Editor’s note: This article was originally published on September 1, 2018, and has been updated to include additional reporting.
One of the best things about exploring Paris is that you never know what you’ll stumble upon. Curiosity could lead travelers on an adventure to secret staircases that reveal art from nearby studios and even the natural landscape, thanks to the famous ivy-covered walls. Venture through the alleys for cozy cafes and boutique shops, or head to experience the local favorites tourists rarely find in Little Africa. Travelers can also take the tourist route and visit the Parisian highlights, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe.
With so much to do, eat, see, and explore, the hardest part can be figuring out the best way to get around. There are so many ways to navigate Paris. The best mode of transportation depends on your Paris bucket list.
Navigating the City of Light becomes easier once you understand the neighborhoods. Paris is divided into 20 administrative districts, called arrondissements. The arrondissements spiral clockwise from the city center, numbered 1 through 20. Each one has its own character. The 1st arrondissement is home to the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and the Palais Royal. The 7th arrondissement is home to the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Les Invalides. Paris’s African community, a cultural hub, is centered in the 18th arrondissement.
Now that you have the basics, here are the best ways for getting around Paris.
Paris Metro Train
The Paris Metro is the easiest and most convenient way to get around. The Paris Metro has over 300 stations across 16 lines. Metro lines are numbered from 1 through 14, with two secondary lines, 3bis and 7bis. First, download the map before your trip. This will make it easier to follow up-to-date real-time information.
The train runs from 5:30 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, the train operates until about 2:15 a.m. A standard single Metro-Train-RER ticket costs €2.55 ($2.95). Use the RATP route planner to create your travel itinerary.
Any train within Paris city limits will accept a Zone 1 + 2 ticket. Buying a pass will save you money if you plan to spend a lot of time in Paris. If some of your trip involves time outside city limits, tickets will cost more. For example, if you plan to go to La Défense, Versailles, or Disney Paris, that is considered outside city limits.
Note: The metro alone does not get you to and from the airports. You need the RER system.
The Paris Regional (RER) Train Network
The Réseau Express Régional is a 5-line rapid transit and commuter rail with fewer stops and greater distances, including both airports. You can use this service interchangeably with the Metro in central Paris. A single RER ticket is €2.55 ($2.95). It’s valid for two hours of continuous travel and transfers within the rail network. Operating daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1:40 a.m., the RER connects to Disneyland Paris, the Palace of Versailles, and several other nearby attractions.
Paris City Bus Network
More than 60 bus lines run through Paris and its suburbs. Buses are much slower, but they’re a great way to sightsee if you have time. The bus lines run from 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. daily, with night service via Noctilien. A single fare costs €2.05 ($2.37), making it one of the cheapest ways to sightsee in the city.
Note: the Paris City Bus and tram networks, as well as Metro Line 14, are fully accessible. Lines A and B of the RER (commuter rail) network are also accessible.
Velib Bicycles
Consider renting an electric bike for exploring Paris. Velib is a self-service bicycle sharing program. Bikes are available throughout Paris 24/7. A one-way trip is €3 for 45 minutes, while a 24-hour pass is €5 for a classic bike and €10 for an electric bike. The 3-day pass is €20.
Walking
Since Paris is a pedestrian-friendly city, the best way to discover the city is on foot — and it’s free. Walking will let you stumble upon off-the-grid attractions, art, and shops.
Paris Je T’aime’s official app is available for free. It offers useful info and an interactive map with geolocation to help navigate one of the most iconic cities in the world.
