Paris transportation

Paris can be seen as the city of all possibilities when it comes to traveling, though while some means of transport are really handy, others can cause a real headache. Traveling by car is a bad idea. Traffic is terrible and if you want to park you car, well just forget about it!

Driving however is a good option if you want to visit other places in France, do some sightseeing and visit a few castles. Driving rules might be different so be careful when you are driving in France.

Probably the best ways of discovering this fascinating city is on foot and if you get lost, just remember to be very polite when asking for directions! At nights the city is spectacular and breathtaking, no wonder they call it the City of Lights.
[edit] A romantic way of discovering the city is by boat. Providing easy, cheap transport, it also gives you the opportunity to make some amazing photos. Paris is also known as the “City of skating”, due to the large, smooth surfaces offered by both pavements and roads. Another option is renting a bike and enjoying Paris in a safe an efficient way.

Paris also has an excellent underground train system, known as the Metro. With 16 lines, the network covers the whole city, providing easy and fast transportation. For the subway, a single ticket costs €1.50; however, you can better buy a carnet of ten tickets for €11.10 at any station. A Day ticket, a weekly pass, and a monthly pass (Carte Orange) are also available.

Keep your métro ticket or pass with you at all times, you may be checked or "controlled." And though the metro is fast, sometimes it is better to take a bus, depending on where you want to go, the Parisian bus system is quite tourist-friendly. If you just want to do some sightseeing, take the Paris L’Open Tour Bus; with an open deck, providing great view of the city.

During the day, due to traffic jams it is not always advisable to take a taxi, though at night they are rather comfortable and cheap way of moving around. The white sign on the roof, indicates whether the cab is on duty or not, also there is a minimum fee of €5.50, what the meter will not show, so don’t be surprised at the end of your drive, when you have to pay. Tip is included in the price and baggage handling will cost you extra.

Paris get around