Information about transportation in Paris, France. Public transport of Paris

Transportation in Paris

The main transportation hub of France and continental Europe, Paris not only offers high-end air connections with virtually every country in the world, but also boasts an extensive national railway system and an impressive network of inner-city public transportation. That's why, although overpopulated and jammed with cars, Paris is well-prepared to help you move comfortably through the downtown area and between the city's main attractions.

Paris is easily accessible from nearly all the parts of the world by airway. At present, Paris is served by two large international airports, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (23 kilometres North-east of the city), and Orly (14 kilometres South of the city), which albeit quite large, face at times delays due to large numbers of travellers to handle. Both airports follow strict safety regulations which ensure passenger comfort and security. From Charles de Gaulle, you can reach the city by the Roissybus (frequency: every 15 minutes; fare: 8 EUR; travel time: 1 hour) or Air France coaches (frequency: every 20 minutes; fare: 11 EUR; travel time: about 50 minutes). From Orly Airport, the city can be reached by Orlybus (frequency: every 12 minutes; fare: from 8 to 15 EUR; travel time: 25 minutes), RER B and C trains (frequency: every 15 minutes, fare: from 9 to 17 EUR; travel time: 30 minutes). Otherwise, you can take a cab downtown, which will cost you about 40 EUR.

For those not fond of flying, there are other ways of arriving at Paris quickly and comfortably. From London, for example, Paris can by reached by Eurostar (www.eurostar.com), a train service that runs through the Channel Tunnel in less than three hours. From Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, the city is also accessible by means of a high-speed railway, which is quite comfortable and offers unforgettable views of northwester Europe.

RER

The RER is an express rail network, which is older than the regional rail and the modern subway system. It runs some 570 km of track, serves 246 stops, and has five lines coursing entirely underground. What's more, the RER has multiple connections with the Metro and is comprised of five interconnected lines. Line A runs from Saint-Germain-en-Laye to Boissy-Saint-Leger, with an extension to Disneyland. Line B goes from Robinson to the Charles de Gaulle airport. Line C connects Pontoise and Versailles and passes over the Seine via a curved bridge, the only one of its kind in Paris. Line D runs from Orry-la-Ville to Malesherbes, linking the Gare du Nord with the Gare de Lyon. Line E runs from Haussmann via Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord to the Northeastern suburbs. The usual magnetic public transport tickets are used.

Fare Type:	Who?	Price:	Validity:
Carnet	+ 12 years old	10.90 EUR	10 rides
Discounts	4-11 years old	50% off of all ticket types	works on all types of tickets
Monthly Carte Orange	+ 12 years old	51.50 EUR	30 days
One-day pass	+ 12 years old	5.50 EUR	24 hours
Regular ticket	+ 12 years old	1.40 EUR	1 ride
Weekly Carte Orange	+ 12 years old	15.70 EUR	7 days

Bus

Bus lines constitute the most extensive means of public transport in Paris. Driving along the 58 routes, Parisian buses will take you to almost any place within city limits and some closest suburban locations as well. Importantly, Parisian buses run by reserved lanes, which are isolated from the traffic and congestions. The same tickets as for the metro are used. Probably the best deal is to buy the daily Mobilis Card (available for 5.50 EUR), which provides access to all public transportation in the city. Single tickets are to be validated once you are on the bus; passes do not require validation (instead they have to be shown to the driver). Buses generally operate from 5:30 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. Night buses are available on a couple of routes.

Fare Type:	Who?	Price:	Validity:
Carnet	+ 12 years old	10.90 EUR	10 rides
Discounts	4-11 years old	50% off of all ticket types	works on all types of tickets
Monthly Carte Orange	+ 12 years old	51.50 EUR	30 days
One-day pass	+ 12 years old	5.50 EUR	24 hours
Regular ticket	+ 12 years old	1.40 EUR	1 ride
Weekly Carte Orange	+ 12 years old	15.70 EUR	7 days

Taxi

There are some 470 taxi stands in Paris, all marked with a characteristic “Taxi”sign written in white on a blue background. Taxi stands are usually located on the corners of lager streets, nearby airports and railway stations, and close to official buildings. It is not uncommon to hail a driving taxi when it is not occupied. A typical fare includes an initial fee plus a per-kilometre charge. You will also have to pay additionally for a fourth or fifth passenger, luggage or pets, as well as for a pick-up (for the distance covered to your location). Fares are higher at night (7 P.M. - 7 A.M.), on Sundays and holidays.

Fare Type:	Who?	Price:	Validity:
Minimum fare	All	5.50 EUR	the fare has to be paid
Rate A	All	0.77 EUR/km	10am – 5pm weekdays
Rate B	All	1.09 EUR/km	5pm – 10am weekdays
Rate C	All	1.31 EUR/km	Midnight - 7am, Sundays and holidays.

Car

Car is probably the least efficient means of transport in Pairs. The traffic here is slow and parking space is scarce and expensive (fare: 2 EUR/hour). Meters work only with parking cards (cartes de stationnement) available at tobacconists for 10, 20 or 30 EUR. Underground parking lots are available in the city centre. Parking regulations are enforced strictly, and any illegally parked car is likely to be towed. Waiting is permitted only up to 15 minutes. Parking is free only on Sundays. There are however numerous gas stations. You are likely to buy your fuel cheaper in stations near hypermarkets and in the Peripherique chain, which have the added benefit of being open round the clock.

Fare Type:	Who?	Price:	Validity:
Parking	All drivers	2 EUR	1 Hour
Parking card A	All drivers	10 EUR	24 hours
Parking card B	All drivers	20 EUR	48 hours
Parking card C	All drivers	30 EUR	72 hours