Paris has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, ideal for tourists who want to explore the city. Whether you’re planning to get lost in its historic alleys, admire world-famous artwork, or simply enjoy a croissant at a city café, Paris’s public transport can take you anywhere you want to go, smoothly and conveniently.
Below, we’ll introduce you to the most common means of transportation in Paris. We’ll also share tips on the city’s main transportation services and ways to save money on getting around.
We’ll cover private transportation, public transport options, and ways to save if you plan to stay in Paris for several days and will be using transport regularly.
Let’s explore each option:
Private Transportation in Paris
The best transportation in Paris for tourists includes the following:
Transfer to Eurodisney
With this transfer service to Eurodisney, you’ll be comfortably transported from any of Paris’s main airports. You’ll save time since it’s much faster than taking the RER train—a hassle-free way to avoid delays, waiting, and confusion on your journey.
Nothing is easier than a private transfer from the airport (or anywhere in Paris) to your hotel at Disneyland. If you want a straightforward option, this is your best choice. Fast, comfortable, and you can even buy your entry ticket online along with the transfer.
Ticket and bus transfer from Paris to Versailles. This is the best way to skip long waiting lines with priority access and transport from Opéra Garnier. Everything is arranged for you, from transport to entry access.
If you’re considering multiple trips within Paris, a public transport pass may help you save money, especially for longer stays. Also, for major attractions outside central Paris, such as Versailles or Disneyland, private transfers offer extra comfort and efficiency.
Airport to Hotel Transfer (and vice versa)
Private transfers in Paris. The fastest and most comfortable way to get from the airport to your hotel. No waiting, no lines, and a car just for you and your travel companions. They also offer a service to take you from your hotel back to the airport.
Public Transportation
The metro is the best way to get around the city center. With numerous lines and frequent trains, it’s the most popular transportation method for Parisians and the most convenient way to see the French capital.
Bus
A good, affordable alternative to the metro for getting around Paris. Short journeys are often quick, and you get the added bonus of sightseeing as you travel from one place to another.
Taxi
Taxis in Paris are the best way to get from one specific location to another quickly, especially if you’d rather not walk. Taxis are commonly used for trips to places like Versailles. You can hail them on the street, call them by phone, or book them using a mobile app.
Paris’s extensive suburban train network (known as the RER) is perfect for reaching locations outside the city center, like the Palace of Versailles or Eurodisney. The RER is an affordable and quick way to explore areas around Paris.
Tram
Several tram lines operate in areas farther from central Paris, serving as a metro alternative. They’re especially useful for connecting different points in the suburbs that aren’t well-linked by other transport. There are three lines: T1, T2, and T3.
Tourist Transport Options
This tour lets you explore Paris at your own pace. It’s a fun and comfortable way to move through the streets, glide past some of the city’s most famous monuments, and enjoy a unique experience.
Taking a relaxing boat cruise on the Seine is a simple and very popular activity for tourists. You’ll also have an expert historian on board to guide you, sharing the city’s history and fascinating details along the way.
Explore Paris at your own pace, comfortably and conveniently, with a ticket for the L’Opentour tourist bus, valid for 1, 2, or 3 days. You can travel between the city’s most interesting landmarks. A private minibus rental is also available in Paris.
With this private minibus service, you can explore any part of the city with a group of friends or family in a unique way. Enjoy a 4-hour guided tour, one of the best options for getting around Paris or visiting Disneyland.
One of the best ways to explore Paris is by bicycle, as the city is mostly flat. This tour allows you to see the most important monuments with a local guide (who speaks Spanish) on a route that lasts about 3 hours.
Saving Money on Transportation in Paris
This discount card is used by millions of tourists visiting Paris. For stays of 3 or 4 days, it’s a great way to save money if you enjoy visiting museums, monuments, and moving around the city. Plus, it doubles as a transportation card in Paris.
If you’re spending several days in Paris and plan to visit cultural sites like museums, take a Seine cruise, or see iconic places like the Eiffel Tower, this discount card is highly recommended. It’s available for durations from 2 to 6 days.
Moving around Paris is an essential part of the Parisian experience, as it’s a large city with many fascinating sights to see.
Whether you take the metro, enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine, or discover the city from a bus, each mode of transport offers a unique perspective on this vibrant city.
With a bit of planning, you can explore Paris affordably, so I hope this guide has helped you choose the best way to get around for each part of your trip.