How to Get Around Paris

Paris’ 20 arrondissements (districts) are well served by public transportation, and the central districts that house the main attractions are a quick Metro ride or walk away from each other, meaning a car isn’t necessary in the bustling French capital. Here are a few ways to explore the city with ease.

Public Transit

Paris’ public transportation network includes the Metro (subway), buses, trams, and the RER. With 16 lines and roughly 300 stations, the Metro covers most of your needs for sightseeing in the city, and it’s the fastest; pick up a free map at any station. The RER is a suburban train line that you can use to get to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport. For getting around when the Metro is closed overnight, use the Noctilien, a night bus service.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours and Cruises

A hop-on hop-off tour is often the easiest way to get oriented to a new city. See the sights from high above the ground on a visitor-friendly route that stops at top attractions and neighborhoods—with the option to get off and explore independently. Paris offers these tours on typical double-decker buses as well as riverboats on the Seine, which runs through the city center.

Walking and Biking Tours

With a photo op around every corner, Paris is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. Themed walking tours that center around Parisian food, architectural styles, or a specific neighborhood such as Marais or the Latin Quarter are popular, with pastry tastings a highlight. Bike tours allow you to cover more ground and often see things you might miss without a guide.