Transportation in Paris — Metro, Navigo, Airports, Bikes & Travel in France
A practical 2026 transportation guide for international students in Paris. Learn how to use the Paris metro, RER, buses, Navigo passes, Imagine R student pass, Vélib bikes, taxis, airport transfers, trains, buses, car-sharing and student travel discounts across France and Europe.
Choose the right transport option for your student life.
Use this guide to compare official passes, move around Paris, reach the airports, cycle safely, use taxis when needed, and travel across France on a student budget.
Choose the right Paris transport pass
Paris and Île-de-France use an integrated public transport network: metro, RER, trains, trams and buses. Check the official Île-de-France Mobilités tickets and fares page before buying.
Imagine R Student
Best for many students under 26 studying in Île-de-France. It provides unlimited travel across the region for the academic year. Use the official Imagine R page to check eligibility, deadlines and subscription steps.
Navigo Monthly / Weekly
Best for students over 26, short-term students, interns, or anyone not eligible for Imagine R. Navigo Month and Navigo Week are managed through Île-de-France Mobilités.
Single tickets & Navigo Easy
Better for occasional travel. Tickets can be bought through the Île-de-France Mobilités app or loaded onto a Navigo Easy pass.
How to move around Paris every day
Metro & RER
The metro is usually the fastest way to move inside Paris. The RER and suburban trains are essential for longer trips across Île-de-France. Use RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités for maps, routes and disruption updates.
Bus & tram
Buses and trams can be more direct than the metro for some neighbourhoods. They are useful at night, in residential areas, or when you want to avoid long underground transfers.
Use Vélib for short trips across Paris
Vélib’ Métropole is Paris’s public bike-sharing system, with mechanical and electric bikes available across the city and nearby suburbs.
When Vélib makes sense
Vélib is useful for short, flexible trips between neighbourhoods, especially when metro transfers would take longer than cycling.
Safety first
Paris cycling is improving, but traffic can still be intense. Begin with calmer routes and avoid rush hour until you are confident.
When public transport is not the best option
Official taxis
Paris taxis are useful for luggage, early flights, late arrivals or safety reasons. Use official taxis at stations, airports and marked taxi ranks.
VTC apps
Ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt or Free Now may be available depending on the time and location. Compare options and confirm the licence plate before entering.
Getting to and from CDG and Orly
Paris has two main airports for most international students: Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Check Paris Aéroport for CDG and Paris Aéroport for Orly before travelling.
Charles de Gaulle — CDG
The RER B connects CDG with major Paris stations. Buy the correct Paris Region Airports ticket before boarding.
Orly Airport
Orly is accessible via metro line 14 using the Paris Region Airports ticket. This is often one of the simplest options between Orly and Paris.
Airport ticket rules
RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités publish airport ticket rules and prices. Check the current ticket before travelling to CDG or Orly.
Travelling beyond Paris as a student
SNCF Connect
Use SNCF Connect to book TGV INOUI, TER, Intercités, OUIGO and European train journeys.
OUIGO
OUIGO is SNCF’s low-cost train offer, useful for students looking for cheaper train tickets when booking early.
Carte Avantage Jeune
Students aged 12 to 27 should check the Carte Avantage Jeune for discounts on eligible trains in France and Europe.
Going by bus or car when you need flexibility
How to save money on transport and travel
For daily Paris travel
- Use Imagine R if you are eligible and staying for the academic year
- Use Navigo Month or Week if you travel frequently
- Use single tickets or Navigo Easy for occasional trips
- Install Île-de-France Mobilités and RATP apps
For train travel
- Book early for better fares
- Compare OUIGO and TGV INOUI
- Check Carte Avantage Jeune if you are under 28
- Look at Interrail if you plan wider European travel
For airport travel
- Use RER B for CDG when practical
- Use metro line 14 for Orly when practical
- Buy the correct airport ticket before boarding
- Use taxis when luggage, time or safety makes it worth the cost
Best student rule
Do not choose the cheapest option automatically. Choose the option that fits your route, schedule, luggage, safety, and frequency of travel.
Continue your Student Guide
Transportation is only one part of settling in Paris. Use the other Student Guide resources to prepare your housing, immigration papers, health insurance, banking and daily life.