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Getting around Paris: your guide to a fluid stay

Whether you arrive solo, as a couple, with family or friends, Paris invites you to explore freely. The capital boasts one of Europe's finest public transport networks, complemented by many alternatives : self-service bikes, taxis, private chauffeurs. Extime Travel guides you through the practical essentials so you can move around with ease and savour the city at your own pace. 

The metro, the simplest way to cross the city

The Parisian metro densely connects every district of the capital, as well as many neighbouring towns of Île-de-France. With more than 300 stations across 16 lines, it remains the most popular option for residents and visitors alike. Affordable and reliable, it carries over 1.5 billion passengers each year.

Tickets can be bought individually, as a pack of 10, or in pass form. For a stay of several days, the Paris Visite pass (1 to 5 days) gives unlimited access. The Navigo pass, weekly or monthly, is well suited to longer stays. Pricing varies according to the zones travelled. 

The RER, to reach the wider region

The Regional Express Network is closely linked to the metro and lets you travel quickly across Paris and beyond, all the way to outlying destinations such as Fontainebleau or Versailles. Five lines, identified by a letter to avoid confusion with the metro, serve around 250 stations.

The Transilien complements the network with ten additional lines, covering 1300 kilometres of track and 383 stations. Standard tickets allow synchronised metro-RER trips, but be mindful of the zones you cross : a regular metro ticket may not always cover travel beyond zones 1 and 2. 

The bus, dense and overground

With more than 350 lines covering nearly 4000 kilometres, the Parisian bus network ranks among the most extensive in Europe. A bus stop is rarely far from your hotel or the monument you are visiting. Dedicated lanes help these vehicles avoid traffic.

For sightseeing, hop-on hop-off panoramic buses such as Open Tour or Big Bus offer a flexible way to discover Paris and its main landmarks at your own rhythm. 

The tramway, smooth and well-distributed

With ten lines (including the T3 split in two), the Île-de-France tramway network serves around 200 stations. Halfway between speed and comfort, it offers a pleasant alternative for crossing certain districts of Paris and the inner suburbs. Schedules vary by day and by line, so it is wise to check the timings of your chosen route in advance. 

The taxi or the private chauffeur, for fluid comfort

Almost 1800 taxis operate in Paris, ready to take you anywhere, day or night, including weekends and public holidays. You can hail one in the street, find one at a dedicated stand, or book through an app or call centre.

Private chauffeur services, accessible through dedicated applications, offer a similar and increasingly popular alternative. Although more expensive than public transport, these solutions guarantee fluid, restful travel, particularly on the way back to your hotel late at night, or for transfers from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly. 

Self-service bikes, freedom in the open air

Vélib' offers thousands of bicycles available across the city, both classic and electric. The dedicated cycle lanes have been considerably extended in recent years, making this a very pleasant way to cross Paris while admiring its boulevards and quays. 

Practical Information

Metro : 16 lines, more than 300 stations

RER : 5 lines covering Paris and Île-de-France

Tramway : 10 lines, around 200 stations

Bus : more than 350 lines, nearly 4000 km

Around 1800 official taxis available 24/7 

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