Paris City GuidePractical InformationsHow to get around

Transportation

Getting around Paris is quick and easy thanks to an excellent public transportation system which includes the metro, RER suburban trains, buses, tramway and private taxis.

Métro

Created in 1900 by the engineer Fulgence Bienvenüe, the Parisian metro now consists of 14 lines two of which are elevated or above ground in places. With over 350 stations, the metro is open from 5:30 am to 1:00 and conveniently serves every corner of the capital. A multi-language system map (or “plan du metro”) can be easily obtained in any station. More than 3.4 million passengers use the metro each day. The system is famous for its Art Nouveau entry ways which were designed by Hector Guimaud and incorporated in 84 stations. Over the years, many of the stations have been overhauled and re-decorated according to various themes. This tradition began in 1967 when the Louvre station became an underground gallery resembling the museum itself, just above.

Metro stations are extremely well marked. But if you do not speak French, here are some tips which may help you navigate your way in the metro. First, each line is known by both its number and two end-point stations. To get to where you are going, simply look at a metro map and determine the direction in which you are travelling and the end point for that line (for example, M1 Direction: La Défense). Signs in each station will guide you to the correct platform for your train. In the metro, all trains from any given platform serve all downward stations in that direction. If there are multiple street exits at your stop, they will be indicated once you step off the train with blue “SORTIE” signs. There will also be a local map (“plan du quartier”) on the platform to illustrate exactly where each exit leads.

Metro tickets cost 1.60 euro a piece or 11.40 euro for a book of ten. Only one ticket is needed to reach any destination within the city limits (zone 1), regardless your of itinerary. Instead of purchasing individual tickets, users may opt to buy passes which permit unlimited metro, RER and bus travel over a specified number of zones. As a guideline, Zones 1-3 include Paris and immediate suburbs, a Zone 1-5 ticket includes the outer suburbs and both Orly and Charles-de-Gaulle airports. A Zone 1-8 ticket provides access to other outlying areas.

For tourists, the “Paris-Visite” pass covers either 3, 5 or 8 zones and is valid for up to 5 consecutive days. It also includes a number of visitor discounts for various sites and department stores. The “Mobilis” Card is another practical and inexpensive option which provides unlimited, single-day use within Paris (Zone 1) and up to all 8 zones based on. It does not include any special promotions or discounts. You can also purchase a “Navigo Découverte” Pass. It costs 5 € for people that don’t live in Paris to create, and then you only pay 16.80€ for a week (for zone 1 and 2), or 22.30€ (for zone 1 2 and 3). You can make those passes at any RATP agency in the metro. With this pass, you have an unlimited access to Paris transportation for a week.

The RER (“Réseau Express Régional”): is the name for the 5 express subway lines which link with the Paris metro and provide service to the suburbs. Each line of the RER has a letter designation; three of the lines (A, B and D) converge in the Châtelet-Les-Halles station in central Paris. A metro ticket is valid on the RER for travel within Paris (Zone 1). However, fares are higher to reach destinations outside of the city (such as airports) and an individual, destination-specific ticket must be purchased.

 Bus

There are 59 bus lines which complement the metro and RER networks. In general, buses operate between 7am to 8:30pm. The tickets used in buses are the same as the metro ones.

Noctilien: After partying, don’t worry if you miss the last metro, there are 42 bus lines from 0.30am to 5.30am to drive you home.

The Open Tour: From an Imperial Bus, discover Paris. It has 4 different tours possible: Paris Grand Tour – Montparnasse, Saint Germain – Bastille, Bercy – Montmartre, Grands boulevards. It costs for one day 29€, and 32€ for 2 days. You can go off the bus at everystop and take another bus of the Open Tour Company at any time during the validity of your ticket. It offers comments on Paris in 8 different languages.

 Taxi

Fast efficient and cheap in Paris, taxis are a great alternative to public transport. There is a light on the roof, with the word "taxi"; it tells you if they are available or not. If this signal is turned on, you can call the taxi, if this signal is off, it means that there’s already someone in the car. Be careful, unlike other capitals, Parisian taxis do not have a color or an identical model of vehicle. The minimum fare for a trip is 5 €. There is an additional billing if you travel with luggage. Note that it is extremely difficult to find a taxi on Friday and Saturday evening, between 00h and 2h.