Overview
Transfer Options
RATP operates the Metro, RER, bus, and tram in Paris. France has frequent planned strike actions that can reduce or suspend services with little warning. Before you travel, check the RATP real-time traffic page for any disruptions. If the Metro or RER is affected, a licensed taxi or Uber/Bolt is your fastest fallback.
Luggage Storage
Public Transit
Train and Metro
The Metro is the fastest way to navigate the city. A single t+ ticket costs €2.55 (flat rate, all zones within Paris).
- Purchase: At any RATP ticket machine — select “Navigo Easy” for a reloadable card.
- Validation: Tap or insert your ticket at the turnstile before boarding.
You must keep your ticket until you have fully exited the station. Inspectors check tickets behind the gates, and fines are €35–€50. At Gare du Nord and Châtelet, transfers involve long walks and stairs. With heavy luggage, a Taxi or G7 is a better choice.
Bus
City Buses
A standard t+ ticket costs €2.55 and is valid on all city buses. Board through the front door and validate immediately. Newer buses have digital next-stop screens; on older routes, use Citymapper or Google Maps.
Give up blue-marked Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility. On crowded buses, keep bags close and watch your stop — Paris does not always announce them verbally.
Official Taxi
Price and Appearance
Look for the “Taxis Parisiens” sign on the roof.
In Arrivals halls and train stations, men may approach you asking “Taxi?”. Ignore them. These are unlicensed drivers. Always follow the blue “Taxi” floor decals to the official outdoor rank where a dispatcher will assist you.
Rideshare
Pickup Points
For visitors with limited mobility, the G7 app allows you to book an “Access” vehicle with a lower step-in. You can also book a “Meet & Greet” service where the driver waits at the end of the train platform or arrivals hall with a sign to assist with luggage.
G7 is the most reliable app in Paris, offering professional drivers who can use bus lanes, often shaving 20 minutes off trips during traffic.
Uber and Bolt are available but use standard pricing and cannot use bus lanes.
ATMs and Currency
When a machine asks to charge you in “USD” or your “Home Currency,” choose “Charge in EUR.” This prevents the machine from applying a predatory exchange rate (DCC) that can cost you an extra 5–8%.
Accessibility & Safety
Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly airports provide free PRM assistance throughout all terminals. Book online or call at least 24 hours in advance.
PRM Assistance – Paris AéroportAt all Paris train stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare de l’Est, Gare Montparnasse, Gare Saint-Lazare), use Assist’enGare for wheelchair assistance. Book online or call 3635 at least 24 hours in advance.
Assist'enGare – SNCFParisian transport hubs are generally safe, but crowds attract pickpockets. Watch out for the “Petition” scam (signing a fake charity form) and the “Helpful Stranger” at ticket machines.
At ticket kiosks, be wary of anyone offering to “help” you buy a ticket. They may buy a child-fare ticket but charge you full price, or swap your cash. Only accept help from uniformed SNCF or RATP staff, or use the official “Vente” desks.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
First Aid
Pharmacy
Overview
Transfer Options
RATP operates the Metro, RER, bus, and tram in Paris. France has frequent planned strike actions that can reduce or suspend services with little warning. Before you travel, check the RATP real-time traffic page for any disruptions. If the Metro or RER is affected, a licensed taxi or Uber/Bolt is your fastest fallback.
Luggage Storage
Public Transit
Train and Metro
The Metro is the fastest way to navigate the city. A single t+ ticket costs €2.55 (flat rate, all zones within Paris).
- Purchase: At any RATP ticket machine — select “Navigo Easy” for a reloadable card.
- Validation: Tap or insert your ticket at the turnstile before boarding.
You must keep your ticket until you have fully exited the station. Inspectors check tickets behind the gates, and fines are €35–€50. At Gare du Nord and Châtelet, transfers involve long walks and stairs. With heavy luggage, a Taxi or G7 is a better choice.
Bus
City Buses
A standard t+ ticket costs €2.55 and is valid on all city buses. Board through the front door and validate immediately. Newer buses have digital next-stop screens; on older routes, use Citymapper or Google Maps.
Give up blue-marked Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility. On crowded buses, keep bags close and watch your stop — Paris does not always announce them verbally.
Arrival & Check-In
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Passport Control
VAT Refunds
France uses the PABLO digital system.
Accessibility & Safety
Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly airports provide free PRM assistance throughout all terminals. Book online or call at least 24 hours in advance.
PRM Assistance – Paris AéroportAt all Paris train stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare de l’Est, Gare Montparnasse, Gare Saint-Lazare), use Assist’enGare for wheelchair assistance. Book online or call 3635 at least 24 hours in advance.
Assist'enGare – SNCFParisian transport hubs are generally safe, but crowds attract pickpockets. Watch out for the “Petition” scam (signing a fake charity form) and the “Helpful Stranger” at ticket machines.
At ticket kiosks, be wary of anyone offering to “help” you buy a ticket. They may buy a child-fare ticket but charge you full price, or swap your cash. Only accept help from uniformed SNCF or RATP staff, or use the official “Vente” desks.