Getting around in Paris

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Paris is well equipped in the area of public transport, which is administered by the state owned company RATP. The easiest way to get around Paris is by the metro (subway) which runs daily from 5:30am-12:30am. Transportation maps are available at subway stations. Tickets can be purchased singly or in books of 10. They are available at the stations and from tobacconists and must be validated before boarding.

Map of the Paris Metro system
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It is also necessary to have the ticket available at the end of the journey. The best buy is a Paris Viste ticket which is valid for 1-5 days and can be used interchangeably on the subway, bus and rail service to some destinations. Buses run daily from 6:30am-8:30pm.

The RER (Réseau Express Régional) suburban express network has five lines (A, B, C and D) covering five zones and running from 0500-0000. The system is linked by the métro network and some SNCF trains.

For information in English: 08 36 68 41 14.

A special tourist bus(the Balabus) operates on Sundays and holidays from April-September, circling the main tourist sites.

From May-September the Batobus takes passengers on sight seeing trips on the Seine. This boat runs between the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame daily from 10-7 with stops at the main attractions: 01 44 11 33 44.
Taxis can be hailed from the street or from one of the 470 stands around the city. An illuminated light on the roof indicates that the cab is available.

Car Hire

Like any big city, Paris is not easy to drive around, or find parking in. However there are plenty of car rental firms in the city, and you can book one from our website. Read more on hiring a car

Related pages:

Maps of Paris previous: getting to Paris | next: car hire in Paris

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