In most French cities, public transit generally involves buses and tramways. The networks are usually dense in the town centre, and easy to take. Don't hesitate to ask other students about timetables and stops.
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The vast majority of visitors to France choose to travel en voiture (by car). However, while driving is often the most convenient and comfortable way to get around – especially if you want to explore the French countryside – it's not always the easiest or even cheapest option.
Buses in France is usually the cheapest means of tranport in France. Buses are a good budget alternative to trains, especially if you have plenty of time to get around. There is no national bus service in France so finding the best routes and prices requires a bit of research.
Paris Metro (Métro in French, Subway or Underground in English) is the fastest way of getting around the city. The underground system has 16 interconnected lines and is also linked to the express train RER.
Take the train for an easy trip across FrancePractically the whole country is accessible by high-speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) trains, which travel at speeds of up to 300km/h.
In most French cities, public transit generally involves buses and tramways. The networks are usually dense in the town centre, and easy to take. Don't hesitate to ask other students about timetables and stops.
The metro is a simple, fast and economical way to get around Paris. The network is made up of 16 lines and has more than 300 stations, the entrance to which is indicated by a large yellow letter “M”.
Take the (slow) train – Train travel in Europe is cheap and it's the easiest way to get around France. The TGV line can be expensive, but if you get the slow train or have a Eurail pass, you'll save money. Drink wine – In France, the wine is cheaper than water (well, almost!).
Buses in France are very cheap, tickets are not normally more than a euro and are even as little as 20 cents in some places. Many cities have bus services which run into the suburbs or even into the countryside which can be a handy option for day trips. Outside of the cities, bus services can be infrequent and slow.
While the metro subway system is extensive, it's generally safe and easy to use once you familiarize yourself with it a bit. Trains usually arrive on time; buses are well-appointed and spacious, and commuter express (RER) trains service the city's most important stops in record time.
Explore rural areas of France by busBuses are widely used for short-distance travel around cities, and within départements (regions), especially in areas with relatively few train lines, such as Brittany and Normandy. These can be a really useful way of getting around in places where rail travel isn't possible.
The best way to travel between French town & cities is by train, in comfort at ground level. France's world-famous TGV travels at up to 199 mph, from city centre to city centre, and if you pre-book direct with the operator you can find some really cheap fares, too.
Are Taxis Cheaper Than Uber in Paris? Short answer: no. Uber is definitely not cheaper than a taxi, but you're probably talking a euro or so for a 10-minute ride. It's up to you if that euro is worth it to go looking for a taxi.
Planning Your Trip to ParisA trip to the French capital is likely to be an excellent experience. First-time travelers should try and plan around 4-5 days—ample time to enjoy some classic Parisian highlights and visit a few of the 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods).
Bus and tramwayOn the bus, you use the same ticket as on the metro, with no limit on distance (including the suburbs), except on certain Noctilien lines, the Orlybus and the Roissybus. The bus driver can sell single tickets (€2.50), be sure to have the correct change.