How to Get Around Paris: Metro, Buses, Walking & Passes

Paris offers one of the best public transportation systems in the world, making it incredibly easy for visitors to navigate the city’s vast array of attractions. Understanding the different modes of transport and ticket options will save you time, money, and stress.

How to Get Around Paris: Metro, Buses, Walking & Passes

1. The Métro (Subway)

The Paris Métro is the heart of the city’s public transport, known for its extensive network, efficiency, and iconic Art Nouveau entrances.

• How to Use:
  • Tickets: You need a validated ticket (or pass) to enter. Tap your Navigo pass or scan your t+ ticket (or digital ticket on phone) at the turnstile.
  • Lines: Each line is numbered (1 to 14, plus 3bis and 7bis) and color-coded. Trains typically run from around 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM (until 2:15 AM on Fridays and Saturdays).
  • Directions: Platforms are indicated by the line number and the end station (terminus) in the direction you are traveling. For example, on Line 1, you’d look for “La Défense” or “Château de Vincennes.”
  • Transfers (Correspondances): Look for “Correspondance” signs at stations to change lines. Follow the signs carefully.
  • Exits (Sortie): Follow “Sortie” signs to exit the station.
• When it’s Best: For covering longer distances quickly, especially across different arrondissements, or when you need to avoid traffic.
• Map Apps:
  • Bonjour RATP: The official app, offering real-time routes, schedules, maps, and traffic info. You can also load tickets onto your phone (if compatible).
  • Paris Metro – Map and Routes (by Mapway): A highly-rated app for offline routing, train times, and essential journey information.

2. Buses

Parisian buses offer a more scenic way to travel, allowing you to see the city as you move.

• How to Use:
  • Tickets: Validate your t+ ticket (or pass) by tapping it on the reader near the driver when you board.
  • Stops: Buses stop at clearly marked bus stops. Press the “arrêt demandé” button inside the bus when your stop is approaching.
  • Directions: Bus routes are numbered, and stops are usually announced or displayed.
• When it’s Best: For shorter distances, or when you want to enjoy the cityscape during your journey. Good for direct routes that might involve multiple Metro transfers.
• Map Apps: Bonjour RATP (see above) is excellent for bus routes and real-time information.

3. Trams

Trams mostly serve the outer arrondissements and suburban areas, connecting to Metro and RER lines. Less likely to be used frequently by first-time visitors staying centrally, but useful for specific destinations (e.g., Parc de la Villette).

• How to Use: Similar to buses. Validate your ticket/pass when boarding.
• When it’s Best: For reaching destinations on the periphery of the city.

4. RER (Regional Express Network)

The RER is a suburban train network that runs through central Paris, connecting it to the suburbs and places like Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport (via Orlyval connection), and Versailles.

• How to Use:
  • Tickets: RER tickets are priced based on zones, so a single t+ ticket is only valid for journeys within Zone 1. For destinations outside of Zone 1 (like Versailles or airports), you need a specific RER ticket for your destination.
  • Validation: Tap in and tap out at RER stations, even within central Paris.
• When it’s Best: For traveling to destinations outside the immediate city center, or for faster express travel through central Paris (e.g., between Gare du Nord and Saint-Michel).

5. Walking

• When it’s Best: For exploring specific neighborhoods (like the Latin Quarter, Le Marais, Montmartre) where many attractions are close together. It’s the best way to discover hidden gems, charming streets, and Parisian daily life.
• Pros: Free, allows for spontaneous discoveries, great exercise, and truly immerses you in the city.
• Cons: Can be tiring for long distances, susceptible to weather.
• Tip: Wear comfortable shoes! Paris is a very walkable city.

6. Taxis & Ride-Sharing (Uber)

• Taxis:
  • How to Use: Look for taxis with a “Taxi Parisien” sign on the roof (green light means available). You can hail them on the street (best at designated taxi stands), or find them at train stations/airports.
  • Fares (as of Jan 1, 2025):
    • Initial charge: €2.60
    • Price per km (day tariff 10:00-17:00): €1.05
    • Price per km (night tariff 17:00-10:00 & Sat/Sun/Holidays): €1.29 – €1.56
    • Fixed fares apply for airport transfers (e.g., CDG to Right Bank is €56, CDG to Left Bank is €65).
  • When it’s Best: For late-night travel, when carrying heavy luggage, or when you’re short on time and money isn’t the primary concern.
• Uber:
  • Availability: Yes, Uber is available in Paris 24/7.
  • How to Use: Use the Uber app as you would elsewhere.
  • When it’s Best: Offers convenience and often upfront pricing estimates. Can be useful if you prefer ride-sharing to traditional taxis.
  • Consideration: Surge pricing can make it more expensive during peak hours.

7. Ticket Options & Passes

Paris’s public transport operates on a zone system, but for most tourist activities, Zones 1-3 (the central city) are sufficient. Airport travel requires Zone 5.

• Single Fare (t+ ticket):
  • Price (as of Jan 1, 2025): €2.50 per journey for Métro/RER/Train (within Paris). €2.00 for Bus/Tram. (Prices rise to €2.50 if purchased directly from bus driver).
  • What it is: Valid for one journey on the Métro, RER (within Paris), bus, tram, or funicular to Montmartre. Allows for connections within the same type of transport (e.g., Métro to Métro, or bus to bus).
  • Where to Buy: From ticket machines in Métro/RER/Tram stations, or at ticket desks. Can be loaded onto a Navigo Easy pass or a smartphone.
  • When to Use: For occasional journeys, or if you primarily plan to walk.
• Carnet (Booklet of 10 t+ tickets):
  • Price: Discontinued as a paper booklet from January 1, 2025. Now, you load 10 t+ tickets onto a Navigo Easy pass or your smartphone for a slightly reduced price per ticket (e.g., ~€1.99 per Métro/RER ticket with Liberté+).
  • Where to Buy: Load onto Navigo Easy pass at ticket machines or counters.
• Navigo Easy Pass:
  • Price: €2 for the physical card (non-refundable).
  • What it is: A rechargeable, contactless card that you can load with t+ tickets (individually or in a “carnet”), day passes, or even airport tickets. It’s personal and non-transferable (cannot be shared).
  • Where to Buy: At ticket offices or counters in any Métro, RER, or Transilien station. Also from vending machines equipped for pass distribution.
  • When to Use: Highly recommended for all visitors as it’s the modern way to carry tickets. More convenient than paper tickets.
• Navigo Découverte Pass (Weekly or Monthly Pass):
  • Price (as of Dec 2024, subject to 2025 confirmation): Weekly “all zones” pass (Zones 1-5) expected around €31.60. Monthly “all zones” pass expected around €86.40. (Zone prices may vary for 2-zone passes). The card itself costs €5 (non-refundable).
  • What it is: Offers unlimited travel on all public transport modes (Métro, RER, bus, tram, Transilien) within the chosen zones.
  • Validity: Crucially, the weekly pass is valid from Monday 12:00 AM to Sunday 11:59 PM. The monthly pass is valid from the 1st to the last day of the calendar month.
  • Requirements: You need a passport-sized photo (2.5cm x 3cm, often available in photo booths at stations for ~€5) and must write your name on the pass.
  • Where to Buy: At ticket offices or counters in Métro/RER/Transilien stations.
  • When to Use:
    • Best Value: If your trip starts on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and you plan to use public transport frequently for 3+ days within that calendar week. This often includes airport travel if you buy an all-zones pass.
    • Not Recommended: If your trip starts on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, as you’d only get a few days’ use out of a full week’s pass.
• Paris Visite Pass (Tourist Pass):
  • Price (as of Jan 1, 2025): 1-day (all zones): €29.90. 2-days (all zones): €44.45. 3-days (all zones): €62.30. 5-days (all zones): €76.25. (Reduced rates for children under 10).
  • What it is: Designed specifically for tourists. Offers unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. Includes access to airports.
  • Validity: Valid for consecutive days from the day you first use it.
  • Where to Buy: Ticket machines, counters, online, tourist offices. Can be loaded onto Navigo Easy or used via smartphone.
  • When to Use: Convenient if your trip doesn’t align with the Navigo Découverte’s Monday-Sunday validity, and you plan to use public transport frequently, including airport transfers. Generally, the Navigo Découverte offers better value if its validity aligns with your trip.
• Mobile Ticketing: You can now load t+ tickets and Navigo weekly/monthly passes directly onto compatible Android phones with NFC (via the Bonjour RATP app or Île-de-France Mobilités app) or iPhones (via Apple Wallet). This allows you to tap your phone.

Map Apps & Trip Planners

• Bonjour RATP: The official app for all Paris public transport. Provides real-time routes, schedules, maps (Métro, RER, bus, tram), traffic info, and allows mobile ticketing for compatible phones. Highly recommended.
• Google Maps: Excellent for planning public transport routes, walking directions, and estimated travel times.
• Citymapper: Another popular choice for detailed public transport routing, real-time departures, and multi-modal options.

Navigating Paris’s public transport is a breeze once you understand the system. With the right ticket or pass and a good map app, you’ll be zipping around the City of Lights like a local!