In Paris, you will find it difficult to hail a cab as they rarely cruise around. Rather, they wait for customers at one of the many taxi stands scattered around the city. Those can be found at most major intersections, in front of large hotels and tourist attractions. They operate on metered rates except for long, out-of-city trips. In Paris, taxis operate on a system of differential rates. A-Rates are the lowest, and apply during weekdays. B-Rates are slightly higher, and apply within the inner city in the evenings, on weeknights from 8 pm-6:30 am, and all day on weekends and holidays (B-Rates also apply for trips to and within Parisí nearby suburbs). C-Rates are the highest, and apply to suburban trips in the evening.
All taxis post the rates inside the car, and indicate supplemental charges such as luggage handling and fourth-adult passenger charges. Gratuities are included in the fare but many people will leave a little extra for courteous manners.
You can also call a cab and save yourself looking for a taxi stand. The major Paris cab companies are the followings:
Les Taxis Bleus: 01.49.36.10.10
Taxis Radio Étoile: 01.41.27.27.27
Taxis G7: 01.47.39.47.39
Artaxi De France: 01.42.41.50.50
Aéro Taxi: 01.41.27.66.66 (airport cab service)
Traveling by bus is a great way to see the city. All stops are announced by a recorded message and you can always ask the conductor to indicate where you need to get off. Bus tickets can be bought from newsstands, tobacconists or in subway stations (le métro). You may want to look at the bus map of Paris before you go.
Tickets for buses and the subway are almost 50% cheaper if purchased in advance in a book of 10 (un carnet de tickets) that costs approximately 8 US dollars. You can also purchase bus tickets right on the bus, at regular prices. The same tickets can also be used in the subway. Tickets must be validated in the stamping machine installed on the bus.
Day passes can also be purchased, and offer unlimited travel within a single day on the bus and subway. Other discounts are available to tourists, such as the Paris Visite which buys 1, 2, 3 or 5 dayís unlimited travel on the Paris public transportation system (including the suburban train network), at reasonable rates and in first class. The Paris Visite card offers also free access or reductions at a number of sights, attractions and monuments.
For further information, visit the Paris Public Transportation Authority (RATP) internet site.
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