• Getting around – Public Transport in Paris

    Paris is a really big city but it is exceptionally well connected.  The quickest and easiest way to get around the city is the metro, but the city also has a frequent bus service, a suburban railway– the RER connecting the city as well as a tram to the outskirts of the city.  There are also scooters and bikes available for hire at various points around the city.

     

    Where to get Tickets for public transport in Paris

    One ticket is valid for all methods of public transport: the Metro, Île-de-France region’s bus lines, the RER in Paris, the tram, or the Montmartre funicular. .

    You can buy the t+ ticket from tobacconists (look for the red TABAC sign) and from the ticket machines in Metro or RER stations.

    Tickets cost  €1.90 for a single, one-way trip.  You can buy a pack of 10 ‘un carnet’ at €14.90. Alternatively, can opt for the visitors Travel Pass for Paris, available for 1, 2, 3, and 5 days for zones 1-3 (all of the tourist attractions) or zones 1-5 which includes Versailles and the airport.

    More information on travel passes and prices can be found here:   https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs

  • Metro

    There are 16 metro lines and some 300 metro stations; look for the large red ‘M’ or a sign that says ‘Metropolitain’.

    Metros start around 6am until 12.45am or 1.45am on Friday and Saturdays, including public holidays. They run every 2 minutes at peak times.

  • Buses in Paris

    Many of the buses go through the centre of the city, along the banks of the Seine, and through the historic districts.

    Buses operate from Monday to Saturday from around 7am until 8.30pm. Some lines departing from stations with rail interchanges run until 12.30am.  On Sundays and public holidays the service is reduced.

    Look for the line number and direction on the bus stop, they are indicated on the front of the bus.  A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes, so you can change bus routes in that time.You will need to validate your ticket on the bus!

    There is also a night bus service in Paris – Noctilien that operates from 12.30am to 5.30am. 47 lines crisscross Paris.

  • The RER or Suburban Express Railway

    The RER train network has 5 lines, each line has a distinctive colour that is shown on RATP and SNCF signs and maps.  Trains operate in the same way as the metro within Paris.

    RER trains start around 6am and stop around 12.45am, including Sundays and public holidays.

    If your RER station has a connection with the metro, you can use the same ticket for the whole journey.

  • Accessibility in Paris

    For physically disabled travellers and wheel chair users in Paris, taxi or bus are the best option.  The metro should be avoided as many stations have steps and few have lifts/elevators.

    Taxi

    For wheelchair users the easiest way to get around is by car.  The taxi company G7 Taxi has a fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles which can be ordered online or by phone (they have english-speaking operators).

    https://www.g7.fr/en/                                 Telephone:        +33 1 41 27 66 99

    Bus

    If you want to use public transport, the bus is far and away your best option.  Buses are equipped with a convenient wheelchair ramp and there are wheelchair spaces allocated inside.