Best Ways to Get Around Paris with Ease
Your Guide to Getting Around the City
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What is the #1 Best Way to get around Paris?
The Metro
The most cost-effective and convenient mode of transportation we discovered in Paris was the Metro, the city’s subway system.
To enter the Metro system, you’ll need a ticket. We found the ticket machines to be very accessible in most stations and easy to use. Regardless of the ticket type, including travel passes, you insert it into an automatic barrier. Once validated, the barrier allows you to pass through. In the Metro, you can use a single ticket to make transfers between lines within the Metro system as long as you remain underground.
Navigating the metro was pretty easy. We relied on Apple Maps, which simplified finding stations and planning our route. There are other apps for route planning but Apple Maps proved to be easier (and didn’t come with ads!). The main drawback was the occasional crowding and the need to stay vigilant for pickpockets. All in all, it was a generally positive experience.
Are Ubers and Taxis Good in Paris?
Both Taxis and Ubers in Paris are easy and convenient but can be expensive. While taxis are nice and comfortable, they come at a steep price.
Uber was another option too and my Uber ride seemed more affordable. Taxis and Ubers were good when I was alone and had to switch hotels (and if you have young children). The metro does close after 12:45 am on weekdays and 1:45 am on Fridays & Saturdays leaving a Taxi or Uber as your only option.
What is the Cheapest Way to Get Around Paris?
By Foot
I walked a lot in Paris and found it to be the best way to see the city. If you stay in an attraction-heavy part of the city, walking is the best mode of transportation. I walked over 20,000 steps in one day there but it was worth it. Using Apple Maps I was able to navigate around on foot pretty easily.
Is the Bus a Reliable Option?
The bus is a bit slower than the metro, but it takes you on pretty routes and runs for a longer time. Buses usually go from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Some keep going until 12:30 a.m. After that, there’s the Noctilien night bus system. It has four lines and runs until around 4 a.m.
Click here for information on how to get tickets
Are there Guided Bus Tours Available in Paris?
Yes, and a guided bus tour is a unique way to get around and see the sites of Paris. Several tour options are available, providing a great opportunity to have an expert guide take you to the sites. Additionally, there are hop-on-hop-off tours, allowing you to get in and out to see the sites easily.
Paris: Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Discovery Bus Tour
Paris: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours with Optional Cruise
Seine River Cruise
Another enjoyable way to explore and see numerous sites around Paris is by taking a boat tour on the Seine River. My husband experienced one at night with his company and had the opportunity to admire various landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame.
Paris: 1-Hour River Seine Cruise
Paris: Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise
2-Hour Paris Cruise Seine River Experience with Champagne
Is Public Transportation Safe in Paris?
Paris is known for its overall safety, we even rode the Metro into the night. However, it’s essential to be cautious of pickpockets. A nice man on the Metro even warned us about this. Ensure your valuables are securely stored, avoiding pockets or loosely held purses and backpacks. By taking precautions against pickpocketing, you can enjoy the city at any hour with peace of mind.
Click here to learn how to avoid pickpockets.
Click here for my anti-theft bag review.
