Practical / Transport

How to get to Paris: a comprehensive guide to transport options

La Rédaction Paris je t'aime -
How to get to Paris? Train, plane, bus or car: this guide will help you choose the best route to the capital

Discover in this article:

🎯 A mode of transport for every traveller

  • International: flying remains the go-to option for long-haul journeys via Roissy-CDG Airport. For nearby European destinations, the train offers better value for money when travelling from city centre to city centre
  • Families: the train is ideal for its comfort and dedicated family areas. The car remains flexible, but be aware of the restrictions of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and parking
  • Couples and retirees: the train (1st class) or an unusual arrival by pleasure boat at the Port de l’Arsenal for a romantic start to your stay
  • Business: the speed of the TGV (city centre to city centre) or private shuttles (private hire vehicles) from the airports to make the most of your working time
  • On a tight budget: long-distance buses or carpooling offer economical journeys to Paris from €5

🎯 Travelling to Paris by train: stations and rail network

The train is the preferred mode of transport: fast, comfortable and eco-friendly (50 times less CO2 than flying).

📍 The 6 main stations in Paris

Station Main destinations (Avg. journey time) Metro / RER
Gare du Nord London (2h15), Brussels (1h22), Amsterdam (3h20), Lille (1 hr) M4, M5, RER B, D, E
Gare de l'Est Strasbourg (1 hr 45 mins), Reims (45 mins), Frankfurt (3 hrs 50 mins) M4, M5, M7
Gare de Lyon Lyon (2h), Marseille (3h), Geneva (3h10), Barcelona (6h40) M1, M14, RER A, D
Gare Montparnasse Bordeaux (2h04), Nantes (2h), Rennes (1h25) M4, M6, M12, M13
Gare Saint-Lazare Rouen (1h10), Caen (2h), Le Havre (2h10) M3, M12, M13, M14
Austerlitz Station Orléans (1 hr), Limoges (3 hr 15 min), Night trains M5, M10, RER C
Bercy Station Clermont-Ferrand (3h30), Auxerre (1h45), Dijon (2h30) M6, M14

🤝 Our partners to make your journey easier

We work closely with key partners: SNCF Connect for your bookings, Île-de-France Mobilités for regional coordination, the RATP for the urban network, and SNCF Gares & Connexions for customer services and accessibility at stations.

🌟 How to get to Paris in pictures 🌟

🎯 Flying to Paris: Paris airports

Paris is home to the world’s largest airlines. Air France operates its hub at CDG (Terminal 2), joined by the SkyTeam alliance (Delta, KLM). European flights are dominated by EasyJet, Vueling and Volotea (Orly), whilst Ryanair is based at Beauvais.

🎯 Travelling to Paris by coach: routes and coach stations

The coach is the most economical option for travelling to the capital, with tickets starting from €5. Allow around 3 hours from Lille, 4 hours from Brussels and 5 hours from Lyon. Paris is a major hub for European routes, welcoming travellers from across the continent every day.

  • Main operators: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly iDBUS) dominate the market with modern fleets (Wi-Fi, power sockets, reclining seats). Find the full list of companies here
  • Comparison sites: to find the best fare, Tictactrip is the go-to solution for comparing coach journeys to Paris

📌Paris coach stations

Coach Station Address Transport links (Metro / RER / Tram) Bus
Bercy-Seine (12th arrondissement) 208-210 Quai de Bercy M6, M14 (Bercy)
RER C (Bibl. F. Mitterrand)		 24, 64, 74, 215, N32
Pershing - Porte Maillot (17th arrondissement) 22-24 Bd Pershing M1 (Porte Maillot)
RER C, E (Neuilly - Porte Maillot)
T3b (Porte Maillot)		 43, 73, 82, 244, PC
Paris-Gallieni (Bagnolet) Avenue du Général de Gaulle M3 (Gallieni) Local and international network

📌Parking for coaches

For professionals, parking in Paris is strictly regulated. The PASS Autocar website allows you to check availability in real time and purchase the mandatory passes. The coach can then move between the various authorised car parks whilst the pass is valid.

📌Exploring Paris after your arrival

Once in the city, extend the experience with hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses. Operators such as Big Bus Paris or Tootbus offer panoramic double-decker tours. It’s the ideal way to admire the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées or Notre-Dame at your own pace, thanks to strategically placed stops and multilingual audio commentary.

🎯 Travelling to Paris by car or carpool

📌By car and the Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

Since 2025, driving in the Greater Paris area has been subject to strict environmental and traffic regulations:

  • Crit'Air sticker: this must be displayed on your windscreen. Crit'Air 3, 4 and 5 vehicles are banned from driving within the A86 ring road from Monday to Friday (8am–8pm)
  • ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone): the centre of Paris is closed to through traffic. Only access to a specific destination (hotel, restaurant, private car park, event) is permitted upon presentation of proof of purpose in the event of a check

📌Carpooling: sociable and economical

An eco-friendly way to share toll and fuel costs, carpooling is a great alternative for travelling to Paris. The service is organised around several complementary platforms:

  • BlaBlaCar : the go-to platform for long-distance journeys. It’s the ideal solution for travelling to Paris from major French and European cities
  • Mobicoop : a cooperative, commission-free platform, ideal for those who prefer a fair and open model
  • Karos: specialist in ‘short-distance’ carpooling. This app is particularly useful if you’re travelling to Paris from the outer suburbs or neighbouring departments
  • Île-de-France Mobilités carpooling service : a no-booking service operating like a bus route with physical stops. Ideal for spontaneous journeys, with a guaranteed departure during rush hour (alternative solution within 10 mins)
  • Covoit'ici : a reservation-free “carpool route” service, operating on a bus stop model for entering Paris from certain areas of the Île-de-France region
  • Citygo : very popular for local urban carpooling, particularly for journeys between Paris and the inner suburbs or from one suburb to another

💡Where to get off?
Drop-off points are strategically located at the Portes de Paris to avoid traffic jams in the city centre:

  • South: Porte d’Orléans (connection to Metro line 4, Tram T3a)
  • North: Porte de la Chapelle (connection to Metro line 12, Tram T3b)
  • East: Porte de Bercy (right next to lines 6 and 14)
  • West: Porte Maillot (connections to Metro line 1, RER lines C and E)

🎯 Getting to Paris by pleasure boat

Travelling to Paris by water offers a regal view of the historic monuments, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whilst the network is managed by Haropa Port (France’s leading river port and operator of Paris’s quays), the reception of pleasure craft is provided by first-class facilities, mainly managed by Fayolle Marine.

📌The Port de l’Arsenal: a stopover at the foot of the Bastille

This is the capital’s iconic port. Situated between the Quai de la Rapée and the Place de la Bastille, it is a true haven of peace linking the Seine to the Canal Saint-Martin.

  • Capacity: 180 moorings for boats up to 25 metres
  • Facilities: water and electricity points, toilets, showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi access and 24-hour security
  • The added bonus: a modern harbour master’s office and direct access to the historic heart of Paris via Bastille metro station

📌Other ports in the city

For a quieter stopover or an approach via the canals, other options are available to boaters:

  • Halte Nautique de la Villette (19th arr.): situated on the Bassin de la Villette, this stopover allows you to moor at the foot of the Parc de la Villette. It is the ideal entry point to the Northern Canal network
  • Port of Nogent-sur-Marne (94): a few kilometres from Paris on the Marne, this “Pavillon Bleu” port offers 150 berths in a leafy setting, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of the open-air cafés
  • Port de Seine Parisii (Cormeilles-en-Parisis - 95): a modern marina with 110 berths offering premium services for boats up to 20 metres, ideal for a stopover on the Lower Seine downstream from Paris

📌Navigation rules and formalities

Boating in Paris is an experience that requires thorough preparation:

  1. Mandatory VNF vignette: all motorised boats must pay a recreational toll to Voies Navigables de France (VNF)
  2. Licences and Certificates: a river licence is required for engines over 6 horsepower (4.5 kW). Boats over 20 metres must also hold a boat certificate (navigation certificate)
  3. Speed and right of way: speed is strictly limited (generally 12 km/h on the Seine and 6 km/h on the canals). Commercial vessels and passenger boats (bateaux-mouches) always have right of way
  4. Obligation to leave the network: for annual residents at the Port de l’Arsenal, an obligation to leave the Parisian network for at least 21 days a year is imposed to ensure the rotation of berths

💡Did you know?

Haropa Port manages all port activity along the Seine corridor. Beyond freight, it promotes the development of sustainable recreational boating and river ports to make the Seine the backbone of soft mobility in the heart of the metropolis.

🎯 Comparison of transport options to Paris

Mode of transport Average price Journey time (from Lyon) Carbon footprint Comfort
Train (TGV) €40 - €90 2 hours 🌱 Very low Excellent
Plane €60 - €150 3 hours (including transfers) ⚠️ Very high Average
Bus / Coach €5 - €25 5 hours 30 mins 🌱 Low Basic
Car €50 - €80 4h30 🔸 Average Variable

🎯 Getting around Paris: metro, RER and public transport (RATP, Île-de-France Mobilité)

Once you arrive, the RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités networks make getting around easy. The metro (16 lines) and the RER (5 lines) cover the entire region.

🎯ADEME carbon footprint calculator

❓Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get to Paris?

The train is undoubtedly the best way to reach the capital. Combining speed and comfort, it drops you right in the heart of the city at one of Paris’s six major stations, such as the Gare de Lyon or Gare du Nord, all of which are connected to the metro and RER networks. It is also the most eco-friendly choice for your Paris, with a carbon footprint far lower than that of flying or travelling by private car. To make the most of your stay, you can combine your journey with the official Paris City Pass, which often includes options for getting around Paris with complete freedom.

What do I need to do to enter Paris?

The entry requirements for Paris depend on your mode of transport and where you’re coming from. If you’re travelling by car, you must have a Crit’Air sticker displayed on your windscreen to drive within the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which extends as far as the A86 motorway. Although Crit’Air 3 vehicles are theoretically restricted on weekdays (8am–8pm), a grace period remains in place until 31 December 2026, meaning no automatic fines are issued. If you plan to enter the city centre (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements), you will be entering the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). Through traffic is prohibited here: you must be able to prove you have a local destination (hotel booking, museum ticket, restaurant or car park) in the event of a check by the authorities. We recommend visiting the government’s official website to order your vignette and using public transport for a stress-free arrival. For international travellers from outside the Schengen area arriving in France, new European rules such as the EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS authorisation may apply depending on your nationality.

What are the main train stations in Paris?

Paris has six major railway stations, each serving a specific geographical area of France and Europe. As a true European hub, the capital is connected to over 200 domestic destinations and around twenty international cities. For your connections, these hubs are all linked by the metro and RER network. Note that two strategic TGV stations on the outskirts, Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (Disneyland® Paris) and Massy TGV, also allow you to bypass the city centre for fast inter-regional connections.
Here are the main stations and their key destinations:

  • 📍 Gare du Nord: this is Europe’s busiest station in terms of passenger numbers. It serves northern France and international destinations via the Eurostar (London) and the Thalys (Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany)
  • 📍 Gare de Lyon: a must for travelling to the south-east (Lyon, Marseille, Nice), the Alps and Switzerland via the TGV Lyria. It is home to the famous restaurant Le Train Bleu
  • 📍 Gare Montparnasse: the departure point for the West and South-West (Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine). It is the only Parisian station built in the 20th century
  • 📍 Gare de l'Est: it provides connections to the Grand Est region (Strasbourg, Reims, Metz) and Germany. It is located just a ten-minute walk from Gare du Nord
  • 📍 Gare Saint-Lazare : historically linked to Impressionism, Gare Saint-Lazare mainly serves Normandy (Rouen, Caen, Le Havre)
  • 📍 Austerlitz Station : it connects Paris to the Centre-Val de Loire and the South-West (Toulouse) via Intercités and night trains

What is the cheapest way to get to Paris?

The bus remains the most economical option, with tickets starting from €5. Carpooling is also a very competitive alternative.

What is the easiest way to get to Paris?

The train is the easiest: it drops you right in the city centre, directly connected to the metro network, with no need for an additional shuttle.

How do I know if my car is allowed to drive in Paris?

Check your air quality certificate. From 2026, only Crit’Air 0, 1 and 2 vehicles will be allowed to drive freely within Paris city centre on weekdays.

How do I get to Paris from the airports?

The RER B (from CDG) or Line 14 (from Orly) are the quickest options. Taxis charge fixed flat rates to Paris.

How to get to Paris La Défense Arena?

To reach Paris La Défense Arena, Europe’s largest indoor venue located in Nanterre, opt for public transport to avoid parking restrictions. The venue is well served by the RATP and SNCF networks. If you’re travelling from further afield, the La Défense district is just a 10-minute journey from central Paris. To plan your journey in real time and check RATP traffic, use the Bonjour RATP app or the Île-de-France Mobilités website. For spectators arriving by car, secure car parks such as the Centre-Grande Arche car park are available nearby, but we strongly advise you to plan your journey well in advance on event evenings.

  • By RER: take line A and get off at La Défense Grande Arche station (a 10-minute walk) or Nanterre Préfecture station (around a 6-minute walk)
  • By metro: take line 1 to the terminus La Défense Grande Arche
  • By tram: line T2 also serves La Défense station
  • By train (Transilien): lines L and U drop you off directly at La Défense station

Where do coaches arrive in Paris?

Long-distance coaches mainly arrive at the Bercy-Seine coach station (208-210 Quai de Bercy, 12th arrondissement) and, since December 2025, at the new Porte Maillot coach station (17th arrondissement). Bercy station will gradually close by 2030, to be replaced by a future coach station at Saint-Denis Pleyel. These terminals are well connected to Parisian public transport, making it easy to reach the Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame de Paris or the Île de la Cité. Parisian bus stations offer essential facilities for your comfort: toilets, covered waiting areas, ticket machines and staffed ticket counters. You will also find nearby dining areas, newsagents, luggage storage and free Wi-Fi access.

Where can I park a coach in Paris?

Parking for coaches requires a mandatory Coach Pass. The main dedicated car parks are Bercy, Carrousel du Louvre, Cours de la Reine near the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Joseph-Bouvard at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Parking is subject to a charge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with two tariff zones: central (1st to 11th arrondissements) and peripheral (12th to 20th arrondissements).

See also

Public transport in Paris

PracticalTransport
Métro, RER train, tramway, cable car ... The Paris public transport network serves the entire city and all its suburbs

Travelling to Paris by car: traffic, parking and car hire

Transport
Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll arrive at one of the 30 junctions along the 35 km of motorway

Travelling to Paris by train: a practical guide to stations and transport

TransportPractical

Paris can be reached by train in a matter of hours from elsewhere in France and all major European cities

Travelling to Paris by plane: a guide to airports, transport links and transfers

Plan your arrival or departure with peace of mind: access, transport and handy services at Paris airports