Enjoy this informative guest post about public transport in Paris
Visitors to Paris are blessed with not only an abundance of things to see, but a great range of public transport options to get there!
Paris’ public transport network includes the famous Paris Métro, public buses, regional trains and trams, and is comparatively cheap, easy to use and mostly reliable.
The different options and alternatives may seem confusing at first, so we have compiled this handy guide to help you understand the Parisian public transport system to truly enjoy your visit to Paris.
Passes and tickets
Each transport system allows you to buy specific tickets for that network – see more on this in the sections below.
However, you can also buy RATP tickets and passes which are valid for use across the Métro, bus, train and tram systems. This can be a good option if you are planning on staying more than a day or two, or if you want to visit many different parts of the city.
There are many different fare options which you can view and compare on the RATP website, but a good option for tourists is the Paris Visite pass which allows unlimited travel across Métro, bus, RER trains and trams for 5.80€ per day.
Storage
Navigating around Paris on public transport is easy once you understand the various networks and systems. You don’t want to be weighed down with luggage while you are exploring the City of Light, but luckily there are some great options for luggage storage in Paris.
Métro
The first line of the Paris Métro was opened in 1900, and there are now 20 Métro lines which criss-cross the central 20 arrondissements of the city. The Métro is fast, frequent and runs from 5.30am until after midnight every day.
Métro tickets can be purchased at ticket machines at every station, either as a single ticket for 1.90€ or a carnet of 10 tickets for 14.90€. Children (aged 4-10 years) do not get a discount on single tickets, but there is a children’s price for a carnet of 10 tickets which is half of the full adult fare. Children under four travel for free.
You can change to as many lines as you want and travel throughout the city on a single ticket, as long as you do not exit the station. Make sure to always hang on to your ticket, as you will need it to exit!
You can plan your route on the RATP site which covers not only the metro but also RER trains, bus and tram, or check the online map.
RER trains
RER is Paris’ regional train network. The trains run throughout the city and suburbs of Paris, with five major lines, and connect up with the Métro at various interchange stations.
It is unlikely to be worthwhile catching an RER train rather than the Métro within central Paris, however they can be useful for visiting destinations further out and in surrounding areas, such as the Palace of Versailles and Disneyland Paris. RER trains are also one of the easiest ways to get to and from both of Paris’ airports.
Tickets are the same as those for the Métro, so you can use some of your carnet of tickets bought at any Metro station, or purchase tickets at RER/Metro interchange stations for the same price.
Bus
Although the metro will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go in central Paris, buses are sometimes preferable as they may offer a more direct route, as well as having the advantage of being able to see the sights from the window.
There are many bus routes throughout the city, all with a route number. Check the RATP site for route and timetable information. You will also find free bus maps at tourist offices and metro stations.
Tickets can be purchased from the driver for 2.00€ - be sure to have change and validate your ticket once on board. You can also use the slightly cheaper metro tickets on the bus (though not the other way around), if you have purchased them earlier at the metro station.
Tram
Many tourists do not realise that Paris also has a tram system. Trams were reintroduced into the city in the 1990’s, and there are now four sleek and modern tram lines throughout the greater Paris area.
The reason tourists are not familiar with the tram system is that they are not found near common tourist destinations, mostly running from the outer edges of the central arrondissements out into the suburbs. The T3 line is the only one which is found in central Paris, running from the Pont du Garigliano in the 15th arrondissement to the Porte d’Ivry in the 13th.
However, if you do find cause to use Paris’ trams you will find them clean and convenient, running every five to seven minutes from early morning through to late afternoon. Ticket machines can be found on platforms on each station, and you can also use your RATP tickets and passes.
Velib
Although not part of Paris’ public transport system and operated by a private company, Velib is a great option for tourists wanting to get around the city and is available to everyone. Velib stations can be found around the city (check the Velib app for locations), allowing you to pick up and drop off bicycles as you like. Rental tickets for bicycles can be bought at any Velib station or online.
I am so pleased to have Ann Mah as my guest this week at on A Bite of Paris. We went to Le Mistral, her favorite Paris bistro and had their signature dish, aligot, a rich, creamy mix of whipped potatoes and cheese from the Aveyron region.
Click here or link below to watch Ann and I enjoy aligote.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiRHIW7Oitw&t=4s
Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more. In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.
Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you, my insiders, Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Thank you Richard for this valuable info ! Personally, I love taking the Tram in Paris Western suburbs. It's a delicious ride for the eyes (beautiful houses up to La Défense) and it gets you to the Musée de Sèvres (if you like beautiful tableware) or to a show on the "Seine Musicale" on the banks of the Seine.
Posted by: Camélia Pierre | October 09, 2018 at 11:45 AM