What is the cheapest way to get around France?

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!).



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Travel France by Plane Although nine out ten times, the best way to travel around France is by train, there are a few occasions when a flight is your best bet. Take Nice for example. The fastest flight time from CDG or Orly is 1:20. Figure in transport to the airport, check in, security, etc.

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If you're sticking to the big cities, locals say that trains and air travel are the best ways to get around. But if you want to explore smaller towns and villages (where locals say you'll find many of the best things to do in France, like eating fresh oysters in Cancale), getting a rental car is a good idea.

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With the most extensive train network in Western Europe, France is a great country in which to travel by rail. The national rail company, SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer), runs fast, efficient trains between the main towns. Buses cover rural areas, but services can be sporadic, with awkward departure times.

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Yes! There IS Uber in France, but only in the larger cities. I live in rural France, and getting Uber anywhere in the Charente is impossible as it doesn't exist. In fact, finding any type of taxi is hard in the French countryside, similar to many other countries.

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In more and more cities in France, public transportation is becoming free. Some cities have free transport only on weekends and some are planning on providing a completely free transportation system over the coming years. So how does it work and how can you benefit from it?

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Yes, French people are friendly to tourists. If you are respectful and courteous of the French culture while you travel, you won't have any problems.

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Uber has also arrived in Paris, which makes it easier for both Parisians and foreigners to get around. Pros: You can track your car, call the driver, and you don't even need to have cash on you (or deal with rude cab drivers).

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Tickets for public transportation in Paris The metro, buses, RER trains and trams all use the same ticketing system. A basic ticket costs around €2 (a little over $2), making it a very economical way of getting around Paris.

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EuroCheapo's Paris budget travel guide
  1. Take public transit in from Charles de Gaulle airport.
  2. Be careful with taxis from the airport.
  3. In general, avoid taxis for short distances around Paris.
  4. Buy a multipack or travel pass for Metro and bus tickets.
  5. Use CityMapper or Bonjour RATP instead of Google Maps.


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When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen:
  • Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico.
  • In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.


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There is no “right turn on red” in France. A yellow flashing arrow means that you can drive in the arrow's direction, with caution, even though the other lights may be red. Headlights are mandatory when it is raining. On multi-lane roads and highways, slower traffic always stays to the right.

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Trams 101: At the tram stops, purchase your ticket at the kiosk prior to boarding. You can't purchase tickets on the tram. Once you board, insert your ticket into the validation machine with the arrow pointing down. The machine will be beep, stamp your ticket and spit it back out.

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The city of Dunkirk in northern France launched a revamped bus system last year with a twist – it's completely free. A new study shows that the programme is not only revitalising the city center but also helping the environment.

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