Paris Transportation Tips by jrs1234

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: From London, the Eurostar train is a very straightforward way of getting to Paris, and much more relaxing than the plane. You catch it from Waterloo station. If you're drivingbedore catching the train, though, you may find that catching the train from Ashford in Kent (where there is a large car park) is more convenient.

However, for many people flying may be quicker (and if you're coming from the UK, just as cheap as the train). There are lots of flights from all over the UK, including on Easyjet from Luton and BA from Heathrow.

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Website: www.eurostar.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: The Metro / RER system makes getting about very quick and easy. The official website (in English and French) is run by the RATP. If time and weather allows, though, walk as much as possible, as central Paris is very scenic and you'll love it! The stations are often quite close together, so if you're only going one stop, check your map before you decide it's too far too walk.

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Website: www.ratp.fr/index_eng.htm

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: Unlike my home town of Cambridge, Paris seems to have a really good bus service. There were maps at all the stops I saw, and some even have electronic indicators to tell you when the next bus is due. Outside of rush hour, buses are a good alternative to the Metro - and many routes are good for sightseeing.

The only catch is that the buses only cover all of their routes between 7am and 8.30pm Monday to Saturday. Outside of these times you need to check your route carefully - see the link for a bus map which has information on off-peak buses.

You can use a metro ticket on a bus, a travel pass, or pay the driver (exact change preferred) - but note that it's one ticket per journey. If you don't have a pass, you'll need another ticket if you want to transfer to another bus. A single ticket in August 2004 was 1.40 Euros.

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Website: http://www.citefutee.com/orienter/f_plan_ang.php?loc=reseaux&nompdf=bus_paris&fm=gif

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: ... you can fly into Paris. I've done this once and it was pretty uneventful as flights go. It was on British Airways from Heathrow to Charles de Gaulle airport. With more competition, it's a cheaper flight now than when I took it a few years ago! However, having tried the Eurostar, the train has the edge for me - definitely a less stressful experience.

Other airlines flying from the UK into Paris include BMI, Easyjet and (of course) Air France. There are sometimes particularly good deals on Easyjet if you book far enough in advance.

If your airline flies into Charles de Gaulle airport, so much the better - the RER rail line now runs there, taking you straight into central Paris.

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