Paris is one of the most exciting and incredible cities in Europe, and thousands of people every year take the journey to experience its wonders. Traveling around Paris can be challenging however, due to the large crowds, limited payment methods, unpredictable weather and the city’s overwhelming size. This article will explain the best and most efficient way to travel around Paris, taking into account the pros and cons of each transport type.
Public Transport
The Paris Metro, RER and buses make up a well-developed public transportation system, boasting an excellent coverage throughout the city. The Metro, in particular, has more than 300 kilometers of track across 20 different lines, connecting major city landmarks and providing an incredibly quick and continuous route to and from each major station.
Tickets are relatively cheap, with a pack of ten tickets costing just over 12 Euros. To add even more convenience, tourists can purchase a Navigo pass for a couple of Euros more which is valid on the whole network and can be recharged at the station’s automatic machines.
The downside is that the Paris public transportation system can get incredibly busy during peak times — particularly during rush hour — leaving tourists to battle with crowds. Furthermore, the unpredictable strikes can cause huge disruption and force passengers to make detours or find alternative transport methods.
Taxis
Taxis are oftentimes the preferred method of transport for tourists on a tight schedule who don’t want to fuss about with maps, timetables and ticket machines. Moreover, if traveling with infants, luggage, or heavy shopping, it can be extremely convenient, as most taxi drivers will willingly help you with loading and unloading without any extra costs.
The service is reliable and fast, with estimated arrival times being just a few minutes in the most central areas. Prices are usually very reasonable; a 15-minute ride should typically cost around €15-20. With Uber also now available in Paris, travelers now have an even more convenient and cost-effective service available.
However, during peak times the number of available taxis can be extremely limited, making it quite difficult to find available transportation. Furthermore, when attending events, such as concerts or festivals, the demand for taxis increases significantly, which usually results in prices increasing during these times.
Rental Cars
Renting a car is a great option for those who want to explore Paris at their own pace. With reliable services available at the airport, it is possible to rent a car for as little as €20-30 per day. If you’re traveling with a companion, the cost can be shared, making a rental car often the cheapest form of transport.
The freedom that comes with having a car is invaluable, as you can explore the city to your own schedule. Your options are endless: you can take the ring road and explore outside the region too, visit famous French castles and undiscovered vineyards, or explore the breathtaking French countryside. Moreover, if you plan on venturing outside France, a rental car is the perfect choice.
The disadvantages of renting a car in Paris are the traffic, the parking and the navigation. Congestion in the city is difficult with many one-way streets and traffic jams are common at peak times. Parking lots can be hard to find, and may set you back up to €25 for a few hours. Finally, the old roads of the city can be complex and confusing; with few amenities like parking sensors and GPS navigation, it can be difficult to find your way around.
Scooters and Bicycles
For those looking to experience the city like the locals, scooters and bicycles offer an entirely new perspective on Paris. The sheer joy of being able to weave between the cars as if they weren’t even there, and feeling the wind at your back is an amazing experience.
For the more adventurous traveler, a scooter or bike hire is usually incredibly cheap, for less than €10 per day. You can explore the cobbled streets of Montmartre, the iconic Champs-Élysées, or jump over to the stunning Bois de Boulogne. It is simply the perfect way to get around this amazing city.
The downside is that if unfamiliar with the area, it’s always advisable to practice caution. Drivers and motorcyclists in Paris can be quite aggressive and impatient, and cyclists or scooter riders can become an easy target in mixed traffic conditions. Furthermore, cycling routes around the city can be confusing, as segregated pathways don’t exist everywhere. This can lead to an array of issues, leaving scooter/bike riders to be creative with their routes.
In conclusion, when traveling around Paris, there are many options available to tourists. Whether it’s relying on the public transportation system, which is efficient and cheap, taking a taxi or Uber for convenience and speed, or renting a car and exploring the beautiful French countryside—the options are endless.However, depending on the budget and desired experience, a combination of all might be the solution to best experience the incredible city of Paris.
