Getting Around Paris

By REBECCA KELLY

Being the capital and largest city in France, travelling around Paris may seem slightly daunting if you are a first-time visitor. The Paris transport system however is one of the most efficient in the world and finding your way between attractions, hotels and shops is an easy process.

Having arrived at the city and dropped off your luggage, the bright lights of Paris will allure you to explore the city immediately. Here’s the best ways to do so:

Metro System

Undergrounds are not a favourite choice with non-city lovers however the Paris metro system is renowned for being organised and reliable. This simple and economic system is made up of 14 lines, 380 stations, and more than 130 miles of track and is open from 5.00am to 12:30am.

To travel on the Metro, tickets can be bought from any of the stations, tourist offices and some tobacconists.

Buses

A bonus of travelling around Paris on a bus is you can do some sightseeing on your journey whilst absorbing the city’s atmosphere. The bus network operates between 6.30am to 8.30pm with some routes continuing until 12.30am.

All of the bus routes are numbered and maps are easily available. The same ticket can be used for both the metro and for buses.

RER Trains

There are six major rail stations in Paris where trains can be caught to Paris’ suburbs and outwards to other European cities. There are five train lines A through to E that run from 5.30am to 12.30am.

The same metro and bus tickets can be used to ride the trains until the train reaches the outskirts of Paris, supplementary fares are then charged.

Taxis

Unlike other larger cities, it is easier to find a taxi rank than it is to hail a car in the street. The lighting on a taxi roof indicates whether it is busy or not; white is available, orange is not. Travelling by taxi in Paris is a fairly inexpensive way of getting around, make sure however that the meter is operating correctly to avoid having to haggle with the driver to agree a fare.

Boat

A memorable experience of travelling from A to B in Paris is to do so by Batobus on the River Seine. This runs between the Quau de l’Hotel de Ville and the Eiffel Tower and is open between April and October.

Various companies around Paris offer river cruises, however these are much more a sightseeing activity as opposed to getting around the city.

Most major hotels in Paris are located within walking distance of some form of public transport to ensure you are in easy reach of all the top attractions this wonderful city has to offer.

Rebecca Kelly works for Simonseeks.com, the world’s first website to offer comprehensive, up-to-date information and independent advice for travellers across a range of destinations such as the top-rated hotels in Paris and the best restaurants in New York.