TRAVELING BY BUS
Traveling by bus, it’s a great way to discover the city. There are a wide variety of routes, many of which go through the city centre, along the Seine River banks or through well-known historical areas. The bus network with its 59 routes perfectly matches and complements that of the metro. The installation of special bus lanes along the main roads has improved journey times. For an idea of your journey time, allow around 5 minutes per stop, sometimes more if the traffic is busy.
Buses operate from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8.30pm or thereabouts. Some bus lines also operate in the evening from 8.30pm until 0.30am, in particular those that begin at train stations or serve major metro and RER links, as well as the 3 circular PC routes. Around half of the buses also run on Sundays and public holidays.
THE NOCTILIEN
You just missed the last metro or you’re too early for the first one at 6am? Night travellers, the regional bus network is just for you! From 0.30am to 5.30am, the “Noctilien” network means 42 lines throughout Ile-de-France and increased frequency, better visibility (clearer signage), greater access and improved welcome! Extending the former “Noctambus” and “Bus de nuit” (night bus) lines, almost doubled, the “Noctilien” will allow both residents and visitors to make the most of Paris by night and still be able to get home easily! You can use your travel pass or a metro/bus ticket if it covers the zones concerned (the same zones as for the metro/RER).
PARIS TAXI GUIDE
Paris taxi drivers are not known for their flawless knowledge of the Paris street map; if you have a preferred route, say so. Taxis can also be hard to find, especially at rush hour or early in the morning. Your best bet is to find a taxi rank (station de taxis, marked with a blue sign) on major roads, crossroads and at stations. A white light on a taxi’s roof indicates the car is free; an orange light means the cab is busy. There is a service charge of €2.10.
Most journeys in central Paris cost €6-€12; there’s a minimum charge of €5.60, plus €1 for each piece of luggage over 5kg or bulky objects, and a €0.70 surcharge from mainline stations. Most drivers will not take more than three people, although they should take a couple and two children. There is an additional charge of €2.75 for a fourth adult passenger.
17,000 taxis operate in Paris, day and night. The owner or operator of the taxi holds a licence permitting parking on the public highway while waiting for customers, in order to carry out, at their request and in exchange for payment, the private transport of people and their belongings.
There’s a unique phone number for all the taxi firms : +33 (0)1 45 30 30 30