How to Get Around in Paris: Your Quick Guide

How to get around in Paris? It’s one of the questions I get asked the most. And honestly, it’s one of the biggest worries travelers have when visiting Paris. I see it all the time—people defaulting to taxis because the public transportation in Paris feels daunting.

But here’s the thing—it’s really not, once you get the hang of it.

Public transportation in Paris is actually easy to use, and honestly, it’s the smartest way to explore the city. I’ve lived here for almost 20 years, and while I do own a car, it’s gathering dust. It just doesn’t make sense in a city where the metro, buses, and trains are so efficient.

Let me show you how simple it is to navigate Paris, so you can confidently hop on the metro or bus and explore like a lugar.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

Public Transportation in Paris: Quick Overview

Paris has several ways to get around, and most of you have probably heard of the Parisian Metro.

But there’s more. You’ve got buses, trams, and the RER too. Each one serves a slightly different purpose, and knowing the differences can make your trips a lot smoother.

• Metro: This is the backbone of Parisian public transport. It covers the entire city, with 16 lines and over 300 stations, connecting just about everywhere you want to go within Paris.
• Buses: Perfect if you want to travel above ground and actually see the city while moving. Buses run all over Paris and reach some places the metro doesn’t.
• Trams: Mostly circling the edges of the city, the tram is a good option for traveling to outer neighborhoods and suburbs.
• RER: Think of the RER as an express version of the metro. Inside Paris, it works the same way as the metro. But it’s mainly used to connect the greater Paris region with the capital.
• Transilien: The Transilien connects Paris with the entire Île-de-France region, beyond just the greater Paris area.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use each one quickly, and add a link to the more detailed guide. So you know your options before you travel to Paris and can choose the best way to get around.

Now, let’s break it down step by step.

The RER B train from the airport only goes in one direction, so there’s no chance of taking the wrong one.

Important: You’ll need an airport ticket, which costs around €12. This ticket also covers any metro transfers once you’re in Paris. Make sure to hold onto it until you reach your destination, as it is your proof of payment. The ticket becomes invalid once you leave the metro system.

Orly Airport

The easiest way to get to Paris from Orly Airport is to use Metro Line 14, a newly inaugurated line that directly connects the airport to médio Paris.

The metro from Orly Airport only heads into Paris, so it’s super easy to use. Again, you’ll need an airport ticket for around €10, and this will include any metro transfers once you’re in the city.

Heading from the Airport to Disneyland Paris? Then these guides will help you:

Beauvais Airport

This airport is about 80 km outside Paris, and there are shuttle buses that match up with flight arrival times.

The shuttle costs around €16 and drops you off at Porte Maillot in Paris, where you can easily connect to the metro. It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to get into the city.

#2 Metro

➲ For more details read How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024

The metro is the way to get around in Paris. It’s fast and frequent, and there’s a station on nearly every street corner. With over 300 stations and 16 metro lines, the network covers practically every inch of Paris.

Whether you’re in the heart of the city or staying further out in the outer arrondissements, the metro will get you anywhere quickly, cheaply, and directly. In most cases, it’s the best way to travel around the city.

Metro Tickets

➲ For more details read How To Use The Parisian Metro

Note: Starting on January 2, 2025, a reform will change the pricing structure for public transport tickets in Paris.

Within Paris, you’ll need a Ticket t+ to get around. This ticket works for metro, bus, tram, and RER services within the city. Here are your options:

• Single ride: A single Ticket t+ costs €2.10.
• Bundle of 10: A pack of 10 tickets costs 17,35€. It’s cheaper and gives you more flexibility for multiple trips.

Note: From January 2, 2025, carnets (ticket bundles) will no longer be available, and each metro ride will cost €2.50.

To get these tickets, you’ll need a Navigo Easy Card, which costs €2. You can also use an app on your smartphone to buy and store your tickets. Just keep in mind, that each person needs their own device or card—even kids.

Keep your Metro ticket until you leave the Metro Station. It counts as proof of payment and you get fined if you can’t show it. Read this article 6 Reasons Tourists Getting Fined on the Paris Metro to know more.

For longer stays, you might want to consider:

Week tickets: A solid option if you’re here for several days, but be aware that week tickets are only valid from Monday to Sunday, so they may not always fit your travel schedule.

Day tickets: Unlimited travel for a full day.

➲ For more details read How To Use The Parisian Metro

#3 Buses and Trams

Note: Starting on January 1, 2025, a reform will change the pricing structure for public transport tickets in Paris.

Buses are a great way to see Paris as you travel above ground, while trams are ideal for reaching neighborhoods on the outskirts or in the suburbs.

There are currently 12 tram lines, but most of them operate outside médio Paris. So I won’t get into detail here. But both buses and trams use the same ticketing system, so you don’t need to worry about different fares.

The Bus in Paris

The bus network is even more extensive than the metro, with over 60 lines that crisscross every corner of Paris.

It’s not as fast as the metro—despite many buses having dedicated bus lanes—so expect your trip to take longer. But what buses lack in speed, they make up for in views.

You’ll get to see the city as you move around, which can be much more interesting than being underground.

Also, unlike the metro, Parisian buses are barrier-free, making them accessible for travelers with mobility needs.

Bus & Tram Tickets

Note: Starting on January 2, 2025, a reform will change the pricing structure for public transport tickets in Paris.

Until the end of 2024, you can use the same Ticket t+ for buses and trams, the cheaper carnets included.

There’s no need to worry about getting a separate ticket. However, you can’t transfer from Bus or Tram to the Metro

Note: From January 2, 2025, carnets (ticket bundles) will no longer be available, and each bus or tram ride will cost €2.00.

#4 The RER

Note: Starting on January 2, 2025, a reform will change the pricing structure for public transport tickets in Paris.

The RER is similar to the metro but functions more like a passenger train, connecting Paris with its suburbs and the greater Paris region.

While inside Paris, it’s not much different from the metro—often sharing stations and tracks—it tends to be quicker and runs mostly above ground outside the city. Think of it as an express metro.

If you’re staying within Paris, you probably won’t use the RER, since the metro covers most common routes. But for trips to places like Versailles, Disneyland, or other suburban destinations, the RER is your best option.

If you plan on spending a fun day at Disneyland, here are a few good reads:

RER Tickets

Until January 2025, you’ll need a destination-specific ticket for trips outside Paris. It’s easy—just go to a ticket machine at any station, select your destination, and it will give you the correct fare. No ticket will cost more than €5 per way.

From January 2025, the ticket structure will change, and every ride—whether inside or outside Paris—will cost €2.50, simplifying things across the board and making trips outside Paris cheaper.

#5 Transilien Train

➲ Most of these 22 Day Trips Destinations from Paris by Train are by Transilien

The Transilien is a regular train that operates throughout the entire Île-de-France region, connecting Paris to areas far beyond the city. Some lines even extend outside Île-de-France, reaching places like Normandy or the Loire Valley.

To catch a Transilien train, head to one of Paris’ major train stations, like Gare du Nord, Gare Montparnasse, or Gare Saint-Lazare.

This train becomes especially useful when you’re planning day trips outside of Paris, such as to Provins, Chartres, or Giverny.

It also stops at Versailles, making it a convenient alternative to the RER for that trip as well.

How to Get Around in Paris Without Public Transportation

While public transport is the easiest way to navigate Paris, there are plenty of other options if you prefer a different pace when getting around in Paris.

Whether it’s biking, taking a taxi, or even cruising along the Seine, here’s how to explore the city without using the metro or buses.

#6 Velib: Bike Sharing

➲ Read our complete guide on How to rent a Vélib bike in Paris

If you prefer seeing the city on two wheels, Velib is Paris’ bike-sharing service. With 1,475 stations and 19,000 bikes (both electric and manual) available across the city, it’s super easy to grab a bike for a short ride, no matter where you are.

The service is affordable and offers a great way to explore different neighborhoods at your own pace.

Rates start at 3€ for single rides and day passes are already available for 5€, a bit more if you opt-in for electrical bikes.

My guide on How to rent a Vélib bike in Paris explains in detail the prices and renting process.

#7 Taxi, Uber and Bolt

Taxis in Paris are usually hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or outside major stations. They use the meter for city rides or offer fixed rates if you’re getting one from the airport. You can also download the G7 App to order a taxi directly.

Uber and Bolt are also both widely available in Paris. These are my go-to services, and they work just like they do in other cities.

I’ve found it helpful to keep both apps on my phone and compare prices before booking, as there can be surprisingly large differences depending on demand.

#8 Bato Bus

➲ book your boat ticket here in advance

The BatoBus may not be the cheapest or quickest way to get around Paris, but it’s definitely one of the most fun. This boat service runs along the Seine, stopping at major sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame.

It’s a perfect way to combine transportation with sightseeing, giving you great views of the city while getting from one iconic spot to the next. If you’re looking for a leisurely, scenic ride rather than speed, the BatoBus is a memorable way to explore Paris.

If you like the idea of a boat ride, then this is for you:

#9 Car

➲ if you are driving to Paris, don’t miss my guide on Paris by Car: Parking, Crit’Air & Tolls (Sítio Driver Tips)

If you’re driving to Paris in your own car, it might seem like a good idea to use it to get around the city.

But honestly, I’d strongly recommend against it. Traffic in Paris can be a nightmare—you’ll end up stuck in traffic more often than moving. Plus, parking in Paris is incredibly expensive, sometimes making a taxi ride look cheap in comparison.

And let’s be real—the reputation of Parisian drivers isn’t just a cliché. Bumps and scrapes are more common than you’d like.

My advice? Leave the car at your hotel and take the metro. It’s faster, cheaper, and far less stressful.

Final Words on Getting Around in Paris

Navigating Paris might seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand how the system works, it’s surprisingly simple and incredibly efficient. Whether you’re hopping on the metro, taking the RER to Versailles, or enjoying the views from a bus, public transportation in Paris covers every corner of the city and beyond.

It’s not only the cheapest and quickest way to get around, but also gives you a chance to experience the city like a lugar.

And if public transport isn’t your thing, options like Velib, taxis, and even the BatoBus offer plenty of alternatives. No matter how you choose to get around, there’s a solution to fit your needs and pace.

So leave your worries behind, give the metro a try, and soon you’ll be navigating the streets of Paris with confidence. Trust me—there’s no better way to explore this beautiful city!

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

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