I remember the first time going to Paris and feeling daunted about how I was going to get around this big city!
Getting around Paris is not as complicated or stressful as it might seem. Paris offers plenty of public transport options, and though I always recommend walking to truly experience the city’s charm, there are times when you’ll need to hop on the metro or use other public transport to cover larger distances. With so many amazing tourist attractions to visit, some of which are not within walking distance, Paris public transport makes it easy to explore the city.
From my experience, navigating Paris is straightforward if you have a general plan. Connecting from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Disneyland Paris, Versailles, and many more sights is easier than you would expect.
Whether you’re staying for one day or several days, knowing how to get around Paris efficiently will help you make the most of your trip.
⏰ Short on time?
👉 Sights to Pre-Purchase Tickets For
– Louvre
– Eiffel Tower
– Arc de Triomphe
– Seine River Cruise
👉 Prebook your airport transfer here
👉 Where to Stay in Paris with Eiffel tower views
Budget – Hotel Jardins Eiffel
Mid-Range – Pullman
Luxury – Shangri-La Paris
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
How to Buy Tickets for Public Transport in Paris
Purchasing tickets for public transport in Paris is simple, and you have a variety of options depending on your travel needs. You can buy single tickets, multi-trip passes, or day passes for unlimited travel. Tickets are available at metro stations, train stations, and bus stops via automated machines or ticket counters.
For central Paris, the single T+ ticket is your best option. It’s valid on the metro, bus, RER, and tram. You can buy it individually or in bulk for a discounted price (a carnet of 10 tickets is cheaper).
If you plan to use public transport frequently, consider the Paris Visite travel card, which allows unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. It covers the metro, bus, RER, tram, and even the Montmartre funicular. It’s a great choice for tourists visiting attractions like Disneyland or Versailles.
👉 Pre Purchase tickets for Disneyland Paris here
For trips to Charles de Gaulle Airport or Versailles, you’ll need specific tickets. The RER B train connects Paris to CDG Airport, while the RER C train goes to Versailles.
👉 Pre Purchase tickets for Versailles Palace here
- Single T+ ticket: Best for occasional travel within central Paris.
- Paris Visite pass: Ideal for tourists staying for a few days and visiting attractions outside the city.
- Navigo Easy Pass: If you’re staying for a week or more, the Navigo pass is the best value for unlimited travel.
Best Ways to Navigate Paris
Navigating Paris is made easier with these apps. While Google Maps works well, it’s not always accurate with real-time transport changes. For the most up-to-date information on public transport, I recommend using Bonjour RATP (the official app for Paris transport) or Citymapper. These apps provide real-time traffic updates, train and bus schedules, and even notify you of any service interruptions. I used Bonjour RATP on my last trip, and it was a lifesaver for navigating the city efficiently.
Most Common and Easiest Transportation Options in Paris
The Paris Metro is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel around Paris. With 16 lines covering the city, it connects you to all the major tourist attractions and neighborhoods. Most metro stations are just a short walk away from any landmark, and the trains run frequently. The metro operates in zones, but most tourists stay within zones 1-2, which covers central Paris.
- Cost: €2.10 for a single T+ ticket or cheaper in a pack of 10 (€16.90)
- Available: 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM (1:30 AM on weekends)
The RER trains are like regional trains that cover Paris and the suburbs, making them perfect for trips to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Versailles, and Disneyland Paris. Within central Paris, the RER operates similarly to the metro, but for destinations outside the city, you’ll need a specific ticket.
- Cost: €2.10 for trips within central Paris and up to €11.80 for CDG Airport
- Available: 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM
The Paris Visite travel card is a great option if you want unlimited travel across Paris for 1-5 days. It covers all forms of public transport including metro, bus, RER, and tram. I found it convenient for my last visit when I needed the flexibility to explore both central Paris and Versailles.
- Cost: Around €13.55 for 1 day (zones 1-3)
- Where to Buy: Available at metro stations and online
For longer stays or those wanting a more local experience, the Navigo Easy Pass offers unlimited travel for a week or month. It’s the most cost-effective way to travel for Paris locals and savvy travellers alike.
- Cost: Around €30.75 for a week covering all zones
- Where to Buy: Metro and RER stations
Day trips we recommend from Paris
🚂 Explore the Loire Valley: Fairytale Loire Castles with Wine Tasting – Visit enchanting castles and sample local wines.
🌸 Experience Monet’s World: Giverny with Monet’s House and Gardens (Half-Day) – Discover the inspiration behind Monet’s art.
🏰 Discover Mont Saint Michel: Mont Saint-Michel at Your Own Pace by Coach – Explore this iconic island and its abbey.
👑 Visit the Palace of Versailles: Half-Day Trip to Versailles with Palace Tour – Immerse yourself in royal history and splendor.
Other Ways to Get Around Paris
While the metro is great for getting around quickly, the bus is a scenic way to explore Paris. It’s ideal for shorter trips or if you want to enjoy the views of the city while travelling. Buses also cover areas that aren’t as accessible by metro.
- Cost: Same as the metro (€2.10 for a single T+ ticket)
- Available: 5:30 AM to midnight
Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore Paris at a slower pace. The Vélib’ bike-sharing system offers thousands of bikes across the city, while Lime offers electric scooters and bikes.
- Cost: Starting at €1 to unlock a bike, plus €0.15 per minute
Taxis are readily available throughout Paris, though they can be more expensive than public transport. If you prefer ridesharing, Uber is widely used and often a bit cheaper than taxis.
- Cost: Taxis start at around €7. Uber rides vary depending on time and distance.
The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a great option for tourists who want a guided experience of Paris. These buses stop at all major tourist attractions, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Get tickets here Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
For a unique way to see Paris, take a ride on the Seine River. Batobus operates a hop-on, hop-off service along the river, stopping at iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Get tickets here Batobus Riverboat Shuttle Service
Paris is an incredibly walkable city, and in my opinion, the best way to truly experience its charm is by exploring on foot. Walking allows you to discover hidden gems and enjoy the city’s beauty at a leisurely pace.
Where did I stay in Paris
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Le Millie Rose in Paris!
Where to Stay in Paris
Budget: Hôtel des Arts Montmartre ⭐⭐⭐, 8.7 rating
Midrange: Hôtel Monsieur ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 rating
Luxury: Le Meurice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 rating
FAQ Getting Around Paris
The metro is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Paris, while buses and walking offer scenic routes. For longer distances, consider the RER or taxis.
The Paris Visite travel card costs around €30.10 for 3 days and covers public transport in central Paris.
The most affordable way to travel is by using the metro, RER, or bus with a Paris Visite travel card or Navigo Easy Pass for unlimited rides.
Do: Use public transport, walk as much as possible, and be mindful of local customs.
Don’t: Rely solely on taxis as they can be expensive, especially during peak hours.
Use the metro, RER, bus, or bike for convenient and affordable transportation. Walking is also a great option for exploring central Paris.
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