The Ultimate Transport Guide to Paris

Riding the Paris Metro

If you really want to travel like a local, the Paris Metro is an excellent place to start. This magical underground labyrinth is also known as "le Métro", and it is a fantastic way to navigate the bustling streets of the city.

With its extensive network of 16 lines and over 300 stations, the Metro is not only efficient but it's also a part of the city’s cultural fabric. Art is a big part of Parisian culture and it shows! Each metro station has its own iconic art nouveau entrances and if that’s not enough, you’ll also be greeted by the distinctive smell of freshly baked baguettes wafting from nearby bakeries.

But it’s not just the art that draws you to the metro. Paying for your metro trip is also pretty easy. You can purchase a ticket at the ticket vending machines available at all metro stations. These machines have clear instructions in multiple languages to guide you through the process.

All you have to do is simply select whether you’d like a single ride or a day pass, and follow the prompts to make your payment. But, be sure you save your ticket (especially if you’ve bought a day pass). You may be asked to show your ticket by metro staff, and not having a ticket attracts a hefty fine!

As for timing, the metro operates from 6 AM to 1 AM from Monday to Thursday and Sunday and until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday.

• Pro-tip: While travelling on the metro, it’s helpful to be aware of underground etiquette. Always wait for passengers to exit the metro before you enter. Another helpful thing to remember is that each metro line has its own reputation. For example, Line 1 is known for its cleanliness and efficiency since it’s automated while Line 13 has a reputation for being extremely crowded, so you may want to skip that during rush hour!

Getting Around Paris by Taking the RER Paris

Next, let’s talk about the RER (Réseau Express Régional), a unique addition to public transport in Paris. The RER combines the best of both worlds, offering fast, efficient, and convenient travel within the city and its surrounding suburbs.

If you’ve found an event venue a little beyond city limits and need a fast and affordable way to get there, the RER is your best bet. With its distinctively marked station and comfortable trains, each line on the RER is colour-coded, making it easy to navigate, even for non-French speaking commuters.

Similar to the metro, each line has multiple stops along its route. But that’s not the only thing the Paris Metro and RER have in common. You can also use the same tickets purchased for the Paris Metro on the RER as well.

Tickets are available at ticket-vending machines in all RER stations and can be bought as a single journey ticket, a day pass, or a multi-day pass.However, it’s important to note that many RER stations are located outside of Zone 2, which means that the standard ticket won’t be valid for these journeys.

If this is the case, you’ll need to purchase a separate point-to-point ticket to reach your destination. If you’re unsure of what ticket to purchase, there are station masters at RER stations that can help you.

Taking Public Buses in Paris

Like most major cities, traffic has to be considered while getting around Paris. That’s why, you’ll need to factor in a little extra time if you’re planning on taking public buses in Paris.

The city has an extensive network of bus routes crisscrossing the city, and despite the traffic, the bus is a good way to reach destinations not covered by the metro or RER easily.

The buses are modern, comfortable, and equipped with features such as air-conditioning and wheelchair accessibility. They’re also pretty cheap. A single journey will cost you 2 euros if you buy the ticket from the driver, or with a t+ ticket, you can also change lines within 90 minutes.

And, if you happen to hit a bit of traffic during your trip, try not to fret and enjoy the view of Parisian life from one of the bus’s huge windows.

Noctilien night bus services run from 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM, so if you’re event ends at night, you can still consider taking a public bus in Paris.

• Pro-tip: It always helps to plan your route to save time and ensure you don’t get lost. Citymapper is an excellent resource for planning your route.

How to Get Around Paris: Use Tramway Paris

We did say that public transport in Paris is a mix of both classic charm and modern innovation, didn’t we? The tramway in Paris is a charming addition to the romantic reputation of the city.

But they’re not just about adding to the aesthetic of this city. The tram network is well-connected and expanding, making it an excellent option for navigating both popular tourist areas and local neighbourhoods.

And best of all, to ride the tram, you can use the same ticket that you use for the metro or buses.

• Pro-tip: Consider getting a travel pass for unlimited travel within a specified period.

The tram routes cover various parts of the city, including major attractions, residential areas, and commercial districts, making it easy to get to almost any event venue anywhere in the city. Tramway Paris runs frequently, and electronic displays at the stops provide real-time information about arrival times, helping you plan your journey efficiently.

• Bonus Advice: Speaking about getting around Paris, don’t forget to plan some fun team-building activities in Paris to help your team get to know the city!

Getting a Taxi in Paris

Just like most major cities in the world, taxis are a popular option for getting around Paris. These iconic vehicles are readily available throughout the city and offer a comfortable and efficient way for both you and your event attendees to travel.

Whether you need a ride to your hotel after a long flight or whether you need to get to your event venue, or even if you want to explore the city’s famous sights, taxis in Paris are at your service.

The friendly and knowledgeable drivers are well-versed in navigating Paris’s bustling streets, and what’s more, they can often provide insightful tips and recommendations for your stay in Paris.

Hailing a taxi is also a breeze. Simply look out for the “taxi” sign on top of a car or find a designated taxi stand. The official Taxis Parisiens are safe and not too expensive for short trips (you can expect to pay between 15-20 Euros for a 20-minute ride), but be sure to carry cash. Most taxi drivers in Paris only accept cash.

Uber is also available in Paris, but most locals prefer using the Parisian ride-hailing app, Kapten since it’s usually cheaper and more reliable.

Getting a Car for Hire in Paris

When it comes to getting around Paris, nothing quite brings you freedom like having your own four wheels. If you’re considering getting a car for hire in Paris, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in France. It’s important to check the specific requirements based on your country of residence.

As for the cost of a car rental, it can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the rental, vehicle size, and rental company. You can compare prices from different providers to find the best deal.

Some popular companies for car hire in Paris include Hertz, Europcar, and Avis. These companies offer a wide range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. If you need help finding more car hire companies in Paris, our local experts can help you out.

Hop on to Bike Sharing in Paris

Finally, in our guide on how to get around Paris, we’re going to talk about one of the most fun ways to navigate the city.

Introducing the Vélib, a fantastic system for bike sharing in Paris that allows you to easily hop on a bike and pedal your way around the city. There are numerous docking stations conveniently located throughout the city, so you’ll never be far from a bike to rent.

The cost of using the Vélib is also pretty reasonable. You can choose from various pricing options, including short-term passes for a few hours or longer-term subscriptions for multiple days or even months!

The fees are typically based on the duration of your ride, with the first 30 minutes often included in the initial fee. Additional charges may apply for longer rides, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the time and return your bike within the allotted timeframe.

So, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option to get around Paris or even if you’ve just had too many croissants at breakfast, grab a bike and pedal your way around Paris!

• P.S. If you liked this guide, you might also want to check out these cool bars for hire in Paris. Whether you’re planning an event or just want to grab a drink, these suggestions should be on your Paris bucket list!

Wrapping Up

We’ve now reached the end of our ultimate transport guide to Paris. We hope this concise list is helpful while planning your commute around Paris.

However, if you want to avoid public transportation as much as possible, it’s a good idea to stay close to your event venue. You can check out some of the best areas to stay in Paris while planning your event.

And as always, if you need any help at all finding an event venue in Paris or any advice on event planning, don’t forget we’re here to help.

Good luck!

For content inquiries, contact [email protected]