How to get around Paris: Navigating like a pro

Paris is a city made for walking, but the efficient and well-connected public transportation system makes it a pretty great way to get around the city, too.

Here’s our guide to the best ways to get around Paris that will have you navigating the city like a pro.

Best for: Discovering hidden gems

One of the best ways to get around Paris' districts, or arrondissements, is by walking. Regardless of where you are staying, its charming and compact neighborhoods are perfect for exploring on foot. Unearth hidden corners, streets, and quaint Parisian cafes, and immerse yourself in the architecture, history, and magical vibe of the city.

If you’re staying in the city center, you’re in luck—many of the famous attractions are within walking distance. Join a walking tour of Paris and explore must-see sights like the Champs-Élysées, Moulin Rouge, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Walking is also a great way to explore the city’s parks and boulevards. Check out our 2-day itinerary of Paris that’s perfect for sightseeing on foot. Make sure you’re dressed for the weather though—it gets chilly from December through March.

Best for: Traveling in and out of the city, fast

If you are venturing outside the city center, you might want to rely on the Paris Metro, which runs 16 extensive routes throughout the city. The system connects over 300 stations, which means that you’re never really far from a metro station.

Keep a look out for the ‘Metro’ or ‘M’ signage, usually located near major intersections or spots like the Notre Dame Cathedral. With various transportation mobile apps available—like Paris Metro Map and Routes—you can easily plan your metro routes on the go and receive real-time journey updates.

The Réseau Express Régional (RER) train line complements the Metro and connects the city center to nearby suburbs and neighboring regions. If you intend to visit out-of-town attractions like Disneyland Paris and the Palace of Versailles, we recommend you take the RER.

Depending on your length of stay and how frequently you’ll be using public transportation, there are various types of tickets and passes available on both train systems. With ticket prices as low as $1.90, the Metro is the cheapest way to get around the city. To find out more, here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about traveling by metro in Paris.

Best for: Enjoying the views while on the move

You’ll see much more of the city's attractions and neighborhoods while on a bus. Buses are also more accessible—no metro station stairs to climb!—but their routes can be less intuitive and journeys slower.

Get your bus ticket from ticketing counters or vending machines at any subway station, or directly from the bus driver—though for an extra $0.20. Just note that these tickets can’t be used on other transportation systems.

You can get all the information you need at each bus stop—waiting times, first and last service times, and route maps. Some even have charging ports for your mobile devices!

Plan ahead though—Paris’ roads often see heavy traffic during peak hours, making it difficult to get seats and causing unexpected delays that could affect your itinerary. But don’t worry if you’ve missed the last bus or train, the Noctilien makes sure that you still have a way to get home. This night bus service has four lines, each of them operating from midnight until 5 a.m.

Bus tours are also a great way to tour the capital and take in the wonders of Paris, especially if you’re traveling with children or seniors. The Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off Tour features open-top, double-decker buses that allow you to explore the city’s main attractions at your own time.

Best for: Comfort

A private taxi is a hassle-free option for travelers who value comfort above all, especially for those traveling with kids or the elderly. Taxi fares are calculated based on distance traveled, with the minimum fare starting from $7.10. A trip from the 1st arrondissement to the Eiffel Tower will cost you about $9.90. Tip: Use this taxi fare calculator before your ride.

You can call a taxi or hail one at any taxi stand located all over the city or book a ride with apps like G7 TAXI, which allows you to choose your vehicle of choice and pay via contactless methods. Just make sure the taxi is a licensed one before boarding—look out for the “Taxi Parisien” roof sign, meter, and a badge with the driver’s license number.

You can also get an Uber; the fares are competitive with official taxis (sometimes cheaper), and drivers are usually available almost immediately.

Best for: Active and eco-conscious travelers

Paris has a large network of cycle lanes along the main roads, quays, and little streets, making it an economical and environmentally-friendly way to get around and explore areas that are typically inaccessible by car. These lanes are clearly marked with white lines and bicycle symbols and are designed to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

You can rent a bike from various bike rental services available, with the biggest one being Velib Metropole. The cost of renting a Velib bike depends on the subscription tier and type of pass. Under the free V Libre subscription, rental starts from $1 for every 30 minutes.

Cruise through Paris’ alleyways at your own time or sign up for guided bike tours. There are cycling tours to explore the city like a local, pedal through the City of Lights at night and uncover stories off the beaten track. Some tours offer electric bikes for you to zip through the city.

Best for: Scenic views on the Paris waterfront

Take a break from the hubbub of the city and sail down the Seine River on a boat.

With the Batobus boat cruise, you’re free to hop on and off as often as you like and sightsee at your own pace and comfort. The river bus glides past well-known Paris sights such as the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower.

The boat runs every 20 to 30 minutes depending on the season and tickets are available at any of the Batobus stops, starting at $20. There are usually online-exclusive prices offered as well, so make sure to pre-book your tickets.

When the sun sets in the capital and the city lights glow, hop on a romantic dinner cruise under the stars as you sail past Paris’ most picturesque landmarks.

To get from Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) to the city center of Paris, you can take the RER B train. These express trains run every 10 minutes between the airport and the city center, including the Gare du Nord. A one-way trip will set you back $11.40, making it a great option if you’re on a budget.

Private airport transfers are another great and convenient option, with everything arranged for you prior to your arrival. Some companies offer private shuttles too, transporting passengers directly to attractions like La Vallee Village and Parc Asterix.

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