8 Best Means of Public Transport to Explore Paris, France

Navigating Paris’s public transport system can feel overwhelming, but with the right guide, you’ll move around the City of Light like a local. As someone who has explored Paris Métro, RER trains, buses, and even trams, I can tell you firsthand that understanding the system saves time, money, and stress.

Paris boasts one of the most efficient public transportation networks in the world, operated primarily by RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens). Whether you’re hopping on the Métro to see the Eiffel Tower, catching an RER train to Disneyland Paris, or taking a scenic Seine River cruise, knowing how to navigate fares, zones, and passes is essential.

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In this guide, I’ll break down ticket options like the Navigo Pass, Paris Visite, and single-use T+ tickets, helping you choose the best one for your itinerary. I’ll also cover insider tips on avoiding rush-hour crowds, saving money, and using apps like Citymapper and Île-de-France Mobilités to plan routes seamlessly.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the Louvre, how to ride the Noctilien night buses, and even where to find bike and scooter rentals. Let’s dive into the ultimate Paris public transport guide.

Best Means of Public Transport to Explore Paris

1. Metro: the easiest and fastest way to get around Paris

The Paris Metro system has 16 lines that connect the city , and is the fastest way to get around. From the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre , the Metro takes you to every corner of Paris .

However, I recommend that if you are travelling alone, you do not travel on the metro too late, because some lines may not be entirely safe (such as 4, 5, 7, 13). The metro usually runs from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The metro ticket costs €2.5.

Paris public transport passes

I highly recommend that you purchase a weekly pass to move freely around the city without limits. There is the Navigo card , with different offers for trips, weeks and months .

Navigo Weekly Card . The card must be purchased and costs €5 . The weekly pass is valid from Monday to Sunday and costs an extra €30 . It works for all means of transport in the region ( metro, bus, tram, airport transfer, RER , Disneyland Paris, Versailles ).

You must include your photo and your name (if there is a checkpoint, even if you have your card with your current pass, without the photo or your details, fines start at €35).

Navigo Easy Card . This card has a value of €2 and you can load journeys onto it, just like individual tickets, but on a single card . Tickets can be purchased through the “ Bonjour RATP ” app. Loading this card is cheaper than buying individual tickets.

2. Bus: “Visibly” and quickly getting around Paris

If you prefer to explore the city and enjoy its sights, Parisian buses are an excellent option. They often complement the metros well and run until later (the “ Noctilien “ run all night, but not all lines).

Metro tickets and Navigo passes are valid . You can buy your ticket on the bus by paying in cash with small change.

3. RER Trains: Ideal if you are staying far from the center of Paris

The RER ( Réseau Express Régional ) is a train network that connects Paris with its suburbs/outskirts . Ideal for reaching destinations outside the city centre, the RER is fast and efficient . It is also useful for reaching Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports .

Services end earlier than the metro , around 11:00 p.m. / midnight.

4. Tour Paris by bike: Perfect for sportsmen and eco-conscious people

Paris is an ideal city to explore by bike due to the number of cycle paths and signage that facilitates movement. Anto does live events from the bike in Paris all the time.

The city-wide bike rental system run by Vélib’ offers very affordable passes for both mechanical and electric bikes. There are also companies like Tiers, Lime or Uber that offer on-demand rentals by the minute.

You will need to have internet access to manage it from the app and enter your credit card . It usually costs €1 to unlock the bike and then you will be charged between €0.25 and €0.40 per minute of travel until you park the bike in an authorized parking lot (they appear on the map in the app).

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5. Walk around Paris: the best way to get to know the city

Paris is a city for walking. You discover it as you go, its sights, layouts, and lots of beautiful architecture emerge within walking distance . Bring some good tennis shoes and head out onto the cobblestone streets, grab a coffee, or do some shopping.

6. Travel by boat on the Seine River from Paris

Explore Paris from the water via boats that cruise along the Seine. Sightseeing cruises offer panoramic views of the city, passing by the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and other iconic landmarks.

7. Getting around Paris with Uber

Uber application comes in handy, especially when you finish dinner very late and/or there is bad weather and the hotel is not very close.

There are some alternatives like freenow that work very well too and it is important that you enter your credit card so that it is debited directly and you do not suffer misunderstandings (some driver trying to charge more).

8. Private transportation in Paris

It is also a very popular alternative in Paris . There are many options and a lot of demand from families who want to plan their trips. Have a driver available to take you on guided tours to go to your favorite restaurants, shopping , etc.

Additional Tips

Transportation Passes: Consider purchasing a public transportation pass to save money and simplify your travels.
Timetables: Public transport in Paris is punctual, but be aware of the timetables, especially at night.

In short, getting around Paris is as charming as the city itself. Whether you choose the metro for speed, the bus to take in the sights, or the bike for an active experience, each mode of transportation in Paris has its own unique charm. Get ready to explore the City of Light in whatever way suits you best.