Paris, France

Paris Getting Around, France

Paris has a well-organized public transportation system which makes it easy to get around inside and outside the city. The city is divided into 8 areas, the main sights are all in the first 2 or 3 areas. There are various types of tickets but the best solution is a pass: Paris Visite is a one to five day pass with various options for the areas (1-3, 1-5 or 1-8). Paris Trasport Map

Paris Subway (Metropolitain): this is the most convenient way to get around the city with 300 stations and 16 lines. You need to look at the end of the line on the signs to find out which direction to go in. The metro operates from 5:30 a.m. to around 00:30 a.m. A single ticket is valid until you leave a metro station, max. 2 hours.

RER: in addition to the metro Paris has 5 RER lines, an underground urban train system which covers all of the Ile de France region. Metro tickets are used on it within the city limits of Paris. The RER is faster than the metro and has fewer stops, so you can cross the city much faster.

Bus Routes: 58 lines operate from 5:30 a.m. and can be used to discover the city from its streets. A single ticket is valid for one trip, if you change buses you need a new ticket. Noctambus is the nighttime bus service between 1:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. There are 18 lines which leave from Place du Châtelet and head towards the outskirts. Noctambus tickets are more expensive than daytime buses, but passes are valid.

Taxi: there are around 15,000 taxis in Paris, you can stop them on the street but it is easier to call for a cab. The main cab companies are: Alpha Taxis, Taxis Bleus e Taxis G7

Boats: the "bateaux mouches" are part of the collective image of Paris, but there are different types. Batobus are run by the city, they sail on the Seine making 8 stops at the "hot" spots of the city including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre Dame. Other private companies offer excursions which combine the trip with meals and guides: NAVICITE  and PARIS ETAPES.

Bike: this is a pleasant way for visiting the city. You can rent a bike at Roue Libre locations at metro station, in various other places and parks of the city. Roue Libre also organizes guided tours on bikes with interesting itineraries. Website: www.rouelibre.fr.

See Paris Trasport Map