How To Get Around Paris | THE Tourist Guide You Need 2024

Paris is one of the major cities in Europe and a sight to behold. Though grasping how to get around Paris can be a daunting process.
For most tourists, walking is a welcoming way to get around town. However, the city is so big that it is not your only option for getting around Paris.

If you are on a tight traveling schedule, public transportation is the ideal option to stay on track daily. The public transportation system is accessible from anywhere in town.
The system is fully integrated; you can transfer from one public transportation option to another without delay. Each option runs on time, and is the best way to get around Paris without a car.

Paris Metro (Subway or Underground Railroad System)

The Paris Metro rail line is the best way to get around Paris without delay. Some experts believe it is the fastest public transportation system in the world. The rail service has 14 connected lines that travel 135 miles across town.

First-time visitors can easily get around Paris without speaking French, so you will not have to worry about missing your train. The Paris Metro lines can be located with the “M” signage throughout the station. The connected lines can be found easily as each platform is numbered 1-14.

Service begins at 5:30 a.m. daily as the last train arrives at the station at approximately 1 a.m.

Paris RER (Ruseau Express Regional)

The Paris RER is a regional train service that travels from Paris to all the surrounding communities- a quick and efficient way to get around Paris.
You will find this rail service very useful if you are seeking to visit an attraction outside the city. Some popular train stops include Palace of Versailles and the Charles de Gaulle Airport. The local public transportation leaders have documented that the express rail system travels over 365 miles of landscape.

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Five lines (A, B, C, D, and E) are available as the Paris RER stops at over 200 daily stations. Access to the trains is similar to the Paris Metro platforms.
The lone difference is the RER has a normal or express train schedule. The express trains will not stop at every station along the route. Before boarding, check the display boards to confirm the correct route to your desired destination.

Paris RER departure times differ from the Paris Metro rail service- ensure you check the schedule information before purchasing a rail line. Fare prices are determined by the length of your trip. If unsure, speak with a ticket operator or purchase a ticket from a vending machine. Each can assist with selecting the right train stop for your location.

Montmartre Funicular

The Montmartre Funicular is a special rail service that drops riders at the summit of the Butte Montmartre, the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, and the Place du Tertre. The trains will not make any other stops along the route. The specially-designed transportation service attracts over two million passengers each year.

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Service begins at 6 a.m. and concludes at 12:45 a.m. daily. The average travel time is under two minutes, and the fares are one-way tickets only (which can also be purchased online). The station’s ticket booths close at midnight, so act accordingly to avoid being stranded until morning.

Paris Bus System

The most convenient way to get around Paris is the public bus system. In the daytime, buses travel to 60 destinations, and at night, they will stop at 40 locations. However, this will change if the Paris streets are experiencing traffic jams at each major intersection. It may take you several hours before you reach a crosstown location.

The daytime buses begin operation at 5:30 a.m. and end service at 8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The night bus system begins at 12:30 a.m. and continues service until 5:30 a.m. Limited bus service is available on Sundays. Stops times may vary, but each bus should arrive every 15 minutes.

If you are unsure which bus to ride, an interactive bus map is the best source to track your route. It provides information on the bus number and amount of stops along the route before your desired location.

Bus fares are simple to purchase as you can select a single trip or monthly pass. It is wise to purchase your fare at a bus terminal before boarding. You can buy a ticket from the bus driver but will pay additional fees.

Paris Tramway

The original Paris Tramway system was discontinued in 1957, but local government officials re-introduced the service before the end of the 20th Century. The new tramway service offers riders a more affordable travel option to get around Paris. The interior has comfortable seating and more space to stand if desired.

There are three Paris Tramway lines:
T1 travels from the Saint-Denis station to the northern section of Paris.
T2 travels from La Defense station to Porte de Versailles station in the southern section of Paris.
T3 travels from the Links Pont du Cangliano station to the metro station in Porde d’Ivry. The fares are one-way tickets purchased by ticket operators or self-serve machines.

Tourists might want to choose other transportation options to get around Paris as the Paris Tramway travels to the outskirts of town, which has no popular attractions.

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Paris City Bus Tours

Tourists have several options for getting around Paris. City bus tours are available for sightseeing the best attractions that Paris has to offer.
You will ride on a double-decker bus as the driver will provide an audible guide to the city. However, you must contact the city bus tour providers to secure a seat for yourself and others.

Paris city bus tours have three different routes, making 34 stops.
Some popular tourist attractions include the Louvre, the Champs-Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, The Catacombs of Paris, Boulevard Montparnasse, and the Pont Neuf.
Some tourists will purchase tickets for all three bus routes, as they feel the tour gives them a better feel of the Parisian culture.

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Check online for tour schedules and times. Most of the year (April-October), tour buses run from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. In the offseason (November-March), the buses will leave the terminal at 9:30 a.m. and return at 6:30 p.m. The cost of the fare varies on the number of days or lines you want to ride on.
Package deals are available for multiple days—also, children under the age of four ride free of charge.

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Some operators will allow guests to get off the bus to explore the location further. Your ticket is valid for the entire day so you can catch a later ride back to the terminal if space is available.

Paris Taxi System

Over 200,000 taxis travel on the streets of Paris each day. So, no one (tourists or locals) should have any trouble hailing a ride.

Licensed taxis are easy to identify: each vehicle will have proper signage on the roof of the taxi. The final cost of each fare is determined by a meter attached to the dashboard, and will depend on the length of the ride. The driver’s licensed badge number should be alongside the meter.
Costs do not differ if you schedule a ride or hail a taxi from a street corner.

All licensed taxi services must take you to your desired location. But do not be surprised if the route feels like you are going roundabout. Also, do not be shocked if the driver complains about the baggage you have in your possession. They can charge extra for the baggage.

Fortunately, they are bound to the strict guidelines of their license. Each driver is expected to take you to your destination. or they face possible fines or suspension for their actions.

Châteaus Accessible From Paris Via Car

Whilst Paris is insanely beautiful, it would be a waste to have a car and not visit one of the many picturesque Châteaus in France.

Château de la Madeleine

Chevreuse, Île-de-France

Situated only 42km from Paris, this 11th century town is entirely worth the short drive. You will be transported back in time, to a place that fairytales were seemingly based off.

A must see when visiting Chevreuse, and the main reason that most people visit, is to see Château de la Madeleine. The Middle Age fortress is incredibly well preserved, and is also free of charge!

Versailles is in the same region, however Chevereuse is a much more quirky day out for all ages.

Take the A6, also known as Autoroute du Soleil, to Chevreuse from Paris.

Château de Malmaison

The stunning Château de Malmaison was the home that Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife purchased in secret, and holds great historical signicance as many events played out here.

It now stands as a museum, and is only 19km from Paris.
For only €6.50 per person, it is a great way to have a cheap, yet interesting, day out.

Take a walk through the house, then through the lush gardens- it truly is the perfect day out for a sunny day in France.

Château d’Auvers

Auvers-sur-Oise

This Château is only 43km from Paris via the A115, which now offers an exhibit which compines history and impressionism.

The art exhibitions, combined with the beautiful gardens, make for a wonderful, educational day out. For only €12, it is a steal too!

How To Get Around Paris – FAQs

How To Get Around Paris At Night?

The easiest (and safest) way to get around Paris at night will be by taxi.

Parisian taxis, equipped with GPS and safety features, ensure a secure journey through the city’s streets, especially for unfamiliar visitors who are looking to explore the City of Lights by night.

Professional drivers know the city’s layout and traffic patterns, making taxis a reliable and hassle-free method to get around Paris. Alongside this, the strict regulations (also mentioned above) governing the taxi industry in Paris make it clear that there is no safer way for you to get around Paris at night.

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What is the cheapest way to get around in Paris?

Navigating Paris affordably is possible, with the metro standing out as the most cost-effective way to get around Paris.

With budget-friendly ticket options like the single-use T+ ticket and the convenient Navigo pass for frequent travellers, these systems provide a pocket-friendly way to explore the city’s many neighbourhoods.

Conclusion: the best way to get around Paris

All the travelling options for getting around Paris are worth it, so there really is no best way to get around Paris. Each option has its pros and cons, so you will need to evaluate what works best for you, and what you want to see.
You will want to give yourself ample time to explore attractions in Paris, and outside the city’s boundary, without feeling rushed or you risk your experience being tarnished forever.

Do not worry about getting confused by the transportation time schedules, station or terminal signage, or finding the correct platform locations. Public transportation operators are available to assist with scheduling your travel itinerary. This will help prevent your vacation from becoming a nightmare of time—missing travel options from one place to another.

Paris’ public transportation system is fairly organized. You should not have any delays or cancellations of buses or trains. All the bus terminals, train stations, and tramway entrances are close together in Paris.

Hopefully all the information provided makes your stay and the ability to get around Paris a pleasant experience.

At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter France. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.

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