Search bus tickets to Paris

Paris, the famous City of Lights, is the premier destination of choice for people visiting France. Boasting a rich cultural heritage and world-famous culinary traditions, Paris will certainly amaze visitors with everything it has to offer. The city’s star attraction is the famous Eiffel Tower, which was constructed in 1889. An architectural marvel that has stood the test of time, the Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most iconic landmark of Paris, and visitors can take an elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Another must-see iconic landmark is the Musée du Louvre, one of the best art museums in the world. At the Louvre, visitors can marvel at more than 35,000 works of art, including the world-famous Mona Lisa. If you wish to stay away from the deafening crowd, Pere-Lachaise Cemetery, the largest green space in the city, will have what you need.

Paris’ food scene is rich and vibrant, brimming with both traditional bistros and chic new restaurants. For those who enjoy a rustic French vibe, the 2ème arrondissement offers some great selections. If you feel like splurging a little bit, head over to Guy Savoy, one of the best restaurants in town.

Paris is a central hub of transportation in France and Europe, in general. Visitors can catch trains to other cities at one of the six central stations: Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare Saint-Lazare. The main bus station is Paris Bercy Bourgogne—Pays d'Auvergne located not too far from Gare d'Austerlitz. The principal airports in the city are Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Paris–Orly, and Beauvais–Tillé Airport.

Once you’ve arrived in Paris, you have a few different options for getting around the city.

Public Transit

Public transportation in Paris is cheap, easy, and comprehensive. There are regional trains (RER), a metro, trams, and city buses to shuttle passengers to every corner of the city.

The regional train system encompasses Paris’s city center and suburban areas with over 250 stations. There are five lines, but the most popular for visitors are lines A, B and C. Ticket prices vary by zone and can be purchased from station vending machines.

The Paris metro connects passengers to destinations within the city center. There are more than 300 stations around Paris, recognizable by the simple letter “M.” Ticket prices vary by zone, but single tickets start at 1.90€. You can purchase fares from vending machines at the stations.

There are currently 11 tram lines in Paris, though these are mostly located on the outskirts of the city and not especially beneficial for out-of-towners. There are some exceptions (Line 1, in particular), though the metro usually has similar and faster routes. Tickets for single tram journeys start at 1.90€.

Paris city buses are one of the cheapest and most frequent forms of transportation, and unlike the metro, a bus ride offers you great views of the city as you travel. Buses run around the clock, and there are hundreds of stops around the city and nearby areas. Tickets purchased on the bus are subject to an additional fee, so we recommend buying your ticket in advance from a machine at the metro station or from a newsagent.

Rideshare Apps & Taxis

As with most major cities, Paris has a vast taxi network for anyone who wants a stress free (albeit expensive) way to get around town. Official taxis are recognizable by the taxi light on the roof, and you can hail them from the street or wait at a taxi stand for a ride. Some rides are metered while others have a fixed price—it all depends on where you are and where you’re headed.

Rideshare apps are also available in Paris, including Uber and Free Now. If you choose to travel via taxi or one of the rideshare apps, be wary of rush hour traffic, as it will likely take much longer to travel by car during this time.

Rental Cars

If you’d prefer to have unlimited access to your own vehicle or take a road trip from Paris to the French countryside, you can always rent a car. Wanderu offers some of the best rental car options, where you can compare cars from all rental car agencies to find the best deal.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and no trip to the City of Lights is complete without setting eyes on this iconic structure. You take the elevator to the top, enjoy a picnic below the trestles, or hunt for the best view of the tower from one of the many rooftop bars around the city.

Champs-Elysées

Crowned by the majestic Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysées is famed for its high-end boutiques and opulent cafés. But, even if you don’t buy anything along this famous boulevard, taking a stroll here is perfect for people watching—just be wary of highly-skilled pickpockets!

Versailles

Situated on the outskirts of the city, the Palace of Versailles was the lavish seat of the French government from 1682 to 1789. Today, visitors can tour the palatial halls and gardens, walking in the footsteps of monarchs including Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette.

Moulin Rouge

Once the sun sets, head to Paris’s Montmartre district for a unique night-time experience. Moulin Rouge is perhaps the most famous cabaret in the world, and enjoying a show here is a true Parisian experience. If shows are sold out, countless other venues in the area offer risque cabarets throughout the evening hours.

The Louvre

Whether you’re an art lover or not, spending a day at the Louvre is one of the best things to do in Paris. Not only is this the largest art museum in the entire world, but it was also once the home to French Royalty. The Louvre is notorious for having incredibly long lines, so try to purchase your ticket in advance.

There are a few things that international visitors to France should keep in mind.

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Tipping: Bars & restaurants automatically add a 15% service fee. Additional tipping is optional.

• Legal drinking age: 18 years old (or 16 for beer & wine)

Useful French phrases:

• “Bonjour” = Hello

• “Parlez-vous Anglais?” = Do you speak English?

• “Merci” = Thank you