Did you check the transport situation of Paris during the Olympics? Have you decided how you’re going to reach the venue? If not, Let us help you!
The City of Lights is hosting the most prestigious sporting event in the world – the Olympics. Securing accommodation during this time can feel impossible. This is where the magic of surrounding suburbs comes in!
This is why many sports enthusiasts choose to stay 30 minutes away from Paris to attend the games without any hassle and enjoy views nearby and of Paris.
These beautiful suburbs and towns located a short distance away, offer a chance to experience a different side of French life while still having easy access to the City of Lights.
We have listed a few of these places and ways to reach Paris easily, be it by bus, train or Uber!
Read till the end to learn about the prices of transport services.
Here are some charming towns close to Paris with easy commute options.
A Quick Guide to Public Transport during the Olympics:
Versailles:
Home to the world-famous Palace of Versailles, Versailles is a suburb southwest of Paris that can be reached by RER train in about 30 minutes. The town is charming, with grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and excellent museums.
There are several ways to travel between Versailles and Paris, each with varying costs and travel times. Here’s a breakdown:
Train: This is the most popular and affordable option. Trains depart frequently (every 15 minutes) from Versailles Chantiers station and arrive at Paris Montparnasse station in about 25 minutes. Tickets start from a low €4 for a single journey on the Transilien network. You can purchase tickets from vending machines at the station or online.
Rideshare: Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt can be convenient, especially with luggage. The fare can vary depending on traffic conditions but generally starts around €3 and can take up to 36 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxi: Taxi are the fastest option, taking around 24 minutes to reach Paris. However, they are also the most expensive, with fares ranging from €30-€40.
Fontainebleau:
Located southeast of Paris, Fontainebleau is another town boasting a magnificent palace, the Château de Fontainebleau, which served as a residence for French monarchs for centuries. The town can be reached by train from Paris in about an hour.
Traveling from Fontainebleau to Paris is a breeze! Here are your options:
Train: The most convenient and budget-friendly way to travel between Fontainebleau and Paris is by train. Transilien operates trains departing every 30 minutes from Fontainebleau-Avon station and arriving at Gare de Lyon in Paris within 41 minutes. Tickets start at a low €5 for a single journey.
Bus: While less frequent than trains, buses are another option for travelling between the two cities. BlaBlaBus offers occasional rides starting from around €3 and taking approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes.
Rideshare: Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt can be a comfortable option, especially with luggage. The fare can vary depending on traffic conditions but generally starts around €4 and can take up to 1 hour and 12 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxi: Taxis are the fastest option, taking around 1 hour to reach Paris. However, they are also the most expensive, with fares ranging from €100-€120.
Chantilly:
A northern suburb known for its historic Château de Chantilly, housing an impressive art collection and beautiful gardens. Chantilly is reachable by train from Paris in less than 30 minutes.
Certainly! Travelling from Chantilly to Paris is a quick and easy trip. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Train: The most popular and affordable choice is by train. Trains depart frequently (almost hourly) from Chantilly-Gouvieux station and arrive at Paris Gare du Nord station in about 26 minutes. Tickets start from a low €2 for a single journey on the TER network.
Rideshare: Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt can be convenient, especially with luggage. The fare can vary depending on traffic conditions but generally starts around €40and can take up to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxi: Taxi are the fastest option, taking around 40 minutes to reach Paris. However, they are also the most expensive, with fares ranging from €60-€80.
Marne-la-Vallée:
Home to Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée is a great choice for families with kids. The park is just a 30-minute train ride from central Paris.
These are just a few of the many great options for towns near Paris. With a little research, you can find the perfect place to base yourself for your trip to the City of Lights.
Travelling from Marne-la-Vallée to Paris is a quick and affordable trip, with several convenient options. Here’s a breakdown of your choices:
Train: The most popular and budget-friendly way to travel between Marne-la-Vallée and Paris is by train. The RER A line runs frequently (every 10-15 minutes) from several stations in Marne-la-Vallée, including Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (Disneyland station) and Val d’Europe, and arrives at various stations in central Paris, like Châtelet les Halles and Nation, within 30-40 minutes. Tickets start at a low €5 for a single journey.
Bus: Several bus companies operate routes between Marne-la-Vallée and Paris, including BlaBlaBus and FlixBus. These can be a good option if you’re on a tight budget, with fares starting from around €3 but the journey can take up to an hour depending on traffic and your final destination in Paris.
Taxi: Taxis are the fastest option, taking around 40-50 minutes to reach central Paris. However, they are also the most expensive, with fares ranging from €75-€90.
Rideshare: Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt can be a convenient option, especially with luggage. The fare can vary depending on traffic conditions but generally starts around €40 and can take up to an hour depending on traffic.
Additional Info:
Trains start running from 6 am
Public transport fares in Paris are expected to nearly double during the 2024 Olympics, which takes place from July 26th to August 11th, 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated hikes:
Single metro, bus, and RER tickets: From the current €2.10 to €4.
Carnet (pack of 10 tickets): From €16.90 to €32.
Single ticket from the city centre to airports: From €11 to €16.
It’s important to note that these are expected increases and the final prices may differ slightly. However, they give you a good idea of the significant rise in transport costs during the Olympics.
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