Métro
The Métro is the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to get around Paris. There are 16 metro lines and some 300 metro stations; the entrance is indicated by a large yellow letter ‘M’.
Metros start running every day – including public holidays – at around 6am and stop at around 12.45am (from Sunday to Thursday) or at 1.45am (on Friday and Saturday).
The frequency at which metros run depends on the time and day: at peak hours, metros run every 2 minutes
Where to buy a metro ticket
Metro tickets cost € 1.90 each (€18.60 for 10 [ask for ‘un carnet’]). You can buy tickets at automatic ticket machines in metro stations, in tobacconists and on the website PARISINFO.COM.
Buy your book of 10 metro tickets
Good to know
Each line has a distinctive colour and number that is shown on RATP signs and maps .
has a distinctive colour and number that is shown on signs and . Line directions are indicated by the station at the end of each line, which is shown on signs on the platform and on maps (example: Porte de Clignancourt – Mairie de Montrouge).
are indicated by the station at the end of each line, which is shown on signs on the and on maps (example: Porte de Clignancourt – Mairie de Montrouge). Free metro maps are available at ticket offices in stations.
in stations. Metro tickets are valid in zone 1 and 2 only.
See Metro, RER and tramway map in Paris
Buy Metro tickets
RER (suburban express railway)
The RER train network consists of 5 lines that serve Paris and the Paris region (Ile-de-France). Each line has a distinctive colour that is shown on RATP and SNCF signs and maps.
RER trains start running at approximately 6am and stop running at around 12.45am every day – including public holidays.
Within Paris, the RER operates in more or less the same way as the metro, except that you need to put your ticket through the automatic barriers a second time on the way out. If your RER station has a connection with the metro, you can use the same ticket for the whole journey.
Map of RER and Transilien
Buy RER tickets
Transilien (regional train)
Transiliens are regional trains departing from major Paris train stations (Nord, Est, Lyon, Austerlitz, Montparnasse, Saint-Lazare). Tickets and passes are on sale at ‘Ile-de-France’ ticket desks and automatic ticket machines in train stations and in metro/RER stations. Free leaflets with timetables are available at ticket desks in train stations. Commuter lines complement the RER network, with which they share many connections.
Tramway
Paris has 4 tramway lines serving the perimeter of the city: T1, T2, T3, T4.
Tram tickets are the same as those used on the metro and the RER in Paris.
Bus
There are numerous bus lines and many buses go through the centre of the city, along the banks of the Seine, and through historic districts ...
64 bus lines run alongside and complement the metro network. The installation of special bus lanes along main roads has improved journey times. For an idea of your journey time, allow around 5 minutes per stop, sometimes more if the traffic is busy.
Buses operate from Monday to Saturday from around 7am until 8.30pm. Some lines operate in the evening between 8.30pm and 12.30am, in particular those departing from stations or which serve major metro/RER interchanges, as well as the 3 outer PC lines. Almost half of bus lines operate on Sundays and public holidays.
The line number and direction are indicated on the front of the bus, above the driver’s compartment, and on the sides of the bus. Put your hand out at the bus stop to indicate to the bus driver to stop.
At bus stops, electronic displaysigns indicate the waiting time for the next bus to arrive. Bus stops are also sometimes equipped with USB ports for you to recharge your smartphone.
Bus stops comprise either of glass shelters or simple poles. They display the number of the bus lines serving the stop and a map of the bus routes followed. They also display the time of the first and last bus in service, as well as the average frequency at which buses serve the stop.
You get on the bus at the front and get off in the middle or at the back of the bus. On articulated buses, you get on and off through any of the doors; to open the doors, push the button next to the doors. Remember to punch your ticket or validate yourpass. To request a stop whilst you are on the bus, press one of the red buttons in the bus. The ‘stop requested’ light appears in front of the driver's compartment.
Bus map in Paris
Buy Bus tickets
Noctilien
The Noctilien is a night bus service that operates in Paris and the Paris region from 12.30am to 5.30am. 47 lines crisscross Paris and the Paris region so that everyone can get around by public transport.
You can use your travel pass or a metro/bus ticket if it covers the zones concerned (the same zones as for the metro/RER).
Map of Noctilien
Transport as a Component of Tourism
Transport as a Component of Tourism: Transportation refers to the process of moving people from one point to another. In the context of tourism transportation refers to carrying tourists from their residences or the places where they live to the tourist destination they want to go to. That is, transportation makes tourist destinations more accessible to the tourist. Transportation however does not just fulfill the functional role of moving people from one place to another. It plays an important role in enriching the overall travel experience for the tourist.
Transportation can become a separate tourism attraction in itself. Part of the joy of the travel experience is the journey to the tourist destination itself with transportation playing an important role in contributing to the pleasure of the journey. Because of these core roles played by the transportation sector, it can be said that tourism starts and ends with tourism. In other words, transportation is one of the most important components of tourism.
The inference may be made here that the tourism department of a country that wishes to promote itself as a tourist destination must pay special attention to its transportation infrastructure that must support various modes of transport. Core Factors in Choosing Mode of Transport
Time Available for Travel
Distance to be Covered
Status of the Tourist
Comfort
Security
Price
Modes of Transport.
Transportation consists of various modes including air, ship, rail and car.
1. Air Transport.
refers to travel that is conducted through aeroplanes which form the transportation mode. The following points may be noted with respect to air transport.
Air transport is the fastest and safest mode of transport from one point to another. Air transport is the preferred mode of travel when very long distances are to be covered. Air transport is also preferred when the time for travel is very limited. As against these advantages, air transport can also be the most expensive means of travel from one point to another. Most aircraft are either from Boeing or from Airbus In India, the most popular domestic airlines are Jet Airways, Indigo Airlines, Spice Jet, Go Airlines and Air India. Popular International Airlines include British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Air, Malaysian Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines and Qatar Airways.
It can therefore be said that air transport has altered perceptions of distance and time where travel is concerned. Because air transport has the effect of reducing time and distance, much of the stimulus to world tourism may be attributed to the growth of the airline sector.
Statistics indicate that despite comparatively higher costs and recent fears and threat of terrorist attacks, air transport is still a very popular means of travelling.
According to IATA or the International Air Transport Association, airlines carry 3.3 billion people, through almost 50,000 routes across the world.
There are about 1630 airlines, 27270 aircraft, 3730 airports and 30 million departures annually.
Air transport alone generates 60 million jobs and almost $2.5 trillion in business activity across the world.
Thus, air transport is of great economic importance not just to the tourism sector but to the economy of the world as well.
There are various concepts related to airline transport modes. These include
Regulations. The airline travel sector is a highly regulated industry with airlines expected to comply with several government jurisdictions. The regulations are to ensure safety and security of passengers
The airline travel sector is a highly regulated industry with airlines expected to comply with several government jurisdictions. The regulations are to ensure safety and security of passengers Safety &Security. There are various programs instituted by IATA to ensure safety of passengers and to reduce operational risks. These include programs on what must be done in the event of plane crashes, safety audit procedures, advocacy for upgraded runways and for updated training programs for pilots and cabin crew.
There are various programs instituted by IATA to ensure safety of passengers and to reduce operational risks. These include programs on what must be done in the event of plane crashes, safety audit procedures, advocacy for upgraded runways and for updated training programs for pilots and cabin crew. Open Skies . is a term that refers to the rules and policies that permit national carrier airlines to pass through the airspace of foreign countries and to travel transnationally to foreign countries as well. This policy, especially between countries which have good relationships, frees up air spaces for the travel of passengers and goods.
. is a term that refers to the rules and policies that permit national carrier airlines to pass through the airspace of foreign countries and to travel transnationally to foreign countries as well. This policy, especially between countries which have good relationships, frees up air spaces for the travel of passengers and goods. Passenger Load Factor . It is a key metric that enables airlines to determine how much of their seating capacity is being used. Load factor for a particular flight is obtained by dividing the total number of passengers by the number of seats. A load factor of ‘1’ means that the aircraft is ‘full’ for a particular sector.
. It is a key metric that enables airlines to determine how much of their seating capacity is being used. Load factor for a particular flight is obtained by dividing the total number of passengers by the number of seats. A load factor of ‘1’ means that the aircraft is ‘full’ for a particular sector. Low Cost Carriers. Another concept that has become very popular in stimulating tourism is that of low cost carriers or LCC’s. LCC’s have revolutionized tourism because they counter the one disadvantage that airlines have vis-à-vis other modes of transport which is high costs. LCC’s work by charging only for the seat and offering less leg room. All other services including seat reservations, baggage, on board food & drink etc. are charged. This high volume / low service concept has put air travel within the reach of tourists with less disposable incomes.
The following points indicate the latest trends associated with the air transport sector today:
In order to meet demand, airlines are constantly investing in technological innovations so that more numbers of passengers are carried at less time and with greater comfort.
Tourism packages generally include air travel components.
Airlines have the capacity to create positive travel experiences for tourists and hence air travel can become one of the most important tourist attraction factors.
Airlines contribute to the pleasure of travelling. In this connection, comfort, security and quality of in-flight service are very important components.
Countries that wish to market themselves as tourism destinations must build new airports, invest in new aircraft and train airline staff.
Airports are very important part of the air transport experience. This is because tourists get introduced to the destination country first through the airports.
Hence countries are competing to build modern airports incorporating latest design and state of the art technology and infrastructure which minimizes any discomfort associated with air travel such as long queues, peak time crowd and security checks.
Increasingly technology is being used to increase the efficiency, convenience, comfort and safety of measures associated with airline transport. This includes booking tickets, registering online, automated check in, baggage control etc.
There are some disadvantages associated with travelling by air. Some people suffer from chronic fear of flying. Not all areas of the world are accessible by air. Another factor is the amount of time it takes getting to and from airports. Despite these disadvantages however, airline transport is the number one choice for those tourists who travel long distances.
2. Rail Transport.
It refers to any form of transport undertaken by train, trams or metro. Some of the key concepts related to rail transport and tourism are given below:
Railways are nowadays used by people who wish to travel long distances, at minimal cost. The distance covered by railways is generally less than that covered by aeroplanes and cheaper than airlines.
Rail transport was originally used to transport freight and goods. It subsequently became the preferred mode of travel for people to travel long distances during the period 1850 – 1950.
Railways laid the foundation of the modern tourism industry. This was mainly because, starting from the 19 th century onwards, railways facilitated the quick transport of large numbers of people across vast expanses of territory for the first time in human history.
century onwards, railways facilitated the quick transport of large numbers of people across vast expanses of territory for the first time in human history. Currently, rail transport is itself a tourist attraction with railway lines – such as the Orient Express – having special features only for tourists.
Railways today have incorporated technological innovations that enable them to compete with airline and automobile modes of transport. These include faster engines, smooth riding over rails, in-house cafeterias and customized services as well.
The most recent innovation in train travel is that of speed / fast trains which has necessitated many countries such as France, China, Japan, Singapore and Turkey to completely rebuild their railroad systems.
Railways today incorporated automated and virtual services that enable tourists to book tickets, choose meals and make seat reservations all from the comfort of their homes or smartphones.
Metros and trams also have the potential to transport large numbers of people over short distances in very less time. Recognizing the potential of trains and metro trains to reduce discomfort associated with domestic travel, countries are refurbishing existing stations and investing in metro lines.
The architecture, design and ambience of the metro stations and those of the railway stations contributes to the architectural look and feel of the tourist destinations.
In India, some of the most train lines that are dedicated to tourists include the following o Maharaja Express – often considered to be the most expensive luxury train in the world, the Maharaja Express covers various tourist destinations of Northern and Western India including Delhi, Ajanta, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Agra, Ranthambore, Varanasi, Gwalior and Khajuraho. Palace on Wheels –run by the Rajasthan Tourism Board, follows an 8 day itinerary tour covering the cities of Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Agra, Bharatpur and Chittaurgarh. Golden Chariot – covers most of the tourist locations in South India including Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Belur, Habebid, Tanjore, Pondicherry, Chennai and Kochi. Deccan Odyssey – covers many tourist destinations in Maharashtra including Mumbai, Nasik, Ajanta, Ellora, Kolapur, Sindhugarg, Jaipur, Udaipur and Vadodara. o Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Fairy Queen & Royal Orient –ferry tourists to various locations in Rajasthan and Gujrat.
3. Water Transport.
It refers to travelling by boat or ship. Some of the key concepts associated with water transport are as follows:
Travelling by water to cover long distances through ship or boat is the oldest form of transport.
Modern water based transport started with the invention of the steam engine in the 18th century which eventually lead to the creation of the ocean liners which formed the main mode of transport over long distances before the advent of the airlines in the 1950’s.
Because of the competition to the long route transport offered by airlines, shipping firms changed their business model from a purely function one to providing travelers with memorable travel experiences and the modern cruise travel industry was created.
Most water based tourism transport in the world today is associated with cruise liners, yachts and ferries.
Cruise lines may be considered to be sailing hotels that provide tourists with many luxurious amenities, fine dining and entertainment options.
Cruises provide tourists with the opportunity of seeing many countries at the same time.
Cruise lines compete with each other not just on the basis of price but on amenities and facilities provided. They are huge ships employing many employees with the guest / crew ratio invariably being maintained at ‘1’ to ensure tourists are well taken care off.
Because of the many amenities, facilities and unique features, the cruise liner becomes a tourism destination in itself.
Cruise travel is the most expensive of all modes of tourist based transport.
Some of the most popular international cruise lines include the Allure of the Seas. Norwegian Getaway. Anthem of the Seas. Carnival Breeze. Oasis of the Seas.
The cruise sector in India is not well developed. However, India has some unique means of water based transport that is not found elsewhere in the world. These include the boat houses in the Dal Lake in Srinagar, the boat houses in the lake district of Kerala, the circular coracles that are routinely used to navigate most Indian rivers.
4. Road Transport.
It refers to transport undertaken by car, bus or van. Some of the key concepts associated with road transport are as follows:
For short distances, much time will be expended if tourists were to travel to airports, check in and wait for departure. For this reason, where distances are short, road transport is the most popular means of transportation.
It is the quickest and cheapest mode of travel from one point to another when distances are short.
It provides the tourist with great flexibility to see as many places as possible in the tourist destination. Whereas, such flexibility is not possible with other means of transport including rail, ship and airplane.
Road transport is dependent on providing proper infrastructure. This includes roads, highways, and tunnels, bridges to ensure tourists have a smooth, secure and comfortable ride from one point to another.
Road transport is also dependent on providing hotels, motels and restaurants at regular intervals to ensure tourists rest, refresh themselves adequately whilst on tour.
Currently, technology is being leveraged even in the road sector to improve quality of transport experiences provided to tourists. These innovations include leveraging Global Positioning Systems to navigate and find out routes and technically controlled buses and coaches. It is possible to buy bus tickets online. Coaches have personalized services. It is possible to rent cars for short tours within tourist destinations.
‘Smart’ cars, buses and coaches leverage modern technology to provide tourists with data such as estimated time for bus arrivals, weather and temperature, time, route maps, information on must see in the cities / tourist destinations etc.
In Western countries, the road transport infrastructure is very highly advanced and developed. Whereas in India, much needs to be done to improve quality of roads and of other road transport associated infrastructure that ensure tourists travel safely and securely.
Trends and Issues in Transport Sector.
There are several trends and issues associated with the various modes of transport discussed above. These include the following:
Cost of Fuel–The higher the cost of fuel the more expensive do long distance modes of transport such as airlines and cruises become. High cost of transport can become a disincentive for potential tourists to travel.
Labor–The ability to provide very good service that results in customer delight is one of the key challenges in the tourist transportation sector. This is especially true of cabin crew on planes and ships. This is because of the manpower shortages on the one hand and the lack of training / skilling in customer service on the other.
Environmental Impact of Air Transport–The aviation industry is a significant contributor to air pollution and hence of environmental degradation. Air travel has a bigger impact on the environment per kilometer than road or rail modes of transport.
Environmental Impact of Rail Transport–While rail transport is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport because of low emissions of carbon dioxide, it does contribute to noise pollution.
Environmental Impact of Water Transport–Cruise liners generated enormous amounts of waste including human waste, run off from showers, dishwaters, bilge water, solid trash waste and chemical waste from oils and solvents. If this waste is dumped into the oceans, it can contribute heavily to environmental pollution.
Environmental Impact of Land Transport–Cars and buses can result in significant amount of air / noise pollution. However, the environmental impact of road transport can be reduced by increasing the number of passengers carried per vehicle and / or using smaller vehicles.
The implication of the above trends and issues is that while transport plays a very important role in the tourism sector, there are potential disadvantages and threats – especially pertaining to preservation of the environment. Transportation thus becomes that component of tourism that also contributes to the degradation of tourist destination. The import here is that transportation must become more sustainable incorporating technological innovations that promote green transportation methods.
Transport as a Component of Tourism
Transport as a Component of Tourism
Transport as a Component of Tourism
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Metro, Bus & Travel Pass
Public transport & Metro Rome All info on transportation, metro tickets and travel passes in Rome
All information on the metro and public transportion in Rome; metro map, metro tickets and travel passes in Rome.
Public transport in Rome
Metro Rome
Rome has three metro lines (A to C). During your city break, you will probably only use subway line A and B (Line C is still largely under construction) only switching between trains and metros at the Termini stop. You have several options for buying tickets at the ticket machines. It is important to know that the same ticket is valid for all public transport (ATAC) including metro, trams, buses (with the exception of the tourist buses) and even a number of regional trains (Trenitalia 2nd class, Roma-Lido, Rome-Viterbo and Rome-Giardinetti). These tickets are not valid all the way to the airport; please read this airport transfer article for more information. You can choose from a number of different tickets:
BIT Metro Ticket: This ticket costs 1.50 € and allows you to use public transport for 100 minutes after you stamp it. You are only allowed to make one trip by metro or train.
Rome Metro Card: This popular combination ticket gives you unlimited access to public transport (incl. metro) and access to the Hop on Hop off bus for 1 day (27.00 €) or 3 days (39.00 €). You can easily reserve the Rome Metro Card online.
Roma 24H Ticket: This 7 € ticket allows you to travel for 24 hours after activation.
Roma 48H / 72H Ticket: With this ticket you can travel 2 days for 12.50 € or 3 days for 18.00 €. Tip : You can now also purchase your public transport card (72 hours) incl. Airport transfer from Ciampino online. Buy this public transport card here.
: You can now also purchase your public transport card (72 hours) incl. Airport transfer from Ciampino online. Buy this public transport card here. CIS Metro Ticket: With this ticket of 24 € you can travel 7 days.
The metro runs every day from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm, 01:30 am on Saturdays
Children up to 10 years old travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult
Do remember to stamp your ticket (you do this yourself in the buses and trams), or you will risk a fine
A better map of the center of Rome with the metro stops can be found here.
From the airport to the city centre of Rome
This 'Airport to Rome' article describes in detail how you can reach the center of Rome from the two airports Fiumicino and Ciampino.
To airport transfers
Public buses
Certain tourist locations, such as Trastevere, are far from the nearest metro stop. There is an extensive network of city buses you can use for these. They use the same tickets as the metro. Tickets (same as for the metro) can be purchased from the ticket machines at the metro and bus stations and at tobacco and newspaper shops. Do remember to stamp your ticket; after stamping it, you can use the bus for 100 minutes and change lines if necessary. The route planner for the city buses can be found here.
Hop-on-hop-off buses & Tourist passes
Hop-on-hop-off buses are a common sight in every tourist city. Rome chose to go with two different companies for these sightseeing and tourist buses. Rome also has a number of different tourist passes that will definitely save you a lot of money. Here is a list of all the buses and tourist passes; pick the one that suits your needs best:
1 day 28 €
2 days 31 €
3 days 35 €
The red Hop-on-Hop-off busesThe most famous organisation behind the open double-decker buses. The bus has nine stops (see route ), and buses depart every 10 to 20 minutes on average. Tip: The bus really becomes worth it if you buy a ticket for multiple days (easy, book here online , or on this website). Prices for these buses:
The convenient thing is that you can already book your tickets online and show them on your mobile phone when you get on the bus. You will not have to stand in line at sales points for tourists and just step on the bus with your mobile ticket nice and early.
1 day 27 €
3 days 39 €
48 hours 28 € including 1 attraction. Reservation & info.
72 hours 38,50 € including 2 attractions. Reservation & info.
The yellow ‘Vatican & Rome’ buses) In addition to the red buses, there are also the yellow ‘Vatican & Rome’ buses. This organisation came up with a ticket that is ‘all inclusive’. You can use their hop-on-hop-of buses for 24 or 72 hours without limitations, as well as public transport (metro and trams). The advantage of this ticket is that there are 16 stops (see map ), and the route is larger, which means sights such as the Vatican and the San Giovanni in Laterano have closer stops. You will receive the ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus per email. You will have to exchange the public transport ticket for a physical one.The prices of these tickets are:Roma PassWith the Roma Pass you can make unlimited use of the ATAC public transport for 48 or 72 hours. You also have access to one or two attractions (including the Colosseum Castel Sant'Angelo and Galleria Borghese ). After booking you can easily pick up this ticket at the airport . The prices of the Roma Pass are: