The public transportation in Paris is one of the safest and most systematic in the world. With the extensive metro subway system and the trains routinely on time, along with scheduled and spacious buses and commuter express called RER trains service, the spectacular capital city of France features outstanding connectivity to its residents and visitors. If you are planning a holiday to Paris and wish to learn how to navigate the city by using public transport, continue reading to know to have the best experience.
Mode of Public Transportation in Paris
From fast-paced commuting to isolated bike rides, the following are the modes that can be used in Paris city for transportation:
1. Metro
The metro in Paris can take you almost everywhere you need to visit in the city. All the metro lines feature a dedicated colour and number, and you can understand the direction of travel with the final stop. You need to buy a t+ ticket for a journey and make sure that you don’t lose it after exiting the barriers, as inspectors might ask you for it at any time.
Timings: 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m., and until 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
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2. Bus
The slow-paced buses are one of the best modes of public transportation in Paris for those who wish to capture a glimpse of the local lifestyle. The buses in the city give you ample time to take the sights of day-to-day life. A single bus journey costs about €2 if you choose to buy a ticket from the driver. You can also take a t+ ticket and even change lines within 90 minutes. The ticket gets validated only after you board.
Timings: Day service – 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., evening & night service – 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Only half of the bus lines operate on Sundays and public holidays.
3. RER
The famous metro-rail hybrid, RER is the single and double-decker train that connects interchanges to above-ground stations in the suburbs. Tickets t+ are acceptable to transport in these rails but many stations are located outside zone 2 and you will have to buy point-to-point tickets, according to your destination.
Timings: 5:30 a.m. – 1:20 a.m.
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4. Train
If you wish to travel to fewer places that are quite close to Paris, including Giverny and Chantilly, then you can take a regional train. You can buy rail tickets over the official website or at the station. It is always advised to buy the tickets almost a week before to avoid the escalation in prices. In case, if you got a paper ticket, don’t forget to validate it at the machines on the respective platform.
Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 1:20 a.m.
5. Taxis
Travelling in taxis is a bit expensive affair in Paris. If you need to take a short trip then you can book an official Taxis Parisiens and you may expect to pay about €15–€20 for a 20-minute ride. The city and its surrounding suburbs have about 18,000 licensed taxis, and you can easily book a cab or taxi here. The city has about 500 cab stands or taxi ranks and you can wave or call a cab stand to book it.
Timings: Throughout the day
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6. Vélib
Vélib is the city’s bike that can be hired for a day by spending €5 or even for seven days by getting a pass for €15. If you are planning for a ride of fewer than 30 minutes then you can opt for free regular bikes or choose the light-blue electric versions starting from €1 onwards. Paris city has an exceptional bike network, and you can plan to go for a ride to enjoy the surroundings on your way!
Timings: Throughout the day
Tickets for Public Transportation in Paris
You can get tickets from machines installed at the mainline or metro stations. If you wish to travel to the centre of Paris get a €1.90 t+ ticket that is used for a single trip in zones 1 and 2. You can also buy a carnet of 10 which costs about €16.90. In case, you have to go for longer journeys, opt for point-to-point tickets.
If you have a plan of exploring a lot of places in Paris and wish to rely on public transportation then buy a Mobilis one-day or five-day Visite pass. It can be recharged weekly, monthly or annually.
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Essential Tips for Getting Around Paris
The following are the tips to use public transport in Paris:
- Buy a metro map. You can get free maps from any of the booths at metro stations. The online maps are also available for download.
- You can prefer riding the metro or RER during rush hours.
- Some of the metro lines remain crowded, especially 1, 2, 4, 11, 12, and 13.
- Metro line 6 offers unbelievable views of the Eiffel Tower near the Bir-Hakeim station.
- Hiring a taxi can be more time-consuming and costlier.
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to public transportation in Paris. If you are planning a holiday to France, book your tour with TravelTriangle and enjoy a memorable vacation with your loved ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Public Transportation in Paris
What is the cheapest way to get around Paris?
The cheapest way to get around Paris is the metro. It is the cheapest, easiest, and fastest way to explore the city.
Is public transport easy in Paris?
You can easily use public transportation in Paris. It's easy to hop on and off and buses are also conveniently available.
Is it safe to visit Paris during Covid?
Make sure that you have completed both the doses of vaccinations and get yourself tested at least 48 hours before your departure. You need to follow all the travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities.
How do you pay for the metro in Paris?
Tickets can be purchased from ticket windows inside stations or through automated ticket vending machines that accept Euro coins and smart chip credit cards.
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Sakshi Awasthi, an ardent traveler by heart is a Research Scholar from the University of Delhi. Unveiling the untold story of historical sites and encountering the impeccable beauty of nature, turned her to be a Travel Blogger. Currently, working as a Senior Content Writer with TravelTriangle.
