🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around France
✈️ Flying to France
Main Airports
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) - France's main international gateway, 25km northeast of Paris. One of Europe's busiest hubs. Modern, efficient, connected to city via RER train, bus, and taxi.
Other International Airports:
- Paris Orly Airport (ORY) - Southern Paris, closer to city center, mainly European flights
- Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) - French Riviera gateway, popular for beach holidays
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) - Central France's main airport, gateway to Alps
- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) - Southern France, near Mediterranean coast
💡 Insider Tip
Book flights to regional airports like Nice or Lyon for southern France trips - it's often cheaper than flying to Paris and taking a connecting train.
🚆 From Paris Airport to City Center
Train (Fastest & Cheapest)
RER B trains run every 10-15 minutes between CDG and central Paris. Journey time: 30-35 minutes. Ticket: €11.45.
Le Bus Direct (Airport Shuttle)
Direct service to Paris city center and major landmarks. Journey time: 45-60 minutes. Ticket: €18.
Taxi
Fixed-price taxis available at the airport. Journey time: 30-50 minutes. Cost: €50-55 to Right Bank, €60-65 to Left Bank.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Ferry from UK—Dover to Calais (90 minutes, around €30-80). P&O Ferries, DFDS. Drive-on ferry option. Popular for car travel.
Eurostar—London to Paris (2h 15min, around €50-200). High-speed train through Channel Tunnel. Direct city center to city center. No airport hassle.
Train from neighboring countries—TGV connects to Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy. Fast, comfortable, scenic. Book in advance for best prices.
Land borders: Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg. Road crossings open (Schengen Zone). No border checks within EU.
Excellent rail connections throughout Europe—France is a major hub. TGV network makes travel easy to most major cities.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
France is part of the Schengen Area. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Schengen visa rules apply—your 90 days cover all Schengen countries combined, not per country. Check your specific passport's requirements before booking flights.
Check visa requirements for France →🚗 Getting Around France
Trains (SNCF)
France's train network connects major cities efficiently. High-speed TGV trains run between Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and more. Book in advance for best prices at sncf-connect.com
Buses (Long Distance)
Extensive bus network covering areas trains don't reach. Main operators: FlixBus, BlaBlaBus (budget options). Essential for reaching smaller towns and villages.
Domestic Flights
Air France operates domestic flights between major cities. Worth considering for long distances (e.g., Paris to Nice or Toulouse).
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
Consider the France Rail Pass if you're planning multiple train journeys. Available for 3, 5, or 10 days of travel within one month.
🚋 Local Transportation in Paris
RATP operates all public transport in the Paris region (metro, buses, RER trains, trams).
Tickets & Passes
- Single ticket: €2.15 (valid 90 minutes)
- Day ticket: €8.45 (unlimited travel 24 hours)
- Navigo Easy card: Rechargeable smart card - easiest option
The metro, buses, and RER are clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. Most signage is in French and English.
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended if you want to explore rural France, Provence, Loire Valley, or wine regions at your own pace.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Tolls (péages) on most highways - have cash or credit card ready
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 80-90 km/h (rural roads), 130 km/h (highways)
- Priority to the right rule at unmarked intersections
- Major rental companies available at airports and city centers
⚠️ Driving in Paris
If you're visiting Paris, avoid driving in the city. Public transport is excellent, and traffic is congested. Rent a car only when leaving Paris for countryside trips.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in France
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book trains early: SNCF offers cheaper fares when booked in advance
- Use FlixBus: Budget bus option, significantly cheaper than trains for long distances
- Paris Visite pass: Free public transport + discounted entry to attractions
- Rent outside airports: Car rental from city locations is often cheaper
- Compare car rental sites: Prices can vary significantly between platforms