Paris City GuidePractical InformationsHow to get around

Transportation

Getting around Paris is quick and easy thanks to an excellent public transportation system which includes the metro, RER suburban trains, buses and private taxis.

Métro

Created in 1900 by the engineer Fulgence Bienvenüe, the Parisian metro now consists of 14 lines two of which are elevated or above ground in places.  With over 350 stations, the metro is open from 5:30 am to 1:00 and conveniently serves every corner of the capital.  A multi-language system map (or plan du métro) can be easily obtained in any station.  More than 3.4 million passengers use the metro each day.   The system is famous for its Art Nouveau entry ways which were designed by Hector Guimaud and incorporated in 84 stations.  Over the years, many of the stations have been overhauled and re-decorated according to various themes.  This tradition began in 1967 when the Louvre station became an underground gallery resembling the museum itself, just above. 

Metro stations are extremely well marked.  But if you do not speak French, here are some tips which may help you navigate your way in the metro.  First, each line is known by both its number and two end-point stations.  To get to where you are going, simply look at a metro map and determine the direction in which you are traveling and the end point for that line.  (for example, M1 – Direction:La Défense)  Signs in each station will guide you to the correct platform for your train.  In the metro, all trains from any given platform serve all downward stations in that direction.

If there are multiple street exits at your stop, they will be indicated once you step off the train with blue SORTIE signs.  There will also be a local map (plan du quartier) on the platform to illustrate exactly where each exit leads.

Metro tickets cost 1.30 € a piece or 9.60 € for a book of ten.  Only one ticket is needed to reach any destination within the city limits (zone 1), regardless your of itinerary.

Instead of purchasing individual tickets, users may opt to buy passes which permit unlimited metro, RER and bus travel over a specified number of zones.  As a guideline, Zones 1-3 include Paris and immediate suburbs, a Zone 1-5 ticket includes the outer suburbs and both Orly and Charles-de-Gaulle airports.  A Zone 1-8 ticket provides access to other outlying areas.

For tourists, the Paris-Visite pass covers either 3, 5 or 8 zones and is valid for up to 5 consecutive days.  It also includes a number of visitor discounts for various sites and department stores.

The Mobilis Card is another practical and inexpensive option which provides unlimited, single-day use within Paris (Zone 1) and up to all 8 zones based on.  It does not include any special promotions or discounts.

If you wish, Absolu Living would be happy to obtain either of these passes in advance for you.  Simply include a request your initial reservation form and they will be waiting for you upon arrival.

The RER

RER (Réseau Express Régional) is the name for the 5 express subway lines which link with the Paris metro and provide service to the suburbs.  Each line of the RER has a letter designation; three of the lines (A, B and D) converge in the Châtelet-Les-Halles station in central Paris.  A metro ticket is valid on the RER for travel within Paris (Zone 1).  However, fares are higher to reach destinations outside of the city (such as airports) and an individual, destination-specific ticket must be purchased.           

Bus

There are 59 bus lines which complement the metro and RER networks.  In general, buses operate between 0630-2130.  Bus routes and stops in Paris are generally well-marked and easy to use.  In addition, buses provide visitors the opportunity to get a glimpse of monuments or neighborhoods that they otherwise would not see.  For instance, Line 72-Parc de St-Cloud makes a round-about tour of many well-known city monuments before heading off to the 16^th arrondissement and its western suburb terminus.

Night buses (Noctambus) operate between 0100 and 0530 once the last buses and metro stations are closed for the night.  Service is less frequent (every 30 minutes).  Many buses originate near Châtelet and carry passengers on main arteries through the city to outlying areas.  Stops served by Noctambus carry a special icon and logo.

Opentour is another option for visitors who wish to see the monuments of Paris by bus.  There are 3 different routes: Paris grand tour (2h), Madeleine-Montmartre (1h) and Bastille-Bercy (1h).  Unlimited 1- or 2-day passes are available.

For more information, visit their website at www.paris-opentour.com

To make things easier, Absolu Living can pre-arrange any of the tickets or passes mentioned above.  Simply note on your reservation form which passes you would like and we will have them waiting for you upon arrival.

Taxis

Fast, efficient and reasonably priced, taxis are another transportation alternative within the city.  An illuminated TAXI sign on the roof indicates that a taxi is available for hire.  Note that unlike other cities, Parisian taxis are not all the same shape or color.  The minimum charge is 5 € and there is a supplement if you have baggage.  Please note that it is extremely difficult to find a taxi Saturday nights between midnight and 2 am.