How do I get around Paris?
Walk and use the Metro for most Paris days; use an official taxi for luggage, late nights or mobility needs. Paris is compact, but the best plan groups each day by neighborhood so transport never becomes the trip. Contactless Metro tickets work for occasional rides; airport journeys use separate fares. For a first visit, avoid renting a car.
The simplest transport rule
Walk within one neighborhood, take the Metro between neighborhoods, and choose an official taxi when comfort matters more than saving a few euros. The RER is useful for Versailles and Disneyland, but always check live service before leaving: strikes and engineering work can change the best route.
Build days geographically: Louvre and Palais-Royal together; the Marais and Île de la Cité together; Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter together. Our Paris itinerary planner explains how to avoid costly zig-zagging.
When a private transfer is worth it
Use a private transfer for an airport arrival with several bags, children, limited mobility or a late landing. Our published package price is €90 from either CDG or Orly to Paris. An official taxi is usually the better value for straightforward arrivals; never accept a ride from a driver soliciting inside the terminal.
Related questions
Do I need a car in Paris?
No. Parking, traffic and restricted zones make a car a liability inside Paris.
Is the Paris Metro difficult for Americans?
No. Station signs are clear; the main challenge is stairs, luggage and occasional service changes.
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