How to Get Around Paris Without a Car
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I do not recommend renting a car unless you are familiar with driving in downtown Paris – it’s crazy! The traffic, fast driving, and narrow streets can be overwhelming if you’re not used to it.
I mostly took Uber, taxis, or public transportation. It’s a huge city, so which you choose kind of just depends on where you’re at.
Public transportation is the cheapest option, but it was nice to get an Uber or Taxi after a long day and not wanting to try to navigate back to our accommodations.
Alternative Transportation Options in Paris
Public Transportation
Navigating Paris’s public transportation system can be a bit complicated at first.
We were standing at the entrance of the subway, trying to use the ticket machines and someone came up to us an was like “umm do you need help?” What a guy!
But we realized you can skip the machines all together.
RATP is the transportation operator in Paris. This will include subways, buses, RER, SNCF and trams. You’ll want to download the RATP app to buy tickets and see all public transportation routes in real time. You’ll be able purchase single tickets (called “T+ tickets”) for around €2.15 each (as of 2024) and travel passes.
The city is broken out into 5 Zones. You’ll primarily be traveling within Zones 1-3 is you’re staying near the city city center. You’ll likely venture out of those Zones if you plan on visiting Versaille in Zone 4 or Disneyland Paris in Zone 5
I recommend getting the Paris Visite travel pass for unlimited travel on public transportation for up to 5 days, with prices starting at around €13.
Ride Share
There are several ride-share options available in Paris that make getting around easy if you aren’t wanting to opt for taxis.
Uber
There is Uber in Paris. Prices vary depending on the distance and time of day, but we paid an average of €10-€20 per ride depending on how far we were from our destination.
You’ll just use your Uber app like you normally do!
It was a super convenient option, especially after a long day of sightseeing when we didn’t want to navigate public transportation.
Bolt
While I haven’t used Bolt in Paris, I had a great experience with it in Madeira, Portugal. Bolt works just like Uber. My ride in Madeira was easy to order and I was picked up quickly. If you’re looking for an alternative to Uber in Paris, Bolt is a reliable and user-friendly option.
Free Now:
Another popular ride-share app in Paris is Free Now (formerly known as mytaxi). It let’s you to book taxis and ride-share vehicles, see the fare upfront, and pay through the app. This app will also unlock scooters and bikes as well as let you rent cars.
Taxis:
Because Uber was an option, we didn’t take many taxis. I’m sure that’s very American of us!
The average taxi fare was around €15-€25 for trips within central Paris, and you can hail one from pretty much anywhere.
There is a minimum fare of around €6, and not all taxis take credit cards, so keep that in mind.
You can download the G7 app, which allows you to call taxis on the app and see the fare upfront, similar to Uber. This helps avoid potential scams and ensures you know exactly what you’re paying.
Walking
Paris is an incredibly walkable city, and exploring on foot is one of the best ways to soak up all the sites and get to know your way around.
While Paris is walkable, it is a big city, so I found myself wanting to Uber back or grab a taxi at the end of the night if we’d wandered too far.
Strolling through the cobblestone streets, visiting local bakeries, and sitting at cafes were some of my favorite parts of visiting.
So, put on a comfortable pair of shoes and take the time to roam!
Bike Rentals
Paris has a bike rental system called Vélib’, which is a fun and eco-friendly way to get around the city quickly, especially when the weather is nice.
Vélib’ stations are located all around the city, where you can pick up and drop off bikes.
What you need to know about Vélib:
- Types of Bikes: Vélib’ offers regular bikes and electric bikes.
- Pricing: There are different passes and tickets depending on how often you plan on riding bikes to get around! 1 ticket-3€, 24 hours – 5€ (regular) 5€ (electric), 3 days – 20€.
- How to Rent: Download the official Vélib’ Métropole app. You’ll find nearby stations, check bike availability, and pay for your rental using the app.
How to get around Paris without Speaking French
When you have a car, you are more self reliant than getting out and trying to figure out how to navigate public transportation or how to hail a taxi in a new country.
So you may be wondering if getting around Paris without a car will be easy if you don’t speak or read French.
Getting around Paris without speaking French is easier than you might think. When I was there, I found that most people spoke English. Most people were also willing to help if we had questions about where to go or how to use the subway.
Most signs when you’re walking around, especially in tourist areas, are in both French and English.
5 tips to help you navigate Paris:
- Use Translation Apps: Apps like Google Translate can be a lifesaver. You can type, speak, or even use your camera to translate signs and menus in real-time.
- Learn Basic Phrases: While you don’t need to be fluent, learning a few basic French phrases can go a long way when you’re there. Learn greetings and phrases like “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), and “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?) can be very helpful.
- Download Navigation Apps: Apps like Citymapper and Google Maps are great for navigating public transportation and walking directions.
- Stick to Tourist-Friendly Areas: In popular tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Champs-Élysées, English is widely understood. Restaurants and shops in these areas are also accustomed to helping English-speaking visitors.
- Carry a Phrasebook: A small phrasebook or a translation app on your phone can be handy to have on you when conversing with the locals.
With these tools and tips, you’ll find that you can get around Paris quite comfortably without speaking French.
Accessibility in Paris
Paris is becoming more accessible to travelers with accessibility needs even if you aren’t renting a car, though there are still some challenges. Here are some key points to help you navigate the city:
Accessibity in Public Transportation:
- Metro: While the Paris Metro system is extensive, not all stations are equipped with elevators or ramps. However, some lines, such as the RER A and B lines, trams, and buses, are fully accessible. Check the RATP app or website for details on accessible stations.
- Buses: Buses are generally a better option for accessibility. All Paris buses are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs.
- RER Trains: The RER A and B lines are accessible, and equipped with intercoms to ask for help if you need.
If you have further questions about navigating before you go you can email RATP before your trip: mission.accessibilite@ratp.fr
Taxis and Ride Share Accessibility:
- G7 Taxis: G7 offers accessible taxis called “G7 Access” that are equipped for wheelchair users. These can be booked in advance on the G7 app.
- Ride Shares: Apps like Uber offer “Uber Wav” and Free Now also offer options for accessible vehicles. Just be sure to specify your needs when booking.
Public Buildings and Attractions:
Many museums, attractions, and public buildings in Paris have made significant efforts to improve accessibility. For example:
- The Louvre: Offers free wheelchair rentals and has elevators and ramps for access to different galleries.
- Eiffel Tower: Accessible to the top via elevators.
- Museums: Many museums, such as the Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou, have accessible entrances and facilities.
Sidewalks and Streets:
While many of Paris’s streets and sidewalks are very accessible, some older areas with cobblestones and narrow pathways can be challenging. Plan your routes accordingly and use apps like Google Maps to find the most accessible paths.
Hotels:
When booking accommodation, look for hotels that explicitly state they offer accessible rooms and facilities. Most hotels in Paris will provide detailed information about their accessibility features on their websites. If they don’t, don’t hesitate to email or call!
Helpful Tips:
- Research Ahead: Check the accessibility features of places you want to visit in advance.
- Apps and Resources: Use apps like Jaccede, which provides information on accessible locations in Paris, and the RATP app for public transportation details .
- Contact Venues: Don’t hesitate to contact museums, attractions, and hotels to ask about their accessibility options.
FAQ: Paris Transportation and Things to Consider
Is the Paris Metro Safe?
Yes, the Paris Metro is safe. I did not feel unsafe or fear for my physical safety once. Pickpocketing can be a problem, so be aware of your surroundings, use common sense, and have the right bag or fanny pack.
How to Get to Paris from the Airport?
There are a few options to get from the airport to the city center:
Taxi: I took one of the taxis lined up outside the airport. It was straightforward and convenient, especially after a long flight. Just follow the signs to the official taxi stand.
RER Train: The RER B line connects Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris. It’s a budget-friendly option, but it might be crowded if you have a lot of luggage.
Airport Shuttle: Starting at about €16, you can take the RoissyBuss Several shuttle services offer direct rides in Paris. I’d also check with your hotel to see if they offer shuttle service.
Is it Easy to Find Parking in Paris?
If you do decide to rent a car, finding parking in Paris can be challenging. Street parking is limited and often requires payment. There are underground parking garages, but they can be expensive and sometimes hard to find. If you don’t want to spend your trip looking for parking, using public transportation or taxis will be more convenient.
What is the Cheapest Way to Travel Around Paris?
The cheapest way to travel around Paris is by using public transportation. The metro, buses, and trams are all part of an extensive network that’s quick and affordable. Single tickets cost around €2.15 as of 2024, and you can save money by buying a pack of 10 tickets (a carnet) for about €17. The RATP app is very useful for navigating the public transit system, providing real-time updates and route planning and again, I recommend just getting the Paris Visite travel pass for unlimited travel on public transportation
What Time Does the Paris Metro Close?
The Paris metro generally runs from around 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM from Sunday to Thursday and until about 2:15 AM on Fridays, Saturdays. You can see the operating hours for all public transportation on the RATP website
Wrapping Up
Getting around Paris without a car is completely doable and much easier that renting a car. With the extensive RATP public transportation system, Ubers, and taxis readily available, you’ll be able to get around the big city comfortably.
Don’t forget to get the the RATP app and Paris Visite travel! It will make figuring out the public transportation system so much easier but you can always ask a friendly local if you need help! Enjoy your trip!
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