Getting around Paris with public transports metro rer and velib
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Navigating Paris: Metro, RER, and Vélib
Summary
When you land at a Paris airport, figuring out transportation into the city is often the first hurdle you face.Article
Charles de Gaulle Airport, located 27 kilometers from Paris, is the main international gateway to the city. The quickest way to reach the city center is via Roissy Rail. You can catch a free shuttle from the terminal to the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle RER (commuter rail) station. If you arrive at Orly Airport, 16 kilometers southwest of Paris, your fastest option is the Orly Rail towards the Left Bank. A free shuttle bus will take you to the Pont de Rungis-Aéroport d'Orly RER station (C2 line), with trains running every 15 minutes.
Once in the city, getting around is a breeze. All major railway lines intersect at Châtelet-Les Halles, the world’s largest metropolitan station. Paris’s metro system, with its 14 lines, covers the entire city, ensuring no point is more than 500 meters from a station. Free metro maps are available at tourist centers and stations. A single ticket costs €1.30, while a booklet of ten (carnet) is €9.30, offering better value.
For extended stays, consider a weekly Travel Card or a monthly Carte Orange (€15), valid for unlimited rides on all public transport. Be cautious at night around stations like Châtelet, Château Rouge, Gare du Nord, Strasbourg-Saint Denis, Réaumur-Sébastopol, and Montparnasse-Bienvenüe.
Alternatively, Paris’s efficient bus service operates from 5:30 am to 1 am. Routes are marked on free RATP maps from tourist agencies. Tickets can be purchased from the driver and validated on board. A night service, Noctambus, runs from 1 am to 5:50 am with 18 lines terminating at Châtelet.
A noteworthy eco-friendly option is Vélib, a self-service bike-sharing system. With over 371 kilometers of cycling lanes, biking in Paris is both economical and straightforward. There are 1,451 Vélib stations citywide, approximately every 900 feet, hosting 20,600 bikes. Users can choose from a one-day card (€1), a weekly card (€5), or an annual card (€29). The first half-hour of each ride is free, with subsequent charges of €1 for the next half-hour, €2 for an additional 30 minutes, and €4 for every half-hour thereafter, promoting short trips.
After a busy day exploring, you’ll need a place to rest and dine. Paris offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget to luxury, with good price-quality options. Options include the Blue Planet youth hostel, charming studios in Place de Vichy, and boutique hotels with colorful rooms and private gardens. Prices range from €30-€50 per person at places like Cecil Hotel, Bac Saint Germain (Latin Quarter), and Hotel du Parc Saint Charles. If you prefer a more personal atmosphere, try Taylor Hotel, Des Arts Hotel, Altona Hotel, or Mon Rêve Hotel.
For a classic French meal, visit Chartier, a former metro station turned restaurant with a warm ambiance. Popular with locals and tourists, the food is good, served in generous portions, and arrives quickly. The wine list is affordably priced, but be prepared to wait as reservations are not accepted. (7, rue du Faubourg Montmartre; ph. +33 01.47.70.86.29. Open daily from 11:30 am - 3 pm / 6 pm - 10 pm).
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