Amidst the mesmeric maze of Parisian monuments, museums, restaurants, and shopping haunts lies a well-fleshed-out transport system that allows tourists to traverse the hotspots with adeptness. Even as the local tramways pack an old-world charm, the city’s dedicated tourist bus and batobus promise to elevate the fun of your trip. In this story, we decode the public transport in Paris – a beneficial tourist hack for those planning a holiday in the French city during the Paris Olympics 2024 or otherwise!
Explore more transportation options with our guide to car rentals in Paris.
Common modes of public transport in Paris
Paris Metro
With 16 lines (and four more under construction), a fleet of 700 trains, and 308 stations, the Paris Metro is a rapid transport system, promising an efficient and pocket-friendly means to get around the city. Recognised by the bright yellow ‘M’ at the entrance, these metro trains ply from 6 am to 12.45 am daily, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the last trains leave at 1.45 am.
Each line has a dedicated colour and number, and your final destination decides the direction of the train. You’ll need a standard t+ ticket for one journey, inclusive of changing lines. Or, use the weekly and monthly travel cards, namely, Paris Visite and Passe Navigo. If you get a chance to travel on Line 6, make sure to enjoy the surreal views of the Eiffel Tower as the train crosses the Seine.
Click here to explore the Metro Map
Important points:
- A single one-way ticket (t+ ticket) is applicable for a single journey in Paris and its immediate vicinity. Starting at USD 2.34, these tickets can be purchased at all RATP sales outlets, automatic vending machines at subways, buses, metros, RER stations, RATP-authorised retailers, and certain TGV lines. You can also purchase the single-way t+ tickets online.
- The Paris Visite Card is a convenient ticketing option that offers lucrative deals across five geographical zones. This pass is valid for one, two, three, or five consecutive days. You can purchase this card at all RATP stations or online platforms like Paris Je t’aime.
- The Navigo Travel Card, too, offers value-for-money travel deals across five zones in Paris, the weekly charge for which is USD 24.76, and the monthly fare is USD 81.68. However, this card is useful for tourists spending at least one week in Paris. The sale for the weekly pass begins on the Friday preceding the week of validity and can be used until the Thursday of the week during which it is valid. Similarly, the monthly pass sale begins on the 20th of the preceding month, and the card remains operational until the 19th of the month of validity. You can purchase this card from RATP vending machines, ATMs, or online at the Navigo website.
Regional Express Network (RER)
Connecting the city centre with surrounding suburbs, Disneyland, Versailles, and Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris’ Regional Express Network (RER) operates along five lanes (A, B, C, D, and E; out of these, line A, B, and C are most popular), 365 miles of track, and upwards of 250 stations. Line A connects the city centre to Disneyland Paris, Line B connects the city centre to Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Line C’s destinations include Orly Airport and the Palace of Versailles.
Also, check out our guide to the scenic luxury train journey from Paris to the French Alps.
The timings of RER vary from line to line, for instance:
- Line B, from Charles de Gaulle to Gare du Nord: The first is at 4.56 am and the last is at 11.56 pm.
- Line B, from Gare du Nord to Charles de Gaulle: The first departs at 4.56 am and the last at 12.15 am.
- Line A, Châtelet les Halles to Disneyland: The first train is scheduled for 5.19 am and the last at 12.36 am.
- Line A, Disneyland to Châtelet les Halles: The first train is at 5.13 am and the last train leaves at 12.20 am.
Additionally, the RER comprises express trains and normal trains. The express trains do not stop at every station. The same RER line can also have varying destinations, so remember to check the information displays to confirm the final stop to avoid getting on the wrong train.
Click here to explore the RER Map
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Tramway
After discontinuing in 1957, trams were reintroduced in Paris towards the end of the 20th century. Spread across 13 lines, 254 stops, and over 100 km of track length, the Parisian tramways mostly operate along the outskirts. However, for tourists wishing to enjoy the tram ride, we recommend taking line one, whose final destination is the Basilica of Saint-Denis. Like the Paris Metro, the trams can be accessed via the standard t+ ticket, or travel cards like Paris Visite and Passe Navigo.
Elevate your French holiday with our guide to the 30 best things to do in Paris, according to locals.
City Bus
60-day routes, 40-night routes, and a slice of splendid Parisian scenery are only some of the reasons why city buses are among the most convenient public transport options in Paris. While the timings vary with routes, most buses run from 5.30 am to 8.30 pm. Buses plying on busy tourist routes…
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2024-05-30 04:39:08