How to Get Around Paris France

Your pilot nailed the landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you were able to collect all of your bags from the baggage carousel and clear customs within twenty minutes, and you had no problem catching the RER train from the airport to the St. Michel station. Now you find yourself standing there with your luggage, thinking to yourself, “Hmm. I sure wish I knew how to get around Paris, France.”

How to Get Around Paris, France by Car

Car rentals in Paris, France are certainly a possibility, but it is fair to say that it is a possibility that you should try to avoid. Driving the Paris streets is not very complicated, but the traffic is ridiculous. Rent a car only if you absolutely have to, or if Paris is the beginning of a long road trip through France. Because if you’re going on a road trip, you’ll certainly need a set of wheels.

How to Get Around Paris, France by Taxi

Essentially, knowing how to get around Paris, France, doesn’t really have to concern you at all. If you are there to see the sights (point A) and eat the food (point B), why be bogged down with how to get from point A to point B? Let a taxi driver do it. There are just two problems with taxis in Paris: 1) You may end up sitting in that traffic that you were warned about in the last paragraph and 2) It ain’t cheap. You’ll start with a starting fee of about $2.90, and the rate per kilometer ranges from approximately $1.15 to roughly $1.85, depending on the time of day. Plus, there are additional fees for each suitcase you have, and you are expected to tip the cabbie 10 to 15 percent. This is more expensive than a cab in NYC, but if you’ve got the dough, go for it!

How to Get Around Paris, France by Metro

The Metro, or subway, is by far the easiest way to get around and see all of the Paris, France attractions. The Paris Metro is one of the world’s oldest subway systems, and is said to transport approximately 4.5 million passengers every day. A Metro ticket will cost you around $2.00, but if you will be using the Metro regularly during your stay, it is wise to purchase a pack of ten tickets, called a carnet, for about $15.40.

How to Get Around Paris, France by Boat

Operating between the months of April and October, the Batobus is a riverboat shuttle service that runs along the Seine, stopping at the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, St.-Germaine-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardins des Plantes, Hôtel de Ville, The Louvre and Champs-Élysées: some of the best sights that Paris France tourism has to offer. A one-day pass for the Batobus runs just under $17.00.

How to Get Around Paris, France by Foot

Grab a map and just do it. From one side to the other, Paris is only about six miles across, so covering the City of Lights by foot is definitely an option. Just don’t forget to pack those comfortable walking shoes.

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