Paris is one of the easiest cities to reach in Europe. As the capital of France and a major international metropolis, it is connected to the rest of the world by several airports, numerous railway stations, an extensive motorway network and long-distance bus routes. Once there, the city has a very dense public transport network, making it possible to visit most neighbourhoods without a car.
To reach Paris by air, the two main airports are Paris-Charles de Gaulle, to the north-east, and Paris-Orly, to the south. Charles de Gaulle handles most international and long-haul flights, while Orly serves many European, French and Mediterranean destinations. Both airports are connected to the capital by public transport, taxis, ride-hailing services and shuttles. The RER B notably links Charles de Gaulle to Paris, while Orly benefits from stronger connections to the metropolitan network, particularly thanks to metro line 14.
The train is often the most convenient way to reach Paris from within France or from neighbouring countries. The capital has several major railway stations, each serving a different part of the territory: Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare de Bercy. They connect Paris to major French cities, as well as to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, Geneva, Lausanne, Turin, Milan and Barcelona, depending on the routes. This organisation can be surprising at first, as there is no single central station: it is therefore important to check the exact station of arrival or departure.
Access by car is possible thanks to the motorways that converge towards Île-de-France, but it is generally not the most comfortable option for visiting Paris. Traffic can be heavy, parking expensive and driving regulations more restrictive than elsewhere. A car may be useful for certain excursions outside the city or as part of a touring trip, but once in Paris, it is often better to leave it in a car park and use public transport. Long-distance buses are an economical alternative, with arrivals generally located on the outskirts or near major transport hubs. Arrival by boat mainly concerns river cruises on the Seine, which are more geared towards tourism than everyday transport.
Once in the city, the metro remains the most efficient way to get around quickly. The network is dense, easy to understand and serves most tourist and residential areas. It is complemented by the RER, useful for reaching the suburbs, airports or certain major sites around Paris, by tramways, mainly present on the outskirts, and by buses, which are very practical for seeing the city while travelling.
Cycling has developed significantly in Paris in recent years. Cycle lanes, bike-sharing services and facilities along certain routes make this an interesting option, especially for short journeys or leisurely rides. Walking, however, remains one of the best ways to discover the capital. Paris within the city limits is relatively compact: several sites can easily be linked on foot, especially in the central districts, along the Seine, in Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or around Montmartre. However, the Paris metropolitan area is very large: to move from one distant sector to another, the metro or RER quickly becomes essential.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are numerous and useful in the evening, with luggage, or to reach an address that is less well served by public transport. They can, however, be slowed down by traffic. For a tourist stay, the best strategy is often to combine walking, metro, bus and a few taxi or ride-hailing journeys when needed. Paris can be explored very well without a car, provided you accept its rhythm: walk to experience the neighbourhoods, take the metro to save time, use the bus to see the city, and reserve longer journeys for the RER or regional train lines.