Known as the City of Love and home to the Eiffel Tower and other historical landmarks, it is no surprise that millions of people worldwide have Paris on their bucket lists.
Paris is not only France’s capital but also the most romantic city in the world.
While it is true that Paris can be expensive, you don’t have to be a millionaire to experience the magic of this dream city. You can visit this majestic city even on a budget and make memories that will last a lifetime.
So, we are here with this comprehensive guide on how to get around Paris as a tourist and make the most of your money.
So, How to Travel in Paris as a Tourist?
Traveling around Paris as a tourist can feel like a daunting task, especially if it is your first time. So, we have simplified all the methods of traveling in Paris to help you make better and smarter decisions.
Hereโs how:
1. Exploring Paris on Foot
Simply put, a promenade usually means leisurely walking in a public place. It also means an area specifically designed for walking and socializing.
Promenades are unique because they are usually made along scenic areas such as natural landscapes, gardens, and even historical landmarks and structures.
These routes are filled with people performing music, serving food, selling souvenirs, etc. So you can explore the locality, embrace the culture, and burn some calories while saving a few bucks.
Here are the top 5 Parisian promenades you can look forward to exploring on your visit to Paris:
- The Promenade Plantรฉe
- Canal Saint-Martin
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
- Pรจre-Lachaise Cemetery
- Bois de Boulogne
However, you should take a few precautions, especially if traveling alone. Even though Paris is the 23rd safest country in the world, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Some Safety Tips to Follow
- Avoid displaying valuables
- Learn the native language
- Avoid going into shady and suspicious areas
- Consider getting travel insurance
- Keep online backup for important documents
- Beware of pickpockets
2. Navigating Paris on Metro/RER
The metro is integral to Paris’s RATP public transportation system. This is a viable choice because of its easy availability, pricing, and accessibility.
There are over 300 metro stations across Paris, spanning 136 miles.
The Metro is a viable travel option because it is easily available, cost-effective, and, most importantly, covers many areas.
Metro Travel Times
- Operational Hours: From 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Additionally, the Paris Metro runs until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
- Frequency: At peak hours, every 2 minutes.
3. Traveling in Paris on the RER: Beyond the City Limits
The Paris RER, or Rรฉseau Express Rรฉgional, serves as a regional train system that connects the city center to the neighboring suburbs.
The Regional Rail System (RER) also compliments the Paris Metro, providing Parisians and tourists with a more extensive transportation network in the city center. It also connects the city center to Charles de Gaulle Airport as well as Disneyland and Versailles.
RER Lines
The RER has 5 lines named A-E with 250+ stations. A, B, and C are the most popular for tourists.
- RER A: Joins Disneyland Paris with the city center.
- RER B: Joins Charles de Gaulle Airport with the city center.
- RER C: Close to the Orly Airport and Palace of Versailles.
Here are some key details regarding the RER train and its integration with the metro:
- The RER has 33 stations within Paris, primarily in Zone 1, covering central tourist areas.
- The RER and Metro share a ticketing system within Zone 1, allowing seamless travel without separate tickets.
- Key RER stations like Chรขtelet-Les Halles and Gare du Nord serve as major interchange points with the Metro.
- The RER uses a zonal fare system; travel within Zone 1 requires a basic Metro ticket, while travel beyond requires a Billet Ile-de-France.
- The t+ ticket is valid for both Metro and RER travel within Paris, highlighting the integrated transport system.
4. Getting Around in Paris by Bus
RATP maintains bus routes throughout Paris as well as its suburbs. You can make use of T+ tickets as well as metro passes to pay for bus rides. A ride costs the same as a metro fare unless you buy the ticket directly on the bus.
Here’s an overview of the bus service around Paris:
- Lines: 59
- Runtime: 5:30 am until 8:30 pm and till 12:30 am
- Frequency: Monday to Saturday
The Noctilien: Night Bus in Paris
- Lines: 4
- Runtime: From 12:30 am until 5:30 am
- Frequency: During the weekends, buses run every 10 โ 15 minutes, and during the week, every 15 โ 30 minutes
To access this service, you will need a pass or ticket valid for the areas traveled, which corresponds to those used for the metro/RER.
5. Taking Paris Bus Tours: Double-Decker Delights
Paris has various tour bus operators. The most well-known is the Open Tour, Big Bus Paris, and Foxity Sightseeing Tour.
Paris Open Tour: Blue and yellow buses with hop-on, hop-off flexibility; operating from 9:30 am to 8 pm (April-October) and 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (November-March); fares range from US$18.30 to US$45.20.
Big Bus Paris: The oldest tour bus operator with red buses; operating approximately from 9:30 am to 8:15 pm, with timing dependent on each stop; fares range from US$15.10 to US$72.70.
Foxity Sightseeing Tour: Initially without hop-on, hop-off, now includes it and offers nighttime tours; operating daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, with seasonal variations; fares range from US$30.10 to US$52.70 for 2 days.
We recommend taking the Paris Open Tour, but if you plan to travel around at night, you can also consider taking the Foxity Sightseeing Tour. All three options provide almost the same set of services and are relatively similar in pricing.
6. Using the Paris Tramway
Paris used to have an extensive network of tram lines until the twentieth century. The tram came back in the late 20th century, as the RATP company recognized its appeal as a comfortable, clean, and cost-effective mode of transportation.
Plus, the RATP has decided to reintroduce the tramway to Paris, providing a convenient, comfortable, and efficient mode of transportation.
Here are some things to know if youโre traveling by tram in Paris:
Things to Know Before Traveling by Trams in Paris
- Various types of transport tickets are available for your convenience, including the single-journey ticket known as the t+ ticket and monthly or weekly travel cards such as Passe Navigo and Paris Visite.
- The lines only run on the cityโs outskirts.
We recommend using something other than the tram, as it is inconvenient when traveling to tourist destinations. However, you can still ride it to travel to the outskirts of the city if that is something you want or have planned.
7. Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
Paris offers a staggering number of taxis, with over 20,000 cabs available around the clock. Parisian taxis can easily be identified by the Taxi Parisien sign displayed on the roof of the vehicle. If a taxi is readily available, the Taxi Parisien sign changes to green, turning red when it’s not.
In today’s modern era, a single contact number can be used to reach any taxi company in Paris. The number is: +33 0145 303 030
How to Hail a Taxi in Paris?
When you’re in Paris, hailing a taxi is easy. Just keep an eye out for a vacant taxi or raise your hand when you spot one with a lit sign.
Taxis are readily available at major hubs, hotels, and popular tourist areas.
All taxis are mandated to have a taxi fare meter and to visibly display a badge containing the driver’s license number.
Ride-Sharing Options in Paris
In Paris, several ride-sharing options are available for both locals and tourists, with Uber being one of the most prominent choices. Alternative options are such as Vรฉlib’, G7 Taxi, Bolt, Free Now, Heetch, etc.
Facts about Driving in Paris
- Tipping is not obligatory.
- Drivers appreciate it when you round up the fare.
8. Cycling and Biking in Paris
Paris offers a fantastic public bike-share system called Vรฉlibโ Mรฉtropole throughout the city. They offer a convenient public bike system that allows you to easily rent a bike for a few hours or a day and return it at any of the many bike docks scattered throughout the city.
You have different options available, depending on what you requireโtickets or a subscription pass.
Tips for Cycling Safely in Paris
- Always signal before turning.
- You can be fined if you cycle on sidewalks.
- Look out for cars and people opening car doors.
- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Always wear a helmet and, if possible, a fluorescent vest.
- Stop at red lights.
- Donโt ride on the sidewalks.
- Use a heavy-duty lock.
9. Taking the Montmartre Funicular
The funicular operates on electricity and carries more than 2 million passengers annually. The journey takes just a minute or two and is fully automated.
The Montmartre Funicular connects the foot with the summit of the Butte Montmartre.
- Schedule & frequency: 6 am until 12:45 am.
- Fares: It costs the same as a metro ticket, such as US$2.30.
If you have the Passe Navigo or the Paris Visite, this ride is definitely worth your while. It’s a great bonus since the funicular is bundled with these travel cards.
However, if you need to buy the ticket, it all comes down to your level of fatigue and whether you’d rather climb the 197 steps.
The steps are less exhausting when descending, so you may consider buying a one-way ticket for the ascent.
10. Using the Paris Batobus in the Seine
The Batobus is a convenient mode of transportation that takes you along the beautiful River Seine, making stops at all the must-see sights in the city.
It could be described as a “floating tour bus.”
The Batobus operates like a typical tour bus, allowing you to get off and get in at your convenience easily. You can explore as much as you want with the option of a single-day or two-day pass.
Tour Stops
- Beaugrenelle
- Champs-Elysรฉes
- Eiffel Tower
- Hรดtel de Ville
- Jardin des Plantes
- Louvre
- Musรฉe dโOrsay
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- St Germain des Prรจs
Schedules & Timetables
- Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm
Average Tour Fares: US$20.40
What Is the Average Travel Cost in Paris?
The average cost of traveling in Paris is very hard to determine. The reason for that is the sheer number of options available. For instance, a regular boat cruise can cost up to $38 per person; again, the same cruise with dinner or lunch can cost up to $380.
Below is a chart representing the least cost for each criterion to give you an idea:
Transport Style | Average Cost |
Public Transport | $15 |
Private Transport | $48 |
Boats & Cruises | $22-$38 |
How to Save Money While Getting Around in Paris as a Tourist?
If you are on a budget, the best way to save money when traveling anywhere is by cutting down on transportation and food costs.
These micro-transactions can often add up to a fortune, so as long as you have these two factors under control, you can save a substantial amount of money.
Here are some tips to save money on your trip to Paris or anywhere in the world:
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Purchase a metro card for transportation.
- Prepare your own meals.
- Opt for lunch at restaurants to save money.
- Get a Paris Museum Pass for museum entry.
- Obtain the Paris Pass for various attractions.
- Enjoy a picnic in the park.
- Keep in mind that water is free in many places.
- Visit museums without paying.
- Stay with someone who lives locally.
- Join a free walking tour for sightseeing.
Related Post: Best Time to Visit Paris on a Budget
Closing Notes
Now that you better understand how to get around Paris as a tourist, we hope you found this guide helpful.
Traveling may appear daunting and tough, but with proper planning and foresight, you can easily eliminate most of the stressful aspects of traveling.
So plan ahead and make sure to save up space on your cameras or phones to capture all the important moments, as those will be the memories you’ll hold on to for the rest of your lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to travel around Paris as a tourist?
The best way to travel around Paris as a tourist is by bus, as it is easy, convenient, and scenic.
How to travel in Paris as a tourist?
Traveling in Paris is no different than in any other country. However, it is always best to be aware of local social etiquette and mannerisms beforehand.
Is Paris a walkable city?
Yes. In fact, it is one of the best cities in the world to travel around on foot.
What is the cheapest way to get around Paris?
The cheapest way to get around in Paris is by RER trains, usually costing $2-3.
Is a taxi expensive in Paris?
Taxis in Paris are reasonably priced. Typically, you’ll encounter a base fare of $8, supplemented by a fare rate of $4.51, with an additional charge of $1-2 per kilometer during the day (from 10:00 to 17:00). At night (from 17:00 to 10:00), the rate increases to $2 per kilometer.