Paris is a beautiful city, one of the most visited in the world. It’s also one that can be difficult to navigate without speaking French. The good news is that there are many ways to get around Paris without speaking the language.
Whether you’re visiting Paris for a day or staying for weeks, there are many ways to get from point A to point B. Here are some of the best options for getting around the city!
1. Hire A Private Driver
Hiring a private driver is one of the best ways to see all that Paris has to offer. There are many benefits to hiring a private driver. First, they’ll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or apartment. This eliminates the hassle of taking public transportation or taxis.
Also, most companies provide comfortable rides for long periods without feeling cramped. They also have air conditioning and heat if needed.
A pro car service Paris driver can also help with other activities besides driving you around. Many companies offer tours around the city, including visiting landmarks and museums. At the same time, they drive your group around in their sedans, vans, or other luxury vehicles.
The tour guides can also recommend places to eat or drink, along with providing historical information about the city and its culture. So, it’s like having an interpreter who knows everything there is to know about France.
2. Take The Metro
The Metro is one of the best ways to get around the city. It’s cheap, fast, and efficient, and it goes everywhere! There are more than 300 metro stations in Paris, so there’s bound to be one nearby wherever you’re staying.
There are several different types of tickets available:
- Tickets purchased from machines at stations
- Single tickets purchased from ticket windows at stations
- Mobilis, which provides unlimited travel on the Metro, bus, tram, and other train services within the specified zones for a day
If you plan on staying for a day, buying a Mobilis pass is worth it because it’ll save you money in the long run. Finally, beware of pickpockets!
3. Ride The City Buses
The bus system in Paris is extensive and efficient. It’s also the best way to get around the city if you don’t want to rely on taxis, which can be costly if you’re traveling with a group of people.
The buses are run by Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP), the same company that runs the Metro system, and a single ride costs about EUR€1.90 (about USD$2). There are two different types of buses: city buses and express routes.
City buses make all stops along their route, while express routes bypass specific stops to quickly get passengers from one place to another. Both buses accept tickets purchased at kiosks or ticket machines near bus stops.
4. Get On The RER Trains
The Réseau Express Régional (RER) system is a network of suburban train lines that make up the Paris public transportation system. The RER trains are a great way to get around Paris.
Not only do they go to all the major attractions and neighborhoods, but they also go out to many of the suburbs and surrounding areas. If you want to get out of the city but still stay close enough to take advantage of all it offers, you might consider staying in one of these areas.
The RER system is divided into five lines: A, B, C, D, and E. Each line has several branches or sub-lines, identified by numbers (e.g. A1 to A4) to distinguish between them. These sub-lines run on the same track as the main RER lines but serve different terminus stations and stops.
5. Consider Walking
Walking is an excellent way to get around Paris. The city is compact and has a great subway system and efficient buses. But something about walking makes you feel like you’re a part of the city. You’ll see things on foot that you wouldn’t usually notice on a tour bus or the Metro.
Walking allows you to stop and look in shop windows, take pictures, and breathe in all the sights and sounds of Paris. Depending on where you walk, you’ll also get to know certain parts of the city better than others. In some parts of town, walking is slower than taking the Metro or bus, but in other areas, it’s faster.
Takeaway
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. All these options can get you from point A to point B in no time, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a few modes of transportation when you’re in Paris for the first time. Have a wonderful trip!
