Bus
Paris has a extensive bus network and is a great way to see some Paris sights, but you can be stuck in traffic a lot! All buses run from Monday morning to Saturday evening and many run on Sundays and public holidays. Buses run from 5.30 a.m. until 8.30 p.m. and many go on until 0.30 a.m. At night the special Noctilien lines (night buses) take over.
Metro & RER Commuter Train
The Paris Metro (Underground) is extensive and the fastest way to get around the city. The Metro line is identified by a number. It runs from around 5am to 1.15am (plus one additional hour on Saturday night). The RER Commuter Train (Underground & overground) travels not only in the city but also to the suburbs. It has 5 train lines identified by letters A, B, C, D, E. It runs from around 5am to 1.30am. Metro maps will normally include both Metro and RER routes.
The same ticket can be used on both the Metro and RER, including connecting between them, but extra fare is needed when travelling to the suburbs! (The same ticket is also valid for buses, but you cannot use the same ticket to make connections between buses and the Metro/RER)
Taxi
You can hail a taxi in the street or find one at a taxi rank, particularly at train stations and tourist spots. Paris Taxis are no more expensive than normal European prices.
Tickets
You can buy single tickets, but it is probably cheaper to buy a carnet (book of 10 tickets) if you intend on using public transport a lot. The same ticket can be used on buses, Metro and RER. One can obtain a bus only ticket from the driver (which must be validated on a machine on the bus). You cannot buy metro or carnet tickets from bus drivers - only from stations!
Single Ticket (ticket t+) : 1.60 euro
Carnet of 10 tickets: 11.40 euro
You can buy 1 to 5 days 'Paris Visite' pass starting from 8.80 euro for zones 1 -3, valid for unlimited rides and discount entrance fees for certain attractions.
Normal, day, Weekly passes and monthly passes are also available.
External Links
www.ratp.fr
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