So you’re going to the Paris Summer Olympics this year? Well, lucky you! There’s going to be stacks to see and do, from the spectacular opening ceremony along the Seine on July 26th, to beach volleyball in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, equestrian events at the Palace of Versailles, and wheelchair fencing and para taekwondo at the Grand Palais during the Paralympics, from August 28th. Check out our guide to the Paris 2024 venues here.
Hopefully you’ve already sorted your Olympics accommodation by now (and, if not, good luck with that), but do you know the best ways to get around during the Games? We’re here to help with our whistle stop guide to getting around Paris for the 2024 Olympics.
Getting Around Paris for the 2024 Olympics
With over 15 million additional visitors to the city expected across the Olympics and Paralympics this summer, it’s reassuring to know that the transport planning committee for the games has promised a 15% increase in bus, train and metro services across the period. It has also been promised that all the venues – both inside and outside of Paris – will be reachable by public transport.
Blue and red security perimeters will apply to motorized traffic throughout the games, with access to red zones only available to ticket holders with IDs via designated checkpoints. If this is you, and you’re planning to travel to the venue by cab, you’ll be able to pre-register online to streamline the process on the day. Note that most non-motorized traffic – bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc – can travel freely in all zones; cargo bikes are subject to checks when entering red perimeters. You can read more information on the various security protocols, and how they affect you, here.
Need to get from one venue to another quickly? This handy tool estimates how long you should allow to do so via public transport.
Getting Around Paris on Foot for the 2024 Olympics
Great news: many major events will be taking place right in the heart of the city, making the most of world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Hôtel de Ville and Trocadéro, as well as existing sports facilities. There’s very little distance between a number of these, making walking a fine, budget-friendly option that also gives you an opportunity to soak up those unmistakable Paris street vibes. Oh, and to snarf a croissant or two for sustenance, natch.
Getting Around Paris by Bicycle for the 2024 Olympics
Paris’s already excellent bicycle network is getting a boost for the 2024 Olympics, with paths being extended to a whopping 415 kilometers across the region, and 20,000 cycle spaces to park in. This is one of the best and safest ways to travel in central Paris and beyond to the ‘burbs. There are many bike hire options around town, but the Vélib' Métropole is perhaps the best-known. Get yourself a daily, weekly (or longer) subscription that gives you the freedom to pick up and drop off bikes at hundreds of rental stations around the city. And remember, there are no restrictions for bikes within the Olympic security perimeters.
Getting Around Paris by Métro for the 2024 Olympics
The Paris Métro is among the best (and most dense) underground rail systems in the world, meaning it’s unusual to find yourself far from a station. Paris’s Olympic venues are well-served by the network, and it's also a great way to do a spot of sightseeing while you’re in town, covering bucket-list hotspots including Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe, Père Lachaise Cemetery and beyond. In town for a few days? Buy a Paris Pass and for access to dozens of Paris tours, activities and attractions for one money-saving price.
It’s worth noting though that the Métro is already Europe’s second busiest (after Moscow), with around four million trips taken daily. And that’s when there isn’t an Olympic Games happening! So you may well find it more comfortable to stay above-ground, especially during peak travel times from 8.30-9.30AM and 5.30-6.30PM Monday to Friday.
Tickets are required to pass through gates to platforms and can be purchased from manned kiosks or ticket machines. Métro trains run until around 1AM.
Getting Around Paris by Bus for the 2024 Olympics
Buses can be a useful way of getting around Paris during the day. Most routes usually only operate until around 8.30PM so you may have to find evening alternatives, although it seems likely there will be several additional bus services running at less sociable hours during the Olympic Games. You can buy tickets from Métro stations, tabacs and newsstands, as well as direct from the bus driver (if you have the correct money). Be sure to punch your ticket on the bus and hang on to it until the end of your journey – there are hefty fines for traveling without a punched ticket.
Top tip: buses won’t necessarily pull up at every stop unless the driver is alerted to do so. Raise your arm to request a stop from the roadside, and ring the bell on the bus to avoid missing your drop-off point.
You could also use a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus: a great way to get around the city’s main attractions, including several locations where Olympic events are taking place. Tickets are included with a Paris Pass.
Getting Around Paris by Train for the 2024 Olympics
The RER suburban network will hold little interest for those planning to see events in the city center alone. But where it really comes into its own is reaching events dotted around France, from basketball and handball in Lille’s Pierre Mauroy Stadium to football and sailing events in Marseille and Nice way down south.
This is also the best and quickest way to get to the Palace of Versailles for Olympic and Palaympic equestrian events and modern pentathlon, as well as rugby, athletics and para athletics at the Stade de France. Heck, you can even ride the RER out to Disneyland Paris if you fancy a day off from all that sport.
Paris Olympics: Public Transport Ticketing Tips
The Métro, buses, RER trains and trams all use the same ticketing system. A basic ticket costs around €2.15, making it a very economical way of getting around Paris. If you’re in town for a few days and expect to use public transport a lot, you can further reduce your transport costs by buying tickets in packages of 10 (known as ‘carnets’) on a Navigo smart card or via the Paris transport phone app.
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