Paris works best when you combine rail for longer journeys with walking within a neighbourhood. The Métro, RER, buses and trams are related parts of the network, but the tickets for them are not all interchangeable. Start with the route, then choose the fare.
Pair the Louvre with central Paris and the Seine, then reserve a separate block for the Eiffel Tower or Versailles. If an itinerary repeatedly crosses the city, rearranging it may save more time than buying a different transport pass.
Which transport should you use?
| Transport | Useful for | How to ride |
|---|---|---|
| Métro | Trips within Paris and nearby suburbs | Load the right ticket before the gates; follow the line number and direction. |
| RER and suburban trains | Longer crossings, Versailles and airport connections | Keep the ticket or phone available until the exit gates; airport fares are separate. |
| Bus and tram | Street-level trips and shorter connections | Validate on boarding; a Métro-Train-RER ticket is not a Bus-Tram ticket. |
| Noctilien night buses | Journeys after the daytime rail service | Check the exact stop and night route; it may differ from the daytime journey. |
| Walking and cycling | Neighbourhood exploration | Allow for crossings and protected cycle routes rather than measuring only straight-line distance. |
First services, last departures and late returns
Métro service generally begins around 05:30. RATP describes service ending around 01:15 on ordinary nights, with later weekend and pre-holiday operation; last departures from a terminus occur earlier. Check the actual station and direction when travelling late.
Getting from the airport or terminal
Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais need different airport plans. Choose a ticket explicitly valid for your airport journey and allow for the final change to your hotel. A city rail ticket at the standard fare should not be assumed to cover an airport train.
Build a route that saves backtracking
Pair the Louvre with central Paris and the Seine, then reserve a separate block for the Eiffel Tower or Versailles. If an itinerary repeatedly crosses the city, rearranging it may save more time than buying a different transport pass.
A first-day route in Paris
Keep the Louvre and a central Seine walk together, then use another block for Montmartre or Versailles. Read the rail product name before boarding, especially on an airport journey. Changing the order of your sightseeing can remove repeated cross-city rides without purchasing a broader pass.
Read the Navigo Easy and phone tickets guideKeep these places for later
How to get around Paris: common questions
What is the best way to get around Paris?
Métro is useful for trips within Paris and nearby suburbs. Paris works best when you combine rail for longer journeys with walking within a neighbourhood.
Does public transport in Paris run all night?
Métro service generally begins around 05:30. RATP describes service ending around 01:15 on ordinary nights, with later weekend and pre-holiday operation; last departures from a terminus occur earlier. Check the actual station and direction when travelling late.
How should I plan the airport or arrival transfer in Paris?
Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais need different airport plans. Choose a ticket explicitly valid for your airport journey and allow for the final change to your hotel. A city rail ticket at the standard fare should not be assumed to cover an airport train.
Written for planning, with official visitor information linked where relevant. Suggested routes and time allowances are editorial recommendations. Check current entry rules, opening notices and ticket conditions before booking. Read how we prepare and update our guides.
