How to save money in Paris
How to save money in Paris
Transfers from the airport to the city centre
Private transfers for 4 or more people are not more expensive!
Here are the least to the most expensive options; but costs should be compared on a per person basis, as a private transfer for 4 to 6 people or more is similar to the public solution, but some much more comfortable.- RER / METRO - The cheapest per person is the Metro RER system, which will cost you approximately $15 per person and will take approximately 25 minutes to most parts of the centre of Paris if your accommodation if close to a metro station.
- BUS – The Air France coach transfers offer 4 different lines to different main areas of the capital. At a cost of 17 Euros approximately and should take you 45 minutes if traffic is smooth. The “RoissyBus” at approximately 12 Euros departs from most Airport terminals and drops you off at the Place de l’Opéra.
- MINIBUS SHUTTLE – Share shuttle services are good for 1 or 2 people. If offers a regular service every half hour and drops you at your accommodation. 35 Euros for one person and 40 Euros for two people.
- TAXI - Taxi is also another solution and will cost you 50 to 70 Euros on average.
- PRIVATE CHAUFFEURED TRANSFER - Private transfer for 2 people is the most expensive but also the most convenient. With a personal greeting after customs, assistance with luggage and door to door service. However, it should not be disregarded for transfers for 4 or more people as the cost per person drops considerably to other public transport solutions and with the service on top for a door to door transfer. Cost per person for 4 people can be$45 per person and less if 5, to 8 or 12 people
Accommodation
Apartments have become better value than hotels, especially for more than 2 people. You can rent a one bedroom for 4 people for the price of a good 3* in central Paris. Ensure that they include Internet like” France at Leisure” properties.
Stay in the centre of Paris anywhere from the 1st arrondissement (quarter) to the 8th being the most central.
If travelling to Paris in July and August most of our hotels offer a Stay 4 night and pay for 3.
Yes hotels outside the centre can be much cheaper, but not my preference as you may be spending more on the transit cost going to the city centre. Money is not always the most important factor to have a good time. Being close to the action will maximize your holiday experience.
Transport in Paris
If staying 3 or 5 nights you must consider a Transport Paris Pass, with unlimited transport by bus and metro – this is great value if planning to see a lot.
- If more than 3 people and if you are not doing too much a taxi option will be more practical to avoid dealing with the purchase of individual Metro or Bus ticket each time. We recommend this option for longer trips as a minimum fee of 7 Euros applies - Obviously taxi’s are to be avoided during peak hours.
- Paris is a fairly compact city, unlike NYC and LA, for example, being very stretched, you can get around most of the main points of interest and sights by foot, with the exception of Montmartre being on a very steep hill. Hold onto your Metro ticket, checks are frequent.
- If the metro is your choice, being one of the best systems known, purchase a “carnet’ of 10 tickets to save money approximately $2.10 each when a single ticket will be approximately $2.60 - can also be used on the bus system.
- Paris' Vélib' is a large-scale public bicycle sharing system in Paris launched in 2007, the system encompasses around 21,000 bicycles and 1,900 bicycle stations located across Paris. Cost of a day is 1.70 Euro and 8 Euros for 7 day – The first 30 minutes of riding is absolutely free. If you go over 30 minutes, you’ll pay a fee.
