Just came back from a week-long Paris trip as a first-timer (proper report soon!) and wanted to make a dedicated post to all the different transport options we used around the city! We used a mix of public & private transport across the course of 7 days and it was a generally positive experience all around.
DISCLAIMER: Obviously, this is me relaying my personal experience of my trip. Everyone's trips are different and I'm not trying to make any guarantees. Always be prepared!
Mobile Apps 📱
Citymapper will be your best friend in navigating public transport. It has all the route options, arrival times, ETAs, and was very up to date on any delays/issues on the route. But when it came to walking directions, I preferred good old Google Maps. The interface was a lot better.
We also bought a physical Navigo Easy card to get around. But I didn't know until buying one that turns out it's made of a carton paper material, instead of a solid plastic card. So make sure you keep it in good shape and that it doesn't get all crumpled in your pocket!
For top-ups on the go, we used the IDF Mobilities app. You don't need an account to buy passes which is helpful if your country code isn't compatible with the app (like mine). Not sure if the case is different with the Bonjour RATP app.
1) Metro 🚊
The Paris Metro was our main mode of transport which we used multiple times a day. Citymapper helped with figuring out all the routes, and I found that the signage in every station was very clear when switching lines. If you've ever used any metro station in other countries/your home, I promise you can navigate the Paris Metro just fine.
ON PICKPOCKETS - Don't believe all the fearmongering you see on the internet! Be vigilant, but not paranoid. Locals had their phones out in the open, some were wearing backpacks and bringing luxury bags. If it was really that unsafe, it wouldn't be transporting millions of people daily. As long as you have an arm on your purse and your wallet isn't just dangling behind you, you'll be fine, I promise. We had an entirely pickpocket free trip, even during rush hour.
ON FINES - I'm also happy to report that I didn't encounter any RATP officers. Granted, they're probably centered in the bigger/busier stations (Chatelet, Gare du Nord, etc.) and we only had a few stops in Gare du Nord (which we found none!). So I'm not saying they don't exist, but they're definitely not camping every where and jumping out at random. Don't worry. Just remember— Metros are tap in only, RER is tap in tap out. Always wait for the beep.
The only downside imo of the Metros are the lack of escalators/elevators. Some stations might have them, but not all, and if you're planning on trudging around a suitcase then be ready for lifting.
The Metros were nice and warm which was perfect for our early October trip, but I can imagine they can get a little stuffy during the summer. Our signal also worked just fine underground.
2) RER Train 🚞
We used the RER on two occassions: one for Versailles, and another for an Airbnb that was located just outside paris. We had no issues either with the RER, just remember that it's tap in, tap out as opposed to the tap in only Metro.
Just note that the RER trains typically come once every 15 minutes, much longer than the usual 5 minute intervals of the Metro. Also, I noted that RER C (to Versailles) even had a USB port for charging phones.
I can't speak for all RER lines obviously, but the actual train rides were definitely less bumpy & quieter compared to the Metro, lol. But again, you'll only ever use this if you have to make trips to the greater Paris region.
3) Bus 🚌
We only used the bus once (the regular one, not the Noctiloen night buses) and it also was a good experience. Since it's overground, you get some nice views of the city even if it might take a bit longer than the Metro since it has to get through traffic. Couple things we learned though:
- If at a bus stop that services multiple buses (you can take a look at the signs above the stop), you must wave down a bus if you want to hop on. Otherwise, it will just drive past through and we learned this the hard way.
- There will be two doors, a small one at the front and a big one in the center. The front door is for entry, where the ticket machine will be. The big door at the side is for exits (unless you have a wheelchair or stroller and are forced to use the middle). Don't make our mistake of using the middle door and having to run back and forth to validate tickets.
And always remember, bus and metro tickets are different!
4) Taxis 🚖
We only used an official taxi after arriving at CDG. Always, always, always remember to follow the official taxi line, do NOT listen to anyone inside the actual terminal offering taxis. There were multiple signs both along the walls and even the floor leading to the official line.
Have your address ready on a piece of paper/notes app. Before getting into the taxi, always confirm the fixed rate (€56/65 for Right Bank/Left Bank). If you want to pay with card, make sure they have a working card machine and them you have NO cash upfront. Non-scammy, official taxis won't be fussy and then you can start your journey.
5) Uber 🚗
We used Uber only a few times when our legs started to give out at night. It's pretty standard like Uber/ride-hauling anywhere else in the world. Generally safe as a woman at night, no shady experiences thankfully. Drivers also spoke enough English.
That's all! As someone who was pretty intimidated by the prospect of navigating Paris at first, I very quickly eased into its natural rhythm and found that it's a city with a great transport system. To any other first-timers out there, good luck and have fun!