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”.
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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.
Buy a bus ticket at any métro station, some newsstands, or a tabac (tobacco store). You can also buy them on the bus, but those cannot be used for transfers. Be sure to punch your ticket in the machine beside the driver when you board and keep your punched ticket throughout the trip.
Tips to Getting Around ParisGoogle maps on your phone or a paper map from your hotel will lead you around the city to wherever you need to go. Take time to put down the map and get lost. A metro line is always nearby to get you back to your starting point. Explore the city on foot and see what you discover.
There are two ways to buy Paris Metro tickets: at station ticket windows or vending machines. If you're using the vending machine, pay with euro coins, or a European debit or credit card that has a smart chip. If you're carrying euro bills or a non-European credit card, head to the staffed ticket windows for payment.
Yes, tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink and is readily available wherever you go, even at public water fountains. As long as taps aren't labeled eau non potable—meaning “not for drinking” in French—everything else is potable. In fact, drinking water from the fountains of Paris has been encouraged.
Paris enjoys a dense public transport network with trains, buses, and trams that mostly operate efficiently and to schedule. Nothing is perfect, however, and there are drawbacks such as overcrowding on buses and trains during peak hours and a Metro service that lacks air-conditioning.
Paris is a very walkable city. Not only will you work off some of the calories from those meals you've eaten, you'll also see a lot of wonderful things you can't spot from the Metro or a car!
Tipping in France is not mandatory. Even though it is always appreciated, it's up to the customers to decide if they want to tip or not. Unlike other countries, the price of the service is included in the total cost of the bill. You will never be asked to tip, but it's common to leave one if the service was good.
The best way to get around Paris is on foot and by metro. The elegant arrondissements are practically made for pedestrians. Still, Paris is very big, so you should take the efficient metro to travel long distances.
Travellers can now buy a Navigo Easy (or Passe Navigo) for €2 and top it up with tickets, much like London's Oyster card. Who can get a Navigo Easy? Anyone, so it really is an easy option. Those that live in the city have different Navigo passes, which last for longer periods of time and include a photo.
The Metro is the easiest, least expensive and quickest way to go out and to get home. Fourteen lines crisscross Greater Paris, from east to west and north to south. Good to know: As part of certain celebrations and events (New Year's Eve, Fête de la Musique, etc.), the Metro is open—and free—most of the night.