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Paris public transportation: How to get around Paris from a local
Transportation in Paris explained with local insights from a Holafly expert. Learn how to get around Paris easily and safely.
Traveling to the City of Love soon? One of the best ways to explore a new city is to use its public transportation. Paris’ public transportation is an extensive system and connects nearly every corner of the city, from metro lines and buses in Paris to regional RER trains and airport links.
But navigating public transport in Paris with confidence means knowing the local quirks that first-time visitors rarely expect. To help with this, we spoke to Camille Norest, a Holafly member and local expert who was born, raised, and currently lives in Paris. Her local insights lend this guide a realistic perspective on how Paris’s transportation system really works. Another top tip for tourists is getting a travel eSIM for trips abroad.
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How public transportation in Paris works
At first glance, transportation in Paris feels complex. Knowing how it works makes it easier. Paris public transportation is managed by RATP and Ile-de-France Mobilités, which covers central Paris, the outer city limits, and the wider Ile-de-France region.
The system includes:
- The Paris metro
- RER trains and regional trains
- Buses in Paris
- Paris trams and the tram network
- Licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps
- Bike rentals and electric bike options
One of the biggest advantages of Paris transportation is integration. The same ticket works across metro lines, buses, trams, and RER trains within the city. Each transport mode varies, however, in terms of reliability.
Camille explains, “Metros and trains are punctual. Buses are neither punctual nor reliable at all.”
How and where to buy tickets for public transport in Paris
If you’re planning on using Paris’ various public transport modes (metro lines, buses, and RER regional trains), it’s worth understanding how to buy tickets for each. You have two main options:
1. Buy tickets at the station
This is the simplest way to get tickets. Use the automatic ticket machines at any Paris metro station. You can purchase single tickets or multiple travel passes. Alternatively, you can also purchase from RATP-approved retailers in shops/kiosks in Paris.
2. Buy tickets on your phone
If you prefer digital convenience, download the Ile-de-France Mobilités app or the Bonjour RATP app. You can buy, store, and even validate tickets from your phone. Tap your screen at the turnstile or on bus/tram readers.
Top Paris public transport ticket rules:
- You can’t share one phone ticket; each traveler needs their own pass.
- You must validate your tickets before each ride. If you don’t validate your ticket, you may be fined by the controller.
- In the metro: Scan or insert the ticket at the turnstile before you pass through.
- On the buses/trams: Use the validator machine onboard or at the platform.
- Once validated, you can still transfer your ticket to someone else, but only within a certain time window.
1. How to get around Paris: The Paris metro 🚇
If there’s one thing you’ll use most when navigating Paris, it’s the Paris metro. The Paris subway system is dense, fast, and designed for short trips, which makes it the best way to get around Paris for most visitors.
There are over three hundred Paris metro stations, with metro lines running every few minutes throughout the day. You’ll rarely walk more than five minutes to reach a metro station in central Paris.
“The metro is the most reliable part of Paris public transportation,” says Camille. “Trains usually arrive on time, and it’s the fastest way to move around the city.”
There’s clear signage and numbered metro lines, and you can use apps like Google Maps to plan your routes. You can use a local France SIM card or a travel eSIM to use mobile internet in France.
Paris metro hours
Understanding when the Paris metro operates helps you avoid surprises and plan trips with accurate ETAs.
- Weekdays: approximately 05:30 AM to 12:30 AM
- Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays: service runs until 1:45 AM
While Paris’ metro hours are generous, Camille recommends planning ahead.
“The metro runs late, but connections can be limited after midnight. If you’re out late, check routes in advance or be ready to switch to taxis.”
Paris metro pass options
How to get around Paris as a tourist becomes infinitely easier when you choose the right Paris metro pass. These include:
- Single ticket (t+ ticket): Best for short trips
- Navigo Easy: Reloadable card for visitors
- Paris Visite pass: Unlimited travel for tourists
- Paris city transport pass (Navigo weekly): Ideal for longer stays
You can purchase a Paris metro pass at ticket machines, metro stations, and via digital apps. You can use the Bongour RATP app or the Ile-de-France Mobilites app for digital passes. You can also register for a physical Navajo Easy card at station kiosks or purchase one from attendants.
2. How to get around in Paris: Take the bus 🚌
Buses in Paris are a great option to do some sightseeing and visit scenic routes that aren’t reachable by the metro. However, one major disadvantage of buses is reliability. Traffic, strikes, and delays are common, so only choose the bus when you’re not on a tight schedule.
- Use the Bongour RATP app to find bus numbers and stops.
- Signal the bus by waving your hand as it approaches to let the driver know you wish to board.
- Tap your Navajo Easy card or insert your physical ticket into the machine next to the driver.
3. RER trains and regional travel 🚆
RER trains connect Paris to major hubs like:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Disneyland Paris
- Versailles
- Key train stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon
RER trains are part of the Paris transit system but operate more like regional trains. When traveling beyond city limits, make sure you buy the correct metro train RER tickets, as zone rules apply.
4. Airport transportation in Paris ✈️
Airport transportation in Paris is straightforward, especially from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Your main options include:
- RER B trains
- Airport buses
- Licensed taxis with fixed fares
- Ride-hailing apps
For early mornings or late nights, taxis are often the most comfortable option for airport transportation in Paris, especially if you’re carrying luggage.
5. How to get around Paris: Cycling, bike rentals, and e-scooters 🛵
Cycling is increasingly popular in Paris. Public bike rentals like Vélib’ are available throughout the city, including electric bike options.
While it is thrilling and there are separate cycling paths almost everywhere in the city now, it can still be an intimidating experience for a tourist. Paris traffic can be chaotic to navigate as a cyclist.
There are dedicated stations almost every 500 meters, and a variety of e-bike companies to choose from. You’ll be able to rent one using the e-bike company’s app (Komoot, Strada) and a working debit/credit card.
Top Paris public transport tips: Safety, pickpockets, and local etiquette ⚠️
While public transportation in Paris is generally safe even at night, it’s still important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings wherever you go. One major concern is pickpocketing.
According to Camille, one of the top mistakes tourists make is:
“Being lax with where you keep your phone and not keeping your bag close to your body. Pickpocketers are very capable of stealing your belongings, especially around Champs-Elysee and crowded metro lines.”
Other tips include:
- Keep your phone in a zipped pocket
- Wear backpacks on your front in crowded areas
- Avoid rush hours if possible
- Leave buffer time when using buses
Use a Holafly eSIM to get around Paris
To make getting around Paris as smooth as possible, it’s worth setting up a Holafly eSIM for Paris before you arrive. Reliable mobile internet lets you check Paris transit updates in real time, use Google Maps to navigate metro lines and bus stops, purchase digital metro tickets, and adapt quickly if there are delays or strikes.
When you’re relying on Paris public transportation, having instant access to maps, transport apps, and schedules makes a real difference. With an eSIM, you stay connected from the moment you land, making public transportation in Paris easier, safer, and far less stressful. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone!
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
