As a visitor, you’re much better off getting around Paris through the plethora of public transportation options. They’re generally inexpensive, efficient, trustworthy and safe. Sounds good, non?
We know all the options can seem a bit overwhelming, so read on for our how-to guide of all the options you have to get around Paris.
Metro
Paris Métro is probably the best way of getting around Paris for those who don’t speak French. Individual lines are named for the most part by numbers. The exceptions are lines 3bis and 7bis, which are separate from lines 3 and 7.
Lines can also be differentiated by their rainbow of colors on network maps. The direction of travel is advertised on trains by referencing the line’s terminus station.
One of the densest metro networks of any city, it’s rare to be very far from the nearest station, whether you’re on the rive gauche (left bank) or hilly Montmartre. It’s also the second busiest metro system in the world. Over four million trips are taken daily.
For comfort, it’s better to avoid the morning and evening rush hours. They are at their peak between 8:30 – 9:30AM and 5:30 – 6:30PM Monday to Friday. Lines run until around 1AM.
Fares are purchased from manned kiosks or ticket machines with English-language options. Tickets are required to pass through the gates to platforms. Though there are generally no gates on exit, you need to keep your ticket until the end of your journey as random ticket inspections are frequent.
The main downside to the Paris Métro is that those with accessibility issues will find it hard to make use of its network of trains. Stations are largely underground and reached via staircases.
Buses
A single bus fare costs the same as a Métro ride (around €2) and covers a single, non-transferable journey within Paris. For transfers between buses or from bus to Métro, consider using a Ticket t+, which allows transfers within 90 minutes from the first validation. You can buy these tickets from ticket machines in Métro stations or in carnets (books of 10) for a discount.
You can also pay for your journey with the driver, but only if you have the correct change.
Things to note
Buses have shorter operating hours than the metro. Most lines operate from 7:30AM until 8:30PM Monday – Saturday. Some operate until around midnight. An increasing number now run on Sundays and public holidays.
Buses won’t automatically pull up at every stop – you’ll need to raise your arm to alert the driver if you're waiting at a stop or press the button for the bell when on board.
You board from the front and depart from the middle doors on standard buses, or from any door on articulated (‘bendy’) buses. You may need to press the door release button.
On entering, validate your ticket at the small yellow boxes. This will stamp the date and time onto it. Heavy fines are handed out for those who don’t – tourists included.
Trains and Trams
Trains belonging to the RER suburban railway network are of limited interest to visitors looking at getting around Paris since they tend to serve the outer reaches of the city. Departing from mainline train stations, their lines are distinguishable from metro lines through the use of letters of the alphabet rather than numbers.
Useful lines include line A, linking Disneyland Paris in the east with Poissey in the west via the Grande Arche of the La Défense district and the Gare de Lyon. Line C links the rive gauche with the Palace of Versailles. RER trains also connect to Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.
To check out Paris’s impressive railway architecture within the calmer surroundings of an art gallery, head to the Musée d’Orsay, converted in the late 1980s.
Pretty much the same situation exists for the city’s tram (streetcar) network. Denoted by lines beginning ‘T’, it mainly serves areas outside of the city center not reached by the otherwise extensive metro system and is a fun way to explore the outskirts if you have extra time.
Tickets for public transportation in Paris
Paris’s public transport network uses a unified ticketing system, allowing you to seamlessly switch between the Métro, buses, RER trains, and trams using a single ticket. The basic Ticket t+ costs around €2 and covers a single journey within central Paris, including unlimited transfers within the Métro and RER systems for up to 90 minutes. These tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or staffed booths in stations, with machines offering language options in English, Spanish, and other languages.
For those planning to use public transport regularly, a Carnet of 10 single-use tickets (roughly €16) provides a discount on individual fares, making it a budget-friendly choice for visitors who prefer flexibility. Carnets can be bought at stations and even some convenience stores, where you’ll receive a small booklet of individual tickets that you can use at any time.
If you’re staying longer or exploring more widely, consider the Navigo Easy Pass or Navigo Découverte Pass, two rechargeable smart cards that make accessing the transport network more convenient. The Navigo Découverte Pass is especially popular with travelers staying for a week or more, as it offers unlimited weekly travel across all Paris zones for a fixed fee. The initial setup costs around €5 for the card, plus a weekly (around €30) or monthly fee, depending on your stay.
For shorter stays, the Paris Visite Pass is ideal, providing unlimited travel on all public transport for one, two, three, or five consecutive days. It’s available in versions for central Paris (zones 1-3) and an expanded option for the Île-de-France region (zones 1-5), which includes the airports and top sites like Versailles and Disneyland Paris. You can purchase a Paris Visite Pass at major stations, the airport, or through the Paris Metro app, and it works much like a contactless credit card – just tap and go!
Taxis
Taxis are a reliable option for getting around Paris, especially for late nights or early airport runs. Licensed taxis can be flagged down on the street if their green light is on, or found at official taxi stands throughout the city, including near major landmarks, train stations, and hotels. However, if you’re within 50 meters of a stand, taxis are required to pick up only from the stand itself.
Be prepared to pay in cash, as not all taxis accept card payments – though this is slowly changing. For a smooth experience, it’s a good idea to confirm with the driver before starting your journey.
Fares are calculated based on distance and time traveled, with an initial charge that covers the first kilometer or so, but keep in mind that traffic in Paris can make short trips take longer. Rush hours can be especially slow, so planning extra travel time can help you avoid delays. Expect to tip around 10%, which is standard etiquette for good service in Paris.
While Uber operates in Paris, its fares are similar to traditional taxis due to regulations, though you’ll have the convenience of app-based booking and payment. Uber also offers various service tiers, from standard rides to more premium options, so you can choose based on your budget and needs.
Other ways of getting around Paris
Walking
Walking through Paris is one of the best ways to soak in the city’s unique character, with every corner offering something new to discover. Paris's neighborhoods are compact and well-connected, making it easy to move from one area to another on foot. Pedestrian-only areas like the banks of the Seine and the Canal Saint-Martin make for beautiful walking routes.
Plus, walking also allows you to take advantage of seasonal pop-ups, outdoor markets, and spontaneous events like street musicians and pop-up art shows too!
Cycling
For a different perspective, rent a bike through Vélib’ — Paris’s bike rental program. Bike rentals start at just a few euros per hour, giving you the freedom to roam around landmarks at your own pace.
Cruises
If you’re up for a scenic view of the city’s architecture from the water, consider a Seine river cruise. While these cruises focus on sightseeing, they’re a wonderful way to relax and admire iconic spots like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower from a new angle.
Save on attractions
Now that you're getting around like a local, it's time to get your sightseeing sorted. Save on admission to top things to do in Paris, including attractions, hidden gems, top tours, and authentic experiences for one money-saving price with the Paris Pass®.
With our app, you'll just need your pass for entry at each attraction, so you can stop worrying about trawling your inbox to find the piles of tickets you booked months ago and just enjoy Paris instead! So pick up a Paris attraction pass and make the most of your trip!
