to view our site.

Getting around Paris

Planning to travel in Paris? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Paris experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.

Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in Paris.

Reserve car service in Paris with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Paris. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Ride Sharing in Paris

Getting around Paris without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Paris.

Paris-area airport car service

When your travel in Paris takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Paris-orly airport (ory), choose the best ways to get around paris, taxi in paris.

Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Paris. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.

Public transport in Paris

Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in Paris by ridesharing with Uber.

Bike rentals in Paris

Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in Paris. If bikes are available in Paris, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.

Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.

Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.

It's easier in the apps

Download the uber app, download the driver app, it’s easier in the apps.

Scan to download

• Our offerings
• How Uber works
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Sustainability
• Investor relations

Sign up to drive & deliver

Create a rider account, order delivery with uber eats, sign up for uber for business, sign in to drive & deliver, sign in to ride, sign in to order delivery with uber eats, sign in to your uber for business account, drive & deliver, ride with uber, uber for business, manage account.