This blog post is about how you can move around France if you don’t want to drive, don’t know how to drive, dont have a valid driver’s license or simply dont want to spend money on car rental.
I live in Paris and as such, I will tell you what options are available to you if you come to visit the City of Lights. If you follow me on Pinterest in this pin I touched a bit on that subject. Today I will do a more detailed post on how you can discover Paris and its suburbian towns with just a pass that includes unlimited metro, RER train (suburbian trains), bus and tram. You have different options to choose from based on the amount of time you will be in Paris and if you plan on moving around a lot. Most big cities like those mentioned in this post offer day, weekly, monthly and annual passes as well.
I move around a lot so I chose to get a monthly pass which allows me not only to circulate within Paris but also to its suburbs and even beyond that. A monthly pass costs 75 euros. It includes zone 1-5. This could be a great options for you if you plan to live, work or attend school in the Paris metropolitan area. Ask your employer or school advisor how you can get your pass at a 50 percent reduced price.
WHERE TO GET YOUR MONTHLY OR ANNUAL PASS?
At major train/ metro stations such as Gare de Lyon, Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est to name a few. You will need a passport photo, an ID, and proof of address. You do not get it at the machine . Ask any booth teller to direct you to the office located inside the train or metro station where a transportation worker will process your application. It will be mailed out to you at the address provided within a week or so. Once you receive it, activate it at any machines located throughout metro/train stations by choosing the options that is best for you, pay and keep your receipt as proof or purchase for your employer or school.
If you are on vacation for a few days or just a weekend, I will suggest you get a Paris Pass’ Lib.
They have many options available to you including the:
Paris Visite pass which is great for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days if you plan on using public transporation a lot during your stay. For more info click here and here. It does not include museums and main attractions, Seine river cruise, hop-on-hop-off bus tour and the Eiffel Tower.
Paris Museum pass which includes only main museums and attractions.
WHERE TO GET YOUR PASS?
-You can get it online from the official website of the Convention and Visitors Bureau here to avoid any issues. Order yours in advance and it will be shipped to your home.
-From any Paris area train / metro station, airport, information point or tourist office.
-The Tourism Office of the City of Paris
It is located at 29 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris. Business hours are 10 AM- 5:45PM closed on Sunday. Get there by taking any metro line going to HOTEL DE VILLE. I usually take metro line 1 based on my location.
Conclusion
After reading this post, you are now aware that Paris has a great transportation system that can take you all around the city. Now you can feel confident to come visit Paris because you can move around freely without needing a care. Have you been to Paris and would like to add something to help a fellow traveler, please do so by leaving a comment down below.
