destinations: paris

Getting there

Paris has two airports (aeroportsdeparis.fr): the larger Charles de Gaulle (CDG), where most travelers will arrive, and smaller Orly. CDG has three terminals, Orly has two; one of your first stops should be the closest information desk, where you can pick up city and Métro maps, as well as other helpful materials. Wi-Fi hotspots and work zones are available in both airports.

Taxis into town take 30 to 45 minutes in light traffic and are reasonably priced (around €45 from CDG and €35 from Orly). Other options include the RER-B train line, which runs from CDG to central Paris in 30 minutes (€8.10); and the RERC train line, which runs from Orly to central Paris in 35 minutes (€5.75).

Getting around

The Paris Métro is fast, extensive and hands-down the best way to get around the city. Tickets are cheap (€1.40), and the network is easy to navigate. You can pick up a pocket-sized map at the airport or at the ticket booth in stations. Ask about day passes (Paris Visite) when sightseeing. Taxis—generally very comfortable and reasonably inexpensive (from €0.77 to €1.31 per km)—are also a good option. Remember, however, that you can’t flag them down on the street. Taxis only stop at taxi stands (bornes de taxi), which can be frustratingly difficult to locate. Make sure to order a taxi well in advance if you aren’t at your hotel. Try Taxis G7 (01 47 27 66 99) or Taxis Bleus (08 91 70 10 10).