[rec.travel.europe] Updated Paris transport FAQ
Jean-Francois Dancre
shuttle bus info ;-) . Further suggestions welcome.
Regards,
Jeff :o)
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Paris Transport FAQ v4.1
Last Updated: 19 March 2002
Created by Delphine Kensit <nem...@yahoo.com>,
Revised by Jean-François Dancre <chatelet-...@netcourrier.com>.
======================================================
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NEWSFLASH
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The RATP restructured their website. <http://www.ratp.fr> is now more of a
corporate website, whereas most "useful" information (tickets, maps,
timetables, etc.) has been moved to <http://www.citefutee.com>.
Fares on the bus, metro, RER and suburban trains services operated by the
RATP and the SNCF are revised each year on August 1st. Please check the RATP
webpage <http://www.ratp.fr> or email them for specific or most
up-to-date details.
As of January 1st, 2002, all fares have been converted to Euros, as this is
now (since February 17th, 2002) the only currency with legal tender in
France. This version of the FAQ includes updated fares in Euros.
Since 1999, all RER and suburban trains are no longer divided into classes.
Also, a single ticket is now sufficient for any journey on any RATP bus line
(except lines 221, 299, 350, 351, Roissybus, Orlybus and Noctambus, which
require several or special tickets, see below).
________________________________________________
Table of Contents
( * denotes modified items since the previous version)
[1] Introduction
[2] RATP
[2.1] Basics
[2.1.1] Hours of service
[2.1.2] Noctambus (*)
[2.2] Tickets
[2.3] Payment
[2.4] Transport Passes
[2.4.1] Mobilis Pass
[2.4.2] Carte Orange
[2.4.3] Paris Visite
[2.5] Other passes
[2.6] Which pass should I buy?
[2.7] Can I buy tickets or passes from an overseas agent?
[3] Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) and Orly airports
[3.1] Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) Airport
[3.1.1] Special Shuttle Services
[3.1.2] RATP Roissybus
[3.1.3] RER Line B (*)
[3.2] Orly Airport
[3.2.1] Special Shuttle Services
[3.2.2] RATP Orlybus
[3.2.3] RER - Orlyval and Orlyrail
[3.3] Transfer between Charles de Gaulle and Orly
[3.3.1] Air France Shuttle Services
[3.3.2] RER Line B + Orlyval (connection at Antony)
[3.3.3] Taxis
[4] Getting out of Paris
[4.1] Rail service - SNCF
[4.2] Bus service - Eurolines
TBA Taxi and Water transport
[1] Introduction
This is a brief, informal FAQ to orient visitors to the public
transportation services available in Paris. This is not meant to be an
exhaustive list, and simply aims to answer some of the basic questions that
everyone has. For the sake of clarity, what follows can be highly
simplified, sometimes to the point where a pedant could argue that it is
incorrect. However, this should never result in any misleading information.
If you don't find what you need here, or need further clarification, please
post your queries to the newsgroup rec.travel.europe.
[2] RATP
The public transport system in Paris is governed by the RATP. For visitors
to the city, the three main modes of transport you are likely to deal with
are the Metro (the subway/underground system), the RER (commuter railway
which also provides an express alternative to the Metro), and the bus. In
particular, the RATP runs buses from the two airports Orly and Charles de
Gaulle to various points in the city of Paris.
Some surburban lines for the Paris/Île-de-France region are run by the
French railway company SNCF (see section 4.1). You will need separate
tickets for the SNCF mainline trains (to Giverny, for instance). You may
also need separate tickets for journeys extending outside the city limits on
either the RER or the SNCF suburban trains.
For information and a detailed map of the metro and RER lines, please refer
to the RATP website at <http://www.ratp.fr.> This site is available in
French and English. Please note that the range of information provided in
English differs from the French version. Also, you might find some
difficulty in navigating the site, that is normal.
[2.1] Basics
All three modes of transport use the same ticketing system. So the ticket
you buy is valid for the Metro, the RER, and the bus. The basic RATP ticket
covers the entire Metro system, including the small parts extending beyond
the city limits of Paris (such as La Défense). For the RER, though, the fare
is higher if you travel outside the city limits. So from Nation to Etoile,
you can take the Metro or the parallel RER line for the same price, but if
you continue to La Défense, the RER costs more.
The Paris/Île-de-France region is divided into eight zones. Versailles in in
Zone 4, and Disneyland Paris is in Zone 5. A zone map can be obtained from
the ticket agent. Zones are also clearly marked on maps found on the RER
trains.
Single tickets do not rely on the zones system, only transport passes do.
Since July 1st, 1999, RER trains are no longer divided into 1st and 2nd
class carriages.
[2.1.1] Hours of service
The RER and Metro service starts at about 5h30 and ends between 0h45 and
1h15 depending on the station. Most buses run till 20h30, and some lines run
on a reduced circuit between 20h30 and 0h00.
[2.1.2] Noctambus (*)
After the Metro & bus services shut down, the Noctambus (night bus) service
runs from the city center to the outskirts. Those with travel passes can
take the Noctambus at no additional cost. Otherwise a single Noctambus trip
costs 2.25 EUR.
A Noctambus ticket allows you to transfer from one line to the other, in
particular at the Noctambus hub at Châtelet, where 15 lines terminate (out
of the 18 that are available).
Noctambus typically runs every 30 mins to the city limits, every hour
beyond. However, on Friday and Saturday nights, buses can be as frequent as
one every 15 mins on the busiest lines.
[2.2] Tickets
The basic RATP ticket is valid for a single journey on the entire metro
system, on the RER within the city limits, and on the bus (trips on lines
221, 299, 350, 351 may require several tickets, trips on Roissybus and
Orlybus require special tickets). RATP tickets are valid indefinitely, so
the tickets you have left over from your trip 3 years ago are still valid
today! Do remember to keep your ticket with you at all times. Ticket
inspectors are a common sight in the metro and you will be fined 50 EUR (or
15 EUR if you pay on the spot) - no excuses entertained. In addition, you
will need your ticket to exit the RER system - so keep it handy. All
transfers within and between the metro and RER are free. Transfers to and
from the bus require a new ticket. Transfers between different bus lines
also require a new ticket.
Metro tickets can be purchased singly at 1.30 EUR each, or in a set of ten
(un carnet de dix, or simply, un carnet) for 9.30 EUR. Tickets can be
purchased at every metro station from the automated machines, or from the
ticket agent. These can also be purchased from Tabacs displaying the green
RATP sign. The RATP strongly advises against buying tickets from unlicensed
vendors. You can typically see them loitering near automated machines at the
major train stations.
There are special priced tickets available for children 10 years and under.
These are referred to as "tarif réduit" and cost half the price of an adult
ticket (but are only sold in carnets of ten).
If you need to travel outside of Paris, you will likely need to purchase
your ticket from the ticketing agent. Most stations, though, are also being
equipped with automated machines that allow you to purchase tickets for
journeys extending outside Paris. Specify the station that you need to go
to, and consider buying your return trip ticket also. This can save you a
lot of time and headache if you are travelling to Versailles on a weekend.
[2.3] Payment
All major credit cards are accepted at ticket windows and automated
ticketing machines (although it seems that foreign credit cards, more often
than not, can't be read by the automated machines). There is currently no
minimum charge, as RATP favours the use of credit cards as a means to ease
the transition from Francs to Euros.
[2.4] Transport Passes
There are three basic passes available to everyone. The Mobilis Pass, the
Carte Orange, and the Paris Visite Pass. These passes are available at every
station, although stations outside Zones 1-2 may not sell passes for the
lesser zones. The Paris Visite Pass is also available at the Paris Tourist
Information office, and over the Internet through certain agents.
[2.4.1] Mobilis Pass
The Mobilis Pass (formerly the Formula 1 pass) is a one day pass, available
for unlimited travel within the designated zones for the bus, Metro and RER.
No photos are required for this pass. The basic 2 zone pass costs 5 EUR,
6.70 EUR for 3 zones, 11.70 EUR for 5 zones or 17.95 EUR for the whole 8
zones.
Caution : for some reason, Mobilis passes do not allow access to Orly or
Roissy airports, even when they include the relevant zones.
[2.4.2] Carte Orange
The Carte Orange is available as a weekly or a monthly pass. The weekly pass
(coupon hebdomadaire) is valid Monday to Sunday only, and *not* for 7 days
from date of purchase. The pass is available from the Thursday before to the
Wednesday of the week of validity. The basic 2 zone pass is 13.25 EUR. You
need a passport size photo for the pass. In addition to the ticket, you will
be given an identification card on which you affix your photo and fill in
your name. You must write the serial number of this card on your ticket and
keep the two together. The ticket is not valid without the accompanying
card. This card does not have a expiration date, so you can use one from a
previous trip.
The monthly pass (coupon mensuel) functions in the same manner, valid for
the calendar month, and costs 44.35 EUR for the basic 2 zones.
The Carte Orange passes are valid for unlimited rides on the RATP system.
Contrary to what some tour or ticket agents may tell you, the Carte Orange
is available to everyone. You should not have a problem purchasing this from
the RATP ticket agent.
[2.4.3] Paris Visite
This pass is designed to hook in the unsuspecting tourist. While a small
handful of tourists may be able to take advantage of the discounts and
offers that come with the pass, the large part of visitors will not. These
discounts and offers are limited to less popular museums, and are usually
for 50% off a second ticket. The general consensus is to avoid the Paris
Visite pass, and use carnets or the Mobilis Pass instead. You should
however, consult the list of perks and see if you will be able to take
advantage of them, refer to the RATP website for up-to-date information.
[2.5] Other passes
In addition to the transport passes, you can purchase the one, three and
five day Carte Musées & Monuments from the ticket agents at all metro
stations. The Carte Musée & Monuments pass allows you unlimited entries into
museums and monuments for the duration of its validity. The pass can be
purchased on any day as it is validated at the first museum or monument you
visit. It also comes with a complete list of participating sites, the major
musuems are all included.
The key benefit of the card is that you can enter museums through special
entrances, thus skipping the sometimes hour long lines at museums such as
the Louvre or Orsay. The cost of the pass is 13 EUR (one day), 26 EUR (3
day), and 39 EUR (5 day).
Most RATP stations also sell a "Passeport Disneyland Paris", which is
basically a combo "return RER ticket + entrance to Disneyland". It doesn't
offer any discount compared to RER tickets and entrance tickets bought
separately, but is a nice time-saver, as you can buy it in advance, and will
be able to skip the ever-so-long lines at the entrance of the park! Prices
for Summer 2001 were 35.98 EUR for an adult, 28.05 for a child under 12.
[2.6] Which transport pass should I buy?
There is no one pass that suits every visitor. Which pass to use depends on
when you arrive in Paris, where your hotel is, what you like to do, and how
much walking you enjoy.
[2.7] Can I buy tickets or passes from an overseas agent?
Yes you can. The RATP Website has a list of designated official agents. The
question is, should you? All tickets and passes are easily availble in
Paris, at metros, tourist information centers, etc. The Carte Musées &
Monuments pass is also available at all participating museums. There is
usually no line. Passes purchased through agents usually have a substantial
handling charge added on.
[3] Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) and Orly airports
There are a couple of options available to visitors to Paris. The most
expensive is the taxi. This will cost you 30-40 EUR from Charles de Gaulle,
25-30 EUR from Orly, depending on traffic. There is also a 1 EUR charge for
each piece of luggage.
A cheaper option is to contact an airport shuttle service. The going rate is
approximately 30 EUR for 2 persons for door to door service, 20 EUR for one
person. Some companies offer a slightly cheaper rate for "pipe-line"
service. Inquire about baggage limits. Some services charge extra for more
than 2 pieces. One popular service is the Paris Airports Service, email:
p...@magic.fr, http://www.magic.fr/pas. The Paris-Anglo website also has a
listing of shuttle services you can contact: http://www.paris-anglo.com. You
can also inquire at your hotel for other shuttle services.
[None of these services is endorsed by the author.]
The two airports are also linked to the RATP through the RER. If you arrive
during the morning or evening rush hours, this would be the fastest and most
reliable way of getting into the city. You can take the RER into Paris and
transfer onto the metro. A word of caution: the RER may not be suited to
those with a lot of luggage or who have difficulties with steps. The main
Metro/RER transfer stations are very big and not always equipped with lifts
(but they all have escalators, though).
In addition, there are special buses from Orly and CDG airports to the city
center, run by the RATP, Air France, and KLM.
[3.1] Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) Airport
English Information Line for CDG Airport: +33.1.48.62.22.80
Website: <http://www.adp.fr/>
[3.1.1] Special Shuttle Services
Air France buses are also available from CDG Airport. Buses leave every 15
minutes (5h45-23h00) from both terminals to Etoile and Porte Maillot. The
journey costs 10 EUR and takes 35-50 minutes. They also run to Gare de Lyon
and Gare Montparnasse. Departures are every 30 minutes (7h00-21h00) - the
journey costs 11.50 EUR and takes 45-60 minutes. (Recorded English info:
+33.1.41.56.89.00, website in French <http://cars.airfrance.fr>)
KLM has recently started a new point to point service. Please contact KLM
offices or refer to their website for more information <http://www.klm.fr>.
[3.1.2] RATP Roissybus
The Roissybus runs daily between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Opera in
Paris. It departs from the airport every 15 minutes from 6h to 20h, and
every 20 minutes from 20h to 23h. Departures from Opera starts at 5h45 to
23h, and operates at the same frequency as the trip from the airport. The
8.05 EUR ticket can be purchased on the bus, and the trip to the city takes
about 45 minutes. From Opera, you can connect to Metro lines 3, 7, 8, 12 and
RER lines A and E.
[3.1.3] RER Line B (*)
You can also take the RER Line B to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport. The
journey from CDG airport runs southward to central Paris where you can
transfer to the Metro or other RER lines, and takes about 35 minutes.
Visitors arriving at Terminal 2 (Air France, United, American flights) can
access the RER station directly (it is located between terminals D & F, and
is clearly signposted "Paris by train").
From Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus (preferrably green line, aka.
line "2", which will take you to CDG 1 station - or red line, aka. line "1",
which will take you to CDG 2 station). The shuttle bus stop is located at
level -2 ("boutiquaire") at CDG 1, and is best accessed using the lifts
between gates 34 & 36. Shuttle buses run every 5 mins throughout the day.
RER B trains run every 7-15 minutes, from 5h00-0h00. The one-way fare is
7.60 EUR.
[3.2] Orly Airport
English Information line for Orly Airport: +33.1.49.75.15.15
Website: <http://www.adp.fr/>
[3.2.1] Special Shuttle Services
The Air France bus from Orly Airport is also available for getting into the
city - stops at Invalides and Montparnasse. The buses leave both terminals
every 15 minutes (5h40-23h00), the 40-minute journey costs 7.50 EUR.
KLM has recently started a new point to point service. Please contact KLM
offices or refer to their website for more information <http://www.klm.fr>.
[3.2.2] RATP Orlybus
The RATP Orlybus runs daily between Orly Airport and Denfert-Rochereau in
Paris. The bus runs from the airport from 6h00 to 23h30, departing every 13
minutes during the week, and every 15-20 minutes on the weekends. In Paris,
the bus departs at the same frequency from Denfert-Rochereau between 5h35
and 23h00. The 5.60 EUR-ticket can be purchased on the bus, and the trip
into the city takes about 30 minutes. From the Denfert-Rochereau stop, you
can connect to metro lines 4 and 6, and RER B.
[3.2.3] RER - Orlyval and Orlyrail
The Orlyval shuttle train runs every 5-7 minutes to RER (Line B) Antony,
where you transfer to the RER train to the city. The journey takes about 30
minutes and costs 8.65 EUR. You can also take a free shuttle bus to RER
(Line C) Pont de Rungis, and take the Orlyrail train to central Paris (5.10
EUR). From Antony, RER B goes northward through the city center, and from
Pont de Rungis, RER C loops outward and then runs west along the Left
(south) Bank. RER C trains run every 15 minutes and the journey takes 50
minutes. Both lines bring you to central Paris where you can transfer to the
Metro or other RER lines.
[3.3] Transfer between Charles de Gaulle and Orly
To transfer between the 2 main airports, you can choose from the Air France
Shuttle buses, RER line B, or the taxi. For Air France passengers, the Air
France Shuttle service is free.
[3.3.1] Air France Shuttle Services
CDG > ORLY
From 6h00 (7h00 on Sundays) to 22h30, every 30 minutes
Leaving from : CDG 2 (Halls A and C - Exit 2 Hall C) - CDG 2 (Halls B, D and
F - Exit 1 Hall B) - CDG 1 (Exit 34, arrivals level)
ORLY > CDG
From 6h00 (6h30 on Sundays) to 22h30, every 30 minutes
Leaving from Orly Sud (Exit K, platform 5) - Orly Ouest (Exit D, arrivals
level)
Average journey time : 50 minutes - 15.50 EUR
[3.3.2] RER Line B + Orlyval (connection at Antony)
Times : from 0600 to 2300
Every 7 minutes
Fare : 15.85 EUR
[3.3.3] Taxis
Approximately 45 EUR (day rate)
[4] Getting out of Paris
[4.1] Rail service - SNCF
The governing body for the French national railways is the SNCF (Société
Nationale des Chemins de Fer).
Contact:
In French: +33.8.36.35.35.35
In German: +33.8.36.35.35.36
In Spanish: +33.8.36.35.35.37
In Italian: +33.8.36.35.35.38
In English: +33.8.36.35.35.39
Website: <http://www.sncf.fr>
The site allows you to search and price tickets originating inside or
outside of France, and will show you a limited choice of reductions you
qualify for. You will not be able to check the prices of the special 30 and
8 days advance purchase "Découverte" fares. These special reductions provide
substantial savings on certain trains and routes, please contact SNCF for
more information. The site also provides a contact list of overseas SNCF
representatives, ticketing agents, or affiliated rail operators.
At the moment, purchasing a ticket or a supplement over the Internet is not
possible. You can place your reservation via the web and collect your
tickets at the automated ticketing machines by a specified date. In France,
ticket and supplement purchases can be made at all train stations, through
SNCF agents, over the telephone, or via the French Minitel. If you choose
to purchase your ticket/supplement at the train station before your
departure, be aware that lines can be very long during certain peak periods.
The SNCF now accepts electronic transactions in Euros.
In France, the Eurostar and Thalys high speed train services are governed by
the SNCF.
Some of the surbaban trains in the Paris/Ile-de-France region are run by the
SNCF. You cannot use a single ticket to cross from the SNCF system to the
RATP.
[4.2] Bus service - Eurolines
The Eurolines website is <http://www.eurolinesfr>