In short
Getting around Paris by bus is the perfect scenic alternative to the metro, ideal for those who want to get around without losing sight of the capital's beauty. The network covers every neighborhood in the central and peripheral areas.
- Panoramic journey: the routes pass through the most famous historic squares and avenues.
- Total capillarity: the stops also cover areas distant from the metro.
- Night service: the Noctilien fleet guarantees active connections throughout the night.
- Modern comfort: the latest generation vehicles are eco-friendly and air-conditioned.
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Things to Know About Paris Buses
Boarding a Parisian bus requires following a few simple rules of conduct and fares to ensure a worry-free journey.
Climbing from the front
You can only get on through the front door and get off through the rear doors.
Instant validation
The ticket or pass must be inserted into the validation machines as soon as you board.
Stop reservation
To get off, you need to press one of the red Arrêt demandé buttons distributed in the middle.
On-board ticket with surcharge
On public transport, you can purchase a ticket from the driver in cash, but it does not allow transfers.
Paris Bus Map
The network is divided into two-digit lines (which mainly serve the centre of Paris) and three-digit lines (which connect the centre to the suburbs).
Quick tip
If you have a paper or digital t+ ticket, you can make free transfers between buses or between buses and trams within ninety minutes of first validating it, but you cannot use it to change between buses and metro.
The most useful lines for tourists
Some regular Parisian bus lines take such spectacular routes that they can compete with the classic double-decker tourist buses, but at the cost of a normal urban ride, visiting highlights such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum.
| Line | Color | Useful for reaching | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | Grey | Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Bastille | a complete panoramic tour of the center |
| 72 | Sky blue | Gare de Lyon, Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Trocadéro | skirt the Seine entirely on the surface |
| 86 | Yellow | Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Place de la Nation | explore the beautiful Rive Gauche |
Which ticket should I choose?
All major paper and contactless travel tickets issued by the Paris transport company are valid on city buses.
t+ ticket
Ideal for: occasional and economical uses.
- allows bus-bus changes
- valid for a total of ninety minutes
- purchasable in digital booklets
Navigo Easy
Ideal for: Most tourists.
- rechargeable magnetic card
- avoids demagnetization of tickets
- perfect for short stays
Paris Visite
Ideal for: a high number of rides.
- unlimited travel anywhere
- no limit on routes covered
- includes discounts for partner museums
Navigo Découverte
Ideal for: week-long stays.
- flat rate subscription
- super cheap for many days
- always expires on Sunday evening
Quick tip
If you plan to use it less than 5 times a day, it's better to buy single tickets than a season ticket.
The most popular tourist passes in Paris
Choosing the right digital or paper format can significantly save you money on the overall cost of your Paris vacation.
Need to know
- The SMS ticket cannot be changed: the ticket purchased on the phone is valid for one journey only.
- Boarding is only possible from the front: to avoid blocking the flow of passengers, you enter from the front.
- Strollers have dedicated areas: there are special spaces on board for safe parking.
- Stops can be on demand: if no one presses the button or signals, the bus continues straight on.
Practical advice
- Signal the driver: clearly indicate your intention to get in when you see the vehicle arriving.
- Avoid rush hour: between eight and nine in the morning, traffic slows down.
- Buy tickets in advance: Buy tickets at the metro stations before going to the stop.
- Check the electronic displays: the shelters indicate the exact waiting time for the next two passages.
History and curiosities of the Paris buses
Surface public transport in Paris boasts a centuries-old tradition that dates back long before the advent of petrol engines, transforming the very urban planning of the capital's great boulevards.
- It began in the 17th century: Blaise Pascal invented the first public horse-drawn carriages.
- The historic omnibus line: the first regular scheduled services were born in 1828.
- The legendary platform buses: the old Parisian models had an open terrace at the rear.
- Open-top lines: The first motor buses were double-deckers.
- Total eco-conversion: the fleet is completing the transition to electric and biomethane.
- The numbers indicate the zone: the first digit of the bus indicates the central district of departure.
- Night buses are changing their names: the night network is officially called Noctilien.
- Protected bus lanes: Many major avenues have lanes isolated from normal traffic.
Metro or bus? Which is better?
The metrotrumps pure travel time when covering considerable distances between opposite sides of the city. The bus, on the other hand, transforms travel into a moment of relaxation and cultural discovery, allowing you to orient yourself geographically among the monuments and travel in an airy, stair-free environment.
| Metro | Bus |
|---|---|
| Unbeatable speed immune to road traffic | Panoramic journey entirely in sunlight |
| Hundreds of steps and uncomfortable corridors | Easy access at street level |
| Underground environment often very crowded and noisy | Smoother passenger flow and comfortable seats |
| Stations distributed according to fixed underground geometries | Capillary stops close to every hotel and restaurant |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy the ticket directly from the bus driver?
Yes, you can buy it in cash on board for €2.50, but this special ticket will not allow you to transfer to other lines.
How does the ticket purchased by sending an SMS to Paris work?
By sending an SMS with the word Bus followed by the line number to 93100, you will receive a digital ticket valid for a single journey.
Can dogs travel on regular city buses?
Small dogs carried in bags or carriers travel free, while guide dogs for the blind always have free access.
What are Noctilien buses and what time do they start running?
These are the night buses marked with the letter N that replace the daytime lines and the metro from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Are Navigo weekly passes also valid for bus lines?
Yes, the Navigo subscription allows you to travel without any limitations on all the vehicles in the network within your zones.
How do I know which direction the bus is traveling?
The shelters and displays on the front of the bus always show the name of the terminus stop to which the vehicle is heading.
What happens if the bus is too full at my stop?
The driver may not open the front doors for safety reasons, forcing you to wait for the next car in line.
Can traditional paper tickets still be used on the bus?
Yes, classic paper t+ tickets remain perfectly valid until paper stocks in the sales channels run out.
Are there USB sockets for charging phones on the buses?
Yes, most of the new electric and hybrid buses in the fleet offer free USB charging ports located near the seats.
