Paris - Essential Information
Airports
Paris is served by two major airports, Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG), 25 Km from the city centre and Orly, 15 Km from the city centre. A third airport, Paris Beauvais, is mainly served by low cost airlines. A shuttle service (€13) is organized to and from its terminals and Paris-Porte Maillot.
From CDG terminals, the Roissy bus leaves every 15 minutes from 6 a.m and arrives at the city centre (at Opéra) after a 45-60 minutes journey (€8.90 one way). After midnight there are night busses going to Place du Châtelet, 90 rue de Rivoli every 30 minutes (€8 one way). The cheapest and fastest (30 minutes) is the underground RER B to Gare du Nord running from 4.56 a.m to 23.56 p.m (€8.40 one way). From Gare du Nord you are connected to Paris’ metro network. Air France buses go to Porte Maillot and Etoile (every 15 minutes, €15 one way) and taxis can be found near the terminals’ baggage collection area exits. Average day fares are €50.
From Orly, the automatic metro Orlyval takes you to RER B Antony station from 6 a.m to 11 p.m. Combined ticket price (Metro+RER+Orlyval) is about €9. The other option (and cheaper) are the airport shuttle buses going to RER C Pont de Rungis station. Combined ticket price (Metro+RER+shuttle) is around €5.60. As for buses, the Orly bus takes you straight to RER B Denfert-Rochereau. Daytime taxi rates are approximately €35.
Public transport
The RATP runs the city’s local transport system, it is cheap and efficient. The bus, underground (metro) and commuter train system (RER) is divided into five zones. The underground runs from 5.30 a.m to 12.30 p.m. Tickets are valid on both buses and trains, and can be purchased from the stations and in kiosks. Travel cards, ranging from one to five days, are also available at the airport, at underground stations and from tourist information offices. 1 day travel card zone 1-3 costs approximately €9.
Bateau Bus
Experience Paris from the Seine by using the river as an original means of transport!
Taxi
Taxis can be hailed at stands or on the street, but they can be hard to find, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Beware of fake cabs at the airports! A shorter trip in Paris during day time costs about €10 and do not for get to tip the driver about 10% of the total amount.
Abeille Radio Taxi. Tel: +33 1 45 83 59 33
Alpha Taxis. Tel: +33 1 45 85 85 85
Taxi Bleus. Tel: +33 1 49 36 10 10
Post
Stamps are available from kiosks and news agents. For mail overseas, it is advisable to visit a post office. The central post and sorting office of the Louvre is open 24 hours a day.
Pharmacy
The pharmacies are open either late or around the clock, on the door it will say which is the closest pharmacy and opening hours. Pharmacie Les Champs Elysées is one of the main pharmacies.
Dentist / Doctor
Should you have a medical problem your best bet is to contact the American Hospital in Neuilly on the West edge of Paris. The have a medical team avalible 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Electricity
220/240 V AC, 50Hz
Phone
Country Code: +33
Area code: (0)1
