Public Transport in Paris – Everything You Need to Know

Bienvenue à Paris! If you’re coming to the City of Light, one thing you’ll want to master quickly is how to get around. While walking is the best way to soak up the charm of Parisian streets, sometimes you’ll need to hop on the metro, grab a bus, or even call an Uber. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This guide will help you navigate Paris like a true local, with all the insider tips you need for a smooth ride.

Why You Should Skip the Car and Take Public Transport

Let us be real with you—driving in Paris is a nightmare. The traffic is intense, parking is a headache (not to mention expensive), and you’ll spend more time stuck in jams than enjoying the city. Instead, Parisians rely on public transport, which is fast, affordable, and well-connected.

The Paris Métro will get you anywhere in minutes, buses let you enjoy the view, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hop on a bike or electric scooter. Plus, with the Navigo Easy Pass or Bonjour RATP app, buying and managing tickets has never been easier. In this guide, we’ll cover how to get from the airport to the city, how to use the metro, buses, and trams, ticket prices, and alternative transport options like taxis, Uber, and bike rentals. Sounds good? Let’s break it down!

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Getting from the Airport to Paris City Center

First things first—how do you get from the airport to the city? Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais-Tillé (BVA). Each has different transport options for reaching the city center.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) → Paris

CDG is the largest international airport in Paris, located about 25 km (16 miles) from the city centre. Here’s how to get to Paris:

• 🚆 RER B Train – The fastest & cheapest
  • Takes 30 minutes to reach Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les-Halles, or Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame.
  • Cost: €10.30.
  • Tip: Hold onto your ticket! You’ll need it to exit.
• 🚌 RoissyBus – A dedicated airport shuttle
  • Travel time is about 60 minutes depending on traffic and it goes straight to Opéra (in central Paris).
  • Cost: €13.70.
  • Tip: Good if you have more luggage.
• 🚖 Taxi – The comfy but pricey option
  • Fixed price: €56 to the Right Bank, €65 to the Left Bank of Paris. 
  • Tip: Taxis in Paris only accept cash. If you prefer to pay by card, book an Uber or Bolt instead.

Orly Airport (ORY) → Paris

Orly is closer to the city (13 km/8 miles south of Paris), so the ride is quicker. Paris, Orly Airport has several good transport options:

• 🚆 Metro Line 14 + OrlyVal – Best public transport option
  • Takes 30-40 minutes to reach the center.
  • Cost: €10.50.
  • Tip: Buy your ticket at a machine and keep it until you exit!
• 🚌 OrlyBus – Direct bus to Paris
  • Goes to Denfert-Rochereau (southern Paris) in 20–25 minutes.
  • Cost: €9.50.
• 🚖 Taxi – The hassle-free way
  • Fixed price: €44 to the Right Bank, €36 to the Left Bank of Paris.
  • Remember to have cash!

Beauvais Airport (BVA) → Paris

If you’re flying with low-cost airlines (like Ryanair), you’ll probably land at Beauvais. It’s 90 km (56 miles) from Paris, so the journey is longer. Transport options to the centre of Paris include:

• 🚌 Beauvais Airport Bus – The best choice
  • Goes to Saint-Denis Université in about 1h 20m.
  • Cost: €16 per person.
  • Tip: Buses are scheduled around flight times, so no stress that you will wait very long!
• 🚗 Car Rental – Good for groups
  • Tip: Travel with friends or family and split the cost—it’s more budget-friendly that way!

Navigating Paris – Metro, Buses & Trams

Alright, now that you’re in Paris, let’s talk about getting around the city! The easiest way is by using the bus or metro. There is also a tram network in the city. Fortunately, you don't have to wonder which option is best, as public transport is integrated. This means that the same type of tickets will allow you to get on each type of transport. Public transport in Paris is very intuitive, but if you have any problems you can ask a member of staff at any Service Point for help. You will find their windows near all ticket machines.

🚇 The Paris Metro – Your Best Friend

The Paris Metro is the fastest and easiest way to move around. With 16 lines and 300+ stations, you’re basically never far from one.

• How Does it Run?
  • Sunday–Thursday: 5:30 AM – 12:30 AM
  • Friday & Saturday: 5:30 AM – 1:30 AM
• Tickets: Same ticket works for metro, buses, and trams!

Local Tip: Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM & 5:00-7:30 PM). The metro gets crazy crowded, especially on Lines 1, 4, and 13.

🚌 Paris Buses – A Scenic Alternative

While not as fast as the metro, buses are great for sightseeing! Unlike the metro, you actually get to see Paris while moving.

• Tickets: Buy them at metro stations or directly from the driver (remember you can pay with cash only!).
• Tip: Some bus stops have real-time arrival screens, others don’t. Use the Bonjour RATP app to check schedules.

🚋 Parisian Trams – For the Outer Parts of Paris

Trams aren’t super useful if you’re staying in central Paris, but they’re great if you need to reach areas outside the metro network. As said before trams operate on the same ticket system as the metro and buses.

Paris Public Transport Tickets & Passes

Paris operates a zone-based fare system, but most tourists only need tickets for Zone 1 (central Paris). Here’s what you need to know:

🎟️ Ticket Prices

• Single Ticket (T+): €2.15. These are valid on the metro, buses and trams throughout the city, regardless of the zone and the number of stops you wish to travel. 
• 10-Ticket Pack (Carnet de 10): €17.35 (€14 if bought digitally). Children aged 4-10 years are entitled to a discount. A 10-ride ticket costs € 8,65 for them. The same amount will be paid by young people up to the age of 16 travelling in a group of 10 or more (including at least one adult chaperone).

🪪 Best Tickets Options for Tourists

• Navigo Easy Pass: A reusable card that can be topped up with single rides or a 10-ticket pack.
• Navigo Weekly Pass: €26.80 for Paris (Zone 1) or €30.70 (all zones in the Ile de France region, including airports) providing unlimited travel for 7 days. Perfect for those who are spending the whole week in Paris. Choose the Easy Travel Card variant. It does not require you to provide a photo. There is no limit on the number of journeys you take with one card and you can travel with it all over the city or Ile de France region, depending on the option you buy. 

📱 Ways to Buy Tickets

• Tickets are available at every metro station from vending machines.
• Bonjour RATP app: The best option to buy tickets is to download the free Bonjour RATP phone app before you arrive in Paris. Unfortunately, it is not supported by all smartphones. You load single-ride tickets or - by far the most convenient - 10-ride tickets on the app. Once you have paid for them, you just need to place your phone on the reader on the bus or at the metro station gate. Super easy to use plus it saves you some time!
• From bus drivers (cash only).

Taxis, Uber & Other Ways to Get Around

🚖 Taxis – Only Accept Cash!

While taxis are available, they only accept cash and are more expensive than public transport. Official Paris taxis have a "Taxi Parisien" sign on the roof. If you don’t have cash, Uber or Bolt can be a better option.

• Fixed taxi fares:
  • CDG to Paris: €56–€65.
  • Orly to Paris: €36–€44.

🚘 Uber & Bolt – A Cashless Alternative

Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available in Paris and accept card payments. Prices fluctuate based on demand but are often cheaper than official taxis.

🚲 Biking & Scooters – For the Adventurous!

• Vélib’ Bikes: Paris has an extensive bike rental system. Rates start at €3 per day for standard bikes and €5 for electric bikes.

• Electric Scooters: Services like Lime, Dott, and Tier offer short-term scooter rentals for easy city travel. Fun, but watch out when riding on the cobblestones!

🚘 Car Rentals – Not Recommended

You can also get around Paris by renting a car. However, this is not a cheap solution; the average rental prices per day are about €45. Parking in Paris is also a major cost. If your main concern is to be able to get to the main tourist attractions quickly, public transport is much more recommended. By using it, you will also avoid the traffic jams that often form in the city centre - especially during rush hours.

Final Tips for Using Public Transport in Paris

✔️ Download the Bonjour RATP App – Essential for ticket purchases and real-time navigation.
✔️ Avoid Rush Hours – The metro gets super crowded between 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:30 PM.
✔️ Validate Your Ticket – Always tap your ticket at metro gates and on buses/trams. Keep your ticket until the end of your trip.
✔️ Be Aware of Pickpockets – Stay alert, especially in crowded metro stations and tourist areas.

Conclusion – Travel Like a True Parisian!

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, you’re ready to explore Paris with confidence. Public transport will save you time, money, and stress, letting you focus on what’s best - enjoying this magical city! So go ahead—hop on the metro, catch that bus, and have an amazing time in Paris!

🚇 Bon voyage et bon séjour à Paris! 🇫🇷✨

📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Public Transport in Paris

1. What is the best way to get around Paris?

The metro is the fastest and most efficient way to travel around Paris. Buses are great for sightseeing, and if you’re carrying luggage, taxis or Uber might be more convenient. For short trips, bike and scooter rentals are a fun option!

2. How much does public transport cost in Paris?

• Single metro/bus ticket: €2.15.
• 10-ticket pack (Carnet de 10): €17.35 (€14 if bought digitally).
• Navigo Weekly Pass (Unlimited travel): €26.80 (Paris only) or €30.70 (all zones, including airports).

3. Where can I buy metro and bus tickets in Paris?

• At ticket machines in metro stations.
• Through the Bonjour RATP mobile app (for digital tickets).
• From bus drivers (cash only).

4. Can I use the same ticket for metro, buses, and trams?

Yes! A single T+ ticket (€2.15) works for metro, buses, and trams within Paris. However, it doesn’t work on airport trains (RER) or express buses—you’ll need a separate ticket for those.

5. Is Uber or a taxi better in Paris?

Uber is usually cheaper and allows card payments, while taxis have fixed fares from airports but only accept cash. If you're traveling late at night or with luggage, a taxi may be more convenient.

6. What’s the cheapest way to get from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris?

The RER B train is the most budget-friendly way—€10.30 for a 30-minute ride to central Paris.

7. Are there any transport passes for unlimited travel in Paris?

Yes! The Navigo Weekly Pass (€26.80 for Paris, €30.70 for all zones) allows unlimited rides on metro, buses, RER, and trams.

8. Can I use my phone to buy and store metro tickets in Paris?

Yes! You can buy digital tickets and store them on your iPhone or Android using the Bonjour RATP app. Simply tap your phone at metro gates or bus/tram readers.

9. Do Paris metro stations have elevators and escalators?

Most do not. If you have heavy luggage or mobility concerns, buses or taxis are better options. RER stations have elevators, but metro stations tend to have only stairs.

10. Is public transport in Paris safe?

Yes! The metro and buses are safe, even at night. However, watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like Châtelet, Gare du Nord, and tourist hotspots. Keep your bag zipped and stay aware of your surroundings.