| The Paris Guide |
| Using taxis, buses, and other options |
| There are 63 bus lines in the city and they offer some advantages and
disadvantages. It is nice for tourists to get to see where they are
going, but they can be slower since they have to deal with city traffic.
It costs anywhere from one to three Metro tickets depending on how far
you are planning on going. The lines run run 6:30am to 8:30pm with
limited service until 12:30am. There is also a great service called
the Noctambus which runs buses from 1:30am to 5:30am. This can be
a great way to meet other drunk people and have a fun ride home.
For more information on specific bus routes and times, go to the RATP.
If you decide to take a taxi, then understand that most of the time
the city's 15,000 taxis are clustered at taxi stations. It may be more
convenient to just hail a cab, it is not an acceptable practice in Paris,
and the taxis will not stop in the middle of the street to accept passengers.
Your best bet is to locate a taxi station and wait for the next taxi with
its roof light on bright, a dim light means it is occupied. Taxis aren't
usually expensive, but the rates increase at night between 10 p.m. and
6:30 a.m., on Sundays, and if you are picked up at a train station, hotel,
or outside the city. General rule is to tip the driver 10-15%.
Renting a car while visiting is almost always a bad idea unless you are planning on going out into the counrtyside. Gas is expensive. Parking is difficult. Traffic is wild. And the public transportation system is just to good to not use. Unless you really like putting up with the hassle, I seriously do not recommend renting a car. There are always better options to be found. Be sure to get an International Driver's Licence before going as well if this is what you decide. |
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