Paris - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes - Aug 2022
Safe, yes. For a family of 6 it costs us €60 (€120 round trip) to take a taxi from the compound to the embassy. - May 2022
Yes. - Sep 2021
Yes! - Jul 2020
I have a monthly pre-paid card for the daily commute on the metro. The Parisian metro is infinitely more reliable than Washington's, and you rarely have to wait more than 2-5 minutes for a train. Other than the metro, I use Uber or Uber Pool exclusively and do not use traditional taxis. I've never had a bad experience with Uber and the price is significantly less. - Jan 2018
Metro and buses are affordable (esp when compared to a city like London), safe and very convenient. Taxis are not overly expensive when traffic is light. We use Uber two to three times a month. Trains are a good value, especially when you are able to plan your travel in advance. - Aug 2015
Yes and yes. Taxis are a little spendy, but Uber is here and getting very popular (except with the taxi drivers). If you will be using metro or bus for your daily commute, get a Navigo card and you never have to worry about refilling as it is set up on an automatic debit with your French bank account (see above). - Feb 2015
Local trains and buses are the best modes of transportation. Taxis are safe but pricey. - Jun 2013
Filling out this survey is kind of embarrassing. Yes, transportation is safe. There are occasional strikes, but the "reduced" subway service during a strike may mean a decrease from one train every 3 minutes to one every 5 minutes. - Jan 2011
I rely on public transportation daily. It's efficient, albeit crowded, and it's people-watching at it's finest! - Sep 2010
Yes. Taxis would get expensive if you took them all the time. - Apr 2009
Trains and buses are safe, though sometimes unpleasantly crowded. Fares are similar to those in major U.S. cities. Taxis are reliable and relatively honest but a bit more expensive than in the U.S. - Dec 2008
Everything is expensive in Paris since the dollar is so weak, but public transportation is good and safe. A monthly metro/bus pass is around 53 euros, but if you live in the city and will walk a lot, a better choice is a carnet (10 pack of tickets good on metro/bus/tram). Each trip is 1.10 euro. Taxis are expensive, but if you are out late at night and the metro has stopped running or if you are in a hurry, you just have to pay the price. - Jun 2008
