Public Transport in Paris
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Paris Metro The Paris Metro is one of the oldest and one of the best metro systems in the world, with 16 lines that traverse the city. It's a reliable and quick way to get around, offering a great alternative to surface-level traffic which can often be congested.
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Buses There are multiple bus lines operating in Paris, including daytime buses, Noctilien (night) buses, and even sightseeing buses. The bus network is very extensive and complements the metro service by reaching out to parts of Paris the metro does not serve.
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RER Trains The RER (Réseau Express Régional) is a regional train network that connects central Paris with the outer suburbs. There are five lines (A to E) that serve different parts of the city and region. The RER is an excellent option if you need to travel greater distances quickly, like to get to Disneyland or the Palace of Versailles.
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Trams Paris has a network of trams that serve the outer suburbs and some sites of interest such as La Villette and the Bois de Vincennes.
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Bikes Paris has an extensive network of bike paths and a popular bike-sharing program called Velib’.
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Boat Services Several companies offer boat services along the River Seine, and these trips usually include sightseeing tours past some of Paris' most iconic landmarks.
Travel Tips
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Navigo Decouverte Pass If you're going to be in Paris for a week or more, consider buying a Navigo Decouverte pass. It's a weekly travel card that gives you unlimited travel on the metro, RER, bus and tram networks within Paris and its suburbs.
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Mobile Apps Download mobile apps such as RATP, Citymapper, or Google Maps for the most accurate and current public transportation routes and schedules.
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Safety Paris is generally safe, but like any large city, it can have issues with pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the metro. Always keep an eye on your belongings.
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Etiquette Remember to offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or anyone who might need it more than you on public transportation.
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Accessibility Most of the metro stations and buses are wheelchair accessible but some older stations are not, so check beforehand if you have special needs.
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Tourist Information There are Paris Tourist Information centers located at all main arrival points in the city, where maps and information about public transport options can be found.