Don’t hesitate to travel by bus, it’s a great way to discover the city. There are a wide variety of routes, many of which go though the city centre, along the Seine River banks or through well-known historical areas. The bus network with its 59 routes perfectly matches and complements that of the metro. The installation of special bus lanes along the main roads has improved journey times. For an idea of your journey time, allow around 5 minutes per stop, sometimes more if the traffic is busy.

To see the map of the bus network, click here

Also see “Fares, travel passes and reductions”

Buses operate from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8.30pm or thereabouts. Some bus lines also operate in the evening from 8.30pm until 0.30am, in particular those that begin at train stations or serve major metro and RER links, as well as the 3 circular PC routes. Around half of the buses also run on Sundays and public holidays.

Bus stops can be either glass-covered shelters or simply poles. They display the numbers of the buses that stop there and the itinerary of each. There are also details of the first and last departures, and the average waiting time between buses. In bus shelters, electronic displays show the number of minutes before the next bus for some routes. The number and terminus are displayed above the driver at the front of each bus, and on the sides. You must indicate to the driver as he approaches if you wish him to stop. In general you must get on the bus at the front and get off by the middle or back doors, except for the articulated “bendy buses” where you can get on or off at any door by pressing the button beside the door. Remember to punch your ticket in the machine as you get on or show your pass to the driver.

When your stop is approaching, just press one of the red buttons dotted throughout the bus. The sign “arrêt demandé” (stop requested) will light up at the front of the bus above the driver’s cabin. Within each bus there is a network map and the detail of the route.

The free public transport maps available in metro and RER, stations, bus terminals and the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, also show bus lines.

The “Noctilien” (replaces “Noctambus” and “Bus de nuit”)

The Noctilien night bus service is adding 7 new bus routes to its network**

You just missed the last metro or you’re too early for the first one at 6am? Night travellers, the new regional bus network launched on 20 September 2005 is just for you!

From 0.30am to 5.30am, the “Noctilien” network means 42 lines throughout Ile-de-France and increased frequency, better visibility (clearer signage), greater access and improved welcome!

Extending the former “Noctambus” and “Bus de nuit” (night bus) lines, almost doubled, the “Noctilien” will allow both residents and visitors to make the most of Paris by night and still be able to get home easily! You can use your travel pass or a metro/bus ticket if it covers the zones concerned (the same zones as for the metro/RER).

To see the map of the Noctilien network, click here

Also see “Fares, travel passes and reductions”

“Balabus”

Balabus is a special sightseeing route which takes you around the majority of the capital’s main sights, from east to west, from the Gare de Lyon to the Grande Arche de la Défense: Bastille, the Marais, Ile Saint Louis, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Orsay, Invalides, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées…

This bus operates from April to September, only on Sunday and public holidays, from 1.30pm to 8.30pm from the Gare de Lyon, or from 12.30pm to 8pm from the Grande Arche at La Défense. The circuit takes about an hour, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes.

It uses the same stops as the normal buses. You just need to look for the indication “Balabus” or “Bb”.

The fare varies according to the length of the journey (from 1 to 3 metro/bus tickets). Travel passes valid for the zones travelled are also accepted.

To see the map of the Balabus, click here

Also see “Fares, travel passes and reductions”