Paris Transport
There are a number of ways to travel whilst visiting Paris. Roads can often be busy, especially during rush hour. This makes driving a frustrating experience at times. Many visitors choose to use the Metro, Paris' underground network, as an inexpensive and effective way of getting around. The RER provides a great option for exploring the areas surrounding Paris. This fast train network is also a useful way of getting to airports and the Eurostar terminal at the Gare du Nord. Walking is often the easiest way of getting around and the ideal chance to get a taste of Parisian life, so choosing a Paris hotel in a good location is advisable.
Metro
The Paris Metro, which first opened in 1900, is the underground network that serves Paris. Approximately 6 million passengers a day use this service, on 14 lines across the city. Lines are colour coded and numbered, so navigating your way around Paris should be straightforward. Stations can be identified by their famous Art Nouveau entrances, designed by artist Hector Guimard. Certain Metro stations are decorated in unique ways, such as the Louvre station, which contains replicas of several pieces of art that can be found in the museum. Larger stations have shops and cafes and free Metro maps are available at most stations. Trains run from 5.30am to 00.30am each day. The Metro is split into 5 zones and serve all the major tourist attractions. You are never more than a few minutes walk from a Metro station while in central Paris. Visitors can benefit from purchasing a Paris Visite Pass. This pass allows unlimited travel on the Metro, buses, airport shuttles and RER trains. 1,2,3 and 5 day passes are available and offer great value for money for people visiting a variety of attractions during their stay in Paris. The card also offers discounts on various tourist attractions in Paris. Under 12's travel at a reduced rate, while children under 4 travel free.
PER
The Reseau Express Regional (RER) is the train service that serves the suburban areas surrounding Paris, with 5 main lines that run through the city centre. Certain routes reach many of the tourist attractions in Paris, so the RER can be a fast way of getting around during your stay. The RER meets the Metro network at certain points within Paris, making this a great way of travelling to airports or for discovering areas outside of Paris. Metro tickets are valid on the RER providing travellers are within the correct zones. Tickets for the RER can be purchased before travelling to Paris.
Buses
Many buses on central routes get caught up in the traffic congestion within Paris. However, travelling by bus can be an excellent way of seeing the city. Certain routes still have open top buses, a great way of moving around Paris, while taking in all the sights. Bus tickets are the same as Paris Metro tickets, so these can be purchased from any Metro underground station. Alternatively, bus drivers sell individual tickets. Most buses run between 5.30am and 00.30am. The route number is displayed in black on a white background on most buses. Buses with the route number in white on a black background only run from 6.00am till 8.30pm, Monday to Saturday, except for public holidays. If the number on the front of the bus has a slash through it, this means the bus is only travelling half of its usual route. This usually occurs in rush hour. A new night bus service called Noctillien was launched on 20th September 2005. This is a regional bus network that operates across Paris between 0.30am and 5.30am, making this a useful option for visitors that have stayed out late. This service has 35 lines that run throughout Paris and run from 5 different hubs, covering many destinations. The Noctillien serves both Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports. Air shuttle buses also run direct services to these airports throughout the day.
Taxis
Taxis can be an effective method of travel, both within Paris and for airport and Eurostar transfers. Visitors to Paris should be aware of unlicensed taxis operating at airports and RER stations. The best way of getting a taxi in Paris is from an official taxi rank, often found outside RER and Metro stations, large hotels and at street junctions. These taxi stands can be easily identified by a blue sign with TAXI written in white letters. Official taxis will carry the name 'Taxi Parisien'. Some taxis will pick up passengers from the street if not in use, although many will not stop. A yellow light on the taxi roof shows if it is available for hire, while an orange light indicates the taxi is occupied. There are a few additional charges that passengers need to take into account when travelling via taxi in Paris. These include a pick up fee, charges for luggage and there is usually a fee for carrying a forth passenger. Different fare rates apply at different times. The basic rate, tariff A, applies from 7am to 7pm, with tariff B coming into effect at 7pm till 7am. This tariff is also in place on a Sunday. Tariff C is the highest rate. This is used when taxis are travelling in the suburbs outside central Paris. Hotel staff will book taxis on request. The meter starts from the time the taxi is booked, so there will be a charge before the taxi arrives at its pick up point. Taxi drivers can provide passengers with a receipt on request, if this is required.
Other ways to get around Paris
Walking around the city is the best way of experiencing Parisian life and seeing the many monuments and landmarks here. Boat trips across the Seine are another excellent way of exploring Paris, as river boat services, such as the Batobus, stop at many popular tourist attractions.
