NOTE:The author shall accept no responsability for any inaccuracy, errors or omissions or for any consequence arising from the use of the FAQ.
If you have suggestions or questions about this FAQ, please e-mail it to the author at nemo_n@yahoo.com
1. IntroductionThis is a brief, informal FAQ to orient visitors to the public transportation services available in Paris. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, and simply aims to answer some of the basic questions that everyone has. If you don't find what you need here, or need further clarification, please post your queries to the newsgroup rec.travel.europe
2. RATPThe public transport system in Paris is governed by the RATP. For visitors to the city, the three main modes of transport you are likely to deal with are the Metro (the subway/underground system), the RER (commuter railway which also provides an express alternative to the Metro), and the bus). In addition, the RATP runs buses from the two airports Orly and Charles de Gaulle to various points in the city of Paris.For information and a detailed map of the metro and RER lines, please refer to the RATP website at http://www.ratp.fr. This site is available in French and English. Please note that the range information provided in English differs from the French version. Also, you might find some difficulty in navigating the site, that is normal. 2.1 BasicsAll three modes of transport use the same ticketing system. So the ticket you buy is valid for the Metro, the RER, and the bus. The basic RATP ticket covers the entire Metro system, including the small parts extending beyond the city limits of Paris (such as La Defense). For the RER, though, the fare is higher if you travel outside the city limits. So from Nation to Etoile, you can take the Metro or the parallel RER line for the same price, but if you continue to La Defense, the RER costs more. One exception is the RER D1 to St. Denis (Stade de France) which is outside the city limits but designated Zone 2 (within the city).The RER is divided into five zones. Versailles in in Zone 4, and DisneyLand Paris is in Zone 5. A zone map can be obtained from the ticket agent. Zones are also clearly marked on maps found on the RER trains. An important thing to remember about the RER is that there are special 1st class cars. These look exactly the same as regular 2nd class cars, and are distinguished by the "1" sign affixed on the exterior of the car as well as inside over the doors. 1st class tickets cost more than regular tickets. If you are caught in a 1st class cabin without the right ticket, you will be fined 350fr. 2.2 TicketsThe basic RATP ticket is a 2 zone ticket, valid for the entire metro system, as well as the relevant zones for the bus and the RER. RATP tickets are valid indefinitely, so the tickets you have left over from your trip 3 years ago are still valid today! Do remember to keep your ticket with you at all times. Ticket inspectors are a common sight in the metro and you will be fined 350fr (or 100fr if you pay on the spot) - no excuses entertained. In addition, you will need your ticket to exit the RER system - so keep it handy. All transfers within the metro and RER are free. Transfers to and from the bus are not.Metro tickets can be purchased singly at 8fr each, or in a set of ten (un carnet de dix, or simply, un carnet) for 52fr. Tickets can be purchased at every metro station from the automated machines, or from the ticket agent. These can also be purchased from Tabacs displaying the green RATP sign. The RATP does not recommend that you buy tickets from unlicensed vendors. You can typically see them loitering near automated machines at the major train stations. There are special priced tickets available for children 12 years and under. These are referred to as "tariff réduit" and cost half the price of an adult ticket. If you need to travel outside of the 2 zones, you will likely need to purchase your ticket from the ticketing agent. Some stations have automated machines that allow you to purchase tickets for more than 2 zones, but they are not very common. Specify the station that you need to go to, and consider buying your return trip ticket also. This can save you a lot of time and headache if you are travelling to Versailles on a weekend. 2.3 PaymentAll major credit cards are accepted at ticket windows and automated ticketing machines. The minimum charge is 45fr.2.4 Transport PassesThere are three basic passes available to everyone. The Mobilis Pass, the Carte Orange, and the Paris Visite Pass. These passes are available at every station, although stations outside Zones 1-2 typically do not sell passes for the lesser zones. The Paris Visite Pass is also available at the Paris Tourist Information office, and over the Internet through certain agents.2.4.1 Mobilis PassThe Mobilis Pass (formerly the Formula 1 pass) is a one day pass, available for unlimited travel within the designated zones for all three transport systems. No photos are required for this pass. The basic 2 zone pass costs 30fr, 40fr for 3 zones.2.4.2 Carte OrangeThe Carte Orange is available as a weekly or a monthly pass. The weekly pass (coupon hebdomadaire) is valid Monday to Sunday only, and *not* for 7 days from date of purchase. The pass is available from the Wednesday before to the Wednesday of the week of validity. The basic 2 zone pass is 80fr. You need a passport size photo for the pass. In addition to the ticket, you will be given a card on which you affix your photo and fill in your name. You must write the serial number of this card on your ticket and keep the two together. The ticket is not valid without the accompanying card.The monthly pass (coupon mensuel) functions in the same manner, valid for the calender month, and costs 271fr for the basic 2 zones. The Carte Orange is valid for unlimited rides on the RATP system. Contrary to what some tour agents may tell you, the Carte Orange is available to everyone. You should not have a problem purchasing this from the RATP ticket agent. 2.4.3 Paris VisiteThis pass is designed to hook in the unsuspecting tourist. While a small handful of tourists may be able to take advantage of the discounts and offers that come with the pass, the large part of visitors will not. These discounts and offers are limited to less popular museums, and are usually for 50% off a second ticket. The general consensus is to avoid the Paris Visite pass, and use carnets or the Mobilis Pass instead. You should however, consult the list of perks and see if you will be able to take advantage of them, refer to http://www.ratp.fr for up-to-date information.2.5 Other passesIn addition to the transport passes, you can purchase the one, three and five day Carte Intermusée from the ticket agents at all metro stations. The Carte Intermusée pass allows you unlimited entries into museums and monuments for the duration of its validity. The pass can be purchased on any day as it is validated at the first museum or monument you visit. It also comes with a complete list of participating sites, the major musuems are all included.The key benefit of the card is that you can enter museums through special entrances, thus skipping the sometimes hour long lines at museums such as the Louvre or Orsay. The cost of the pass is 80fr (one day), 160fr (3 day), and 240fr (5 day). 2.6 Can I buy tickets or passes from an overseas agent?Yes you can. The RATP Website has a list of designated official agents. The question is, should you? All tickets and passes are easily availble in Paris, at metros, tourist information centers, etc. The Carte Intermusée pass is also available at all participating museums. There is usually no line. Passes purchased through agents usually have a substantial handling charge added on.
3. Getting to and from Orly and Charles de Gaulle airportsThere are a couple of options available to visitors to Paris. The most expensive is the taxi. This will cost you 200-250fr from Charles de Gaulle, 150-200fr from Orly, depending on traffic. There is also a 6fr charge for each piece of luggage.A cheaper option is to contact an airport shuttle service. The going rate is approximately 180fr for 2 persons for door to door service, 120fr for one person. Some companies offer a slightly cheaper rate for "pipe-line" service. Inquire about baggage limits. Some services charge extra for more than 2 pieces. One popular service is the Paris Airports Service, email: pas@magic.fr, http://www.magic.fr/pas. The Paris-Anglo website also has a listing of shuttle services you can contact: http://www.paris-anglo.com. You can also inquire at your hotel for other shuttle services. None of these services is endorsed by the author. The two airports are also linked to the RATP through the RER. If you arrive during the morning or evening rush hours, this would be the fastest and most reliable way of getting into the city. You can take the RER into Paris and transfer onto the metro. A word of caution: the RER may not be suited to those with a lot of luggage or who have difficulties with steps. The main Metro/RER transfer stations are very big and not always equipped with escalators. In addition, there are special buses from Orly and CDG airports to the city center, run by the RATP or Air France. 3.1 Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) AirportEnglish Information Line for CDG Airport: +33.1.48.62.22.80Website: http://www.adp.fr/ 3.1.1 Air France ShuttleAir France buses are also available from CDG Airport. Buses leave every 12 minutes (5:40am-11pm) from both terminals to Etoile and Porte Maillot. The journey costs 60fr and takes 35-50minutes. They also run to Gare de Lyon and Gare Montparnasse. Ddepartures are every 30 minutes (7am-9.30pm) and the journey takes 45-60 minutes. (Recorded English info: +33.1.41.56.89.00)3.1.2 RATP RoissybusThe Roissybus runs daily between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Opera in Paris. It departs from the airport every 15 minutes from 6h to 20h, and every 20 minutes from 20h to 23h. Departure from Opera starts at 5h45 to 23h, and operates at the same frequency as the trip from the airport. The 45fr ticket can be purchased on the bus, and the trip to the city takes about 45 minutes. From Opera, you can connect to metro lines 3, 7, 8, 14.3.1.3 RER Line B3You can also take the RER Line B3 to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport. The journey from CDG airport runs southward to central Paris where you can transfer to the Metro or other RER lines, and takes about 45 minutes. Visitors arriving at Terminal 2 (Air France flights) can access the RER station directly. From Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus. Trains run every 15-20 minutes, from 5:24am-12:09am. The one-way fare is 48fr.3.2 Orly AirportEnglish Information line for Orly Airport: +33.1.49.75.15.15Website: http://www.adp.fr/ 3.2.1 Air France ShuttleThe Air France bus from Orly Airport is also available for getting into the city - stops at Invalides and Montparnasse. The buses leave both terminals every 12 minutes (5.50am-11pm), the 40 minute journey costs 45fr.3.2.2 RATP OrlybusThe RATP Orlybus runs daily between Orly Airport and Denfert-Rochereau in Paris. The bus runs from the airport from 6h00 to 23h30, departing every 13 minutes during the week, and every 15-20 minutes on the weekends. In Paris, the bus departs at the same frequency from Denfert-Rochereau between 5h35 and 23h00. The 35fr ticket can be purchased on the bus, and the trip into the city takes about 30 minutes. From the Denfert-Rochereau stop, you can connect to metro lines 4 and 6, and RER B.3.2.3 RER - Orlyval and OrlyrailThe Orlyval high speed shuttle train runs every 7 minutes to RER (Line B4) Antony, where you transfer to the RER train to the city. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs 57fr. You can also take a free shuttle bus to RER (Line C2) Pont de Rungis, and take the Orlyrail train to central Paris (30fr). RER B4 Anthony goes northward through the city center, and RER C2 PdR loops outward and then runs west along the Left (south) Bank. Trains run every 12 minutes and the journey takes 50 minutes. Both trains bring you to central Paris where you can transfer to the Metro or other RER lines.
4. TBA Taxi and Water Transport |