How to Get Around Paris

Traveling to Paris as often as I do has given me plenty of opportunities to figure out the best ways to get around the city. Because Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, understanding your transportation options before you arrive can make your trip far more enjoyable. Paris has an incredibly efficient public transportation system. And over time I’ve become more comfortable relying on it myself. Whether you choose public transit, walking, or taking a taxi or Uber - and there is absolutely no shame in choosing convenience - this guide will help you decide which method works best for you. The good news is that all of these options are easy, accessible, and part of everyday life in Paris.

Resting on the Seine After Lots of Walking

Once you get the gist of the metro system, it’s a very accessible and easy system to navigate. I’m a huge fan of it when I need to get to far ends of the city. And I love that I can purchase metro tickets on my iPhone in Apple Pay. You can buy a single ticket or a day pass. That feature alleviates the stress of standing at a kiosk trying to figure out which ticket you need, or speaking to someone. The language barrier can be quite stressful if you’re not used to it, so reducing it is a nice option.

My preferred method of transportation is simply my own two legs, as walking through Paris is the dreamiest way to see the city and get around it. It’s like walking through an outside museum, and you can really have some fun with it. Parisians walk with purpose and rather quickly. So do pay attention, but pull to the side anytime you see something worthy of your attention. No blocking the sidewalk - it’s a sure tell that you’re a visitor if you do! Paris is surprisingly compact, which makes walking one of the most practical and enjoyable ways to explore the city.

Street in Paris

Paris has 20 arrondissements arranged in a spiral, often described as a snail shell. The best way to discover this is to open up a map and see it for yourself. I could try to describe it, but this is the best way to get the lay of the Paris land so you know what I am talking about. Where you stay in Paris matters, and I recommend people staying as near the central part as you can, particularly on your first couple of visits. If you stick to arrondissements 1-7, you’ll generally be in really good shape and can hop from one place to the other, especially for ease of transportation. Metro stations are everywhere, walking is common, and many of your attractions are going to be within the center.

Montmartre

I’m going to highlight the neighborhoods that you’ll most likely want to stick to when you’re in Paris. Yes, there are 20, but not all 20 are going to house the things that you want to see. In the center of Paris, you have arrondissements, 1-4, and there you’ll find the most common attractions, such as the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, shopping in the Marais, the pedestrian street Rue Montorgueil, and Notre Dame. On rive gauche (the left bank) you’ll find arrondissements 5-7. Some highlights are the Latin Quarter neighborhood, Luxembourg Gardens, the Eiffel Tower, and one of my favorite shopping spots: Le Bon Marché. Back on the right bank, arrondissements 8-11 include highlights such as the Arc de Triomphe, Canal Saint-Martin, and Pigalle. We’ll jump to the 18th, and that is Montmartre, a picture-perfect neighborhood I’d consider a must-see.

I’ve traveled a lot, and generally cities in Europe are quite easy to navigate, Paris included. If your preference is to walk, you can walk. Taking taxis and Ubers are no problem either. I’m partial to the metro if I’m in need of going across town because of the ease of the ticketing. Google Maps makes navigating the metro incredibly straightforward. And I often use that method by plugging in my destination and choosing the train. Citymapper is another option for apps, but I find Google Maps to be sufficient. Walking is always practical. And I do want to mention wearing comfortable shoes. Fashion sneakers are in style, so get a comfortable pair and walk the town. In my guide to 3 days in Paris, you’re hitting a lot of different spots. So you’ll need your feet to be intact to cover all of it.

The good news is that to get around Paris, you have many options. Most people are going to opt for walking and public transportation as the two main avenues, and taxi and Uber for particular situations. The affordability and efficiency of the public system makes it an easy yes when you’re visiting Paris. Let’s dive into all your options.

Metro (Best for Longer Distances)

You’ll see, especially in rush hour, that many Parisians embrace the metro system. Getting from one end of the city to the other for work or meeting up with friends is no problem with this form of transportation. The trains run frequently, typically every few minutes. And your single ticket or day pass will get you on and off quickly. I recommend adding the Paris transport card to Apple Pay, which makes entering and exiting stations incredibly simple. Do remember that occasionally you’re walking underground relatively far at times, and have to use stairs. Keep this in mind when you’re jet-lagged or have heavy luggage. It’s best if it’s just you and not extra baggage.

Walking (Best Way to Experience Paris)

I dream of walking through Paris almost every day. And I can tell you from much experience there is no better way to see the city than by walking. Get lost, take turns when you see something that piques your interest, and be a flâneur. Walk with nowhere to go and no particular purpose if you can. It’s part of the magic of Paris. Stop at cafes, in stores, practice your bonjours. Walk with confidence and know that you do belong. Paris is a tourist city and thrives on you being there. Just be respectful and you will experience the city’s magic.

RER Trains (Airports and Day Trips)

I’ve become a fan of taking the RER train from Charles de Gaulle into the city. You exit at Gare du Nord train station, and can walk, take the metro, or taxi to your accommodation. Many times people arrive early in the morning. And if you haven’t researched the process beforehand, it may be a lot after a long flight. It’s actually quite easy once you get the hang of it, and I appreciate that it bypasses street traffic and is much more cost effective than taking a taxi or Uber from the airport. You can also take the RER on day trips, such as to Versailles or Disneyland Paris. It’s a fantastic system and I highly recommend it.

Taxi and Ride Shares (Best for Convenience)

Some of the ways I’ve used taxis or ride shares is to and from the airport when I don’t want to haul luggage on a train. When I need to get somewhere and I’m dressed up, like for a photo shoot or out to a nice dinner, it’s also a good option. There’s nothing worse than navigating the streets of Paris in a pair of heels. And I don’t recommend it at all. I’ve been known to pack flats in my purse so I can swap out shoes if I want to avoid taxiing, but typically a taxi or ride share is a great option when you need to get from point A to point B without much hassle. Be mindful of traffic in the city and always allow yourself some extra time.

Bicycles (Best for Confident Travelers)

Cycling culture in Paris has grown rapidly in recent years. And bike traffic can feel fast-paced if you’re not used to it. I’ve never almost gotten hit by a car, but a bike? Yes. It was awful, too. If you’re itching to get on a bicycle in Paris, I would recommend taking a bike tour to get your feet wet. It’s a whole system of its own, and while I love the idea of it and there are e-bikes everywhere to rent, it can be quite precarious. Bicycling Paris is not for the faint of heart, so use your best judgment and make sure you’ve got what it takes to do it. I still haven’t, but I am working up the nerve in the next visit or so. It can be a great alternative to walking and being able to see the city.

At first, navigating a foreign city where you don’t speak the language can feel intimidating, especially after a long flight or during your first visit. I’ve been there, and I completely understand. Fortunately, Paris makes getting around far easier than most travelers expect, and these tips should help you decide what feels comfortable for you. Everyone travels differently, and knowing your own comfort level is key.

Whether you choose to walk, take the Metro, call a taxi, or even try cycling, every option is normal and widely used in Paris. Transportation shouldn’t feel like an obstacle. It should support your experience and help you enjoy the city more fully. However you choose to get around, I hope your time in Paris feels easy, joyful, and unforgettable.

À bientôt!

If you found this guide helpful, you might also want to know my recommendations on the best boutique hotels in Paris to stay or what to buy in Paris.

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