For more information, visit the RATP website.
Getting around off campus
Getting around the Paris region is easy!
To make the most out of public transport (bus, metro, RER, train and tram), remember to buy a travel pass. Cycling offers a practical and eco-friendly alternative that is becoming increasingly popular, but if you cannot live without your car, check that your driving licence is valid in France before hitting the road.
Using public transport
The RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) network provides metro, RER, bus and tram services in and around Paris.
We recommend that you buy a Navigo card (reloadable travel pass). The "Imagine R Étudiant" pass is a low-cost option reserved for young people under the age of 26 studying in the Île-de-France region.
You will need to provide: a passport photo, proof of enrolment and a means of payment.
Getting around by bike
Many Parisians now opt to travel by bike. Thousands of self-service bicycles (Vélib') are available throughout the city. You can opt to buy occasional tickets or take out a monthly subscription, for standard or electric bikes. Paris has a well-developed network of cycle paths that is constantly expanding, making it easier to get around by bike every day.
Driving a car in France
You can drive in France with a foreign licence under certain conditions. Your permit must be valid and, in some cases, you must provide an official translation.
The rules vary depending on whether your licence was issued in an EU or non-EU country. In accordance with your nationality and the length of your stay, you may have to exchange your licence for a French licence after being here for one year.
