Paris, France

General

Certainly! Paris has a comprehensive and efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, metro (subway), and RER trains, making it easy to navigate the city and its surrounding areas.

1. Metro

  • Overview: The Paris Metro is one of the densest metro systems in the world, with 16 lines and over 300 stations.
  • Tickets: You can buy single tickets (t+ tickets) or multi-ride passes. A carnet (book of 10 tickets) offers a slight discount. Tickets can be used for transfers between metro lines and buses within a limited time frame.
  • Hours: The Metro typically operates from around 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM (1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays).

2. RER Trains

  • Overview: The RER (Réseau Express Régional) connects Paris with its suburbs and has five lines (A, B, C, D, and E). It is especially useful for reaching destinations like Versailles and CDG Airport.
  • Tickets: RER tickets are priced based on distance traveled. Make sure to purchase the right ticket for your destination, especially if traveling outside central Paris.

3. Buses

  • Overview: The bus network in Paris is extensive, with numerous lines covering the city and its suburbs. Buses are a great way to see the city above ground.
  • Tickets: The same t+ ticket used for the metro is valid for buses. Transfers between bus lines are allowed within a certain time frame.

4. Trams

  • Overview: Paris has several tram lines that primarily serve the suburbs and connect to the metro and RER. The tram system is less extensive than the metro but is useful for certain routes.
  • Tickets: Tram tickets are the same as metro and bus tickets.

5. Navigo Pass

  • Overview: The Navigo Pass is a rechargeable card that offers unlimited travel within selected zones for a week or a month. It’s a great option for frequent travelers.
  • Options: There are different types of Navigo passes based on the zones you plan to travel in.

6. Other Options

  • Bicycles: The Vélib' bike-sharing system allows you to rent bicycles throughout the city.
  • Walking: Many of Paris's attractions are within walking distance of each other, making walking a pleasant and feasible option.

7. Tips for Using Public Transport

  • Plan Ahead: Use apps like RATP or Citymapper for real-time information and route planning.
  • Mind the Pickpockets: Be aware of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
  • Language: While many signs are in English, it’s helpful to know some basic French phrases.

Overall, Paris's public transportation system is user-friendly and a great way to explore the city!

Subway

Cost

As of October 2023, a single ticket for the Paris Métro, known as a "t+ ticket," costs €1.90. This ticket can be used for a single journey on the Métro, RER (within Paris), trams, and buses within the city limits. If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider purchasing a carnet (a book of 10 tickets) for €14.90, which offers a slight discount per ticket. There are also various passes available for unlimited travel over a certain period, such as the Paris Visite pass or the Navigo card, depending on your needs.

Credit Card

Yes, you can pay for subway tickets in Paris using a credit card. Most ticket vending machines at metro stations accept credit cards, including contactless payments. However, it's advisable to check if your card is compatible (some machines may not accept certain types of cards). Additionally, if you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider purchasing a Navigo card or a Paris Visite pass, which can also be loaded with credit/debit cards online or at ticket counters.

Apple Pay

Yes, you can use Apple Pay to enter and exit the Paris Métro system. The Paris public transportation system, including the Métro, RER, and buses, accepts contactless payments through devices like Apple Pay. Just tap your device on the contactless readers at the turnstiles to enter and exit. Make sure your payment method is set up and ready to use on your device before you travel.