10 Tips for Using Public Transportation Like a Parisian
Before Paris, I never lived in a city with a reliable public transit system. Like most Americans, I used to drive everywhere that was beyond a 5-minute walk. It’s a personal point of pride that it has now been over 4 years since I’ve driven a car. With a great system of buses, metros, and trains, it is fantastically convenient to use the Parisian public transportation system for my daily needs.
Parisian public transit is easy for those who’ve traversed similar systems in London or New York. But for novices (i.e., most American tourists) and new Parisian transplants, it might seem daunting. So, for all you beginners, here are my top ten tips for navigating public transit in Paris.
#1: Go Paperless
Back in 2019, it was announced that paper tickets would be extinct by 2021. But, it’s 2023, and they’re still hanging around.
Here’s the deal with paper tickets: they’re really inconvenient. Only a handful of metro turnstiles have a paper ticket reader. Plus, those tickets are tiny and easy to lose. You’ve got to keep them throughout your journey in case sneaky RATP workers show up to check tickets or if you are using the RER, where you have to scan your ticket upon entry AND exit. And don’t get me started on how paper ticketholders clog up the line when boarding a bus or entering a metro station causing Parisians to scoff and glare.
The easiest option is to purchase a Navigo Easy. It’s got the look and feel of a debit card and costs just 2 Euros. Theoretically, you should be able to snag one at any RATP ticket counter. For tourists, you can order a preloaded Navigo Easy for pick-up at tourism offices at Gare du Nord or Hôtel de Ville through this link. For locals, you can order a standard Navigo Pass on the RATP page. Both types of Navigo Passes are reloadable on the Bonjour RATP app on your phone.
Speaking of phones, some, but NOT ALL, phones can be used as a Navigo Pass. Download the SNCF Connect app and, if your phone is eligible, you will be able to purchase tickets directly in your phone. Then, you simply tap the back of your phone to the card readers. But, be aware, this is a rarely used option. I’ve seen it on YouTube but never managed it for myself.
#2: Put Your Faith in City Mapper
Now, speaking of apps, Bonjour RATP is my go-to for checking strike notices and reloading my Navigo, but that’s it.
Google Maps is fantastic for walking directions. But when it comes to metro, trams, or buses, it’s operating in a different universe where all lines are fully operational and running on schedule. Anyone who has spent even 24 hours in Paris knows that’s ridiculous.
This is where City Mapper comes in. It’s got live updates for all bus, metro, and train lines and gives you tips for choosing the best car for quick metro line transfers and which exit (sortie) number to use at your destination. Seriously, I’d be lost without it.
#3: Educate Yourself in Advance
I’ve played hero more times than I can count, rescuing lost American tourists in Paris metro stations. Picture them, standing in front of a closed metro ticket office, looking a bit frantic and a lot tired. RATP workers are rarely available. Should you find one, there is no guarantee that they speak English. Though if you speak French, I have found them to be good with directions.
But to avoid being clueless, make sure to check out some YouTube videos that break down the basics of using the metro here. Here are my top picks from Rosie of Not Even French and Les Frenchies.
Now that you’re on your way, let’s talk about public transit etiquette…
#4: Avoid Eye Contact
This one’s key throughout Paris, not just on the metro or bus. Making eye contact is the universal signal for “please approach me.” If you see a cutie that you want to practice your French with, then, by all means, make eyes at them. But most of the time, it’s best to avoid any direct gazes.
This is particularly important on a crowded metro. Parisians have created a false reality where you can stand shoulder to shoulder or, in the worst case scenario, nose to armpit with a fellow traveler and, so long as no one makes eye contact, it doesn’t count as touching. Yep, no eye contact, no problem.
#5: But Keep An Eye Out
While avoiding eye contact, you’re free to people-watch. Consider it an opportunity to pick up Parisian mannerisms and everyday fashion trends.
Most metro and bus rides are uneventful as everyone goes about the daily grind of getting from point A to B. But every once in a while, weird things happen. When a passenger starts acting strangely or aggressively, Parisians take note. They won’t generally take any action, but you’ll notice that their body language changes. They’ll get stiff and either shoot nervous glances or aggressively avoid looking about.
When your fellow Parisian travelers get nervous, take a hint. If you feel uneasy, move! Exit the metro car and get back on a few doors down. If that’s not enough, get off and wait for the next one. It might delay you 5-10 minutes, but better safe than sorry.
#6: Shrink Your Personal Bubble
In the US, my personal bubble was about the size of my wingspan. In Paris, it’s more like shoulder-width.
While the bubble is smaller here, Parisians take care not to invade each other’s space. Outside of peak travel times, Parisians endeavor to leave space between passengers. Sitting directly next to someone is generally avoided (space permitting). Once every other seat is taken, Parisians would rather stand than sit shoulder-to-shoulder. Personally, if I am riding the bus or metro for 5 stops or less, I stand. My favorite spot is leaning against those non-opening metro doors.
Remember, as long as you’re not making eye contact, you’re in your own world. That’s the secret to maintaining your space—pretend you can’t see, feel, or smell your neighbor.
#7: Guard Your Stuff
This one should be common sense: keep an eye on your personal belongings! Bags should be zipped up and carried in front of you. Don’t lay your bag on the floor or on the empty seat beside you. And please, if you are sitting by the opening doors, don’t have your phone out, ready for snatching as the doors close.
#8: Keep It Down
Most of the time, buses and metros in Paris are silent, except for the occasional scoff or oh là là when the RATP employees announce delays. Silence is another way to maintain personal space. Conversations between friends are mostly tolerated so long as you keep it at a reasonable volume.
Otherwise, the only word that you hear loud and clear is pardon. It’s sharp and resembles the Ludacris lyric MOVE B$TCH! So when you hear it, step aside and let your fellow passenger pass.
#9: Hold Your Ground, Mostly
Once you’re on the bus or metro, find a spot and stick to it. If you fidget too much, people will take the opportunity to expand their own bubbles. If passengers need you to move, trust me they’ll “pardon” you. Of course, rush hour is the exception. If you’re standing at the opening doors, it’s best to take a small step off the metro to allow passengers off and before quickly getting back on to claim your spot and stick to it again.
#10: Have a Bus Wave Down Style
If you are at a bus stop serving more than one bus line, you must signal to the bus driver that you need a ride. If you don’t signal, they don’t stop.
Here are some signaling methods from least to most aggressive:
The Flasher: My personal preference. As your bus comes into view, step toward the edge of the sidewalk. When the driver can see you, make a show of getting your Navigo card out of your purse or wallet. Then, make eye contact with the bus driver and give them a flash of that bright blue card. They know what you want.
The Pointer: When the driver can see you, make eye contact and then raise your arm about 45 degrees and point at the street. The Pointer says, “Stop right here.” But drivers like to assert their independence, so they tend to stop so the Pointer has to walk a bit extra to get on board.
The Frantic Waver: This one is self-explanatory. It’s the go-to move for people running toward the bus stop as the doors are closing or people in a foul mood. Raise your arm high and do a washing-the-windows-style motion while locking eyes with the driver.
And, that’s it. Take these ten tips with you and you’ll be using Paris’ public transportation system like a local in no time. Bon voyage!